Phew, alright, it took me a while for Emerald's chapter but I'm content with how it came out. For those hoping for Ruby and Pyrrha, have no fear as it's their chapters that are coming up next. Though I'm not sure which one will come first, so leave a review if you'd like your preference to arrive before the other.

With that, enjoy the read everyone!

Cheers, Searoar.

"Phew, and that should be the last of them!" Ruby said with a bright smile. Her efforts had bore a bountiful harvest of sweet treats, and the aroma that filled the dorm was mesmerizing.

Unfortunately, the scent attracted a very alert Nora, who'd been skulking in the shadows of the hallway with a patient tongue that was now ready to strike. Yet, to the redhead's dismay, a firm grip wrapped around her collar, and Nora yelped as a pair of eyes cold eyes stared down at her. The girl looked like Weiss, but Nora was well aware of what her friend looked like, and she was certain that this white-haired girl was not the snooty heiress.

"Your name is Nora Valkyrie, I assume?" Asked Winter as her lips twitched to a frown.

"Yep!" Nora blurted. "Ruby, can you help a friend over here!"

The red reaper remained oblivious to the action outside her dorm for the sorting of treats into baskets and plates proved to be a greater concern.

"I'm not interested in team RWBY, the person I'm searching for is the leader of JNPR," Winter said flatly. "I have business with him that involves the possibility of him being expelled."

Nora blinked, and though she was on the tips of her toes, she showed a firm pout matched with fierce eyes. "My leader is a nice person, and he wouldn't treat anyone poorly unless they were already a meanie. So, what did Jaune do? Were you being snobby or something?"

Nora witnessed the faint tint of pink that filtered into Winter's pale cheeks. The valkyrie was stunned at this revelation, but she couldn't jump to any conclusions about Winter's true objective. No, it was time that Nora put on her thinking cap, grab the trench coat she used for disguises, and the magnifying glass in her nightstand drawer. Yes, it was time for Nora Holmes to make a reappearance, and of course, a good detective needed a witty right-hand man. So where was Renny?

"Excuse me, our conversation has not ended," Winter growled.

"Oh yeah, there's still a puzzle that needs to be solved here..." Nora's fingers tapped against her hip as she contemplated a means of escape. Though to her fortune, the appearance of Weiss was the perfect distraction, for the moment the heiress called to her sibling; Winter released Nora's collar and the redhead scampered off to Oum knows where.

"Winter?" Weiss asked in shock. She hadn't received any message or letter that her sister would be in Vale, but the pleasant surprise was most welcome as Weiss moved in to close the distance.

"Weiss," Winter let out a long breath and composed herself. "How are your studies? Have there been any daily hindrances as of late?"

"Pardon?" Weiss tilted her head and clasped her hands below her waist. "I'm proud to say that my grades have been exceptional since the day I arrived, but... there have been a few acceptable distractions that have also aided me in keeping a clear head."

"Would this distraction be a blonde fool with cerulean eyes?" Winter asked sharply.

Weiss shivered and she almost stepped back in shock. The wonderful memory that occurred in the storage room came full circle, Weiss felt her cheeks grow hot and let out a childish giggle that vexed Winter to no end. The older sister demanded that Weiss go into detail about recent events, but to her surprise, all Weiss did was spin on her heels and called to her sister to join her for a slow walk.

However, Winter was not about to be ensnared in the cunning schemes of JNPR's team leader and demanded that Weiss halt where she stood with a voice that demanded respect. Weiss broke out of her dreamy state and turned to address the woman she may have offended.

"I apologize, Winter, that was unladylike of me."

"Nevermind that," Winter said crossly and decided to ignore the fact that Weiss had ignored the paragraphs of text she'd sent half an hour prior. "You are acquainted with this Jaune character are you not?"

"Oh, we're more than acquaintances," Weiss said with a soft smile. "I'd say we've officially become proper friends as of late."

The heiress looked on in worry as Winter's expression grew colder and darker. There was an aura about Winter that did not sit well with Weiss, and her concerns for her sibling grew when the older Schnee made the bold claim that Jaune would be suspended if not expelled by the end of the day. This could not stand, as Weiss held the intention of meeting Jaune at the movie tonight, where the calm setting would be the perfect place to let his words fill the humble silence.

