Unfortunately, I'm still a little sickly from yesterday. I came into work today, but had to go home and have taken tomorrow off to recuperate and visit the doctor. Hopefully, that will fix me up easily enough. Anyway, trying not to let my sickness effect this.

Chapter 24

Jaune tried not to squirm under Ruby's exasperated gaze. It shouldn't have been possible for someone fifteen-years-old to make him feel like a child, but she managed it without a single word passing her lips. It was a look that said she wanted to know why the mood was so awkward in the cafeteria, and also why she was sat alone with him and Weiss, while the rest of JNPR sat a few seats away and Blake and Yang were even further. It was a very expressive look, he had to admit.

To be fair, things would have been worse if she'd seen him wake up cold, miserable and hung over in the common room, looking about twice as bad as he felt. There'd been more than a few passing looks as he washed his hair in the kitchen sink. He knew his team wouldn't have begrudged him the use of the shower. Hell, they'd have welcomed him back with open arms. That was the problem, though. It would have pushed Pyrrha away. He doubted she could stand to be around him right now, not after what happened. If one of them was going to self-exile themselves until this was all over, it was going to be him.

"Well?" Ruby asked. She crossed her arms. "I'm waiting." She tapped her foot for good measure, not that she needed it as he swallowed and looked away. He couldn't withstand the pressure, however, and eventually caved with a meaningful look towards Weiss. The heiress rolled her eyes but stood up.

"Very well… it's not like I particularly care to listen to your gossip anyway."

"Thanks Weiss," Ruby said and waved as she gave them some privacy. Once she was gone, Ruby turned back to him. "Well…?"

Jaune sighed and looked about, just to see if anyone else was clear. When he was sure of their privacy, he explained the events of the previous night to his best friend. Ruby listened through it patiently, even if she did wince at the parts about the fight and Pyrrha almost being dragged off by those bastards. She rolled her eyes at Yang offering herself up, sighed at hearing of their one-sided fight, and then cringed when he described the destitute look on Pyrrha's face when he broke her heart. When he was done, Ruby let out a low whistle.

"Wow, and we just played video-games."

"Not helping, Ruby."

"I'm just saying, if this is what a night out is like, I think I'll stick to Nora's idea of a fun time." She poked her fingers together and watched him slump down over the table. "Okay, okay, I get it – it's a big deal. I guess that explains why Pyrrha won't even step within ten metres of you. I take it Nora and Ren are looking after her." He nodded.

"I figured it would be best to give her space, and by extension, them. I feel bad, but it's nothing compared to what she's going through." At least he guessed so. It wasn't like he'd ever felt the same about someone before. He knew how much it could hurt a girl, however, if only because of how many customers he got who wanted to bury or forget their own experiences. He just hoped Pyrrha wouldn't do anything that unhealthy.

"Would it really not have worked out?" Ruby asked. "Pyrrha's a really nice girl. I think she's pretty."

"Pyrrha is great, I know. She's beautiful, famous, hard-working and kind. It's just…"

"You don't like her that way?"

"Sort of…" He tried to find the right words, but let out a long sigh when his brain failed him. "It's more that I don't think she likes me that way. It's hard to explain, but… imagine if there was a person who only loved you because of your complete innocence. Imagine that he loved the way you enjoy homework, how you always try your hardest and your determination to be the best in class."

"Uh…" Ruby giggled nervously. "Did I ever say those things? I don't really like homework and I'm kind of… well, I wouldn't say lazy – definitely not that, but best in class? Uh…" She looked about in a panic, but he placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Don't worry, I didn't think you did," he said. "That was my point, though. Pyrrha loves me for a bunch of things I'm not. It's… they are things I'd like to be, in the same way you'd probably like it if you actually found homework enjoyable."

"It would make putting up with Weiss easier…"

"-but you're just not that kind of person," he finished. "Pyrrha has this ideal of me as an honourable, brave and hard-working guy who always does the right thing. She sees me as something like a knight in shining armour." He sighed. "Did you know the reason she even chose me as a partner in the first place was that I didn't know she was famous?"

