Troubled Hearts: Strong for Another

"So how have things been Jaune? You don't really go out too often anymore." Pyrrha stepped lightly across the street, walking beside Jaune as they strolled down the sidewalk. "Is it because they've got too many people?"

His eyes drifted over to her, the blue pools reflecting a rare happy moment in this world. "Things have been really calm lately, I go in and they tell me to leave since the Grimm are pretty much staying away. But the captain of the guard does thank me for going in at night with Neo. That might be part of it." Jaune chuckled a little, gazing upward with a smile on his face. "He's really scared of her, it's funny to watch."

Pyrrha could guess why, her arms were still sore two days after fighting her. That little terror is a good fighter, those legs of hers are strong. It wasn't odd to compliment an opponent, but for some reason her throat wanted to close up a little at the thought. Coupled with the recent tendencies to... override Jaune at times, Pyrrha was beginning to get a little worried. The behavior reminded her a little of Nora, or maybe Coco... or Cinder. It wasn't her in any case, she was used to being passive and gentle. Not domineering.

Jaune pointed out a little cafe with a television screen playing something, an odd sight since the tower fell. They wandered into the small crowd that was gathered inside, watching the screen transfixed. Pyrrha sat down opposite Jaune at a tall table. All around them were the softly breathing patrons watching as a movie played on the screen, an old romance picture. She couldn't fathom why they were all so fixated on a dumb old movie. Pyrrha returned her gaze to Jaune, and found him just as lost in the movie as the others.

"Jaune? What's the matter?" she asked, growing more worried as the boy leaned further in.

He snapped out of it a moment later, returning the cool blue gaze to her as he fiddled with a spoon nearby. "It's... been nearly a month since I've seen anything like this. Just books and talking to people." Jaune let out a heavy sigh. "And fighting, trying to make things better. It doesn't feel like it'll ever get better, but then something like this comes along."

The words hit Pyrrha hard, everyone here was still living in the aftermath of the battle and trying to recover. She looked back at the movie, watching as the couple stared into each other as a fire started roaring inside the building. It looked like there was no hope, and the pair embraced each other. Pyrrha knew the ending, how the man's rival breaks in and rescues them before leaving the lovers to be together. He wasn't that bad of a guy though, and she clearly was so much better with him. Still, it was just a movie.

"Pyrrha, do you ever think that you're doing all the wrong things?"

The question startled her, bringing her focus back over to Jaune as he stayed gazing at her face. She mulled it over, admitting to herself that she did feel like it was all going wrong once in a while. "I don't really think like that often Jaune, but I would imagine we all do from time to time."

"Well I feel like that right now. Like I'm trying to juggle everything and everyone." Jaune slumped down, resting his head on the table. "I don't deserve all of this, being treated like I am. What did I ever do? I'm just a big liar."

Where was this coming from? Things were going well, although the last... date with Cinder got weird according to him. So why was Jaune beating himself up? "Why don't we grab a drink and relax? Like you said, it is getting better." Pyrrha believed it was, but the nagging feeling wouldn't go away.

Jaune nodded, waving for the waitress behind the bar to come over. She was a frail thing with a great big smile, prattling on for a moment on how she loved the movie that was on. She was quite confused though, since it was a direct line that her television was connected to. Pyrrha didn't know the ins and outs of the city's communications, but was happy enough to chat with the charming young lady. They ordered a pair of frothy sodas and settled in to enjoy the last moments of the movie. Although Jaune was still looking downcast sitting there.

"So Jaune, you didn't finish your thoughts. How are the rest of things?" Pyrrha knew what she was asking, but it was good to be informed on the others.

His head lifted a little, giving her a wary eye. "Well, Cinder has kept her end of the bargain. She's not bothered me on the days she set for you." Their drinks arrived, and he sipped a little before continuing. "Neo is doing alright, although she is getting kinda grumpy about having to, and these are her words, share me with the tart and the witch. I don't know what to do with them."

Pyrrha laughed a little, another strange thing that she never thought would happen. Shouldn't she be upset over having to do the same thing Neo is? "And what about me? You seem to like talking about the others so much." Honest now, this was getting a little out of hand.