"You must have Jaune's contact on your scroll then, may you please tell him that he must return to his dorm?" Winter glared at her sibling with malicious intent hidden behind her similar, icy eyes.

"I am certain, dear sister, that there must have been a misunderstanding," Weiss replied with a puzzled face. "If you'd like, I could meet him first and sort out all the details and serve as a middle-man to your strife. Would that suffice?"

"No," Winter's face grew harsher still, "I must apprehend that careless student and bring him to justice."

"Justice? For what reason has Jaune earned your ire?" Weiss pursed her lips. "The Arc boy has done well to cease his redundant pickup lines and has done me a few favors that are worth noting, so I can assure you that he is a good man at heart."

"Favors?" Winter said ominously and leaned forward with a scrutinizing scowl.

Weiss blinked and felt the urge to step back. Never had she witnessed such intensity from her sister, and to have it directed at her was a situation Weiss had never imagined. Yet here the younger Schnee was debating with her sibling that she was ignorant of the whereabouts of her belov- goofy Jaune.

"I will find him," Winter's hand rested on the hilt of her sheathed sword, "by the way... Mother has decided to visit as well. Though I doubt that she'll be sober when she arrives..."

With that, the stern second in command of Atlas Academy strutted off, her heavy steps foreboding of doom yet to come. Meanwhile, Weiss pondered as to what could bring such confusion between herself and her dear sister but felt the answers lay with her belov-handsome Jaune.

However, perhaps it would be best to alert Jaune of the danger that was to arrive, for Weiss needed him to be in one piece if she planned to sit next to him during the movie. Hmm... the movie was roughly an hour in length, and it wouldn't be fair if Jaune were to do all the talking. Thus, it was reasonable that Weiss needed to be prepared with her own poems, and the best place to write them would be her dorm.

The timing could not have been more perfect either, for Ruby had finished her dessert plating and texted her friends for assistance. Velvet was the first to reply, then came a thumbs up from Coco and another from Neptune and sage. Weiss decided to remain out of the picture and hurried to hide in a corner of the hallway, and watched as Ruby's aids arrived in front of her dorm.

When everyone left and Weiss was certain the dorm was empty, she skipped in haste and shut the door and made sure to lock it. With nothing but peaceful silence to accompany her, Weiss went to her desk and pulled out a thick notebook. Within the seemingly innocent cover of study materials, was actually an elaborate list of methodical words designed to appease the reader. In simple terms, the notebook was Weiss' poem tracker, and the person who was responsible for the kind sentences was a blonde boy who happened to be a new interest.

She'd memorized Jaune's recent poem to the letter, and dedicated an entire page while taking the utmost care that her cursive was graceful. With a satisfied hum, Weiss stared dreamily at the poem and giggled as she turned to the next page and began to write down her feelings.

/-/

"Wow, this setup is pretty sweet you guys," Neptune grinned at the leather-covered seats for the movie spectators and the extra cupholders on the armrests.

The projector for the movie was put at the very edge of the platform and was tied to a podium that Sage and Yatsuhashi found. On the middle of the platform, Ren and Scarlet were perched on ladders a few feet from each other, as they each held an end to the rope that supported the large sheet that the movie would be projected on.

"Easy, Ren, you're pulling too hard!" Scarlet warned as the white fabric stretched.

"It's not me," Ren sighed, "you wanted to spread the cloth as far as it would go, but we don't have enough space on the rods to support it."

"Do you want to watch a movie with a wrinkle down the middle on it?" Scarlet deadpanned which earned a slump of defeat from Ren.

"Alright," Ren complied, "but has anyone seen Nora? I'm worried that she's gone back to RWBY's dorm to salvage some sweets. I can't keep her under control if she's on a sugar craze."

"Come now," Scarlet chuckled, "I haven't spoken much with team JNPR, but I've heard they're all a kind bunch. You included. So why so much worry? I'm sure Nora won't be able to eat all of what Ruby made. I helped bring the flour bags to the red reaper's dorm after all, and I can say that the number of carbs that Nora has to consume to finish the plates is something a regular human can stomach."

