Jaune knew that being hauled off by the police for questioning would be a harrowing experience for most but he couldn't help but be excited by the whole ordeal, as serious as it was. He got to ride in the back of a police car for the first time in his life, and he also got to see what the inside of an interrogation room looked like first hand.

It wasn't that he was taking it lightly. What had happened tonight was a big deal and while he didn't think they'd be in too much trouble considering they'd foiled two robberies, they'd also trashed a street in the process. No, it was just that it was so outside his life experiences that he couldn't help but be slightly in awe of the entire process.

"Mr. Arc," a woman entered the room, a woman he recognized. It was the detective he'd seen on the news report, the one about the White Fang. She was accompanied by a male officer. "I'm Detective Rachel Wood and this is Officer Bright. I have a few questions for you."

Her voice was professional but open, friendly. While it may have been a trick, Jaune chose to see it in a positive light. They weren't too angry by what had occurred. In her hands she carried a folder filled with sheets of paper.

He had no reason to refuse. "Okay."

She sat down across from him while the officer stood at attention by the door.

"I've spoken with a few of your classmates about what happened but I'd like to hear things from your perspective," she began, shifting through her folder. "How was it that you came to possess knowledge of the potential crime about to be committed by the White Fang?"

Normally this would have been a bit tricky because he didn't want to contradict whatever his friends might have said. While they had no reason to lie, there was also one thing they didn't wish for the police to discover; Blake's former affiliation with what was a terrorist organization. Thankfully they'd had plenty of time before the police arrived to get their story straight, and they'd spent the almost ten minutes between the end of the fight and the arrival of the police to call the other group and discuss what they were going to say.

Blake, Weiss, Ren and Pyrrha had made quick work of the other group, as Jaune had expected they would. While Left had given them some resistance, Pyrrha had quickly dismantled him in brutal fashion. The others had taken care of the second aura user they'd sent along as the driver of the truck.

"You've spoken to Blake?" he asked and she nodded. "She was the one that overheard people talking about a meeting. When she informed us, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We attended the meeting and gained knowledge of their actions, so we put a stop to it."

"And why did you feel the need to take matters into your own hands?" she pressed, writing everything down.

"We're Huntsmen-in-training, ma'am. We felt that it was our duty."

"And yet you did not inform your professors at Beacon," she paused in her writing, meeting his eyes. "Why is that?"

"We thought we could handle it alone," he hoped he sounded convincing. "Weiss found it particularly offensive and wanted to be involved in taking them down."

"Ms. Schnee – yes, I do suppose there is history there," she continued writing. "And this meeting – can you tell us where it was held, and who was in attendance?"

"They were wearing masks, ma'am, so I cannot give you any descriptions or name any names bar one. Adam Taurus was there."

"Ms. Belladonna claimed the same," she then sighed. "You understand the significance, I take it?"

"I've heard he is bad news."

"That is putting it lightly," she then closed the folder. "Mr. Arc – while you have some leeway as students of Beacon Academy, and by law, can make arrests, you should know that this is conditional on the presence of an instructor."

Jaune grimaced.

"The damage to businesses and city infrastructure was not inconsiderable. Ordinarily, it would cost the kingdom a pretty penny to fix what you and your friends carelessly destroyed."

Ordinarily?

"However, we've been contacted by Headmaster Ozpin and repairs are already underway," she frowned. "He claims that things will be as good as new before the early morning rush, which I find hard to believe… but the higher ups have backed him, and so you will not be liable."

That was a relief.

"Next time, try not to destroy an intersection."

Jaune rubbed his neck awkwardly. "We'll try, ma'am."

She shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips as she stood. "I believe that will be all."

Jaune blinked. "That's it?"

"Beacon Academy will be handling things from here. Your Headmaster will be here shortly to return you to Beacon, and all of your stories have checked out," she gave him a shrewd look. "Even though I believe you are hiding something from me. All of you."

He didn't react.

She then shrugged. "But whatever it is, it is above my pay grade. My boss is happy so I'm happy," she made for the door. The male officer opened it and stepped out, and before she closed the door she said, "Someone will escort you out in a moment. Mr. Arc… good work out there."

He was left alone for about five minutes before a familiar face appeared.

