Chapter 5: Romantic Woes

One week later, The Amphitheatre, 12th September 18 BBY, 15:45 pm…

Nathan couldn't hide a smirk as he watched the sparring match below him unfold.

It was Pyrrha against all of Team CRDL. Hardly a fair fight.

For Team CRDL, that is.

Pyrrha was fighting them all off with an ease that Nathan never found himself bored by. Not a single member of Team CRDL was landing a hit on Pyrrha, making it all the more amazing that Pyrrha was fighting them all at the same time.

Nathan watched as Cardin smashed aside a member of his own team in an effort to get to Pyrrha, only for the four time regional champion to somehow get him into the air, then leap up to join him.

From there, it was purely scientific, as Pyrrha managed to manoeuvre herself behind Cardin, wrap her sword around his neck, and send them both spiralling down towards the floor, slamming the leader of Team CRDL onto the ground in brutal fashion.

Oof, Nathan thought. That might warrant a trip to the hospital wing.

"And that's the match!" Goodwitch declared as she walked towards Cardin as he got up.

"Ugh… Lucky shot." Cardin groaned.

"The only thing lucky about that was the fact you survived!" Nathan shouted back. "Or that it's the closest you jackasses are ever gonna get to a hot girl like Pyrrha!"

The rest of the class laughed, and Nathan could see the ghost of a smile crossing Professor Goodwitch's face as she addressed Pyrrha:

"Well done, Miss Nikos." Goodwitch said. "You should have no problem qualifying for the tournament."

"Thank you, professor." Pyrrha said, a polite smile crossing her face in that moment.

Moving on, Goodwitch then declared: "Alright, now I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have time for one more sparring match! Any volunteers?" At this, Goodwitch looked around the room, her eyes meeting Nathan's at one point, but moving on. "Miss Belladonna?"

Nathan looked to see Blake look up and shut the book she had been engrossed in, and he found himself frowning.

Blake looked… exhausted, for lack of a better term. Dark circles were visible around her eyes, and her face was gaunt, indicating a severe lack of sleep.

Nathan sighed. He'd heard from Weiss and the rest of Team RWBY that Blake had hardly slept since the investigation him and Team RWBY had undertaken that previous weekend alongside Sun and Neptune, and he'd been meaning to speak to her about it. Whatever was bothering her; it was costing her sleep.

And that scared Nathan, considering he had once been in the same boat as Blake.

Goodwitch continued: "You've been rather docile for the past few classes." Seeing Blake look away, visibly guilty. "Why don't you-"

"I'll do it." Said a voice.


Nathan looked to see a familiar face having raised his hand:

Mercury Black, one of the two Haven students Nathan had ran into whilst shopping in Vale the week prior, was raising his hand to volunteer.

"Mercury, is it?" Goodwitch inquired, adjusting her glasses. "Very well, let's find you an opponent."

"Actually…" Mercury said. "I wanna fight… her." At which he gestured to Pyrrha.

Bit of a dick move when she's already fought today, but guess he wants to try his luck, Nathan thought to himself, smirking. He wasn't sure of Mercury's combative abilities, but regardless, Nathan had a feeling that it would make for an entertaining fight.

"Me?" Pyrrha asked, as Goodwitch said:

"I'm afraid Miss Nikos has just finished a match. I recommend you choose another partner."

"No, it's fine." Pyrrha said, looking at the professor. "I'd be happy to oblige." She added, looking up at Mercury.

Nathan sat forward as Mercury made his way down to the combat area, intrigued as to what to expect from the grey-haired Haven student. His eyes met those of Pyrrha, and Nathan gave her a confident smile.

Pyrrha smiled back, before returning her attention to Mercury.

Nathan watched as Mercury drew no weapon, merely adopted a fighting stance. Damn, he's a hand-to-hand fighter? Nathan thought. If he's doing this against Pyrrha, then this looks like it's about to get interesting. He looked on as before long, Mercury rushed towards Pyrrha, and immediately attempted a series of kicks.

Nathan took this in. It looked like Mercury was a practitioner of kickboxing and several other martial arts, creating distance with the help of his legs.

