Chapter Text

Day 1: Planning

"So. We're in agreement, right?" Ruby's anxious eyes ran over everyone in attendance as she nervously sipped her diabetes-in-a-cup frappe.

Yang nodded vigorously, crossing her arms in thought. "We honestly should've done this years ago."

Blake chuckled quietly, glancing up from her book. Pyrrha couldn't tell if the girl was giggling from her novel, or from the day's events, but either way, she seemed to be in a good mood. The dark-haired girl offered, "Well, better late than never."

Weiss huffed, stirring her coffee idly. "Okay, but it's not exactly like it's going to be easy. They're so far beyond just telling them to hook up, they're so dense."

Pyrrha chuckled, clasping her hands together in her lap. She fiddled with her keys, her lanyard splayed across her bare knees. She had run here directly from work- it wasn't often that Ruby messaged her, so seeing the younger girl's frantic plea for help had urged her to head straight over from her gym. Thank goodness I didn't have a booked afternoon.

However, she hadn't been expecting to find Ruby's older sister and friends in the corner of A Simple Bean, the neighbourhood's favourite hipster café. Ruby had rushed to her, guiding her back towards an empty seat. It was more than enough to fluster Pyrrha, having not seen them for so long- but smiles and simple greetings had been easy, free-flowing, and she quickly felt at home. She hadn't ever been very close with Ruby's friends, but enough time with Ruby in college had practically guaranteed that Pyrrha knew everyone in her inner circle.

One of those very people, Sun, pouted and leaned back. "So, what's the plan? You realize that there's literally nothing we can do to make them more like a couple, right?"

"But they're not a 'couple' yet!" Ruby shrieked simultaneously with Yang protesting, "But they're not sleeping with each other yet!"

A cup of dark hot chocolate with a swirl of whipped cream on top was placed in front of the Pyrrha, startling the redhead. She hadn't ordered anything. But, she relaxed, seeing who it was. The blond server was a familiar face, although she knew him the least.

The blond took a seat in the final empty chair, and Ruby clapped her hands, eyes determined. "Alright, so here's the plan. Pyrrha!"

"Hello there!" she waved automatically.

"Pyrrha is Nora's best friend."

Pyrrha beamed. "Ever since we were roommates!"

Ruby nodded. "Jaune!"

"Yes ma'am!" the blond waiter saluted by Pyrrha's side.

"Jaune's Ren's best friend."

"Ever since middle school, yup yup."

Ruby grinned, pulling out a thick folder. "We'll set up the dates, meet-ups, dinners. So, you two need to convince them to read into those things. I'll send you more detailed info later."

Weiss looked like she was about to explode. "One: is that my binder? Two: how have they lived together for so long and not realized they're practically married?!"

Pyrrha laughed quietly, shrugging. "That's what happens when your childhood best friend is basically your soulmate. Nora just thinks that she and Ren will be together forever."

"And Ren doesn't even know he loves Nora," Jaune groaned. "He's just accepted her… existing."

Yang punched a fist into her other hand, grinning evilly. "Well, that's why it's our job to make them see it. Operation Renora is a go!"

Everyone cheered (including Neptune, the barista working the till, despite not being involved since he didn't know Nora and Ren from college) and began talking strategy.

Pyrrha laughed aloud. What a ridiculous scheme. She didn't mind helping, though- Nora and Ren belonged together. She'd love to see them finally realize it.

Jaune tapped her on the shoulder, holding out a hand for her to shake. "Let's play our parts?"

Pyrrha didn't know Jaune very well. Their circles, aside from Nora, Ren and Ruby, had never run together. What she did know, however, was that he was earnest to a fault, not very bright, and loved Ren a lot.

"I look forward to working with you, partner," Pyrrha chuckled, grabbing his hand. It was large, warm. For some reason, as she squeezed his hand, she felt just a little more confident that they'd be able to pull this heist off.