Troubled Hearts: It's All in the Mind

Neopolitan had never felt so humiliated in her life. She stood on a small bastion looking out over the Grimm infested city in a bright blue uniform. And it itched. And was two sizes too big. They expect me to fight in this? I wore skin tight clothing for a reason. It didn't matter now, she'd deal with it when the opportunity arose, maybe burn it in front of the office. I don't think that's allowed. And so her thoughts raced onward; Neo scanning the rooftops for any oddities tonight. A shadow skittered by in the distance.

"Hey, new girl, you seen the fabled Night Meower? All of the rookies claim to see her, but they can never find her again."

Neo looked over at the guard yelling at her some two posts away. A scrawny man, not exactly the type she'd peg for fighting off Grimm. Then again, she didn't look like the type to fight off Huntresses and military personnel. But the world moved in strange ways; Neo didn't think she'd be standing next to an officer of Vale. She didn't think she'd effectively be an officer of Vale. That boy had really done a number on her. Neo didn't really mind though, it was exciting.

"Hey Bole, leave the new girl alone. You know she can't speak, that was the first thing they said. And besides, do you want to end up like the captain?"

"Aw, it's just the same thing they did to me a few weeks ago. Lighten up."

A few weeks ago. When the wall was going up. Neo thought about that time, the chaos in the streets. She'd holed up in the safe room, waiting for it all to end. I really was pitiful then, you'd be so disappointed. And now she was everything they'd fought against. Maybe you'd still be disappointed in me, but it isn't so bad. Boring maybe, but not bad. Neo felt at the smooth back of her Scroll, missing the voice she had lost. But it wasn't all loss for her, someone had come from the darkness to comfort her.

"Hey Neo, almost time to go home," a bright voice behind her declared. She turned to find Jaune walking up the steep steps. "Did you see the Night Meower? Seems like all the new guys do."

Neo looked up at him with a slight frown before pulling out her voice. 'Not you too. And why are you here anyway? It's dangerous with you-know-who here now.'

His face softened at the words, smile fading away. "I know. I just wanted to make sure you were okay considering your... interesting recruitment."

Neo cocked an eye at him before remembering back to earlier. A mischievous grin sprouted on her face before she quickly concealed it behind an innocent face. They'd walked into the office where Jaune was working, late from the encounter with Cinder. He was right though, they just looked up at him and her, nodded, and went back to work. He led her to a small office, walking in on a large man in one of the typical blue uniforms. They'd fought over her enlistment for several minutes before he decided to see what she was made of.

"I think he's up and walking about now. You should have taken it a little easier, maybe you wouldn't be in that... tent now." Jaune tried to hide his snickering, tried and failed.

Neo let the comment pass, a light tipping of her lips the only concession to his laughter. Her replacement was walking down below toward her. She waved at him before handing off her Scroll. 'Well, let's go home. I need to get out of this outfit, fast.'

Descending from the wall, Neo watched as the fresh guard approached them. His mouth opened when he got close enough, and a shake of Jaune's head closed it again. Really? Another person with that lame joke? They began walking down lit streets, the safe zone quiet and peaceful in this late hour. Neo thought about the times when she'd strolled around at this time, effortlessly burgling thousands of Lien in jewelry. And the thought about this ridiculous Night Meower kept turning over in her head.

'So what is the deal with this Night Mewler or whatever it's called?'

Jaune looked up with a knowing smile. "The Night Meower? So you did see her."

Neo shot back a pout, trying not to let her interest in the subject give him any more joy.

"The Night Meower. Some of the guys on night watch when the wall was going up claimed they were saved by a mysterious girl in black. And afterward they heard a deep meow into the night. Hence the name."

Neo thought about it for a moment, the concept of some person running around out there and saving people. 'So we have a superhero living in Vale?'

Jaune stumbled a little. "Um, yeah. I guess we do, she doesn't really show up on this side of the wall often though."

They walked for a while in silence, enjoying the company of each other on the way back to the hotel. Light noises drifted down from tenements filled with extra people. Calm sounds, with only the occasional word said in anger at their situation. These people are taking it so well. Is this what it's always like living normally? Neo withdrew a little into herself, trying to block some of the unwelcome memories of her past. Her hand drifted outward. And met his.