Scarlet paused at Ren's genuine expression of worry. Perhaps, there was merit in Ren's warning that the red-headed member of SSSN needed to be wary of. A sharp whistle from the floor below, Scarlet turned his attention to the arrival of Ruby and her volunteers. Luckily, all of the sweets made it in one piece, and Nora was still nowhere to be seen.

"Actually, now that you mention it, what happened to the girl with the black bow? Blake, that was her name, right?" Scarlet asked.

Ren looked around, from atop his ladder, both he and Scarlet had the best view of the groundfloor, but neither student could identify the book lover's whereabouts. Strange, as Blake definitely arrived with Ren and the other boys, but perhaps she decided to split the moment Sun entered the auditorium.

However, both Ren and Scarlet took notice of the tension around the girls who'd just entered, and it only increased when an unexpected duo joined their group.

"Why do I have to do all of the hard carrying?" Mercury complained as his leader flicked a stray hair behind her left ear.

"Because," Cinder said smoothly, "I've just finished painting my nails and I can't afford to have them scratched."

"Talk about a narcissist..." Mercury grumbled as his hands cramped under the weight of the cookie boxes Ruby asked him to carry. How on earth did one girl manage to bake up enough food to support over twelve people? The thought of it was insane to say the least.

"What was that?" Cinder curled a brow in Mercury's direction.

"Hey, don't threaten me if you want your little writing session to keep a secret. All I gotta do is find that blonde goofball and tell him what I saw."

"He won't believe you," Cinder said firmly.

"Really?" Mercury sneered. "This is the same guy who has no idea of how ruthless you actually are. Not to mention we've been pinning for information on his partner the day we arrived on campus."

"Shut your mouth," Cinder hissed, "there are other people present."

"Okay," Mercury's smirk widened. To think he'd obtained some leeway with the crazy woman who loved to burn down all in her path. It was comical, to imagine a naive teenager managed to cool Cinder's fire with nothing but words, yet here Mercury was; waiting to start a movie and apparently ensure that Jaune sat next to Cinder. This whole setup was ridiculous.

"By the way, where's Emerald? I thought you messaged her to meet us here a while ago."

Cinder paused and her brows vexed. This statement was true, as Cinder's scroll had been silent since the last time she took it out. Curious, Cinder pulled out her scroll and inspected the recent messages. There were no new notifications, other than the one from Neo who said she was on a bullhead back to the academy. However, Cinder could care less about the shortest member under her command, and decided to call her green-haired supporter.

"Y-Yes? Hello, Cinder?" Came a timid voice that no doubt belonged to Emerald.

"Where are you?" Cinder asked bluntly.

"Well..."

Cinder pursed her lips into a frown. Emerald had never hesitated to deliver a report, even if it was bad news she made the effort to ensure that her superiors were well informed. Cinder demanded that Emerald speak up, but instead of her green-haired accomplice, she was greeted with a voice she'd come to recognize.

/-/

"Emerald!" Jaune yelled as he dipped behind a corner and scrambled to keep his balance. "I thought you said your semblance would keep us out of sight!"

"Don't blame this on me!" Emerald snapped. "I don't know what you did to get on that snobby Schnee's bad side, but my semblance doesn't stop stupidity!"

"You told me to go down this hallway!" Jaune retorted as an aura crafted beowolf nearly bit his head off.

"ARC!" Winter screamed with impudence layered with malice and rage. "If you don't accept your just punishment, you'll bring shame to your family name and the institution you've sworn allegiance to!"

"How am I bringing shame to anyone if I'm the one being assaulted?!" Jaune protested. If only he had his sword and shield, then maybe he could defend himself. Then again, going up against an Atlesian elite with years of hunter experience did not seem like the brightest idea. That was more Pyrrha's forte, which got Jaune thinking, his partner's interview should have ended a while ago so why hadn't she messaged him or anyone else on his team?

"Emerald, I'm going to ask you for one last favor, and this is the last time I promise!" Jaune huffed as Emerald backflipped over an incoming Boarbatusk.

