Ruby and Weiss were acting weird.

It wasn’t bad, per se. It was just that Jaune felt like there was some grand secret that they were in on, and he was left in the dark. It was in the way they would share a look whenever he would say something, as if speaking without words. It was how they’d both ask seemingly random, yet innocent questions throughout the day. What type of music did he like? Did he have a favorite band? Also, what about food? Did he have a favorite dish? Oh, and if it wasn’t too much trouble, could he write down a list of all the people he considered his friend?

It had him well and truly stumped.

He almost called them out on it, but something told him to hold his tongue. Intuition, maybe. It wasn’t like it was worrying behavior. In fact, they seemed to be having fun. Weiss was smiling more than he could ever remember, and Ruby was particularly boisterous.

He found himself watching them, and enjoying it. Seeing his friends happy made him happy, and Jaune liked being happy. He hadn’t been happy in a very long time, so it felt extra potent. Little things like seeing Weiss smile, or the glimmer of joy in Ruby’s silver eyes, or just hearing the happiness in their voices… it was a balm. A healing salve applied directly to his soul.

So he didn’t ask, and they never told. Whatever it was they were doing, Jaune was glad to let it happen.

“What are you grinning about?” Yang asked, curious.

Jaune shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Doesn’t look like nothing,” she inspected him closely, the sweat beading on her brow. She had her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail today, and according to her, it was going to be a common thing going forward. It kept her neck cooler, apparently. Jaune couldn’t blame her. This heat was getting ridiculous. “Come on, tell me.”

Today they were just doing simple patrols. He usually did them alone, or with Weiss or Ruby if either of them caught him early enough. To his surprise, he’d bumped into Yang in the early hours, and she’d suggested that they roll together. Jaune didn’t mind. It felt like he had barely spent any time with her, or with Blake, so it was a welcome change of pace.

“Really, it’s nothing,” he said, and the expression on her face clearly told him she didn’t believe him. “Fine. I was just thinking that Ruby and Weiss have been acting a little odd, that’s all.”

Yang blinked. “When isn’t Ruby acting odd?”

Jaune snorted. “I guess you have me there. What about Weiss?”

“Maybe the heat has cooked her brain?” Yang suggested. “She isn’t exactly built for this weather.”

“Are any of us?” he asked dryly.

“Point taken,” Yang grimaced.

“So you don’t know anything?” he asked.

She shrugged. “Not really. I guess they’ve been pretty close lately. All of you have been. Anything I should know?”

For some reason, Jaune felt a little hot around the collar and it had nothing to do with the weather.

“They’re just… worried about me, I guess,” he deflected.

Yang shot him a look of understanding. “We all are. You know that, right? What happened… Jaune, I don’t even know what to say.”

“I get it.”

“It’s just… if I were in your position, I’d have… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t have handled it anywhere near as well as you did.”

“You think I handled it well?” he asked.

She nodded, her expression tender. “I do. I know you were… a bit stressed and high strung—,”

He almost scoffed. “You mean crazy?”

“Our words were careless, and inconsiderate,” Yang said firmly. “And you shouldn’t have had to hear that from us. I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t angry. Even at the time, he’d been more hurt than anything – but they hadn’t exactly been wrong. Jaune had been so hyper fixated on the Paper Pleasers because of his trauma that yeah, he did come off as a little bit crazy.

No, not just come off. He had  been crazy. For years, he’d driven himself into the ground, chasing an impossible goal. To never fail again, to be perfect, so no one else would die. His mind had grown weary long before his body ever did.

“If I’d been in your shoes, I doubt I’d be here today,” Yang admitted quietly. “You know me. I talk a tough game but when bad things happen to me, I take it hard. Case in point,” she lifted her robotic arm. “But you’ve always forged ahead. I’m not saying you’re perfect – but you’ve been strong when you could be forgiven for being weak. You’ve been there for us, even at your lowest. That’s something I admire about you.”

Jaune didn’t know what to say. Where was this all coming from? A simple question about Ruby and Weiss had turned into this.

“Sorry, I’m laying it on a little thick, aren’t I?” Yang laughed awkwardly. “It’s just… I’ve wanted to say something for awhile now, but I just didn’t know how. Since it’s just us, I guess it felt easier to let loose.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” she bumped him with her elbow playfully.