Eventually, Pyrrha managed to smash him back with her shield, leading to a brief stand-off.

"Hey, your friend is doing pretty good!" Ruby said from nearby, looking at Emerald, who smiled in return.

Nathan looked towards that brief snippet, then returned his attention towards the fight, looking on as Pyrrha and Mercury continued to exchange blows.

Mercury was a blur of motion as he launched into a variety of spinning kicks and the like, forcing Pyrrha to fall back to better defend herself against the onslaught Mercury was throwing her way.

Nathan observed this and folded his arms. Mercury's almost showing off with these flashy kicks and the like, he thought to himself. Problem with that is, flashy doesn't always mean effective.

Pyrrha rallied, facing Mercury in a defensive stance as the Haven student charged, attempting a series of kicks that pushed her back, albeit all blocked with her shield, then blocking a roundhouse meant for her head with her arm.

Nathan continued watching as the two exchanged more blows, ending with Mercury managing to disarm Pyrrha of her weapon. Not bad, Nathan thought to himself.

Mercury promptly went for a spinning kick, similar to the one Nathan always favoured, although he used his left foot to attempt it, rather than the right as Nathan always did.

Nathan watched as Pyrrha barely avoided this strike, although he could swear that he saw a familiar black glow envelop Pyrrha's hand and Mercury's leg as Pyrrha did so. Does Mercury have metal prosthetics or something? Nathan wondered, as Mercury once again created distance between himself and Pyrrha, the latter of whom charged in to attack.

"I forfeit." Mercury declared, stopping Pyrrha in her tracks.


Wait, what? Nathan thought to himself.

"You… don't even want to try?" Pyrrha asked Mercury.

"What's the point?" Mercury asked, shrugging. "You're a world-renowned fighter. We're obviously leagues apart."

Nathan could see the scowl crossing Pyrrha's face from where he was sat, finding it crossing his own face as he thought: Something's not quite right about him.

"In that case, Pyrrha Nikos is the victor of the match… again." Goodwitch declared as she joined Pyrrha and Mercury, the latter of whom was smirking rather unpleasantly. "Next time, you may want to think a little harder before choosing an opponent."

"I'll be sure to do that." Mercury said as he walked off.

Nathan watched him leave with a suspicious frown, before looking to the professor as she said:

"That is all for today. And remember, the dance is this weekend, but you all have your first mission on Monday! I will not accept any excuses!"

At that, the whole class stood up and left the room.

Nathan watched as Blake continued reading her book, and sighed. Someone really needs to talk to her, he thought to himself. Before that, he jumped down and joined Pyrrha on the amphitheatre floor, alongside the rest of JNNPR. "You alright, Pyrrha?" Nathan asked her.

Pyrrha shook her head. "That boy didn't even want to try. He just forfeited the match without a second thought."

"Well, maybe he was just scouting you in case our teams face off in the tournament." Nora pointed out.

"Possibly." Nathan reasoned. "One thing's for sure though; Mercury is damn lucky the fight never reached its conclusion. You'd have wasted his ass eventually."

Pyrrha smiled and said: "Perhaps. Maybe you should challenge him next time, Nathan. I recall you're rather talented with your hands and feet as well."

"Maybe I will." Nathan replied. "Doubt it'd last long though. One thing I noticed about Mercury as you two fought was that he used a lot of flashy kicks and moves. Almost like he was throwing them out there just to look cool instead of… you know; actually trying to win the fight."

"You think you'd do better?" Ren asked.

"Ren… I'd fucking waste Mercury before he even had the chance to get one kick in." Nathan allowed himself to say. "It's like an old friend told me: Never fear the man practicing ten thousand kicks. Fear the man who's practiced one kick ten-thousand times."

"Good advice." Pyrrha said.

Nathan nodded. "Yeah…" He made to say more, but his words died in his throat when he looked to his right, and his eyes met a pair of icy blue eyes he could get lost in:

Weiss was stood a few feet away talking with Team RWBY, and she smiled at Nathan.

Nathan couldn't help but smile back… Until he walked straight into a lamppost.