"Forget it, I'm done helping you," Emerald grunted. "I'm not risking a broken bone against a top Atlesian soldier, and you got yourself in this mess to begin with-"

Emerald bit her lip when the abrupt voice of her leader echoed from her scroll.

"W-What?" Emerald whined. "Why do I have to help him? It's not my fault that he has a crazy lady who wants to break his skull hot on his heels..."

The voice on the other end grew louder and more sincere. With a heavy heart and tired mind, Emerald activated her semblance and the hallway around them turned into a dingy alley you'd find in the shadier parts of Mistral. Winter's assault paused, but she'd already seen this trick enough times to understand that while the mirage was impressive, it always remained still and only the objects that moved were controlled by people.

With a flick of her sword and a flurry of aura, Winter launched an onslaught of miniature nevermores that crashed into a hopping bucket. Unfortunately, when the mirage disappeared, the only thing that Winter's nevermores managed to tear apart was a Beacon-issued blazer. Her right eye twitched with frustration, the Atlesian elite continued her pursuit and ran down the hallway then took a trip down the stairs. There wasn't anywhere else that Jaune and his friend could have gone, so they were running to a dead end as the library was closed as were the kitchens.

"Beep~"

Winter's ears perked and her eyes widened. That sound was nearby, and when the Schnee took a minute to calm her nerves and study her surroundings, she noticed the scuff marks on the floor along with bits of dirt and water from melted snow.

"I know you're still here, Jaune, so why keep up this cowardly facade?" Winter said gleefully as she raised her sword and tucked a stray lock of white hair behind her left ear.

"W-Why did you have your scroll on?" Jaune whispered to Emerald as the two were tucked behind a thick curtain by the window. At least that's the impression that Emerald's semblance showed, as the window's curtains were actually tied back so the night sky could bestow some natural grace through the large, rectangular windowpanes.

"S-Stop moving!" Emerald hissed back. It was one thing to be trapped in a hallway with only two paths of escape, but to have an incompetent lackey that she had to protect was even worse. Why did her loyalty to Cinder have to trump her common sense?

"Easy," Jaune said softly, "she'll hear us if we speak any louder."

"I wonder how many holes I put in you before I have to call a doctor, what do you think, Jaune? I've been told your aura is above average..." Winter's giggle could be associated with that of a classic mustache-twirling villain with the sinister emphasis she put at the end of her words.

"Oh Oum, what did I do to deserve this?" Jaune said glumly.

"Tell me about it, I hate being chased!" Emerald growled.

Jaune took immediate notice of the girl's change in demeanor, and a wave of concern washed over him. Not over their pursuer, but for the person, he was temporarily partnered with.

Winter's footsteps were but a few feet from the hidden duo, and their options were limited. On one hand, if Emerald allowed Jaune to be captured, Cinder would be angry with her and Mercury would have a truck's worth of bragging rights since his partner failed in her apparently important task.

Then again, Emerald had proven her loyalty countless times, so Cinder would show some leniency toward her brave follower... right? Oh, who was Emerald kidding, if Cinder caught wind that Jaune didn't escape safe and sound there was a one-hundred percent chance that the green-haired girl would pay the price.

"A-At least there's a nice sky out, eh?" Jaune fidgeted as Winter's blade came within an inch of his cheek. Luckily, the Schnee didn't risk puncturing a perfectly good curtain and strolled just far enough where she couldn't hear Jaune's and Emerald's deliberations.

"Okay, so how do you expect us to make a getaway now?" Emerald inquired. "I hate being in cramped positions..."

"Hey, my plan was foolproof, that is until you decided to answer a call which led to Winter staying in the hallway. So I think it's only fair that you make a contribution to our next route to freedom." Jaune sighed. "Wait, what did you say?"

Emerald clamped her mouth shut and realized that Jaune was right. He had made an excellent plot to escape, and her ending the call with Cinder had put a damper on things. Thus, with a curse under her breath, Emerald contemplated what skills she had on deck and what she could do with them. Unfortunately, the fake student hadn't brought her weapons and was still dressed in her Haven uniform.

