So, I wasn't sure what type of fic to do as my dedication to Monty, or if I even wanted to do something on the anniversary of his death. However, seeing Rooster Teeth post a reminder to do something creative in his honor prompted me to do the kind of fanfiction I like the most: a fluffy romance that's meant to make the readers smile. I know that Monty would want us all to be smiling, after all. I ended up deciding on another Poly "Juniper Berries" fic that, of course, primarily features Ren. I hope you enjoy it.

Just a side note: I may be specifically dedicating this fic to Monty, but the truth is that all of my RWBY fics are dedicated to him. They, and a lot of other works of mine, would not exist without him.

Ren always prided himself on his incredible immune system. He also was very experienced in dealing with his best friend whenever she got sick. So, when Nora started sneezing and coughing one day, he didn't worry. He simply kissed her forehead and let her copy his notes from their shared classes.

When Jaune followed suit, he printed two copies of his notes and cuddled with his sick leader, who seemed to be craving physical affection even more than usual. He grabbed extra orange juices from the cafeteria and encouraged his teammates to get some extra sleep.

When Pyrrha woke up shivering the following day, Ren resigned himself to full-time duty as the dorm's mom.

On Friday, he led a sleepy Nora back to the room after their last class of the day. She was slumped against him and sniffling quietly. "Almost there," he murmured, gently petting her hair as he paused to unlock the door.

Inside, Jaune was fast asleep and a half-dead Pyrrha was studying Ren's notes, trying her best to seem like she was fully awake. Ren wasn't fooled, though. Even before the members of Team JNPR started their slightly-unorthodox relationship, he had known about Pyrrha's tendency to downplay any pain or discomfort she might be feeling.

He kept half an eye on her as he tucked Nora into bed. "That wasn't too hard, was it?"

Nora grinned up at him. "No. Not with you around." She hugged his arm. "I'm glad it's the weekend, though. I could sleep for a month."

"The dorm would be too quiet if you did that," Ren muttered teasingly before touching a kiss to her cheek. "Sit tight while I get the soup. Try to take your medicine in the meantime."

Nora nodded. "Okay." She started fishing under her pillow for the cold pills she had bought the other day. "Ren?"

"Yeah?"

"You're the best."

Ren's cheeks flushed and a shy smile came to his face. "Careful. You'll make Jaune and Pyrrha jealous."

"Actually," Pyrrha spoke up. "I'm inclined to agree with her." She looked at him with concerned eyes. "Don't tire yourself out, okay? We can handle a cold."

Resisting the urge to point out how she was slumped against the headboard and how her eyes were drooping, Ren nodded. "I know. I don't mind, though. You'd all do the same for me."

"Maybe not exactly the same," Nora admitted. "I don't think anyone can make chicken soup as good as yours."

"Well, you're not allowed anywhere near a kitchen. Ever," Ren said in a flat voice.

"Hmph." Nora pouted, folding her arms. "I see how it is. Set the stove on fire one time, and you're labeled for life."

"And the microwave, and part of the fridge, and half the counter," Ren listed.

"Okay, okay!"

Jaune made a noise in his sleep, rolling over onto his side. His mouth hung partially open. Ren pulled the covers over his shoulders and lovingly ruffled his messy hair. He snickered as his leader mumbled something about comic books before relaxing against the pillow.

Pyrrha tried futilely to keep Ren from coming too close. "You'll catch it if you keep this up. You should go to bed, and-" She stopped when he sat down next to her and took her textbook from her hands.

"Practice what you preach, Pyrrha," he scolded as he placed the book on the ground. "You have the weekend to study. Get some sleep."

"You're right," Pyrrha sighed, too tired to put up much of a fight. She kissed Ren lightly on the neck, avoiding his lips so she wouldn't pass on any germs. "I should probably eat first." She started to get up.

"Stay there." Ren touched her shoulder. "I'll get soup for all of you."

Pyrrha started to protest, but decided against it when she saw the stern look in his magenta eyes. She shook her head ruefully. "You're too good to us."

Ren kissed her cheek while placing a warm hand on her hip. He gently ran his palm up and down her side, caressing her soft skin in a manner that he knew was soothing to her. She leaned back against her pillow, a peaceful expression coming to her face. Ren pecked her cheek once more before standing and retrieving three of the team's camping thermoses.

He started walking toward the door. "Change into your pajamas while I'm gone," he called over his shoulder. "Last time you fell asleep with your headpiece on, you got a bruise."

"Has he always been like this?" Pyrrha asked, looking over at Nora after the door closed, her eyes still slightly hazy from Ren's gentle touch.

"Yep," Nora giggled. "Though, it used to be only me he did this for, and there was less kissing since we weren't together-together yet. Don't bother telling him not to. Once he decides to play Mom, there's no stopping him."

The young Spartan shook her head. "I feel bad. He seems to be running himself ragged for our sakes."

"Don't worry about it. He actually likes it."