"You didn't?" Ruby asked. "How did you not know – her fights were amazing!" Jaune sighed and nodded his head.

"I know. I saw them on TV."

"Huh?"

"When I first met Pyrrha she was trying to ignore Weiss' offer to team up. It was really obvious she didn't like it when Weiss mentioned her fame. Her brow would crease." He lifted his hand up to touch the spot between his eyes. "Right here, whenever it was mentioned. It wasn't that I didn't know who she was, Ruby. I knew full well, I just pretended I didn't because I knew she didn't want me to bring it up." He leaned back in his seat and waved a hand. "Pyrrha's whole reason for being my partner was a lie too, yet it's one of the reasons she fell in love with me."

"Well, maybe she fell for you because you were kind-hearted enough to notice?"

"Ruby, that was basic manners, not kindness. I was being polite." He rubbed a hand through his hair. "You can't fall in love with someone for being polite. It's just not a good reason."

"I guess… couldn't you have given it a go, though?"

"No." Ruby was young, young and idealistic. It made sense she imagined a world in which both of them were happy, or where love won out, but the real world was less forgiving. "It wouldn't have been fair to her. I'd have needed to fake my happiness and it wouldn't last. If we dated for a year, or even a few months, and she found out – she'd realise all our time together was a lie. Pyrrha would be devastated. That's even before we consider the fact I'd have to sit in a situation I'd be unhappy in."

"You're right…" Ruby's head fell. "I'm sorry I suggested it. You shouldn't be unhappy. I just…"

"You want everyone to be happy, I know." Jaune reached over to rub the top of her head. "It's one of the reasons I like you. Not like, like," he added when he saw her horrified expression. "Also, wow, way to look like the idea disgusts you." Ruby giggled and punched his arm.

"It's not that," she said. "I just thought you were about to throw me in the middle of this. I'm not ready to date anyone. I'm too focused on becoming the best huntress I can be."

"Good. I'm kind of the same. Maybe not the best huntsman, I don't think I can get that far." He held out a hand to stop her when she almost inevitably moved to speak up in his defence. "I'm not being pessimistic, Ruby. I'm just saying I'll be happy with being a good huntsman, maybe great. As long as I am one, I'll be happy." Until then, he would continue to be half a huntsman, half a stripper. That was the life Pyrrha didn't know, the one thing she would never accept – that he took his clothes off for other people. Maybe when it was all behind him, when he could just be a huntsman… maybe then he could find someone who could know all of him without shame. Maybe it would be Pyrrha, who knew.

"What about Yang, then?" Ruby asked. "Don't think I didn't notice the weird looks you've been sending each other."

Yang had? He immediately lifted his head to try and find her, and then quickly looked away when he saw her laugh at something Blake said. He scowled and ducked back down. What right did she have to be in a fine mood after last night? Jaune winced as Ruby pinched his arm.

"Yeah, like that one," she said. "You two look like you want to talk, but then suddenly hate each other, but then feel miserable, and then it's back to hate… It's getting weird." Ruby waited for him to speak, but he struggled to find an explanation. Eventually, she sighed. "Is it because of what she did before the fight?"

An angry growl slipped from his lips. His hands clenched into fists and he had to pry them open and lay them atop the table. "It is," he hissed. "I mean, is she a complete idiot? Even you noticed it was a stupid decision!"

"I only noticed because your face looked like you'd swallowed a lemon when you told the story," Ruby said. She poked his hand until he relaxed it. "What's the big deal?"

"What's the-?" Jaune looked at her like she was insane. Wait, did they both have no sense of self-preservation? "Ruby, listen, you can't just offer yourself up like that to someone. I get that it might stop something happening or save someone like Pyrrha, but it's dangerous."

"Oh, I know," she said. "I'm young, not stupid. I think Yang knew too, but she felt confident enough that nothing would happen."