A few seconds later, Winter turned around and retraced her steps. She would have heard any footsteps that entered or left the hall, and so far everything was still quiet. Too quiet. Her heels clicking against the hardwood, Winter tapped a nearby curtain, which happened to be the one opposite of her targets and peeked around it.

Jaune could see Winter's expression clearly, and while he was used to the cold glare of a young Schnee, he could not keep a straight face when presented with Winter's wicked scowl.

"You never told me your sister was so vicious, Weiss..." Jaune sulked as he scooted closer to Emerald. Yet, he had to resort to shifting in front of the green-haired girl with his arms splayed on the sides of her shoulders to compensate for the lack of space.

"Oh, what a cruel fate awaits me when this false imagery fails..." The blonde hummed sadly.

"H-Hey! W-Watch it, I don't want your sweat all over me!" Emerald blushed as Jaune was forced to push himself closer and before he knew it, his chest was pressing against something soft. Ahem, make that two things.

"I-I'm sorry!" Jaune bit his lip and profusely apologized under his breath. He couldn't afford to be caught now, not when freedom was within his reach. This meant that if Emerald could not devise a solution, then it was up to him to tap into his inner brain power and come up with a new plan.

Mind on overdrive, Jaune paused at the sight of the girl he was snuggled against. Though his panic had influenced his thoughts before, his heart skipped a beat when he realized just how intimate his current position really was. That, and Emerald was quite a beauty now that he had a proper look at her. Although there was something different about her appearance, not that Jaune found anything wrong with it, it was just the way Emerald looked back at him.

Did Emerald look... scared? Sure, their predicament did warrant caution, but there was something hidden beneath those crimson eyes that didn't sit right with the boy. The way she shrunk and shuddered, it was as if Emerald was expecting Jaune to strike her, not that he ever would with a good conscience.

"Hey, don't worry, Emerald. I'll get us out of here in a jiffy, so just keep up this mirage and all will be well." Jaune said softly and his hot breath brushed over his acquaintance's bangs. "Just... don't look so frightened, alright? You're starting to make me feel bad."

Emerald's arms moved and she put her palms over her head. Her shuddering increased, and at this point, Jaune didn't care if he was caught or not. The expression on the girl's visage needed to be replaced with something happier, but how would Jaune manage that given the circumstances?

Emerald felt small, and memories she'd rather keep buried began to resurface. The long nights on the street, running for her life from the authorities while her panicked eyes whipped back and forth to find a place to hide. Then, when she was finally caught, the bastards who pursued her pinned her to the wall just like this, with their ugly faces and horrid breath bearing down on her with the intent to cause her harm.

"Easy, my innocent gemstone, I'll need your patience to properly care for you..." Jaune eased off and took the smallest step back. His face was still nearly touching Emerald's, but at least his chest wasn't squished up against her anymore.

"H-Huh?" Emerald blinked and her body tensed when a pair of soft fingers moved the misplaced bangs from her view. There was a sudden change in the blonde boy, and he wasn't the desperate coward she had come to know a moment ago. What happened? Why was Jaune looking at her like that? H-How could he hold such a calm expression of kindness right now?!

However, the moment Jaune opened his mouth and wiped the tears from the corners of Emerald's eyes with his thumb, the poor girl was captured by his patient and protective passion and her quivering came to a complete stop. The way Jaune met her fearful stare with sympathy-nay empathy, it made her forget the horrible memories, for just a slim second it did.

Fear not my dear, for your knight has sworn an oath.

With frightened steps and a braver soul.

I push away my cowardice to protect my new goal.

Emerald, a name that beckons the earth's beauty and pristine.

I cannot imagine a more beautiful face for my new queen.

/

Skin, colored like that of an olive branch.

Her tears are unsightly and soil the fruit.

Thus I must stand strong and set down my roots.

My back is the shield that will protect her from harm.

So that I can comfort her sorrows while she is wrapped in my arms.

/

Fear is powerful, and at times a wise aid.

But I refuse to yield when my queen is dismayed.

Have courage, my wonderful gem.

For this knight is a man who will never condemn.