“I didn’t know you felt that way about me,” he admitted. “I don’t think I’m that admirable.”

“You are,” her voice was completely confident, with not a shred of hesitation. “You have no idea how inspiring you’ve been to us at times. Blake would tell you the same, if she were here. In Atlas… it felt like we were all a mess, and everything was falling apart, but you were a rock. Even Ren… what he said to you was uncalled for. It wasn’t fair.”

He hadn’t thought about that day in years.

Jaune had never taken Ren’s outburst personally. Everyone had been feeling the pressure, and Jaune understood better than most what it felt like to keep things bottled up until you couldn’t help but lash out. Jaune had almost gotten himself killed at Haven because he hadn’t been able to stop himself, and had almost killed Weiss… if not for his semblance awakening in the nick of time.

With everything in Atlas, and then things with Nora, it was understandable that Ren had been feeling the heat. As much as his brother in all but blood liked to carry himself as if he didn’t feel, that wasn’t true. He was only human.

“I’m just glad you’re here with us now, you know?” Yang continued, smiling.

Jaune smiled back. “I’m glad too.”

Loud shouting suddenly drew their attention, so they both went over to investigate. In the end, it was just a dispute over late payments, though it almost ended up in a fight. Their presence ensured that no punches were thrown, but it did little to calm the man that needed his money to buy food for his family.

Eventually, Jaune managed to lead the man away while Yang talked with the other party who owed the money.

“How am I meant to look my wife in the eye?” he asked brokenly, distraught as his anger bled away. He covered his face with his hands, on the verge of a complete breakdown. “How am I meant to look after my kids?”

All Jaune could do was suggest he seek aid. This wasn’t a dispute that Huntsmen could solve. Jaune knew a few places he could go, places he had helped out at. Some had been set up to help the refugees, but many of them were already established soup kitchens, food banks and the like. They would accept anyone in need.

When Yang returned, she looked disgruntled.

“Any luck?” he asked.

She shook her head. “They’ve got next to nothing themselves.”

They walked on in silence. That was one way to kill the mood.

The rest of their patrol went off without a hitch. Blake was waiting for them as they returned to Shade, hiding in the shadows to stay out of the heat.

“Mind if I take her off your hands?” she asked slyly, the two girls sharing a look.

“Go ahead,” he said. “Have fun.”

“Oh, we will,” Blake smirked, and Jaune didn’t really have to imagine what that meant. Yang’s cheeks turned pink, and she let herself be led away as Blake snatched her hand.

Those two were really making up for lost time. Jaune watched as they disappeared into the school, happy for them, though feeling a little… envious.

“Must be nice,” he sighed.

He thought of Weiss – and Ruby. He thought of the warmth of their hands, and their radiant smiles, pretty eyes, and soothing voices. Affection swelled in his chest, thick and fast, and then he thought of other things. Things he shouldn’t think, but did.

How would it feel to kiss those soft, supple lips? To draw forth mewls of pleasure, and taste their mouths with his own. To feel those fit, slender bodies against him.

Jaune shook his head.

He shouldn’t indulge in such fantasies.

In the Ever After, he’d done more than enough of that. When he’d been at his lowest, his mind had sought any way to stave off the loneliness. Years of isolation, and of unfulfilled desire bottled up inside had made for some vivid dreams. It was only natural that his mind had wandered to those he found attractive, even if they were absent.

Not something he was proud of, but not exactly something he had been able to control either. His imagination had been enthusiastic. It had started with Pyrrha, and no one had been spared. Jaune was sure that Yang and Blake would be horrified to know that he’d dreamt of them, more than once. Separate, together, it made no difference. Nora had been a star feature a few times. Winter Schnee. Why not? She was a beautiful, older, mature version of his biggest crush.

And of course, he’d dreamt of Weiss and Ruby.

Sometimes, he’d wake up in a sweat, his heart pounding, hard as steel – but he would do nothing about it, and let time pass, unwilling to touch himself. But for every time he did that, the next time became that much more difficult. When it got to the point where his erections refused to abate, so hard he ached, there was nothing else for him to do but tend to his needs.