"Oof!" Nathan grunted as he staggered back, falling straight on his butt as laughter erupted all around him. Mentally kicking himself for his clumsiness, Nathan nodded, accepting his humiliation.

But all that vanished as Weiss approached him, herself still laughing a little. "Are you alright?" She asked softly.

Nathan nodded. "Just my pride. Should've looked where I was going."

Weiss giggled as she helped Nathan up, smiling at him.

Nathan smiled back, well aware of the fact Jaune was staring daggers into his back, jealousy radiating off of his team leader like heat from the sun, but ignoring it.

"So… I was wondering; would you mind joining me and Team RWBY in our dorm?" Weiss inquired. "Me, Yang and Ruby are going to talk to Blake regarding her recent attitude."

Nathan nodded. "About time." He commented. "Either way; I'm in."

Weiss' smile widened, and she said: "Thank you so much, Nathan. Come on, let's get moving."

Nathan smiled and he followed Weiss, brushing a stray hair out of his face. He was glad he could get away from Jaune and the jealous glares the leader of Team JNNPR constantly threw Nathan's way.

Now Nathan was well aware of his feelings for Weiss, it was becoming abundantly clear now that Jaune saw Nathan as competition for the affections of Weiss, much like both he and Jaune saw Neptune as competition.

Furthermore, it felt like with the dance approaching, Jaune's attempts to win Weiss over were going to grow increasingly desperate. And it chilled Nathan's blood to even consider the possibilities of what might happen when Weiss rejected Jaune one time too many.

Not that Nathan would let that happen though. He'd promised Weiss to protect her from her father, and he had privately vowed to himself to protect Weiss from anyone who might do her harm; even his own team leader.

It did sadden Nathan though. Before this, he safely considered Jaune one of his closest friends next to Weiss and Pyrrha. And now Weiss was coming between them.

He glanced over at Weiss, smiling as she did back at him.

And something in that smile assured Nathan, as it always did whenever Weiss smiled. Assuring him that everything was going to be alright.

Nathan took a deep breath as he walked with Weiss. At least he got to spend time with her; even if all he wanted to do was tell her how he felt.


Team RWBY's dorm, 16:30 pm…

"You what?" Blake demanded from where she was sat on her bed, arms crossed.

"We want you to go to the dance." Ruby replied.

"That's ridiculous." Blake commented.

"Blake, we're worried about you." Yang said. "This investigation is starting to mess with your head."

"You can't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades have been suffering." Weiss said, counting each thing on her fingers.

"You think I care about grades?" Blake demanded, shrugging and gesturing out of the window. "People's lives are at stake!"

"We know, and we're all still trying to figure out what Torchwick is up to." Yang responded, taking Blake's hand and lowering it.

"Thanks to you and Sun, we know they're operating somewhere outside of southeast Vale." Ruby pointed out.

"And, the Schnee company records singled out Vale as the primary target for Dust robberies over the last few months." Weiss added.

"Don't forget about their missing military tech too." Yang elaborated.

"But there's still unanswered questions!" Blake protested.

"Blake, you won't be able to find anything if you can't even keep your eyes open!" Ruby countered.

"Trust me; I would know." Nathan said, finally feeling like it was apropos to enter the conversation.

"And how would you know?" Blake asked, staring a hole through Nathan.

"Because it happened to me." Nathan replied, standing up and facing Blake directly. "About a year before Order 66, one of my best friends was framed for a crime she didn't commit." Nathan said. "Her name was Ahsoka Tano, and she was innocent. She spent several days on the run, trying to clear her name. Back at the Jedi Temple, I was fighting for her, too. I was everywhere, leaving no stone unturned in my quest to prove Ahsoka was innocent. But… in doing so, I refused to sleep, or rest in any capacity, such was my desperation to make sure she would be okay." Pausing, Nathan said: "Because of that, I worked myself into the ground, and while my mind was all for what I was doing, my body was not. And… as a result, I finally fell asleep. By the time I woke up, yeah, Ahsoka had been proven innocent. But…" Nathan closed his eyes as a few tears blurred his sight. "But the damage was done. She walked out of the order that same day, and I've not seen her since." Looking up, Nathan saw that Blake was looking on with a sympathetic expression on her face.