"S-Shut up..." Emerald's breath hitched and tears had begun to sting her eyes. "A queen? Are you serious? I was born on the streets and my parents abandoned me the day I could walk. If you think your words mean anything to me, then you're sorely mistaken. I'm nothing more than a pathetic scavenger... believe me I've heard enough from people trying to cheat me with sweet lies."

Jaune took a deep breath, but there was no anger in his expression as he cupped and lifted Emerald's chin with his index finger and thumb. His brows creased, they slowly returned to a lax state as his lips lifted to a pearly smile.

An emerald is found, but its worth is smeared by doubt and despair.

Let my words be the water that cleanses your mind.

And allow my passion to create an everlasting bind.

So please, take my hand, my dear queen.

For there is still happiness that needs to be seen.

Emerald's head began to swim and she forced her gaze to the ground. However, Jaune chuckled softly and forced her head back up, but when their eyes met... W-Were Emerald's eyes playing tricks on her? Since when was she standing in a ballroom and not a hallway? Since when was she wearing a long, cream-colored silk dress? W-Why in Oum's name was Jaune dressed like a prince?!

"W-What's going on?" Emerald whispered weakly.

"Does my queen not wish to dance?" Jaune asked while he kneeled with an outstretched hand.

Emerald blinked and tried to disperse her aura. That had to be what it was, right? Her semblance simply fell under Jaune's influence and was now playing tricks on her, that had to be it! So... why did it all feel so real? Why did Emerald want to take Jaune's hand? Why... did she feel safe?

Though her brain screamed for her to run, her heart took control and ushered her to take up Jaune on his offer. When her fingers were clasped around with that of the blonde's, Emerald felt that no one could touch her, and before she knew it... she was following Jaune and his methodical movements as he guided her in a classic waltz that soon broke into a heated cha-cha.

Rejoice, for my beloved has accepted her beauty and knight!

Let our dance forever last and let the moon be our spotlight!

Through wonderful twirls and magnificent dips.

Entranced am I when my queen lifts her lips.

A smile like no other, a diamond cannot compare!

For my dear Emerald's joy is brighter than any flare!

Emerald couldn't take it anymore. Her laughter broke out and she allowed herself to be taken in the quick motions of the dance. In fact, she herself found that her own feelings wanted to be heard as she participated in the poetic songs as well. When Jaune opened his mouth, he was beaten to the punch but his partner's melodic voice.

I am found, I am found, I am found!

Cast away my thieving gloves for a better life!

Break the chain of guilt and strife!

Let my knight know that I've found my place!

And here in his arms I can show a worthy face!

/

Free from blood and other horrors.

I cannot fathom this new world of splendor.

My feet move freely over the dance floor.

What I feel in my heart can no longer be ignored.

I reach out to my knight and cup his cheeks.

So that my grateful lips and yours can meet!

Smooch, the gift that outshines any jewel has been delivered!

Emerald could feel the heat on her cheeks and the hot blood that rushed through her veins. Her heart was beating so fast, that she thought she would faint. Then she realized, did she just... did she just kiss a boy she barely knew and met out of pure coincidence right on the lips?!

The mirage of the ballroom shattered, and there alone in the middle of the hallway stood Jaune and Emerald. The blonde remained silent, but by his expression, it was obvious he understood that he'd just been smooched. As for the one who delivered the kiss, Emerald's hands fell below her waist as if they'd been burnt, and she refused to meet the blonde's stare.

Never should one be ashamed of honest affection.

For my own soul has now found a deeper connection.

I thank you, my queen for this blessing.

That I can now wear whenever I am singing.

Jaune stepped forward, closed the distance, and cupped Emerald by the cheeks so he could kiss her forehead. The feeling of his skin against Emerald's damp forehead sent hot shivers down her spine, and she cherished every second of the intimate interaction.

"Arc!" Winter hollered which broke the poet from his internal musings. The Atlesian had abandoned the hallway a while ago since she could not find them but returned up the stairs when she heard Emerald's last set of poetic lines.

However, now that Emerald's aura had been depleted, she and Jaune were now back in reality and wore nothing but their Beacon and Haven uniforms respectively. That meant, that Winter was free to destro- expel Jaune how she saw fit and gave chase with a raised sword.