Strong fingers wrapped around hers as she found her way to his palm. A warmth spread to her cheeks. Neo was so used to flirting with him that a genuine show of affection was something new to her. She glanced up under her hair to look into his face. Jaune's eyes were locked forward and a faint redness was spreading on his cheeks. She smiled before silently laughing at how uncomfortable he looked. I wonder what would happen if I did something really scandalous?

"Uh, Neo? Where are you staying? I'm almost back to my place now." He looked down into her eyes, a slight bit of shock turning into wide eyed wonder. "And why are your eyes white?"

Oh! I forgot about that! She switched back to her normal brown and pink, trying to calm herself as she fumbled with the Scroll one handed. Flicking along the keyboard, she handed the device to him. 'Im staing at te sam-'

"I can't read this, you can just type with both hands if you want?"

Neo felt the heat on her cheeks flaring hotter, letting go with regret as she typed out her message more carefull. 'I'm staying at the same place you are. And I can change my look when I want. Most of the time.'

Jaune stared down at her, handing the Scroll back with a weak hand. Was it too much? I can't help they stuck you there as well. And if that woman is any indication... She gave him a warm, loving smile to try and assuage his worries and concerns. His brow furrowed slightly as he turned to walk away. Neo watched him with a slight catch in her chest. A hand stretched backwards, open and welcoming.

"I guess we're going home then."

They walked back the last couple of streets and were finally at their building. Stepping through large double doors into a familiar lobby, the attendant nodded at Jaune before eying Neo. Neo saw her eyes narrow slightly as she walked hand in hand with Jaune before turning away and back to her work. Well good night to you to, stuck up-

"Alright, I guess this is good night." His words were soft but unsure.

Neo looked up into blue eyes, narrowing hers with a sly intent. She slowly snuck her voice into his hands, keeping his gaze locked. What will you do?

Jaune finally noticed the slight weight, pulling the screen up between them. Neo waited patiently for him to read the short message. And she waited. And waited. Waited.

"I, uh, I think I'm just... gonna go... to my own room. Uh. Good night!" His words rang down the hall as he scuttled away, trying his best not to break out in a run. She stood there, watching him go after refusing her offer. A slight pull in her chest told her she was sad now. But Neo's mind was running in a different direction.

Maybe I shouldn't give him the option to say no?

Light blasted the room as Jaune opened the curtains, the sun directly in sight this early in the morning. It was a rather unusual thing for him to do lately, getting up now. But he couldn't sleep with the way his thoughts were running. A light memory drifted up from the depths of his mind. And he quashed it as fast as possible, the heat on his face burning him alive. What is wrong with you? You know Pyrrha's alive, and yet? He sat down on the bed's edge, trying to get a grip on his senses. But she's just so cute! And the way she tried to type one handed?

"Geez, I don't know whether to be proud at this point or ashamed that I said no." He spoke to nobody but himself. The words fell flat, perhaps from how dry his throat was or the fact he was speaking into his hands at this point. "Oh well, maybe that'll be that. I'll miss her though."

Getting up, Jaune went about getting dressed and prepared for an easier day. No need to carry around his sword and shield; he'd been told that all that needed doing was some paperwork and courier duty. He pulled the hoodie up over his head, loosening straps so he could affix the plates he called armor. I wonder what Cinder is doing. Jaune tightened the straps back down before freezing. Why am I thinking about her? The perfectly framed face flashed into his mind's eye before he could stop it. Seriously, what is wrong with you? She'd kill you as soon as date you.

Finishing up, Jaune stepped out of the room and into a long hall. No one was up and about at this hour, and he found it refreshing to be able to be alone with himself for a moment. The last few days were something alright, he'd almost gotten killed by a woman, then went on what could only be described as a date with her. A former criminal was hanging around him, and he wasn't ashamed to say he enjoyed her company. And Jaune still couldn't believe that Pyrrha was alive again, even if she was working with Cinder.

Stepping out into the lobby Jaune breathed out in relief. This wasn't going to be a strange day, he could just feel it. The attendant from the night was still there, working diligently on the last few details of her shift. He caught her eye and waved a friendly goodbye. She was always nice to him when he got back late.

"Oh! Mister Arc, you forgot your weapons again."

Jaune chuckled a little. "No, I won't be needing them today. I'm not going to be by the wall for more than an hour."

"Oh, ok. Stay safe anyways." She smiled warmly at him as he left. Always so nice.

Outside the fresh air filled him with a slight fuzzy feeling, lifting his spirits. It was going to be a good day, and nothing was going to change that. And it was, the trip to the office was uneventful, the paperwork short and simple. He'd walked halfway across town to the sight of smiling faces and bustling streets. There was no trouble with handing off the package and, upon returning, he found nothing else to do. So it was back home, maybe to read a book or something.

Walking down the lively streets was soothing in its own way. Jaune still had lingering doubts over everything, about his place as a leader. As someone people would rely on. Sure, he had Nora and Ren who knew who he really was, but what about the guards? All these people? The lovely attendant who doted on him? Jaune felt like he'd let them down when it really came down to it. But for now, he would remain upbeat and chipper, to try and give them someone to look up to.

"Well hello darling."

"Hello, how's it going Cinder?" Jaune merrily replied. He kept walking for a few moments more before sense returned to him. He stopped and swung his head into the amber orbs of his guest.

"Oh, are we feeling more eager today?" Cinder let an evil smile play on her face, swaying in her walk past him. "That's more to my liking."

Jaune watched as her eyes fluttered invitingly. "I asked you to leave me alone. It's not going to work on me." Even if you are beautiful. ...Idiot.

"Oh boo, you don't want to walk with me? I'll make it worth your while." Cinder's words flitted on the air, and Jaune had an honest moment of doubt.

"No, I'm just going to go home and enjoy the rest of this day." There, that should set her straight. Assuming she didn't decide to kill him.

Cinder stood there for a moment, seductive smile slowly cracking before falling away to a demure flatness. "Well, it was worth a try. Boy... Jaune, I want you to come with me. We're going to have a chat." She turned away and began walking without the sway. "And this isn't something you can refuse," she called back.

Well, can't say no. Scattered thoughts wandered through Jaune's mind as he walked next to Cinder. Why did she come back? Why did she want to talk to him? Why did her dress cling- not that one. I am really the worst kind of person. I'm sorry Pyrrha. The pouting face of Neo flashed through his mind as well. Well. Why not?

"So, this is... different for me. I don't normally have to be a cordial person to get what I want. But the girl was right about you." Cinder's words were soft, almost conversational.

"Who was right about me?" Jaune asked with a hint of playfulness. May as well keep her in a good mood.

"Pyrrha, come on now. It's only been a month or thereabout, you couldn't have forgotten her this fast. Especially after... that night." She shivered slightly at the notion.

Jaune felt slightly ashamed at not having come to that conclusion. "Wait, what was she right about?"

"Oh you know. As dense as a brick." He shot her a quick look of anger. "Not exactly that, I'm just paraphrasing. But she also said you weren't the type who would fall for a pretty face and thoughtless word."

Jaune thought on their... date yesterday, how her demeanor was at the time. "Cinder, why are you, you know, being so nice?"

"I wasn't being nice last time?"

"Not like this. You're almost," Jaune considered his words carefully "sweet, like a girl I once knew."

The sway returned as Cinder turned to peer into his face. "Oh, warming up again? I can help you with that." Heat rose once more on his cheeks as she giggled. "Right about that as well. She really did have you figured out."

They turned down an alley just a few streets away from the hotel, another of the convenient empty side streets in Vale. Jaune paused at the entrance, peering inward for any sign of treachery. Heat started seeping through the soles of his shoes. What is her game, why drag me all the way here talking about Pyrrha? Sweat was pooling in his shoes. I just can't figure this out, why not get rid of me and the other Huntsmen, make it OW! Jumping out of the way, Jaune saw the red circles where his feat were. And the smoke coming off of his shoes.

"I'm not a fan of being kept waiting." The words were laced with ice. Cinder turned back to the alley, walking deeper inward.

Ok, so she can. Now the question remains, why not? Jaune let the thought stir about in his head following the red dress closely. The wearer turned sharply down the gap between two buildings, pausing while he caught up. Cinder turned to face him, a grimace lining what would be a perfect almond face. A shame. Seriously? Looking him over, she finally stared up into his eyes. The look she gave could only be described as angry resignation. And she snapped her fingers. Out from the shadows walked a black clad figure, collar pulsating a slow, even red.

"Well, here we go. We'll settle this on an even playing field," Cinder intoned. She raised an arm upward, reaching out with the other to twist a strange looking bracelet. The collar around Pyrrha's neck turned black as life suddenly sprang into her limbs. "I'm sorry I couldn't just tell you."

Jaune watched as Pyrrha felt around, moving more fluidly than the night he first saw her again. Fingers felt along the smooth fabric of the dress she wore, up along the lines of her body. It must have been a waking nightmare. Wait. Did Cinder just apologize for something? Snapping back to the woman, he saw her face slowly contorting into a look of horror. A cross between despair and happiness, she slowly pulled it back under her control.

"Well. I don't think I knew about that. I'll take my leave. But first," Cinder motioned at Pyrrha's mask, "you know I can't let you keep that. Hand it over."

Jaune turned back to Pyrrha as she slowly inched up to the edges of the ornate mask. Pulling slightly she gasped as it finally let go of her face, revealing the soft features underneath. Jaune had nearly forgotten how subtle her face was, the light tilt of cheeks coupled with soft lips. He also didn't remember piercing red eyes. Pyrrha looked straight into his eyes, smiling in the same way she always did when he saw her. Is this really happening? Cinder took the mask from her hands, walking away at a brisk pace.

"Oh, one more thing. This counts as your first one. You're lucky I'm not counting that midnight rendezvous as one." With that she walked away, heels clicking into the distance.

"Um, what was that about?" Jaune asked.

Pyrrha blushed slightly trying to maintain a smile. "Hi again Jaune."

Oh... yeah. That. "Hi again Pyrrha. It's been a while." Yeah, this wasn't going to be awkward at all.

"Yeah, it has. Um, would it be alright if we continued this back at your room?" She shifted slightly, shuffling in place.

"Sure."

Jaune lead her out of the alley, stopping at the mouth with a bit of apprehension for bringing a dead person back onto the streets. He glanced back at Pyrrha, the girl holding her head low as she followed. She looked so familiar to him, but the differences were there. The eyes, her hair being held up in a loose bun. I'm sure we'll be fine, just gotta make sure we don't run into Ren or Nora. Or her. Or one of those two if they came back into town. Ignoring his apprehension Jaune strode out into the street, making his way back home with Pyrrha in tow.

Finally back at the hotel, they stepped through into the lobby. Everything was quiet, the usual patrons still out enjoying the fresh afternoon air. Jaune didn't usually run into any of the other leaders, although he'd had a nice chat with Coco Adel once. Lovely woman really. Making his way through the halls, he lead Pyrrha to his door, unlocking the room with a quick flick of his Scroll. Stepping through, Jaune quickly doffed the weighty plates and made himself comfortable on the bed.

"So... where do we start?"

Pyrrha stepped forward, holding her hands together. "Well, darling, I just wanted to say how good it was to see you... um, I mean, I'm ok."

Jaune studied her for a moment. Darling? "Are you sure Pyr? This isn't your normal everyday thing we're talking about."

She stepped forward some more. "Jaune?"

"Yes?"

"I'm not letting this chance slip by."

"What does that-" Jaune couldn't quite think of a word to explain what happened next. If he had to choose based on feeling alone, he'd have chosen glomp. It had a good ring to it, maybe even conveyed the smothering feeling of a female form pinning him to his bed. But it did feel too chaste for the things that were occurring shortly after being pinned. He'd have to take some time to come up with another word.

Neo knew she was right at this point, she really shouldn't have given him the choice. Jaune had shown up at around the same time Neo expected him to, but not in the right place. And not alone. A frantic illusion later she followed him to his room. Unlocking the door, he went inside. And the bloody haired woman followed, stepping lightly but with an intent Neo had seen before. And now those noises. She was used to hearing things like this before, from working in the seedy underworld. But not... like this. She felt the shame of sitting there, listening in on them. This won't end like this. I'm not going to give up.

Please, just give up. She can't be sated. Oh. Oh no. Cinder Fall was a woman of many experiences, she'd conquered her fair share of bachelors and even ruined the occasional marriage. But this, this was far more intense than anything she'd experienced. And why am I experiencing it too? Cinder Fall was a woman who never made mistakes, rather, she made suboptimal choices. This was one of those choices now as the flaming color burst once more into her mind.

You know you cheated? Using that prior feeling against me. The thinnest strand of pink slipped through before being consumed once more in passion. Cinder briefly considered resuming control before letting her pride win out. She would win, even if Pyrrha cheated. The people around her were staring though at the sweating woman, and she beat a hasty retreat out of the shop. The briefest moment of silent apology played through her mind as she left.