Jaune stood at once, bowing his head. "Headmaster."

"Mr. Arc. I see we've had an exciting evening."

"That's one way to put it, sir."

Ozpin chuckled. "I admit, I was not expecting to get a call in the middle of the night about two of my Huntsmen squads causing chaos in the city, though for a good cause."

"...I apologize for the inconvenience, sir."

"That's quite alright, Mr. Arc. While I advise against destruction of city property in the future, you did manage to stop thousands of lien worth of Dust from being stolen."

They'd probably caused more than that in damages, though.

Ozpin peered at him over his glasses, a knowing smirk on his face. "Not to worry, Mr. Arc. Professor Goodwitch is a godsend in such situations. Everything will be as good as new in a matter of hours, as if it never happened in the first place. Her semblance is very convenient, wouldn't you agree?"

So that was how Beacon was dealing with it. He'd witnessed first hand the power their combat instructor wielded, and the ability to repair broken objects as if they'd never been damaged in the first place was… well, quite frankly, it was like magic. A ridiculously convenient ability.

His friends were waiting in the lobby, as were their weapons. Blake was subdued. Jaune wasn't sure if it was because of the night's events, because they were in a police station, or because Weiss was standing right next to her. Everyone else seemed to be in good spirits, though – well, expect for Ruby.

"This is my second time here in less than three months," she moaned in distress. "My dad is going to think I'm a bad girl."

Yang laughed. "Better get used to it, sis."

"I'm not like you," Ruby wailed dramatically. "He expects things from me."

Her older sister frowned. "Hey… what the hell does that mean?"

Pyrrha snickered. "I understand the sentiment. My mother will be horrified when she hears," then she grimaced. "And my agent. If this leaks to the press…"

"It's okay, Pyrrha," Weiss placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll make sure this doesn't leak."

"That won't be necessary, Ms. Schnee," Ozpin said, drawing them undivided attention. "Beacon will be claiming that this was an authorized operation. Being questioned by the police will be waved away as a formality."

That was good and well timed because as they were leaving the station, a certain reporter was waiting for them. Lisa Lavender smiled when she spotted Jaune before souring at the appearance of Ozpin, and he saw her guard instantly rise.

It was no longer raining, though the sky was still blanketed in cloud.

"Ah, Ms. Lavender – a pleasure to see you, as always," Ozpin greeted jovially but there was no mistaking the subtle edge. Her eyes narrowed.

"Headmaster," she returned.

"You are working rather late," Ozpin made a show of pulling out a pocket watch and checking the time. It was a golden piece connected by a matching chain, the outside decorated by elaborate inscriptions that almost looked like a language of some type. "Goodness – is that really the time?"

It was almost one o'clock in the morning.

"The news never sleeps," she replied coolly. "You should know that better than anyone, Headmaster."

Ozpin shot her a knowing look. "You've got your claws into the police department, no doubt. Tell me, how many of them report to you directly when something interesting crosses their desk?"

She remained silent.

"The events that transpired tonight were part of an authorized operation sanctioned by Beacon Academy. You may quote me on that," he smiled. "If you wish for any further information, you may contact our offices and we will be happy to provide any details you wish for."

"That is very kind of you," she said after a moment, her words at odds with her expression. Cold eyes regarded him. "I see you haven't changed since last we spoke."

"Neither have you, dear. Perhaps a little wiser."

There was something going on between them that went over all of their heads. An unspoken tension. Jaune had once felt like Lisa Lavender was a dangerous woman and this only reinforced that opinion. Anyone that could make her hesitate was just as dangerous, and Jaune still didn't know what to make of the man they called Headmaster.

"I won't hold you up any longer," she finally said, moving around them and ascending the stairs. "Expect a call soon."

"And a good morning to you, Ms. Lavender."

There was a van waiting for them on the street that would take them back to Beacon. As they got seated and comfortable in the back, it was Nora who broke the silence.

"The hell was that about?"

Ozpin slipped into the driver's seat.

"Lisa Lavender is a woman you should do well to avoid," he told them, eyes meeting them in the rear view mirror. "Not only does she not have your best interests at heart, her semblance is as dangerous as they come."