"We're on the fourth floor now, right?" Jaune asked.

"Um..." Emerald couldn't trust her voice so she offered a meek nod instead.

"Okay, guess I'll see you at the movie later then, thanks for hiding me with your semblance up until now."

Emerald appeared to be flabbergasted. "W-Wait, don't you remember anything that's just happened between the two of us?"

"Er... we hid in a curtain and then Winter found us, right?"

Perhaps... this was for the best. Emerald and Jaune were practically strangers, so it would take time for him to realize how important Emerald was to him. That, and the green-haired girl would prefer it if Jaune were the one to make the first move. There would be plenty of opportunities no doubt, as Cinder had often instructed that she and Mercury gather information on JNPR. Yes, this could work. Not to mention the movie that Emerald's team was invited to would hold numerous chances to interact. Maybe... Emerald could even sit next to Jaune if all went well.

"Wish me luck, Emerald!" Jaune opened the window and jumped down to the enormous snowbank below. His new friend gave a timid wave and cute smile, and when Jaune landed, the impact was intense and sent snowflakes all about. He could hear Winter screaming from the windowsill, but Jaune didn't give her the chance to consider jumping after him and fled the area.

He ran as far as his legs would carry him but slipped when the last of his strength was spent. He landed face-first on the plush snow and spat out a few bits of grass as well.

"E-Excuse me, are you alright?"

Jaune raised his head, and his blurred vision registered a pair of icy blue eyes and a pale face fitted with a pure white ponytail. There was no mistaking it this time, this beauty was Weiss without a doubt, as Winter was still on the campus grounds. Not one to take life for granted, Jaune wiped the snow from his face and cupped Weiss by the cheeks.

"E-Excuse me, young-"

Jaune delivered his purest affections and gave no restraint. Even if Weiss rejected him the next day, he would cherish this passionate feeling that seeped through his hot lips as his tongue went to work and made sure that the receiver of the kiss would be more than satisfied.

Alas, Jaune was still human and needed to take a breath, but when he separated himself from Weiss...

Again, the heiress appeared to be a lot older than she let on. She was still undeniably beautiful, but were those the slight markings of eyebags? And since when did Weiss wear a crimson brooch? And the black belt around her slim waist seemed more of a mature taste that Weiss didn't often partake in. Weiss didn't often wear gray pantyhose and black-heeled booties either... Hold up.

Wait... wait wait wait...

Was there a chance... that this person wasn't Weiss or Winter?!

"Who is this gorgeous beauty that I've delivered my heart to?!" Jaune blurted as his hands gripped his hair in despair.

"I-I'm Willow... Willow Schnee." The Atlesian said through trembling lips that were promptly covered by a shaky palm. "I-I'm the mother of both those wonderful girls..."

"Oh... It's obvious where Weiss and Winter got their looks from." Jaune said after a heavy gulp. "Is it possible that we can forget what just transpired between us? I don't want to bring you or your daughters under any drama or stress..."

"Y-Yes..." Willow said though her entire body was shaking now, and her knees were pointed inward and touching each other. "I-I wanted to say hello to Weiss for the holidays, and heard from Ironwood that Winter was also at Beacon..."

"Well, best of luck to you, as both your daughters are incredibly kind. See you!" Jaune ran so fast that he tripped twice before disappearing to Oum knows where.

"Mrs. Schnee?" Klein the faithful butler called as he hurried to where his master stood. "It's unwise to be walking around this part of the courtyard, as Beacon's staff has yet to properly clean it... Mrs. Schnee, are you well? Your face is redder than a tomato."

"Oh..." Willow swooned with a voice as delicate as a feather. "I just received an early Christmas present that's all and a very passionate one at that..."

"P-Pardon?" Klein's jaw dropped as Willow fell back into the snow with her stockinged legs pointed to the sky which quickly fell limp and hit the snow with a soft thud. Her face was red-hot and her lips spread to a pleasant smile, her loyal butler was confused beyond belief.

"Mrs. Schnee!" Klein hollered and pulled out his scroll to request aid immediately.