"And that's enough, is it?" He scowled over at Yang. "I guess her confidence would have mattered a whole lot if she was proven wrong. Do you even understand what could have happened?" He couldn't believe how blasé Ruby was being, about her own sister no less. Ruby stroked a hand on his arm to calm him down.

"I do, Jaune. Yang did too, I'm sure – but she's a strong girl and you all knew those guys were harmless, right?" She waited for him to nod before she continued. "I'm sure if even one of them looked like they were trained, she'd have done it differently or not offered at all, but that's not how it was."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Are you saying she was right to do that?" he asked. "Are you saying I should apologise for being concerned she was going to get herself… get herself…"

"No, no, no," Ruby waved her hands. She looked horrified at the mere thought. "I'm just saying that we're huntresses, Jaune. Everything we do is dangerous and a lot of it is comes with worse consequences than someone taking advantage of us. You didn't get angry at Yang at Forever Fall when she faced three Ursa on her own."

"That's different," he said. "She can take three Ursa."

"But she can't take six or seven untrained civilians? Jaune, a single Ursa could have killed all of them! Yang could probably fight fifty of them. You could too."

Jaune didn't meet her eyes. She wasn't wrong and he knew that, but this was different somehow. Against Grimm, any number of them, he'd have accepted Yang's orders without problem. She'd been to a prep-school for huntsmen, so she knew best. This, though… it felt different. It made him angry.

"It's still not the same. Yang was drunk… maybe not as much as Pyrrha, but she'd had some drinks. Something could have gone wrong."

"Something could go wrong in a spar," Ruby said. "We could have been killed in initiation. I know my sis, Jaune. She wouldn't have done that if she thought it was dangerous. I don't think she would have done it if she knew you'd be upset, either. Yang's not the smartest of people, but she's careful. She probably thought it was important to get Pyrrha away from them… important enough to do something like that." Ruby smiled to try and calm him down. "Isn't it enough that nothing happened? Everyone is fine and safe, so isn't it all sorted?"

Sorted? He supposed it was. Jaune took a deep breath and let it go. His shoulders relaxed, along with his chest. "You're right, Ruby. Borrowing trouble isn't going to help anyone. I guess it's best just to move on."

"Yeah, see?"

"As soon as she apologises."

"Uh… what?"

"An apology," he said, turning to nod at her. "I'll let this go the moment she comes and apologises to me for what she did." He thought he deserved it, especially after all the panic she put him through. Apparently, Ruby thought otherwise, for she waved her arms wildly.

"Wait, wait, wait, an apology!?" She ducked her head and glanced over to Yang as though to make sure she couldn't overhear them. When she turned back to him, it was to hiss under her breath. "Jaune, Yang won't apologise for something like that. Not ever!"

He crossed his arms. "Well she'll have to."

"No, you don't understand. Yang is… she's stubborn, Jaune, really stubborn. If she actually does something wrong, she'll say sorry, but she would never say sorry just to keep the peace. She doesn't believe in it." Ruby sighed. "Yang believes an apology should only be given if you're truly sorry about something, otherwise it's just lip service and doesn't mean anything. That's what she always says."

Well, she'd best well make an exception for this. He couldn't believe she'd be so irresponsible, or that Ruby would encourage it. It wasn't even the danger. He knew full well she was capable of kicking ass. It was just… this was…

It was different.

He didn't know why, but this made his stomach roll and he wanted nothing more than to hunt down that bastard who'd dared try and touch her hair. He wanted to pound the arrogant fool until he promised to never touch another woman in so disgusting a manner.

"You know, Yang would probably say sorry for hurting your feelings, even if she didn't mean to," Ruby said. "If you said sorry for getting angry and insulting her, she'd-"

"Wait, what? Why should I say sorry?"

"W-Well, for getting angry and making it a big deal?" Ruby winced when she saw his raised eyebrow. "I just mean that you're both angry and you're both upset, so wouldn't it be best to get it all over with, both say sorry and then move on?"