"Her semblance?" Ren frowned. "She is a Huntress?"

Ozpin shook his head. "She is not. She does have training, however."

"What is her semblance?" Weiss asked, curious. They all were.

"She can influence the way people perceive her," he revealed. "With but a thought, she can make herself appear as the most trustworthy person you've ever met or send you fleeing in fear, cowering in her very presence. A helpful ability as a journalist, most definitely. People will spill their secrets and be happy to do so."

Pyrrha's face was grim. "That… is an extraordinary semblance."

"It is. She can seduce at a glance or make herself insignificant, and go beyond notice. It is versatile and dangerous, and difficult to catch when you are being influenced. Thankfully, once you know of her ability, it becomes much more difficult for her to manipulate you, and so I give this knowledge to you. Even so, as I said, it would do you well to stay clear of her in the future."

So that explained their previous meeting. Jaune had been a little too willing to share with her, and that was likely the reason.

When they arrived back at Beacon, they were dismissed. Blake's hands fidgeted as they made their way to the dorms, unable to control her fingers. It wasn't just her hands, though. The ears atop her head were twitching nervously, reminiscent of a skittish cat.

"Thanks for tonight," Jaune said. "And sorry we dragged you guys into it."

Ruby smiled. "Hey, we were glad to help. Right guys?"

Yang gave him a thumbs up. "Anytime. I had a blast."

Ren nodded.

"We're glad that everything worked out," Pyrrha said warmly. "Welcome back, Blake."

Blake flushed lightly. "T-Thank you."

JBWN was then left alone. Nora entered their room first, stretching her arms above her head.

"Well, I'm bushed," she said loudly. "I'm having a shower and then going to bed."

"Weiss…" Blake began but the heiress held up a hand, silencing her.

"It's been a long night," she said before frowning. "It's been a long weekend. I'm sweaty, and wet, and tired. We can speak about this in the morning."

"We shouldn't wait," Blake tried to press but Weiss rolled her eyes.

"Are you that eager for me to yell at you?"

"Weiss…"

"Because I am going to yell at you, you understand that, yes?" Weiss glared at Blake before her face softened. "Blake – listen, and listen well – I'm angry. I'm furious. I hate secrets and I hate liars. The White Fang… they've hurt me, in ways you might find difficult to understand. I hate them, and all who support them…"

Blake looked like she was about to cry.

"...but I realize that I've been unfair," Weiss continued softly. "My words have been careless. I have no problem with faunus, Blake. Do you believe me?"

She nodded.

"Your past… you had your reasons, I'm sure, and if or when you feel ready, I'm willing to listen. I understand that you left them behind because you no longer agree with their methods. But you must accept… it'll take time for me to forgive."

"I know," Blake said quietly. "I know. Weiss, I'm so sorry. You were right about them. They're targeting those stores and I didn't want to believe it, even though I knew how far they've fallen. I was angry hearing it come from you because you're a Schnee and for so long, I hated your family – will you ever forgive me for being so stupid?"

"Will you ever forgive me for being unreasonable?" Weiss countered. "Will you continue to be my – my friend and partner?"

She was tearing up. They both were.

They both hesitated before they came together, hugging each other hard enough to hurt. Jaune looked away as he heard them both sniffle, and met Nora's eyes.

She grinned and mouthed, "About time."

Yeah. It was about time.

"We can talk about this more after a nice, long sleep," Weiss released Blake, almost reluctantly.

"Okay," Blake said softly.

They'd been excused from classes for a day, so they basically had a long weekend. They could sleep as long as they wished.

"And – those uniforms," Weiss looked between Blake and Jaune. "Burn them at once. They're unsightly and upsetting."

Jaune looked down. "I don't know. They're actually really comfortable," he flapped his arms up and down. "Think I could get away with wearing them around campus?"

She scowled as Blake laughed lightly. "Comfortable, are they? Let's see how comfortable they are when I set them on fire!"

"I don't suppose we'll be getting our clothes back?" Blake sighed. "I… really liked that hoodie."

They were probably lost to them. Either they'd be taken as evidence when the police raided the warehouse or the White Fang moved out after they'd left, taking everything with them. Jaune very much doubted they'd be seeing them again.