Jaune didn't seem to notice at least, his eyes widening a little as he drank slightly more than a gulp. "Ahem, uh, well... I'm just happy to be with you Pyrrha. I'm sorry if I lay all of my troubles out all the time. You've always been a lot stronger than me, and I... don't really know if I'm doing the right thing."

His words were honey to her ears, an admission she wanted for a little while now. The insanity of their situation was just a single problem weighing her down, and it was good to know he wasn't drifting away from her. "Jaune, I'm not going to go anywhere if I can help it. So don't worry about me, I'll listen to whatever you have to say."

"Thanks Pyrrha, it's been a crazy week for sure." The crowd around them gasped, and Jaune turned to see the ending she knew about. "I wonder why he did that? It must have hurt to give her up like that."

Pyrrha's smile dipped a little, accepting the very real possibility that she would have to repeat that scene. "Sometimes we do the hardest things for the people we love," she whispered, finishing off her fizzy soda. Jaune looked back at her, and she saw the smile growing on his lips.

"Should we get going? There's a lot of day left to spend."

Pyrrha nodded, getting up and stepping out toward the exit. Jaune followed after paying for the drinks, stepping out beside her and onto the busy sidewalk. Several people stopped and pointed at the television inside, a quiet rumble of intrigue building up now. A family walked past them into the cafe, and the father stopped when he spotted Jaune. He walked up to him, clasping a shoulder and silently locking eyes with the boy. I know that look, the thanks given to people like us. The older gentleman turned to join his family, and Pyrrha took up Jaune's hand to leave.

She walked with him for a little while, basking in the small warmth the winter sun gave. It seemed like a good time after a few minutes. "That man looked like he respected you a lot Jaune." The boy turned to look at her, holding her gaze as she caressed his hand. "That was something most Huntsman never receive Jaune, a thank you from the bottom of his heart. You're having an effect on these people, don't ever forget it."

"I won't Pyrrha, but... I wouldn't be anything without you or your help."

A little flutter escaped in her heart, letting the words sink into her. Pyrrha pulled him close, squeezing the boy's hand and arm with love. And strength, as he was now whimpering for her to stop. Jaune staggered away from her, rubbing his arm as she smiled an apology at him. He's gotten here with my help. Even if I... wasn't here, he'd still be where he is. Pyrrha thought of her legacy, of the future and how she would have had to entrust it to him. It would've been alright, and now she got to see it first hand as well. At least, until tonight. Tonight was going to be...

Tonight is going to be one of my nights, Neo thought, walking with Jaune back toward the hotel. It was about time too, she'd been denied the last couple nights for various reasons, but not tonight. No, Jaune had finally caved and said that he'd stay with her, that Pyrrha understood what she was asking of him. I don't really care if she didn't understand, she's in the way. It wasn't like Neo wanted to share, growing up on the streets with her circumstances meant clinging to anything you had. Although she didn't really think she was clinging at this point.

'Did you see that Beowolf? It was so big, and those buffoons were scared out of their minds!'

Jaune laughed at her message, handing the Scroll back to her. "Yeah, I only caught the tail end of your fight with it. That thing didn't know where to look." He took up her hand again, swinging it slightly as they walked.

Neo loved their walks to and fro, it was the only moment she got to be alone with Jaune and talk about the little things. He never wanted to get too deep, just jokes and fun like teasing her about her height. Neo wanted to punch him so badly after he placed her voice up on a food stand roof. She squirmed around, trying to find something, anything to get a little height to grab the device. All while Jaune chuckled relentlessly at her. Normally she'd get really angry, but coming from the boy and his innocent manner she let it slide. With a sore foot of course, Neo accidentally stabbing it with her parasol.

"Say, you don't happen to know anything about the network, do you?" She looked up at Jaune, throwing her eyebrows up in question. "Well, while I was out with Pyrrha we found a shop with a working TV. I was wondering if you knew anything, since you're so reliant on the network."

It was a fair question, Neo flicked the Scroll open and checked for anything on the connection list. Nope, still nothing. I wonder if they're close though to setting up a solution? She typed out a slow message, preferring to keep her hand enveloped in his. 'Nothing here. Do you think they've figured out something?'