Since he’d returned, he hadn’t had any such problems. Jaune had been so focused on doing his part, exhausting himself every day, his mind had been content.

But these last few weeks…

Jaune sighed.

He needed to get his head back in the game.

“Jaune?”

He turned to face the voice, and saw that it was Ruby. She tilted her head, curious.

“What are you doing?” she asked, amused. “You’re just staring at the wall.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh – just thinking.”

It was almost as if his thoughts had summoned her.

“You must have been thinking really hard,” she teased, leaning forward slightly at the waist. She peered up at him through her lashes. “What were you thinking about?”

You . Weiss .

He wasn’t about to say that, though. “Work.”

She pouted. “That doesn’t sound fun.”

Jaune chuckled lightly. “No, not particularly. What are you doing?”

“I was just going to get some lunch. Want to come?” she asked.

He nodded, falling into step with her.

“Where are we going?”

Where they were going was less of an eatery and more of a dessert shop. Ruby flushed as he shot her an amused look, her head ducking down sheepishly.

“What?” she asked defensively. “I felt like something sweet for lunch.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“But you’re looking at me like this is weird,” she pouted. “Don’t tell me it doesn’t look good!”

It did look good. The store was cool, and Jaune felt relief as they stepped inside, met with a wave of cold air. The display cases were filled with a variety of different desserts, ranging from donuts to cakes, artisan pastries, cookies and chocolate. There were a few other customers within, all younger girls, and they were all fixated on the cute little designs on some of the desserts.

“What do you feel like?” Ruby asked, side-eyeing him. “Do you have a favorite?”

“Not really.”

“Like a flavor or something,” she pressed. “Vanilla? Chocolate?”

Jaune hummed. “Why do you want to know?”

“So I know what to order for you, silly,” she rolled her eyes. “Why else? I’m buying.”

“Oh, are you?”

“Yep, so don’t argue and tell me what you like.”

Why’d he get the feeling that this was about more than just these desserts?

He had no reason to deny her, though. “Chocolate.”

“For everything?”

“Cake,” he clarified. “My mom used to make a chocolate mud cake for special occasions. It was the best.”

He was struck by a sudden bout of nostalgia, so strong that he could almost taste it on his tongue. He’d been thinking more and more about his family recently, after years of pushing the thought aside and burying it deep.

“What else?”

Jaune shrugged. “Ice cream is good – any flavor will do, honestly. We used to have vanilla with the cake, though. I like donuts.”

Ruby nodded along, hanging on his every word. It was… cute, even though he knew she was clearly up to something.

“Hello,” the young woman behind the counter greeted them when it was their turn. “What is your order for today?”

Ruby ended up picking out two slices of chocolate cake, though this was more of a normal cake with a fluffy sponge-like texture rather than the more dense mud cake his mom used to make. It was also decorated with strawberries set within the icing, giving it a more vibrant appearance. She wasn’t done, though, ordering a batch of freshly fried dough balls dusted with cinnamon sugar, and a custard tart with whipped cream on top.

There were a few small tables within the store for those that wished to eat in, so they ended up commandeering one of them for themselves, their orders placed in front of them in cutely designed boxes.

“I hope you enjoy~!” the girl said. “If you need anything else, let me know!”

She trotted away to serve some other customers. Ruby looked at their spread with stars in her eyes, hastily unboxing her slice of cake. Jaune was curious about the dough balls, and opened the bag and picked one out. They were still warm to the touch, the cinnamon sugar clinging to his fingers as he popped it in his mouth.

There was a subtle crunch of the fried outer skin before the soft, fluffy insides opened up. Jaune quickly chewed and swallowed, humming in approval.

“Good?” Ruby asked eagerly.

Jaune nodded. “Yeah. They’re good,” he then looked at their food. “This is a lot of sugar.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. Don’t you want to indulge sometimes?”

“I guess you’re right,” he opened the box containing his slice of cake, and pulled out the small fork that was inside. The cake yielded effortlessly as he pushed down, slicing a small portion off the end. Bringing it to his lips, he popped it in his mouth.