He'd never been angry at Ruby before. He wasn't now, but he did feel irritated, and that was reason enough to stand up and leave. Of course she was on Yang's side, they were sisters. "Ruby, if Yang wants to be childish and refuse to say sorry, then that's her choice. I'm not going to go and say I was wrong when I'm not, though."

"B-But it's the same thing," Ruby said. "You're both just refusing to say sorry because you both think the other is in the wrong. How is what you're doing any different from her? You're both being childish."

Jaune huffed and shoved his hands into his pockets. He wasn't being childish. Yang was an idiot, and she was being an even bigger idiot by refusing to acknowledge and apologise for being willing to put herself in harm's way like that.

He wouldn't hear it otherwise.

/-/

Yang paused and turned to her partner, the two in a corridor a few hours after lunch. "Wait, what?" she said. "Why should I say sorry?"

"For making him worry about you?" Blake raised an elegant eyebrow. "Yang, as much as we both know you would have been fine, surely you can understand why he would have been afraid? Wouldn't you have felt the same if it was Ruby offering herself up to some guys like that?"

Yang shuffled awkwardly and crossed her arms. She didn't like the conversation now any more than she had the bitter glares between her and Jaune earlier. "I know why he was worried, Blake. I get that. I wouldn't be angry at it, either, if he'd just been worried and come to help me out." It would have made her feel good… wanted, desirable and important enough to feel concern over. Instead, her eyes narrowed and she clenched a fist before her. "But he had no right to insult me by calling me an idiot like he did. I knew what I was doing, Blake. I wasn't off my face like Pyrrha. Where does he get off acting like I need him to look after me?"

Blake sighed and looked towards the ceiling. "I'm not saying you're wrong or he's right, Yang. I'm just pointing out how you're both clearly upset with one another and you both want this to end. Why not apologise and get it over with? He'll probably say sorry back."

"I'm not saying sorry." She huffed and looked away.

"Why not? Yang, I get that you're in a mood, but whenever he's in the room, you're either staring longingly or glaring in his direction."

"Whoah, I don't do anything longingly."

"Yes you do!" Blake growled. "I've been stuck with you all day since he's avoiding Pyrrha and you're avoiding him. I've had to sit through sighs, growls and mumbled comments on how much of an idiot he is. If this goes on, I swear I'll kill you both myself."

Yang leaned back in surprise. She didn't think she'd ever seen Blake look so angry, or so emotional. Then again, her eyes were a little darker too and she had a frown perpetually stuck to her face. It didn't take her long to figure out what was wrong. "You've got a hangover, haven't you?"

"I have." Blake massaged her temples, but then shook her head and jabbed a finger between Yang's breasts. "I've got a hangover because I went out drinking to keep you company, because you thought you might have a breakdown around the guy you like, and now I find you're in some stupid… some stupid child's argument about who is wrong." She stomped one foot. "News flash, you're both wrong!"

Blake continued to hold her finger against Yang's breastbone, even as she panted and glared at her. Note to self, she thought, Blake is definitely not a happy camper when she's got a hangover.

"Maybe we should get you some painkillers…"

"No painkillers."

"Blake, they'll hel-"

"They won't help because you'll just bring the pain back. Yang, I love you, I really do – you're a great partner."

"Aw, Blak-"

"But right now, you're a pain in my ass."

"Ouch."

"See? This?" Blake pointed to Yang's mouth. "This isn't helping. You and Jaune are friends. This is an argument. Friends have arguments. Friends get over arguments." She drove each point home with a jab of her finger. "Once you both apologise and get past this, you won't even remember it happened."

Yang sighed. She did want that, she really did. Jaune was her friend, a really good friend, and this sucked – it really did. She could remember his face as he yelled at her, though. She'd been caught off-guard at first, confused and uncertain, but now she was just angry. I'm not an idiot. I know what I'm doing. Why couldn't he trust me on that?

She got that he wasn't happy with it; she wasn't either. To insult her intelligence over it, though? That crossed a line. That he'd felt worried, though… she would say sorry for that.