"...I just bought that shirt," Jaune said sadly. "And those jeans."

"My shoes," Blake mourned.

"I'll buy you a new shirt," Weiss sniffed. "And a new hoodie, and shoes or whatever you like – so long as you destroy those ghastly outfits."

Nora showered first, followed by Weiss, and then Blake. By the time she was done, both Nora and Weiss were fast asleep. It was a testament to their exhaustion that Weiss was even snoring a little. It was very cute.

When the bathroom door opened, Jaune waited for her to exit before slipping inside. He was about to close the door when suddenly she rushed back in behind him, turning him so his back was against the door as it closed.

"Blake…?"

She was dressed for bed in her yukata, her long raven hair damp from the shower, the fur of her cat ears wet. He could smell her shampoo and body wash everywhere, the room filled with steam and her scent. One of her hands was on his chest, though it applied no pressure. If he wanted to push her away, he could.

He didn't.

Honey hued eyes stared up at him, shimmering. His breath caught in his throat.

"I have no way to thank you," she said, voice low. "For everything you've done."

His tongue felt heavy as he spoke.

"I don't need anything, Blake," he told her. "I'm just glad you're here. I wasn't doing it to gain something from you."

Her pink lips looked moist and full as she said, "But I want to give you something, I want to show my appreciation."

Jaune was dense. But he wasn't that dense. The situation they were in… it could only mean a few things. His blood pumped faster at the thought, at the possibility.

"Blake… are you sure?"

"Let me," she implored. "This is all I have."

He nodded. "Okay."

Jaune knew what was about to happen, and knew that it might be a bad idea. Blake was high on emotions and they'd just been through an ordeal together. And yet he did nothing as she leaned forward, standing on her toes, and kissed him because he wanted it too.

What guy wouldn't want to kiss an incredibly attractive girl?

They both froze, blue and amber locked – and then she fell against him, her mouth molding to his. Jaune placed his hands on her hips instinctively, pressing back against her, and then he felt her tongue.

He hadn't been expecting that. Jaune was expecting something more chaste, a quick peck, lips only. This wasn't that.

His mouth opened, and they kissed passionately. Her mouth was hot and wet, and tasted a little sweet. Their tongues rolled together smoothly, their lips smacking wetly as they devoured one another in a frenzy. He squeezed her hips and she moaned into his mouth, her soft, womanly body leaning against him. He could feel her breasts against his chest, covered only by her yukata, and remembered how they'd looked in that purple bra, plump and inviting. Now he had the time to appreciate it, free of danger. Jaune felt his body react, blood flowing south but before things could become even more heated, he broke away.

As much as his body craved more, this was the responsible thing to do. He should be responsible, right? As a friend, as team leader – it was the right thing to do.

One part of his anatomy didn't think so.

Blake gasped as their lips separated, her molten gaze begging for more. Her lips were slick with saliva and pouty, calling him back. But then awareness returned to her, and she stepped away hastily.

Yeah. He'd made the right call.

Her face turned beet red.

"Um, ah – eh?"

Jaune cleared his throat. "Right. Uh – okay. That… thank you?"

He felt like an idiot as soon as the words passed his lips.

She nodded quickly. "Y-You're welcome?"

They stared at each other in horror.

They were both idiots.

"Um – okay, bed? Yes, bed time. I'm going to bed," Blake stammered as Jaune moved aside. She lunged for the door. "Yep. Bed. Goodnight."

She slammed the door shut, a little too hard. Jaune placed a hand on his chest, feeling his pounding heart as he heard Nora's grouchy voice telling Blake off for waking her up. Resting his head against the door, he breathed in deeply.

That was his first kiss.

Not exactly how he envisioned it happening. As a thank you for being a friend.

Jaune sighed shakily.

He never expected it to be so intense.

He made sure to have a cold shower to calm himself down. A certain part of his anatomy was raring to go, and remembering how soft Blake felt and how nice she tasted wasn't doing him any favors. When he was done, he dried off and changed, and when he entered the room, she was asleep.

They all were.

His eyes lingered on her bed, wondering if she really was asleep before he crawled into his own, and even though his mind was going wild, as soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.

