Troubled Hearts: Accepting Her

Well this wasn't the way he expected the day to progress, walking back to the hotel to pick up the other half. Well, third now that Neo had made her intentions known walking with him. How did it always get more complicated no matter how much he wanted it to remain simple? Jaune Arc was a simple guy, Jaune Arc liked easy solutions to his problems. Well, Jaune Arc was also going to be in a bucket load of a lot of trouble if Pyrrha didn't agree to a third wheel. And Neo, what would she do if Pyrrha made a fuss? Would she fight the girl?

The usual playful placement of Neo's Scroll brought him out of his thoughts, fishing the rectangle from his pocket. 'So what do you think about the tower going up? You didn't seem to say anything earlier.'

"Oh, I think it's going to be great. And you'll be able to talk to people again, over the net." It was the truth, not the entirety of it, but the happy parts. "Although, I'm a little worried that Nora is helping. She's a bit of an excitable person, so hopefully nothing happens."

Handing the device back to Neo, he looked down into her eyes. She was smiling a little, looking back at him with those unique eyes. Everything about her was unique, she was a short woman, twin colored hair atop an adorable face. And wearing her usual top cut jacket and shirt. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen her in anything other than that. Wonder why? It wasn't really that important, what was was that Neo was with him, and Jaune enjoyed her company as much as he did. But there lay the crux of his problems.

I can't deny what I said a few days ago. I still love her, even if I want to move on she's there and I'm still not over her. Jaune never really thought he'd move on, that he'd pine for Pyrrha til the end of his days. Then Ruby left with Yang and their uncle, Weiss was taken away, Blake ended up where she did. And that left Jaune with his team, along with a few other teams, to figure out putting Vale back together. Work has an interesting effect on you, the way it numbs pain. But then, a little woman named Neo can have the opposite effect.

Or just more pain, as the rectangle was shoved into the side of his head. He smiled an apology at her, taking her offering. 'You've been way quieter than any other time since I've known you, what's on your mind? And please don't say you're worrying about work, or Cinder, or the dumb stuff you always worry about.'

Getting caught in your own routines was a pain sometimes. "Alright, well, I was just thinking about how things have gone. How much the last few weeks have changed everything," Jaune confessed, trying to convey as much sincerity as possible. "It's like I don't even recognize myself anymore."

'What do you mean by that? You don't ever change, you're a goofy guy who's far too honest for his own good.'

"Well, I guess you've got me there," he lamented, trying to ignore the grin Neo was giving him. "It's not quite like that though, I was moping around a lot before... you showed up. You gave me a lot to look forward to each day." Well, and a lot to do in the middle of the night. Standing on a wall for hours wasn't exactly fun, even with her. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... thank you. For staying with me."

Instead of receiving another cheeky grin, she looked away and down with a soft smile. Neo's hand snaked inside his own, and they walked the rest of the way in silence. The hotel loomed overhead as Jaune walked through the double doors, Neo trailing slightly as she still held his hand. The lobby was filled slightly, but they passed through without incident. Back in the hallways Jaune walked quickly toward his own door before stopping to glance down at Neo. She nodded back in answer to his silent question.

"Oh, you're back. How did things go?" Pyrrha called out as they walked through the door. It sounded like she was in the bathroom.

"Yeah, I ran into... Nora and Ren on the way back here. They're doing well, helping out with the temporary tower." And helping me try and be a normal person after all. "What have you been up to?"

Pyrrha stepped out from around the corner, breathing in deeply before turning to look at him with those striking red eyes. "Well that sounds nice, I went out early to find that one woman I was talking about a few nights ago. Sadly I couldn't..." she paused, looking past Jaune at the only thing he was afraid of. "Um, Jaune. What is she doing here?"

There wasn't any malice in the question, but just the same a Scroll whizzed past his ears and at Pyrrha. She caught it with a quick snap, bringing the screen up to her face. Jaune turned back to look into a slight glare from Neo. "I'm guessing she said she's going to tag along wherever we end up going today?"

Pyrrha walked over, returning the machine with a half smile. "More or less. Well, where do you want to go then Jaune? I'm assuming somewhere with her in mind now." Well, at least they weren't at each other's throats.

Looking back at Neo, brown eyes looked up into his with a hint of anger. And strangely enough, exasperation if Jaune wasn't mistaken. "You know, I think I have an idea. It's been a while now, and I never got to have much of that ice cream." This time, pink eyes flashed back. And the smile underneath was all the reason he needed to not worry about how the rest of the day would go.

"So this diner, it's where you met her?" Pyrrha asked, passively looking between Jaune and Neo. She was sitting haughtily, like the high paid whores that would try and tell you they enjoyed their job.

"Yeah, I came in after wandering around the safe zone for an hour. Was hoping to get something to eat," Jaune claimed, leaning back with a calm air. The way he sat was anything but calm, neck tense, arms slightly pressed into his seat. "Then I saw these two guys come in and start staring over at her. So I... got up and butted in."

Well, he more came over and started to act like he was my friend, maybe even lover. But... it helped, and it was nice. Neo pulled out her voice, tapping along with the story to fill in some of the details and insights Jaune didn't have. She slid it over to Pyrrha, watching the boy try to keep a straight face as his date read all the little things. A small giggle from the girl brought Neo's attention over to her, watching a smile creep up her face. Well, he is kinda nosy. And his lines are all the cheesiest you've ever heard.

Pyrrha giggled a little bit more before sliding the Scroll back to her. "It sounds like you two hit it off very fast if what she said is true. I suppose it's been a nice time for you too Jaune?"

"Uh, yeah. I mean... uh, I don't really know how to answer that Pyrrha."

Neo placed her voice in front of him, tapping on it a little to make sure he saw. 'I think you already did. For what it's worth, I told her how nice it's been to have a goofy guy to protect.'

Jaune looked up just in time to catch her smile, the warm kind she always saved for these moments. They'd already ordered, Neo picking out a modest ice cream order this time. That super deluxe thing was an absolute nightmare to finish quickly. And besides, Jaune said he wanted some. It would be nice to share something with him that wasn't so close to the heart. Pyrrha picked out an elaborate chicken dish while Jaune opted for a simple burger. They're very different in the way they act, but I can see why they ended up together. Not that Neo wanted to let that continue.

"Oh, Jaune, I hate to ask this but how was the last... meeting, with Cinder?" Pyrrha was cringing at the mention, those bright red eyes barely staying open at the mention of the harridan. Good, at least we agree on one thing.

"Well," Jaune said with much less vile than Neo was expecting, "she's been a lot less... intense recently. Ever since going to that jazz club she's only wanted to walk around with me and talk about these random things. Like, if I ever heard about how Mantle was brought down, or the Faunus uprising." He shrugged briskly, shaking blonde locks that were starting to get too long. "I don't understand that woman."

"Well, it's probably for the best," Pyrrha stated solemnly, touching the collar at her throat. "It's a miracle she's done nothing so far, best we don't press our luck any further."

Neo raised her voice up, typing as visibly as possible to interject in the conversation. She handed off the finished message to Jaune, giving him a serious look to accompany it. 'Don't think she's just trying to have a good time, that witch is cunning and devious. She said that there wouldn't be any risk during the breach, then when Roman was taken she said it was all part of the plan. Countless lies later, we're here.'

"You knew her, Neo?" Pyrrha asked, curiosity in those bale eyes of hers. Neo nodded back, thinking about how those eyes would look on her. "Well then, I guess you're better qualified than me. I only knew the schemes she wanted to enact, and only barely." She swept her eyes from Jaune back to Neo, and they widened in shock at what they found. "N-neo! Your eyes, why... how are they that color?"

Fevered blue eyes joined her as Jaune stared at her. "Neo, I know she's not exactly a friend, but that's a little bit of a sore spot." There was no anger in his words, and a smile at least said he wasn't upset. It wasn't entirely intentional, but I guess it's a little much. She shifted her eyes back to their usual color, earning a sigh from her two companions.

"Thank you Neo, that's... that's not me, at least, that isn't what I want to remember is me." Pyrrha held herself a little, trying to slowly calm her breathing. What does that mean? Is she... but then that means she's different from how... Neo reached over, taking up Pyrrha's hand as she calmed down. The woman gave her a confused look before finally smiling a little, squeezing that hand in some kind of unknown solidarity.

"I guess you two are a little closer than you thought, huh?" Jaune mused, taking a sip from his glass of water. Neo shrugged it off, preferring not to rise to such an easy comment. Pyrrha was still as confused as before, but her smile didn't waver.

"So what else has been happening... how is everyone," Pyrrha stuttered, clearly trying to force the last word out, "else?"

The look in her eyes spoke volumes about what she meant. "Pyrrha, you don't have to keep doing this. I'm sure that-"

"No, I want to hear about them. About everyone who's... still around." Her stoicism was admirable, Neo didn't think the girl would be so eager to hurt herself like this. She wouldn't have been.

"Well, Nora and Ren are ok, they stay at the warehouse with all the other normal team members left. I'm surprised we haven't run into Coco yet, she's been a big help in getting things set up. Then I guess," Jaune paused, breathing in sharply, "there's Sun's team. They aren't doing great, and with him out chasing Blake they're just trying to keep busy."

Were these all the people she wouldn't be able to see again? Did they all know her, like her? Neo couldn't fathom knowing that many people and not being hated by them. Life had a way of twisting expectations like that, perverting a young girls simple wants into tortured scars. She had a light to shine away that darkness. And now, now Neo would be someone else's light for the first time in her life. It feels... weird.

"That's... good to hear. I'm happy for them, that everyone is alright and doing well."

Jaune sighed, leaning on the table. "Not everyone is doing well. Most of Coco's team are in the hospital, they got hurt real bad. Cardin's team as well."

"Oh, I see," Pyrrha whispered, slumping down in her seat just a bit more, "I wish I could have done more."

Neo slid the Scroll across to her, giving a coy wink and a broad smile to try and cheer her up. 'I don't think you could have done more, most people don't get to sit here after what happened to you.'

Pyrrha looked down at the message then back to Neo. There was mirth there, behind the confusion, but she could guess what would come first. "I don't quite understand, first you mock me, then... you're trying to be nice?"

Neo held her hand out for her voice, taking it and swiftly running out another message. If only if only the words would come out. 'I'm trying to be nice because I want to be nice. Just because you're strong and brave and think you can do this alone doesn't mean help isn't there. Someone like you told me that once.'

"Someone like me?" Pyrrha queried, clearly getting over her puzzlement to regard her with a look of curiosity. The woman was indeed striking, now that Neo was able to look at her rival with a critical eye. Tall. Why are they tall? Why is Cinder and that trollop at the hotel tall! Getting worked up over that wasn't going to do any good, so she focused on the other things. Vibrant red hair and pale skin, those seemed to also be defining traits.

"I think I can answer that for you. Neo was involved with someone who took care of her for most of her life. Right?" Neo gave Jaune a curt nod, it was enough of an explanation for right now. "Well, back during... the attack, she lost him."

The shortness of it stung more than Neo was expecting, a breath escaping from her as she felt the unwanted change in her eyes. Pyrrha gasped, reaching back across to snatch up the hand that had let go of hers. What does she know? She's the one who died... that's not fair though. Trying to lay the usual anger on Pyrrha, someone she only knew a little, for what had happened. But even though she'd tried to hurt this woman out of fear, the smile was still there and a helping hand. I'm the one here to help you out, stop it. It was nice either way as Neo squeezed the hand that had snatched hers.

"Alright you three, enough with the gloomy faces. Mama Plàtan made you a special bowl here," the server announced, rolling the bowl along the table to Neo. "You can't be sad with a banana split sundae. And here's your food miss, sir. Enjoy."

The whole table smiled back at her, saying their thanks for the treat. Neo slipped out her Scroll, tapping out the message she wanted to convey since they arrived. Stealthily sliding it over to Pyrrha, she took up her spoon to dig into the treat Jaune so wisely suggested. A little gasp informed Neo that her message reached its mark, glancing up to the glassy crimson orbs of a kindred spirit. I'll help, but don't think for a moment that I'm rolling over for you. That question still isn't settled between us.

"Thank you Neo, I'll make sure to take your advice. I've... never really been alone before," Pyrrha admitted, looking hopefully out at Neo. "But I think we're still gonna have to settle something else."

Oh, so you still have some fight in that overly polite, good-wife self of yours? Well, I'll have to make the first move, she thought, digging a large spoonful of the dessert up. Catching Jaune's eye, she smiled and held out the spoon in silent offering. The chomp was a delightful victory in a battle that didn't feel all that heated anymore.

"So you two were able to find her, corner her, but still didn't succeed?" Cinder asked for a final time, watching the two men squirm. "I told you how to see through the brat's tricks, so what happened?"

"Ma'am, there... there was this Huntsman boy. We got distracted ma'am, and she snuck around us." Her two henchmen tried to avoid her furious gaze as they explained their bumbling of a simple snatch job. Cinder Fall was patient, she was understanding of unexpected things. But Jaune was not something that should have stopped two hardened criminals!

"Idiots." There wasn't anything else to do with them now, and something was bothering Cinder. "You two, we're changing things slightly. I need you to start drumming up support with the law enforcement." They looked at her confused, trying to make sense of the simple request. "Don't think, obey. Now go!"

She watched the two thugs shuffle off out of sight before sitting down in the warehouse where this whole ordeal started. What are you doing now that I'm seeing nothing but pink? The feeling of joy was washing through her with a bright and cheery push at the edges of her mind. Cinder didn't think they were going back at it, that feeling was entirely something different. And the intensity, while there, was diminished now. Perhaps time without having the collar in use was making the link grow weaker?

"But the real question is, why are you so happy?" Cinder asked no one, trying to put sound to her thoughts. "You shouldn't be able to find that joy, your home is destroyed, your friends are hurt or worse. You can't even go to them without causing a panic if I guessed right. So what?"

Still, Pyrrha was having a good time, a great time by the feel of it. Was she out enjoying something sweet, or is Jaune being that good of a man? The unknown bothered her, especially since she knew so much about what lay just outside of her sight now. The threat Salem posed, Cinder was privy to all of the dark horrors that waited on the edge of reality. Waited for the last bastion of man to wash away in a sea of despair and terror. Waited for her.

"So what's stopping me now?" Why am I trying to find any excuse to start pushing back already? Cinder never wanted Salem to win, but the old fool couldn't know that. She needed to complete the play to standing ovations, to win the trust and, more importantly, blind adulation of the monster. So why did she want to jeopardize that all of a sudden? For the fun of it, or the thrill that was missing so often in her life?

Maybe the boy would have some insight, Cinder had been honest enough with him. Perhaps it was time to talk about the future, regardless of anything else, and to discuss what it really meant by her being with him. Cinder had a day tomorrow, maybe it would be best to try and find some direction with the only person she's ever confided in. The other two would wait, for the right moment, for the chance to cause some mayhem. They would follow her, but what about Jaune?