"I'll say sorry," she said.

"Finally…"

"So long as he says sorry first."

"Yang, you… ugh…" Blake threw her arms in the air. "I can't believe this. You're both as bad as each other. You two deserve one another!"

"Blake…"

"I never believed it when people said blondes are dumb, but I'm about ready to change my mind. You're both as stubborn as rocks." She took a step back and breathed in and out. After a few seconds, she calmed down, but there was still a frustrated tone to her voice. "Yang, you need to set aside your pig-headedness, at least this time. Personally, I don't think you did anything wrong, but I also don't think it would kill you to explain that to him and apologise for not warning him at the time. He probably didn't even realise what your plan was."

"I know, it's-" Yang went silent as Blake shook her head.

"Yang, just… go and talk to him or something. I'll be more sympathetic tomorrow, I promise, but right now I just want to sleep this off. I'm not used to having a hangover."

Yang let out a long breath and smiled at her friend. "Yeah, that's fine," she said. "Go get some rest. I'll sort this out. Sorry for being a pain… and thanks for coming out with us, Blake. I don't think I properly thanked you for that."

"It's fine," Blake said. "I was happy to help, just not quite so prepared for the aftermath, on either account. Pyrrha getting lost, a fight and now this…? You're on your own next time." She waved and turned around. "See you later, Yang."

"See you…" Yang waited until her partner rounded the corner before she sighed and rubbed her forehead. I guess I made a mess of that one. Blake went out on a limb to help me, and I spent the entire day being a broody moron. There was a brief flash of frustration towards Jaune, but she cut it off before it could start. There wasn't anyone to blame for her actions other than herself.

Should I apologise to him? Her teeth teased her lower lip as she considered it. Normally, she'd have said no, but he was different, least of all because of how she felt for him. Maybe an argument would be good. If I get angry at him, it's not me falling for him or wishing things could be different. She considered that for a moment, but it was a bitter and melancholy idea. She wasn't willing to lose the good times just to avoid being rejected.

"Ugh, I don't know what to do." Her hands came up to grip her head. "Damn it… damn him and damn me too."

"Yang…?"

"Ugh, Pyrrha?" The redhead stood to the side, a vaguely confused expression on her face. Yang coughed awkwardly and lowered her hands. "Hey, I was just… I wasn't having a mental breakdown or anything."

Pyrrha giggled. It was almost a miracle she could feel good enough for that, but maybe she was one of those people who could get so drunk they just skipped the aftermath. Either that or she just hid it better. "I won't tell anyone, Yang," she said. "It'll be our secret."

"Heh. Thanks. Where you headed, anyway? Late-night training?"

"In the mid-afternoon?" Pyrrha asked. She shook her head. "Never mind… I was looking for you, actually. Can we… can we talk?"

/-/

It took them ten minutes or so to reach the rooftop, where Pyrrha claimed she liked to come and think when she wanted some time alone. It was a windy and barren place, but the view was definitely something to inspire the imagination. You could see the point at which Beacon became the Emerald Forest. In the distance, you could even make out Vale.

It wasn't the view Pyrrha wanted to discuss, however, and as the two sat down, Yang wished it could have been anything else. So… Pyrrha went ahead with it. A part of her always knew she would. It was the same part of her that knew what his answer would be, even before tears stained Pyrrha's eyes and she told it.

"Pyr," Yang whispered. She wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder and tugged her into her side. "I'm so sorry." She held onto the poor girl as she sniffled and tried to hide her sobs.

"It's… it's okay," Pyrrha said. It wasn't. Yang could tell. "Things are… they'll get better. I got it out and I got a no, but at least I said it, right? That makes it better."

Better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved before. Yang knew the saying, and right now she didn't quite agree with it. Hindsight was an easy thing, and there were probably plenty of people who confessed, got a positive answer, and then could wax poetic about how it was only because they'd had the guts to ask, that they got a yes.

There were probably just as many people who stepped out of their comfort zone and got a no. Just as many who were crushed under the weight of that rejection.