He slept like a log well past his usual wake up time, and it wasn't until he heard activity by the end of his bed that he slowly awoke. The sun was already high in the sky, filling the room with light, a bright shaft passing across his face – and standing at the end of his bed was Nora, a tray balanced in hand.

"Heya partner," she chirped.

Jaune blinked – and then blinked again.

"What time is it?" he asked groggily.

"Ten-thirty," she replied. "Hungry?"

He was. Ravenous, even.

Jaune sat up and he watched as Nora swooped in, setting the tray on his lap. She then proceeded to fluff his pillows and stack them behind his back, giving him the full treatment.

"What's going on?" he asked warily.

"What do you mean?" she beamed.

It was strange enough that Nora was awake before he was. It was doubly strange that everyone else was awake before he was, a quick glance confirming that he was the last one in bed. Even Weiss was absent, the notorious oversleeper. Add in the fact that Nora was waiting on him, hand and foot was really setting alarm bells off in his head.

"Nora," he stressed.

She just laughed. "Jaune-Jaune, everything is fine. I'm doing this because everything is fine, thanks to you."

She sat down on the bed next to him, her expression full of fondness.

"Our team could have broken apart but you stepped up and made sure it didn't, so I'm just showing you my gratitude," she said earnestly. "We've only been a team for a short period of time but I see you guys as family. I was scared that it was going to end."

She gestured at his food. She'd gone all out. There was bacon and eggs, mushrooms, hash browns, beans – something Nora despised but Jaune loved them – and two pieces of buttered toast. She'd even filled a tall glass with chilled orange juice.

Jaune felt like a king at this moment.

Was this how his father felt every time his mother brought him breakfast in bed?

"I didn't do this alone," he told her seriously. "You had my back. All of you did."

"And I always will," she leaned against him, nuzzling her head against his shoulder. "Ever since we got here, you've shown me that you're a man worth following. I'm glad you're my partner."

Jaune swallowed, affection clogging his throat. "I'm glad you're my partner too, Nora."

She turned her head slightly and grinned at him cheekily. "And to think it all started when you saw my panties."

Jaune groaned. "Can we please forget that happened?"

"What color do you think I'm wearing today?"

"Nora."

She giggled at his flustered expression. "Come on, guess."

"Do I have to?" at her unimpressed stare, he sighed. "Fine. Blue?"

"Wrong~! Try again."

She was being particularly silly this morning. He didn't hate it.

"Red?"

"Mmm – that would be a little too saucy for a regular day, don't you think?"

Jaune shrugged, jostling her head. "Is that how it works?"

"Maybe you like that type of thing… I'll think about it for the future."

"Please don't."

He didn't need her selecting her underwear based on what she thought he liked. Jaune knew that it would somehow come back to haunt him.

"They aren't red. Guess again?"

"I really don't know, Nora."

"Hmm. Fine. Be that way. Eat your food before it gets cold."

Jaune dug in and it was good. He was even hungrier than he thought he was and devoured the entire plate in a frenzy. It had been a large portion of food and he still felt hungry after finishing, polishing off the glass of orange juice.

"Good?"

He nodded. "Yeah, it was good. I'm still hungry though."

She looked amused. "We can get more."

That sounded like a good idea.

But first, "Where are Blake and Weiss?"

"They're having their talk," Nora became subdued. "Weiss woke up first, can you believe it? I guess things were weighing on her mind and she wanted to clear the air, so they've gone for a walk. They wanted a little privacy, so I went and had breakfast before bringing yours."

Jaune would be lying if he said he didn't feel a little bit worried. Weiss and Blake could argue about the color of the sky and this was much more serious than that, but their conversation before bed had been positive. His worry was eclipsed by his belief that things were about to work themselves out for the better.

"I guess I'll hit the showers and then we can go to the dining hall."

Nora popped up off his bed and gathered his tray.

"I'll go take this back. Meet me there?"

Jaune nodded. "Yeah, see you soon."

Nora paused at the door, giving him a sly look over her shoulder. "And for the record – I'm not wearing any today."

Jaune stared as she bounced up and down, her skirt fluttering dangerously before she laughed, vanishing into the hallway.

...She was joking, right?

With Nora, he could never be too sure.

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