A strong chocolatey flavor burst across his tongue, rich but not overpowering. The sponge was soft and light, the icing sweet but not too sweet, velvety smooth as it melted in his mouth. Forking another portion into his mouth, he nodded, pleased.

It wasn’t his mom’s cake, but it was still very delicious.

Ruby appeared very happy that he liked it.

“Mmm, this is  soooo goood~! ” she groaned as she tried her own piece, cupping her cheek and swaying side to side. “Oh my god, Weiss is going to be so mad she is missing out!”

“We could always take her a piece,” Jaune suggested.

“We will!” Ruby liked that idea very much. “We most definitely will!”

The strawberries were glazed by a very thin layer of sugar syrup, enhancing their flavor. He found himself devouring the cake quickly, mindlessly shoveling forkful after forkful into his mouth. Before he knew it, the slice was gone.

“Try the tart!”

The custard was set within a small cup of soft pasty which crumbled as he took a healthy bite, buttery and rich. The custard itself was smooth and infused with vanilla and nutmeg, and the sweetened whipped cream took it to another level. It was only small, and after three bites, it was gone.

“Mmm,” he wiped at his lips. “That was also really good.”

When Ruby was finished with her cake, she inhaled her custard tart. Every time she took a bite, she made a cute little exclamation of pleasure, her eyes fluttering shut as she squirmed.

“It looks like you’re really enjoying that,” he said in amusement.

“I want to eat these every day,” she moaned, licking her lips. His eyes darted to them and watched that wet, moist tongue swipe across her pink lips quickly, leaving them glistening. “Can’t we?”

Jaune cleared his throat, making the effort to meet her eyes. “You might put on weight.”

“...No I won’t,” she pouted. “You shouldn’t say that to a girl, Jaune. It’s mean.”

“Sorry,” he smirked. “I’m just looking out for you.”

“I train every day, it’ll take more than a little cake to affect me, even if it was every day,” she continued before pausing, looking down at her body. “...Right? I won’t get fat or anything, will I?”

She didn’t sound so sure any more.

“No, you definitely burn enough calories. I remember you used to eat entire bags of cookies back at Beacon, and it never made a difference,” he placated her, though he added, “But diabetes is always a looming threat.”

“Psh – worse than Salem,” she muttered.

That drew a genuine laugh out of him.

They finished with the fried dough.

“Here, open up,” Ruby said, holding one up. Jaune opened his mouth and leaned back, and Ruby shot and scored. Jaune chewed and swallowed. “Do me!”

Jaune thought he’d tease her a bit and bounced it off her nose before it rolled into her open mouth. Ruby flinched, her face scrunching up cutely.

“Oi!” she complained, chewing her treat. “Now I have sugar on my nose.”

But her smile was blinding. Jaune found it difficult not to stare.

Ruby was very pretty when she smiled.

When they were done, Ruby went back up to the counter to order two more slices of cake. One for Weiss, and one for herself.

“What?” she asked, eyes narrowing when she spotted his look. “I’m going to have it later, after dinner.”

Jaune held up his hands. “I didn’t say anything.”

“No, but you were thinking it, weren’t you, buster,” she pointed at him.

“...Maybe?”

The woman behind the counter giggled as she handed Ruby her order. “You two are so cute together. It’s always nice to have couples come in for dates. It really lightened the mood.”

Ruby froze, and Jaune rubbed his neck awkwardly.

“No, it isn’t—,” he started to say, trying to clear up the misunderstanding but Ruby cut him off.

“T-Thanks~!” she shouted, ears turning red. “That’s very nice of you to say! Come on, Jaune!”

She grabbed his hand and marched him out of the store, the woman’s giggles following them out.

“Ruby?” he asked. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine!” she said loudly.

“You’re really red,” he pointed out.

“That’s because it’s so hot out here,” Ruby pulled an exaggerated look of disgust. “Come on, let's get back to Shade.”

Jaune wasn’t really sure what was up, but he let himself be pulled along. He squeezed her hand, and after a moment, she squeezed back. They walked in silence until they made it back to the school, and the blessed cooler air.

“Ruby!”

Jaune looked around and spotted Oscar rushing towards them down the hallway.