She wouldn't say that to Pyrrha, however. Not like this.

"You did well," she said instead. "It can't have been easy. Hell, I didn't even notice you were upset today." A lie… she had, everyone had. "At least you don't have to worry about other people knowing.

"I did?" Pyrrha smiled. "I'm glad. I…"

Yang pulled Pyrrha's head into her shoulder as she lost control once more. She ran her hands over the other girl's hair, more than aware of how she'd likely do the same for Ruby someday. The guilt here dug particularly deep, however. She'd known full well of Pyrrha's attraction to Jaune. She'd also known his answer would be a no.

Should she have done something about that? Should she have warned Pyrrha ahead of time?

I feel like I should have done something. Instead, I sat around feeling sorry for myself and now she's had to go through this.

It was perhaps a minute later when Pyrrha pushed herself back. Her eyes were red, but the smile she wore was a little happier. "I'm sorry about that," she said. "Thanks for… well…"

"Any time, Pyr. Trust me, you're not the first or the last person to go through this." Yang grinned. "Who knows, you might be doing this for Nora one day – or heavens forbid, Ren." The words had the desired effect, for Pyrrha giggled and held a hand to her mouth.

"I pity the girl who dares turn him down." she said.

"Ha, you ought to pity someone who dares turn Ruby down. They'll have an entire team of big sisters coming down on their head." Yang slammed a fist into her palm, in the vague attempt it might distract Pyrrha from her sorrow. Dealing with crying friends was not something she was used to.

"I'm sorry about making a scene, Yang. I wanted to talk to you but… I guess remembering it made me lose control." She sighed and brushed a finger under one of her eyes. Pyrrha took a deep breath and let it go before she continued. "I guess the invincible girl isn't quite so invincible after all."

"No one is. Dad always said the people most able to hurt us are those we care for." Yang shrugged one shoulder. "What was it you wanted to ask me about, anyway? You said you were looking for me?"

"Yes, I… I wanted to talk about last night. About what happened."

"You getting drunk or the fight?"

"Neither, after that – when we returned to Beacon."

Confusion settled over Yang. They hadn't returned together, and Blake and her went straight back to their dorms when they got back. "I think your memory might be a little muddled. We separated at the club. I didn't even see you until this morning."

"I know, it's…" Pyrrha looked away. She almost looked ashamed, but that didn't make any sense.

"What is it?" Yang asked.

"When I confessed to Jaune… when he rejected me." Pyrrha sighed. "I asked if it was because of you."

"What!?"

"I don't know! I… I wasn't thinking straight, I was hurt – I guess I wanted someone to blame. I asked him if it was because he was waiting on someone else, or that I wasn't good enough. He said no… of course he did, but I didn't believe it." She played with a lock of red hair, eyes downcast. "I was so upset, not to mention jealous, that I asked if it were you asking him, would he have said yes."

Oh gods… Yang felt an overwhelming sense of panic settle on her shoulders. Did Pyrrha know? Did Jaune know!? She felt her heart hammer in her chest. This was a disaster!

"W-Why did you ask that?" She laughed and leaned away from Pyrrha as though she were crazy. "Jaune and I aren't like that, sheesh. We're friends, buddies. He's like my gay best friend, except maybe not gay. Well, he did turn you down, so maybe he is."

"Yang…"

"Either way, I don't know why you'd even think to bring that up. Why would it make a difference if it were-"

"Yang," Pyrrha interrupted once more. "I know how you feel, Yang. It's… not exactly well hidden. You're as in love with him as I am."

Yang's breath caught in her throat.

"I'm not sure when it became obvious," Pyrrha went on. "I used to be jealous of you and how close you were. Even though he was my partner and always talked with me, I felt so incredibly jealous at how close the two of you were. You were always touching… you'd sit in his lap… he never seemed bothered when you leaned on him or threw an arm around his waist."