"I'm… I'm sorry that happened to you." Blake said.

"It's fine." Nathan said as he wiped his eyes. "But… you're running the same risk. Sooner or later, you're gonna fall asleep while doing this, whether you want to or not. And by the time you wake up… who knows what might have happened. So please… get some rest, Blake. Don't make my mistake."

Nathan sat back down, noticing Weiss staring at him with a deeply sympathetic expression crossing her face, but keeping his attention on Blake.

Yang spoke up next, addressing Blake: "All we're asking is that you take it easy for one day." She said.

"It will be fun! Yang and I will make sure of it." Weiss declared.

"Yeah! We're planning the whole event!" Yang added, pumping her fists in the air and making the bed she was sat on which Blake bounce, bouncing Blake a little.

"Excuse me?" Blake asked.

"Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected." Weiss replied.

"So, Weiss and I were asked to pick up where they left off. And now we can make sure you have the perfect night." Yang added.

"I don't doubt it." Nathan said, smiling at Weiss, who smiled back at him before looking back to Blake.

"And once it's all over, we'll return for our search, rested and ready." She said, as Ruby asked:

"So what do ya think?"

"I think this is a colossal waste of time." Blake replied, standing up and walking to the door. "I'll be in the library." With that, Blake left the room.

"Fuck…" Nathan groaned.

"Great." Yang murmured.

"She can't keep going on like this." Weiss stated.

Nathan made to say something, when there was a knock on the door. Reaching out with the Force as Weiss approached the door, Nathan groaned as he sensed who was on the other side.


The moment she opened the door, Weiss was greeted with the strums of a guitar.

"Weiss!" Jaune sang loudly, that big goofy smile crossing his face.

Before Weiss shut the door in his face.

Nathan snorted, just as Jaune called out from the other side of the door:

"Oh, come on, open the door! I promise not to sing."

"He's gonna do it anyway." Nathan warned Weiss.

Who opened the door again.

"I lied!" Jaune sang with a few more strums of his guitar.

Nathan fought the urge to slice Jaune's guitar in half with his lightsaber as his team leader carried on with his serenade:

"Weiss Schu-nee, will you accompany me, to the dance on...Sunday!?"

Weiss' response was simple, but effective: "Are you done?" She demanded.

"Yes?" Jaune replied with a shrug.

"No." Weiss replied, slamming the door in Jaune's face again.

Taking a deep breath, Nathan walked to the door, saying: "I got this." Looking to Weiss, who flashed him an appreciative smile before he opened the door and stepped outside.

Jaune was still there, clearly unhappy following Weiss' latest rejection.

With a huff of breath, Nathan slammed the door to Team RWBY's dorm with considerable violence.

Jaune yelped, dropping his guitar as he backed away a little.

"Jaune." Nathan began. "This is starting to get stupid. How many times does Weiss have to tell you 'no' to stop you from harassing her?!"

"I wouldn't have to be doing this if you'd kept things friendly between you and Weiss!" Jaune fired back. "I've seen the little glances. I saw you two coming back from the roof last Friday night. I've seen it all, and I'm sick of you trying to get with Weiss!"

"I'm not gonna argue with you about that, Jaune!" Nathan said. "Listen; Weiss has told you 'no' time and time again! She shouldn't have had to! But she has, and it's becoming increasingly apparent that your little 'crush' on Weiss is becoming more and more obsessive the more times she rejects you! You say your father told you all women look for is confidence. Did he ever teach you that no means no? Or did you ignore that little tidbit of fatherly wisdom?!"

"Just leave it alone, Nathan!" Jaune demanded. "Stop trying to get me to back off so you can get in Weiss' pants instead!"