"What?" Pyrrha blinked in surprise.

Nora smiled toward the closed door. "He told me yesterday. He likes looking after us. Since he's not much of a talker, he's better at showing his feelings by doing things. This is basically a perfect opportunity to repeatedly say that he loves us."

Pyrrha felt her heart melt as she contemplated Nora's words. "How did we ever get so lucky?" she said, partially to herself.

"We all fell for each other, and we're all amazing!" Nora replied immediately with a huge grin. "That's how."

Jaune groaned as his teammates' chatter slowly brought him to wakefulness. "Huh?" He let out a loud yawn.

Chuckling quietly, Pyrrha stood up and walked over to Jaune's bed, slipping under the covers and into her partner's arms. She knew him well enough to know that he'd want to cuddle once fully awake. He was the most physically-affectionate out of the four, and apparently became even more so when sick.

Some would call it needy. The members of Team JNPR found it utterly adorable.

Jaune made a contented noise in his throat as he felt the warm weight settling in his arms. "Hey, Pyr," he mumbled. "How're you feeling?"

"Better now," Pyrrha purred, touching a kiss to his collarbone.

Too tired and sick to do much else, Jaune brushed his lips against his partner's ear. "I should probably get up and get food, huh?"

"Ren's getting soup," Nora chirped.

Jaune's brows furrowed as he woke up a little more. "He shouldn't be-"

"We've already been over that," Nora said, waving her hand dismissively. "We'll just have to be super nice to him once we're better. That's what I always do."

"Isn't you trying to be 'super nice' to Ren what led to the kitchen catching fire that one time?"

Nora stuck out her tongue. "Well, if that's what you wanna focus on…"

Meanwhile, Ren was in the communal kitchen. The large pot of soup he had made earlier was still in the fridge, though it looked as if one or two students had helped themselves to a bowl. Good thing I made extra, he thought as he put the pot on the stove.

He leaned against the counter as the soup started to heat up. Though a bit sleepy from caring for his teammates, Ren felt like he had nothing to complain about. He didn't like the fact that they were sick, but he was grateful for the opportunity it provided him.

Each time he held one of them in his arms, watched their faces relax as they sipped his chicken soup, tucked them in, or kissed their fevered brows, he felt like he was finally paying them back for all the love they always lavished on him. Nora had been with him from the beginning, lifting him up when his spirits were low, carrying on conversations on her own when he didn't feel like talking, and generally making him feel like life was worth living. Now, he had Jaune's adorable, awkward, gentle affection. He had Pyrrha's strong presence and unconditional loyalty. He had a family that would never leave him.

For whatever reason, these three incredible people loved him. He knew that, no matter what, he would do anything he could to return the favor.

Just as the soup started to bubble, he ladled it into the three thermoses. He poured a small bowl for himself and ate it, knowing that Pyrrha would lecture him if he forgot to eat in his efforts to care for them. He covered the pot and left it on the stove. He would be making a new batch the following day, so he'd might as well let the other students help themselves.

When he got back to the room, Jaune was awake and cuddling a sleepy Pyrrha. Ren gave them each a thermos before going over to Nora's bed and sitting down next to her.

Nora and Jaune started drinking their soup, but Pyrrha gave Ren a critical look. "You have eaten dinner, right?"

"Yes, Pyrrha," Ren assured her with a patient smile. "I ate some soup before coming back. Don't gulp, Nora," he added, glancing at his partner. "It's still hot."

"Hn!" Nora made a strained noise as the broth burned her tongue. "It's really good, though."

Ren kissed her forehead and rubbed her back as she started drinking at a slower pace. She leaned into his side, humming tiredly. Ren held her for a few minutes before standing up and repositioning her against the pillow. "Finish up and go right to sleep," he ordered, lightly booping her nose and causing her to let out an adorable giggle.

He walked over to the other bed, kissing Jaune's cheek and removing Pyrrha's headpiece before kissing her forehead. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

"We will." Jaune took Ren's hand and squeezed it gently. "You get some sleep too. Leader's orders."

"Yes, sir." Ren ruffled Jaune's hair once more before going to his own bed and lying down. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he felt a wave of exhaustion crash down on him. He yawned as he pulled the covers over his shoulders. "I love you," he said, including all of his teammates in the sentiment.

Three responses of "I love you too," sounded, and everyone knew that the words were directed at all of them.

Just a little something to brighten your week. I'll try to get the next chapter of Red String of Fate done soon, and maybe a prediction piece for what may happen next to my poor babies in the show, since it's bound to be nothing good. Please review, and let me know if you want me to make this a twoshot with Ren getting sick in the next chapter.

Rest well, Monty. You have gotten me through some bad times in my life, and have inspired me greatly as a writer and as a person. I hope to someday touch the lives of as many people as you have. Thinking about all you managed to accomplish in your thirty three years makes me truly believe that I can do it. Thank you, my friend.