"That wasn't… there was nothing romantic there…"

"I know that now," she said. "At the time, though, I just wanted it to be me so bad that I didn't think things through straight. I started to think you were a threat, a rival. I remember being upset when he took training from you, but wouldn't from me." Pyrrha sighed and rubbed her face with one hand. "It took you letting me sit in to see nothing was happening. Thank you for that, Yang. I… looking back on it, I can only imagine how awkward that must have been for you. I was a petty child."

She had been, Yang would freely admit, but it hadn't bothered her at the time. "It's fine, Pyrrha. I understand. I'm not sure what that has to do with you asking him about me, though?"

"Because I watched as your feelings towards him changed," Pyrrha said. "I watched as your touches started to linger, as you didn't relax quite so much when you sat close. I saw you stiffen, swallow – glance at him from the corner of your eye. I watched you panic and start to feel afraid." Pyrrha smiled. "I even saw the guilty looks you sent me. You were afraid of hurting my feelings, weren't you?"

Shame flooded Yang's being and she tried to look away. Pyrrha's hand on her chin prevented her.

"Thank you, Yang. That was unimaginably kind of you. In your shoes, I couldn't - didn't - do the same. I saw you as something like an enemy. I'll admit, I got angry… worried, nervous. What if you talked to him first, what if you had the confidence to ask him when I didn't?"

"I wouldn't have…"

"I know that now," she said. "Last night, however? I guess the alcohol made me more confident. No… that's a lie." Pyrrha looked up towards the sky. Her face was haggard, as though all her tears were spent. "Last night, I intended to get drunk. Not as bad as I did, and not with… what happened. I wanted to feel confident, though. I wanted to see if it could make me tell him how I felt before you did. Before you stole him from me."

"I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Yang said. "I mean, people sometimes take a shot to feel more confident or relaxed about something."

"Hmm… I wish it could have worked, but…" Pyrrha shrugged. "I guess it wasn't to be."

"Is that why you wanted to talk to me? To let me know you knew how I felt? Pyrrha, please believe me, I felt terrible when I found out. I did my best not to show it, or to intrude-"

"I know, Yang – and no, I didn't mean to ramble about this. You're a good friend. I… I can see that now, both for me and for Jaune." She looked nervous, uncertain whether she should continue or not. "When he said no, when I was angry, I asked him if it were you confessing, would he have had a different answer."

Yang's throat felt dry. Her heart constricted in her chest, and despite the fear she felt, she wanted to hear the answer. She needed it. "What…" She took a breath. "What did he say?"

Pyrrha looked away.

That said it all, really.

"He said no, Yang. I'm sorry."

/-/

"Look," Ruby said. "Yang and Jaune aren't going to fix this thing between them. We need to do something to get them back together."

"If only to stop them being so melodramatic," Blake agreed. Weiss crossed her arms.

"I'm not so sure," she said. "This really isn't any of our business and the situation looks complicated enough as it is. If they want to act like little children, let th-"

"Vote? I say aye."

"Aye," Blake agreed. "Looks like you're outvotes, Weiss."

"Since when was this team a democracy?"

"If it's a dictatorship, you still lose out." Blake jerked a thumb towards Ruby. The dictator in red waved back.

Weiss threw her hands in the air. "Fine, whatever… I suppose I have no choice."

"That's the spirit!" Ruby smiled and pretended not to hear Weiss say that really wasn't the spirit. "I think I've got an idea too. We just need to bring them both together and the rest will sort itself out."

Argh, this sickness is a complete pain in the ass. I've been writing this for twice as long as normal, and nothing is coming out. Also, my fingers feel too big for my keyboard and I keep fat-fingering all sorts of keys. As a journalist used to speed-typing, that feels particularly unforgivable. You know the kind of moment where your body is honestly trying its best, it really is, but you have 0 sympathy for it?

I'm like that right now. I feel like my body has betrayed me, even though it's doing what it can.

TRAITOR!

Anyway, teenage angst for now (from teenagers, who knew?) but it won't last for too long. I know better than to drag that out if it can be helped.

Next Chapter: 9th May

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur