Spoilers for Volume 9.

Through the day full of hellos and tears, Jaune almost wished the day didn't have to end, but it wasn't like he wasn't tired, especially with everything that happened in the Ever After. As the sky grew darker, the desire to sleep came closer, and yet, even as he laid in his new bed, surrounded by his sleeping teammates, Jaune couldn't bring himself to actual do it, his eyes staring up at the ceiling above. It wasn't the first time he slept in a different place, and at least it's in a world that's... normal. He no long have any self-inflicted jobs to worry about, though he knows there's more things to worry about in the future.

There was softest sounding knocking he has ever heard on the bedroom door, soft enough where no one should wake up but just loud enough. Though he wondered who could be up at this hour, Jaune was glad to have some sort of distraction.

Slowly opening the door and peaking through the darkness, he managed to see... a scroll's light shining on Ruby, pajamas and all, fidgeting in place.

"Oh, you're awake." Ruby whispered, seemingly surprised.

Jaune blinked. "What are you doing here?"

"I..." A sheepish smile peaked in his sight. "I can't sleep."

"You too?"

Relief appeared on her face.

"Is there something you want to do?"

"Not really, I just want something distracting."

Jaune hummed.

"Oh, how about we hang out in the living room?"

Jaune had to agree, just something to do.

Being in the living room or sitting on the couch doesn't make them any more sleepy, but it was oddly nice to have a change of scenery, or at least as much as he could see from Ruby's scroll. Despite this low light, Jaune managed to feel silver eyes on him.

"Yes?" Jaune said.

"Um..." That sheepish smile returned. "It's weird."

"And?"

"Can I... touch your hair?"

"...My hair?"

"I told you it was weird."

"Sure."

"...Really? Are you really sure?"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to. It's not like I'm worried about bedhead."

"Well, if it's alright..."

Jaune bend his head down just enough for Ruby to give his head a little pat til it slowly transitioned into strokes.

Her hand ran through familiar blond hair, though her fingers lingered through the new white streaks.Hm... 'new.'She hummed, noting how his hair still feel the same despite this... change.

"What?" Jaune doesn't miss her little hum.

"How are you feeling...?"

"As in...?"

"Do you feel... older? The same?"

Ah..."I guess, I feel 19 but different. Youthful? Wiser? Newish? I don't know. I just feel like... Jaune."

Another hum came from her.

"What about you? Do you feel different after all... that?"

"Oh..."

He could feel her gently pull on a strand of his hair, but not enough to just pluck it out. He closed his eyes for a moment.

"Ruby. I'm just feel like... Ruby." She didn't explain more, and yet in some way, he didn't need anymore.

Ever After had changed them for sure, and now they're continuing on this mission, a path they aren't sure will lead them to victory, but... he's comfortable to know that there's hope here.

Ruby nearly squeaked when Jaune slumped against the couch, but the soft sounds of snores met her ears. She smiled, laying against the couch's back with him. It took a moment, but knowing that there's someone there, Ruby felt relaxed just enough for sleep to finally come.

Hope, Rebirth and New Beginnings