"Didn't I just tell you I wasn't going to argue with you about that?!" Nathan growled. "Can't you see how unhealthy your obsession with Weiss is? She's one girl in a school full of thousands of beautiful young women; one of whom could be waiting for a guy like you to come sweep her off her feet! But I guess you have to have Weiss; you have to be that underdog in those high school romance movies you watched with your sisters as a kid who gets the hot girl at the end! It doesn't always end like that, Jaune! And right now; as your teammate, as your friend, I am telling you to back off from Weiss. Because the last thing I need to see is you getting arrested for raping Weiss when she rejects you that one time too many!"


WHAM!

The right hook knocked Nathan flat on his back, black spots dancing in his field of vision as he looked up to see Jaune glaring down at him, breathing heavily. Getting to his feet, Nathan felt his lips were unnaturally wet. Pressing a finger to his lips, Nathan looked down as his fingers came away bloody.

The sight of his own blood awakened something within Nathan, and before his more rational side could stop him, Nathan had summoned the discarded guitar on the floor into his hands, and violently smashed it over Jaune's head.

The crack of splintering wood filled the hallway, and Jaune dropped to his knees, stunned beyond belief.

Grabbing Jaune by the collar, Nathan dragged his team leader back towards their dorm room door, tearing it open and hurling Jaune through, startling Nora, who'd been quietly studying.

"Jaune! Nate!" Nora yelped, unsure of who to root for.

"Stay back, Nora!" Nathan shouted, before turning back to Jaune, dragging him to his feet, making sure his team leader's eyes were firmly on him, despite Jaune's barely conscious state. "Did I ever tell you that Professor Ozpin offered me the chance to replace you a few months ago; back when you were Cardin Winchester's bitch?!"

Groggily, Jaune shook his head, clearly still very dazed from having his head smashed in with a guitar.

"Well; I said no because I still saw what you could bring to the table as team leader." Nathan replied. "Remember that the next time you take a swing at me because I told you a truth you didn't want to hear."

With that, he shoved Jaune back onto his bed, wiping the blood off of his lips, just in time for Ren to dash into the room, looking around.

"What happened?!" the cook of Team JNNPR demanded.

"I don't know!" Nora said. "Nathan just opened the door and hurled Jaune in here!"

"I told Jaune a truth he didn't like and he punched me." Nathan explained. "So I broke the guitar over his fucking head in the hopes it might remind him not to do that again." Looking back towards Jaune, Nathan shook his head and said: "At least he won't be harassing Weiss any time soon."

With that, Nathan turned and stepped out of the dorm, finding Weiss stood in the doorway.

It was clear she had seen everything, judging by the look on her face.

Nathan sighed, saying: "I'm sorry you saw that." Before preparing to leave.

"No; don't be sorry." Weiss protested. "I'm actually grateful you finally told Jaune how it is. Though; I don't think he's capable of… you know; forcing himself onto me."

"The fact is; he might be." Nathan replied, shutting the door to his dorm behind him. "And I just want to protect you from that; just like I promised to protect you from your dad."

Weiss smiled at that. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm glad I have someone like you in my life." At that, Weiss stepped closer, kissing Nathan on the cheek before stepping back into her dorm, leaving Nathan alone in the corridor.

Nathan blinked several times as he tried to remember his own name. He was sure his brain had melted and was currently oozing out of every orifice on his head.

Weiss had kissed him.

Nathan's heart hammered against his ribcage as all the feelings he typically felt around Weiss arose more powerful than ever before. Another, powerful urge filled Nathan, one urging him to rush in after Weiss, confess his feelings to her and kiss her right then and there.

But instead, he quietly said something he wouldn't dare utter aloud:

"I love you, Weiss Schnee…" He said.

Having verbally admitted his feelings for Weiss to no-one but himself, Nathan decided a workout was in order, turning and heading for Beacon's gym. Nothing better than physical exertion to clear his head.


Beacon Gym, 17:30 pm…

Nathan's fist hit the heavy bag hard, followed by a left blow to what would have been the gut of Nathan's proverbial opponent. Quickly, Nathan landed a left jab to where his opponent's head would be, followed by a series of strikes; overhands, hooks, jabs, elbow strikes, knees, high kicks, roundhouses, and all manner of strikes.

Finally, Nathan landed one final blow to the bag, letting out a loud shout of exertion as his fist made contact. Taking a step back, Nathan exhaled softly as he walked over to his things, grabbing his towel and wiping his face before taking a drink of water.

"I think the heavy bag gives up."

Nathan spun round to find himself faced with Neptune, who was dressed in a red tank top, revealing well-muscled arms and shoulders, and black shorts. A headband kept Neptune's blue hair spiky.

Nathan scowled, saying: "Had to work off some of my frustrations. Shit's going on that isn't exactly easy to deal with."

"I hear you." Neptune said. "Dealing with Jaune when he's so obsessed with Weiss? I feel for you."

Nathan's scowl deepens. "That begs the question… what are your intentions with Weiss?"

"Intentions?" Neptune asked. "I haven't got any. Right now; I'm definitely interested in Weiss. She's smart, confident, not to mention really pretty. But I'm making sure I actually like her before pursuing her. You know; unlike your team leader."

Nathan felt a small surge of anger flare up at the small insult to his team leader, despite their very recent disagreements, and so folding his arms, Nathan said: "Yeah… bet you say that shit about every other girl you've slept with."

Neptune blinked and stepped back, asking: "Dude, what are you talking about?"

"Don't think I haven't seen men like you before." Nathan said, staring a hole through Neptune. "You work your charms on beautiful young women, women like Weiss, and then when you've had your fun with them; you ditch them like trash and move on to the next girl. So… what makes you think I'd let you do that to Weiss?"

"Nate, where is this coming fro-" Neptune started asking.

Don't 'Nate' me, Neptune." Nathan growled, interrupting. "All that matters to me… is that if you're going to try and get with Weiss. Then she'd better be the only woman on your radar. If you even think of fucking any other girl… then you were never worthy of Weiss to begin with." Retrieving his things, Nathan walked past Neptune, heading for the showers.

Wasting zero time, Nathan ditched his clothes, stepped into the nearest shower cubicle, and let the hot water start to cleanse his body.

As he did; he wondered why he had advised Neptune instead of decking like his jealous urges often encouraged him to.

Was it his lack of wanting to pick another fight after the scuffle with Jaune earlier that day?

Was it the fact wanted to avoid making an enemy of someone else and forcing Sun to play the part of peacekeeper between them?

Or did he just not think he had much chance of being with Weiss at all; when faced with a taller, stronger, and conventionally much more handsome man like Neptune was?

Nathan sighed as his shower finished, and he stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist.

Stepping up to the mirror, Nathan wiped enough of the condensation off of it to allow him to look himself in the mirror much more clearly:

He considered himself a good-looking young man in his own right; the fact he had once been romantically involved with a beautiful Republic Senator like Chuchi was proof enough of that.

With that in mind, Nathan really shouldn't be doubting his chances of being with Weiss.

But glancing down towards his body; Nathan's doubts once more began to skyrocket.

While years of remaining active as a result of being on the battlefield had gifted Nathan with tanned skin and a muscular build of his own; three years of war had extracted its toll from Nathan in the form of his scars:

There was the stab scar through his left flank underneath his ribcage where a Commando Droid had stabbed him early in the Clone Wars.

Looking at his right hand, Nathan saw the scarring from where he'd been shot through that hand during a surprise attack by the Separatists during the Siege of Naboo.

Turning his back on the mirror, Nathan looked behind him to see the slash across his right shoulder blade from his first duel with Asajj Ventress six months into the Clone Wars, alongside the exit wound scar from his Commando Droid stab wound.

Turning to face the mirror once again, Nathan eyed the two scars that sometimes proved more haunting than most:

A jagged slash across his right shoulder, and a stab wound through his torso, mementos from a near fatal encounter with General Grievous.

A heavy sigh escaped Nathan as he began to dry off.

What would Weiss think if they got together and she saw his scars?

Would she still accept him?

Or would she lose any and all attraction she had for him and leave him for Neptune; seeking a more… unblemished man?

Nathan really didn't know the answers to any of these questions, nor did he figure anything out as he began getting dressed. He had never had these problems with Chuchi, who'd told him the scars reminded her of what Nathan would endure if it meant seeing her again.

Would Weiss feel that same way though?

As he left, Nathan wondered if he really had any chance with Weiss at all.


On the way to JNNPR's Dorm…

"Nathan."

Nathan paused his stroll back to his dorm as he saw General Ironwood stood nearby. With a sigh, Nathan walked over to the general.

"Word's been spreading across the school about your little scuffle with your team leader." Ironwood said. "Care to tell me what's going on?"

Nathan sighed again. "We both like the same girl." Nathan answered. "But… Jaune's attraction to her… it's not the healthy kind. It's becoming increasingly concerning to me just how obsessed Jaune is getting with making her his girlfriend when she has said time and time again that she has no interest in him. So when he serenaded her earlier with a guitar; I'll admit… I was fed up. So I confronted him outside, and we started arguing, with him accusing me of wanting to get him to stand aside just so I can get with her."

"Accusations you seem to be proving correct by admitting your attraction to this woman to me." Ironwood reasoned.

"Well; yeah." Nathan admitted. "But I told him differently. That his obsession was starting to become unhealthy. He'd said more than once that his father advised him all women look for is confidence, and so I asked him if his father ever told him that no means no, or if he hadn't been listening to that part. Or if he still believed that he was the underdog like in all of those teenage high school romance movies he was forced to watch with his sisters, destined to get the girl. Eventually, I told him all I was doing was trying to make sure he didn't get himself arrested for raping this girl when she rejected him one time too many."

Ironwood nodded. "Go on."

"Jaune promptly punched me… and I saw red, smashing a guitar over his head before dumping him back inside the dorm, then came to work out for a bit to clear my head and calm down a little." Nathan added.

Ironwood nodded. "I see. Have you spoken with Miss Schnee at all regarding this?"

"Yeah; we talked briefly following my fight with Jaune." Nathan replied. "Wait… you know who I was talking about?"

A small chuckle escaped Ironwood, who replied: "It is obvious; given how much I have seen you two spending time together that you harbour feelings for her. So I must ask… what is stopping you from taking that next step?"

"Well; for one… just the fact that I don't want to antagonise Jaune any further." Nathan responded. "He's still my team leader; and before this… he was a really good friend of mine."

"There's something more to this, I'm willing to wager." Ironwood said.

Nathan nodded. "There's this other dude; Neptune Vasilias from Haven. Weiss seems super into him, and if you looked at him; you'd see why."

"I don't see why he should deter you." Ironwood replied. "You're Weiss' friend, Nathan. She knows you."

"And that's the problem!" Nathan said. "What if… that's all she sees me as? Her friend?"

Ironwood chuckled. "All lasting relationships are built on a foundation of friendship, Nathan." He said. "Because you are Weiss' friend, you automatically have a better chance at becoming romantically involved with her. But you have to be willing to take that next step. Otherwise; yes: Weiss and Neptune may get together. And you'll be stood there, wishing it was you."

Nathan sighed, and nodded. "Okay." He said. "I'll try. It was good to talk to you, Ironwood." With that, Nathan continued his journey back to the dorms, thinking about what Ironwood had told him.

Maybe the general was right. Whatever the case, Nathan felt like there was one person he could talk to about this.

The Dormitory Roof…

As Nathan had hoped, he found Pyrrha still on the roof, a sad expression crossing her face. "Pyrrha?" He softly called out.

Pyrrha glanced up, and her face lit up at the sight of Nathan, before it faltered. "I… heard about what happened between you and Jaune earlier." She said. "Not from Jaune; but from Nora and Ren."

Nathan sighed. "Has Jaune said anything about what happened earlier?" He asked.

Pyrrha nodded. "He just told me Weiss shot his invitation to the dance down, again." She replied.

Nathan scoffed. "Sounds like he hasn't learned his lesson, then." Nathan said.

Pyrrha didn't respond, carrying on: "When I told him that there was plenty of fish in the sea, he just said that was easy for me to say, because I'm more than likely up to my neck in boys asking me to the dance."

"When as a matter of fact, you're very much not." Nathan said.