"I hope so, every step we take towards getting back to normal is a step I'm willing to make." Jaune squeezed her hand, looking down with those big blue eyes. "It's exciting, to watch everyone start to come back from this tragedy."

Neo smiled up at him and his excitement even though she felt a little worried for what it meant. What would happen when the people she was around could look at her and recognize her face? That's a silly question. But then, she would have to live as someone she wasn't. Even when Neo was alone, she was still someone others recognized, they called her names and picked on her. But they remembered her at least. I don't want to go back to having to change and shift everyday. It terrified her, to be a ghost. Would Jaune also stop noticing her if she was forced to change?

"Hey, hey! What's wrong, you're shaking a little?" he questioned, leaning over and stopping their progress. "Did I say something wrong?"

Neo wiped at her eyes, trying to keep any tears from falling as she let go to type out her reply. Why can't I just be normal and speak? 'Let's just go back home.'

Jaune didn't ask any more questions, and they walked in silence for the rest of the trip. She didn't want to worry about these things, worrying wasn't what she did or wanted to do. That had been his job. Before long the building loomed overhead, the familiar double doors a welcome sight. They stepped through, the attendant who usually had the late shift greeting them with a formal distance. Neo didn't feel like antagonizing her further, she just wanted to get to her bed. Jaune led her down the hallway, stopping finally in front of the hidden panel.

She stepped through, tossing her parasol onto the weapon's bench and getting out of her jacket. Throwing herself around, Neo landed on the bed with a heavy thump and let out her breath at the last. It's never going to be better, is it? There's always going to be a past to contend with, she thought to herself as the fan droned softly in the room. The sound of clothing dropping to the ground preceded another weight settling on the bed. Jaune looked down at her, worry plastered all over his face. I guess I don't really act like this often.

"Are you alright? Is there anything I need to know?" Jaune's tone was soft, almost fatherly in a way.

Neo turned away, shifting in the bed to try and keep him at bay. It wasn't right to bother him with these problems. She felt as he rolled around on the bed, getting into a better spot next to her. I was the one who wanted him here. And now I'm going to ignore him? Neo rolled over to look into Jaune's face, finally seeing the genuine worry for her. She realized it wasn't right to ignore him, but she also wanted to get this off her chest. Her Scroll was out in her hands, and she figure she could ask.

'Is it ok if I talk about myself for a while? I've got a lot on my mind.' She watched him read, the worry slowly turning to concern as he gave the device back to her. A quick nod, and she rolled over and on top of him.

"Neo? Uh, why are you laying on top of me?" Jaune asked, letting out a couple grunts as she found a comfortable spot. "I thought we were just going to chat?"

What a silly question, of course they were going to talk. 'Well, do you want me to keep having to pass this thing between the two of us, or would you rather just read it over my shoulder?' Neo sniffed a little as she found a proper spot on his lap, wiggling to get settled in.

"Oh... ok then. Um, can you please-" he paused as she turned her head around with a frown, "nevermind, go ahead."

'So, um, where do I start I just wanted to say that I or rather-'

"Neo, please, take it slowly. I can't make heads or tales of this." Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to take some of the pressure from her. "Just... tell me what's on your mind."

Neo breathed a little, collecting her thoughts. 'I guess I'll start from the beginning. I was an orphan when Roman, the man I told you about, found me. I had a reputation by that point, not a good one.' She paused for a moment, waiting for any interruption. 'For the longest time people around me would try and talk to me. But I couldn't respond, and they all got mad. But he was so understanding, he didn't give up when I sullenly ignored him, and he helped me realize how to communicate with people. I spent a lot of time learning simple things and getting used to being around people'

"So he was sort of like a dad to you then?" Neo looked back into those pools of azure, watching Jaune smile as she nodded an answer. "My dad did a lot of that too, told me the ins and outs of life as he saw it. Of course, it was a little more embarrassing for me when he'd get going on a tirade."