“There you are, I’ve been trying to call! I was just about to…” he trailed off, his eyes darting down. His expression froze, and it took Jaune a second to realize he was staring at their clasped hands. Ruby quickly untangled their fingers as if it burned.

“Oscar!” Ruby exclaimed.

Why did things suddenly feel awkward.

Oscar’s eyes darted between them, as if searching for something. Jaune nodded.

“Hey Oscar,” he said.

“Uh, Jaune – hi, um,” he seemed a little flustered, unable to find the right words. “Er…”

“Did you have something to tell Ruby?” Jaune coaxed.

Oscar nodded, his expression becoming serious.

“Yes, sorry, uh – some people have arrived.”

Ruby frowned. “People?”

“From Vale.”

The last they’d heard, Vale had been under attack but news out of the kingdom was slow in coming. Amity maintained communications, but the CCT tower in Vale had been damaged at some point. Jaune didn’t know much more than that.

“Your father is here.”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “What? Dad is?”

Even at the best of times, the trip from Vale to Vacuo was not an easy one. Now? It was almost an impossibility without a heavy show of force. The Grimm were always on the prowl, but these days, they were even more wild.

How’d they do it?

But it made more sense when they arrived at the Headmaster’s office.

Almost everyone had been gathered. There was Headmaster Theodore, of course, seated behind his desk. Qrow was there, as well as Robyn Hill and her Happy Huntresses. They’d been scarce lately, Jaune couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen them around. Kept busy with missions and aiding the people, no doubt. Ren and Nora were already present, as was Winter Schnee and what remained of the Ace-Ops. Another group of people that Jaune hadn’t seen in awhile, and as always, it felt wrong to see them without Clover and Vine. Elm stood stoically, arms crossed while Harriet was blank. A far cry from the woman he remembered. Marrow stood at attention but had more life to him, focused, offering a smile when he saw them.

Weiss perked up when they entered, waving. Yang and Blake were there too, and didn’t look happy. Blake in particular looked flustered, while Yang appeared pissed off and embarrassed in equal measure.

Because of the three people standing amongst them all.

A woman with long black hair and red eyes commanded the majority of the attention, her hand casually resting on the hilt of her sword. She was just as intense as Jaune remembered from his memories, all those years ago, weighing everything down with just her presence.

That was how they’d made the journey, then. Now it made sense.

Raven Branwen looked their way, eyes drifting from Oscar and pausing on Ruby. When her eyes met Jaune’s, she frowned. Jaune stared back.

He detected surprise in her gaze.

“Ms. Rose, Mr. Arc,” a voice called in greeting. Jaune blinked.

“Professor Goodwitch?” Ruby squeaked.

Green eyes crinkled happily, a far cry from the stern disciplinarian he recalled from his days at Beacon. She appeared very pleased to see them both, face soft and warm.

The last was a man of decent height, broad shouldered with short blond hair and lean, muscled arms. While Jaune had never officially met him, it was clear who this was.

Taiyang Xiao Long.

If they were here…

Dread filled him.

“What’s happened?” he asked, voice cutting through the tension. “Has Vale fallen?”

It had been his first thought, and the most devastating. Had they fled disaster?

But the expression on Professor Goodwitch’s face instantly put him at ease.

“No,” she said. “No, Vale has not fallen. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

Oscar stepped forward, but he was no longer Oscar. Arms tucked behind his back, he approached the three steadily before standing across from them.

“We are all gathered,” he spoke. “Now tell us.”

“The Grimm have retreated,” Taiyang said into the silence. “After weeks of constant attack, we awoke one morning to silence. The lands surrounding Vale have been emptied of Grimm. Not one remains.”

It could be the work of only one being.

Salem.

But the question was; why?

“It doesn’t make sense,” Goodwitch continued. “Our defenses could not hold forever. They’d already breached the eastern gate into the city, and had forced us back to our secondary fortifications. We were losing. It was only a matter of time.”

Raven shifted her weight, tense.

“Reports from those on the front say the Grimm were seen heading south in the early hours,” Taiyang looked around at them all, mouth pulled taut. “We believe they are heading this way.”

That was why they were here. To warn them.

She had given up on Vale, and now had her sights set solely on them.