Pyrrha nodded. "Because of who I am, most men just wouldn't even look at me. I'm on a level they simply dare not try to step up to." She sighed. "You, Jaune and Ren are the only young men that treat me like a normal young woman, and because of that, I consider all of you my friends. I just… I can't help but pine for something more with Jaune." Bowing her head, Pyrrha added: "I just can't help but wonder if I'm not good enough for him! If… there's something wrong with me physically that I simply do not realise yet."

"Pyrrha, look at me." Nathan said firmly.

Pyrrha looked up to meet Nathan's gaze.

"There is nothing wrong with you physically, Pyrrha. So what if you have more muscle than most girls or are taller than most of them. Look at yourself in the mirror. You are a fucking gorgeous young woman, Pyrrha." Smiling, Nathan added: "Hell; if I wasn't pining for Weiss, I'd be gunning for you instead."

Pyrrha giggled at that, smiling warmly. "I'm flattered you think so highly of me." Pyrrha replied, hugging Nathan. "And admittedly, I would certainly consider you if Jaune were not an option. But… I fear our similar appearances would make any romantic relationship between us awkward." Pausing, Pyrrha added: "Besides, it is like you just said; you're pining for Weiss yourself."

Nathan nodded, then sighed. "Yeah…"

"Is everything okay?" Pyrrha asked, stepping towards Nathan.

Nathan shook his head. "Just… wondering if I have any chance at all with Weiss." He said. "I ran into Neptune at the gym, and… I saw he's got one up on me on everything save for a close friendship with Weiss and the fact I know her better." Folding his arms, Nathan added: "He also said he's 'interested' in her. And I know Weiss is into him, because she was hoping to team with him last weekend."

"I wouldn't think he has one up on you for everything, Nathan." Pyrrha said. "You're handsome, muscular and smart. I see no reason why you should be concerned regarding your chances with Weiss."

"Because you haven't see my scars, Pyrrha." Nathan replied. "The scars I carry from the three years I spent fighting a destructive, galactic war." Pausing, Nathan added: "What if Weiss wants a more… unblemished guy? What if she doesn't want a battle-scarred war veteran?"

"And what if she does?" Pyrrha asked. "Focus not on the what-ifs, Nathan. Focus on what is. And right now… What do you say we do something to take our minds off of all of this?"

"Sure." Nathan said, facing Pyrrha. "What did you have in mind?"

Pyrrha smiled back at Nathan, and drew her weapons.

Nathan smirked, adopted a fighting stance, and drew his lightsaber.


Some of you are probably hating me for that tease.

Others; not so much.

Right, so before some of you get up in arms about Nathan getting violent with Jaune or thinking Jaune is capable of sexual violence, this is sort of where my viewpoint comes in regarding this section of the RWBY canon. Jaune was very clearly obsessed with Weiss, despite her saying 'no' multiple times. That's not okay; nor should it be. I've always been of the mind that should a woman tell a man 'no', then said man should respect that and move on.

The fact Jaune never seems to learn this lesson frustrates me to no end. Hence why I had Nathan be the one to teach it to him. With a little inspiration from Jeff Jarrett (If you know, you know).

Anyway; time for reviews!


54godamora: Where'd the fun be in that?

Sharnorasian Empire: You'd be right about that.

SirTypesaLot: I thought long and hard about everything you've said in your review, and I will say; for someone saying you're not intending to rip me a new one, you certainly did that. Felt like it, at least. Maybe you're right. Maybe you have been spoiled by 'better' stories. I just hope you realise this is me trying my best to create something for others to enjoy, including yourself. So for you to just swoop in and take what feels like a Super Star Destroyer-sized dump on my work doesn't sit well with me; regardless of your intentions with your review. The only rebuttal I can offer you is to continue writing in concordance with my vision, and just hope there's something there that tickles your enjoyment in the future. But thank you for the review regardless.


All that said; thank you all so much for taking the time to read this story. If y'all liked it... you know what to do.

I shall see you all tomorrow with Chapter 6, which sees Nathan open up more about his past, whilst looking to his hopeful future.

T-Rock14.