She smiled at his antics before returning to her story. 'It wasn't always a perfect life. I'm not a saint, far from it. We were forced very early on to fend for ourselves, and that meant bending the rules. Or breaking them entirely, which Roman eventually fell to as a normal preference. All at once I couldn't show my face... this face, to anyone. I went from being hated to being nobody. If it weren't for him I don't know what I would have done. It was so unreal, watching people forget who you were.' She sighed deeply, unable to admit the last part.

"So you're scared we'll forget you?" Jaune mused, letting his hand rest lightly on her. "That when everything goes back to normal people will find out about your past?"

Tears welled up on the edges of her vision. Why does it have to be this way? Neo held herself, trying not to cry on top of him as the thoughts pushed through her mind. Another thing pushed through first, as she felt warm hands slip around her waist and wrap protectively around her. Neo looked back into a smile that sapped her fear, still kind eyes trying to erase her doubt.

"I don't think I'll forget about you. A little too unique to forget I think." Jaune smiled deeply at her. "Don't worry about it, if things goes wrong I'll figure something out for you."

The words cleared her doubt, as she snuggled deeply into his lap. At least if it comes to that I'll have someone like before. At least I won't be alone. Neo felt herself loosening at the thought, letting go of the anxiety and fear that plagued her for nearly a month now. And she felt something else, a discomfort on the spot she was sitting. Looking back, she scrutinized Jaune's face for any hint of what was happening. He looked normal, but... that blush, and trying not to make eye contact.

Oh no! Neo rolled off of him, huddling into herself as the moment washed over her. I'm not that kind of girl, I'm proper and dignified. Please don't think that I'd do that on purpose, I'm not like the harlot. A strong arm wrapped around her as Jaune tucked in next to her, softly laughing at her display. Neo thought about what to do, knocking him upside the head for making her so embarrassed. But in the end, she reciprocated the affection. I'm losing my touch.

Same late night, same small stack of paperwork. Melena wasn't one to complain, trying to keep the paperwork of this hotel turned barracks neat and tidy was an easy enough job. But her colleagues were never tidy with it, always scattered to and fro. A lovely lady named Coco had once given her a tip on how to make the frustration less infuriating, but it wasn't the best one nowadays. Still, Melena wasn't one to complain. She fondled her blond hair, thinking about that advice and how she could realize it.

Maybe he doesn't like blondes because of his own hair? Well, it seemed likely with the red head and the multi-hued girl. Gah, there's no point in worrying about it. If he's not going to be available, he's not available. Maybe Coco was wrong, I shouldn't worry about boys right now. Right, work was the order of the day. Returning her focus to the lobby, Melena saw a raven haired woman standing and looking around. Not someone she recognized, so it was time to go back to work.

"Can I help you?" she asked, putting on her sweet attendant voice.

The woman looked over at her, regarding her with predatory eyes. Frankly it frightened her with their intensity. "Not really, I just couldn't sleep is all. Plans in the morning and everything."

"Really, what kind of plans? If you don't mind me asking." Maybe she could help the woman talk it out, help her get tired enough to sleep.

Her guest blushed a little, but the vulturous eyes never lost their edge. "Well, it sounds dumb, but it's a date. And I have something nice planned. I'm just worried that the boy won't like it, he hasn't warmed up to me just yet."

Melena pondered who she could be talking about, or why someone who looked so sure of themselves would worry like this. "I'm sure he'll love it, if you're just yourself that's all you'll need." Her mother had told her that one the last time she'd talked to her about mister Arc.

The woman looked at her again, studying her face with slightly less intensity. "Not bad, I guess I'll keep that in mind. Miss... Melena? It was a pleasure talking to you, I'll head off to bed now. Jaune won't know what hit him."

Jaune? But what about... Melena felt her heart sinking a little further into her stomach, trying to fall out of her with the news. She needed to at least find something out. "Your welcome Miss... I'm sorry, I never got your name?"

Amber eyes turned back, flashing slightly as they swung around. "You may call me Miss Fall. Goodnight Miss Melena, I'm sure I'll see more of you." And with that the raven haired woman walked off down the hallway toward her room.

Black hair... maybe he really doesn't like blondes. Somehow, that had become the least of her worries in the silly trifles her heart put her through. Melena felt like a schoolgirl again, trying desperately to not give up on the crush she'd realized. Back to work, that was all she could do.