We have a big chapter to close things off! Decided to update a few hours earlier than usual because the usual is right before I go to sleep, and I know very well that I wouldn't even shut my eyes out of excitement to hear from you guys after sgkbj

I'll ramble more at the end, hope you enjoy the final part!

- Our plane leaves right after lunchtime

- So if you can to see us off just give me a heads up

- Ah and ask Pyrrha if she can come too!

- Would love to say bye to her! And I'm sure Adrian would love to see her again before we leave :D

- One last thing

- I think you guys would like to have this

- [Photo]

…

saph when did you take that?! -

- :)

Jaune didn't scroll down to the remaining texts of the conversation he had with his sister. Just staring intensely at the screen, finger hovering over the photo before letting it fall in a harsh tap for a full-screen view.

For a picture that had been taken furtively, it had a pretty nice angle of the hotel's room tiny couch. It was easily noticeable there was virtually no space between his partner and him, Adrian just being a cute bundle over her lap. His own head was leaning against the backrest, hers right by his side as they were, apparently, in the middle of a conversation. Her eyes glimmered with a hint of a laugh, his hand was raised in the middle of a word, as he had been gesticulating while talking.

He replayed that conversation on his mind the best as he could, trying to remember the details. If he had to guess, he would say the picture was taken right before he had said it was impossible to not like her…

His fingertip wandered through the screen until it stopped with another light tap.

- Delete

- Edit

- Set As Wallpaper

- Share

He blinked, realizing that he didn't even know why he opened the menu, or what his intention was supposed to be. Though he couldn't help but wonder if he should send it to Pyrrha… his sister had said she thought they would like it…

Yet, his finger floated over the option directly above. He stopped. He couldn't believe he was actually considering it.

He shook his head, closing the menu with a swipe, the screen now only showing the picture once again. Jaune sighed tiredly, hunching on the chair, idly kicking the feet of the table, hand reaching for his mug with eyes still locked on the screen, his coffee getting cold after being forgotten during the past minutes.

He had woken up so early that it was probably illegal to be up at that time on a Sunday morning. Though it was no surprise, after arriving at their room - Ren being the only one there, who just sent him a knowing look as a greeting - Jaune only changed into comfortable clothes before collapsing on his bed for something he told himself would be nothing more than a quick rest. He dived into a deep slumber in a second, not even bothering about the fact the sun had basically just set, he hadn't even eaten dinner or taken a shower and didn't even stir with the sound of his other teammates settling for the night.

Though maybe falling asleep that early and waking up before everyone else was for the best. It would give him the time to think, because he certainly didn't know how he was supposed to even look, much less talk, at his partner when she eventually wakes up.

Taking a sip of his coffee, he let the drink warm him up as he gathered his thoughts.

So… there was an alarmingly huge amount of indications that his partner, his best friend, liked him? But not the partner or best friend kind of like - like actual like!

A deprecated part of his mind kept telling him that he was being ridiculous - she couldn't like him! Why would someone as great, sweet, kind… beautiful, strong… as Pyrrha would like someone like him? Though the other part one was quick to tell him he was being ridiculous for not noticing, presenting every memory, moments, words, looks, that proved his guess right - the two colliding trains of thought nearly giving him a headache.

She accepted a wacky fake dating scheme too quickly, she kissed him and seemed a bit too smug about it, she held his hand for more time than necessary and didn't shy away from contact not even once, even being the one who boldly initiated them most of the time.

"… she talks about you the same way you talk about her."

Whatever she had said to Saph and Terra when they were alone made his sister completely believe her feelings were sincere and dust! If they were, he wondered how long this has been going on…

"I just told them since I started training you."

The memory hit him like a truck. His grip on the mug unintentionally tightened as Jaune felt his face heating up. Gods, he had replied her with that's a long time!

"… If there was someone… You wouldn't even realize…"

He just blankly stared at the dark liquid inside his mug. Could Pyrrha be talking about herself? That would explain why she sounded so sure and the chilling glare that accompanied the statement.

"And we could practice…"

If her words were convincing, her actions were even more. Jaune rubbed his hands over his arms, every hair on his body standing up as the moment was replayed by his mind, he felt hot as if the heat of his coffee had been completely transferred to him, skin tingling sensitively, a tiny spot managing to stand out, right on the curve between his neck and shoulder, where her last kiss had been lightly placed. Practice. Right.

"Just… to make sure we got the hang of it?"

"That's the only reason?"

Now that was the question he was looking the answer for.

He wasn't surprised that, when he recalled the moment, every part of him wanted to scream No it's not! as a reply. Still, he wanted to be sure. He wanted to have no doubts. He wanted to know. Pyrrha liked him. And he definitely felt something he didn't yet classify. Though he knew he wanted to be true and sincere.

Not because his heart had sought a random consolation crush after a delusional experience. Not because his sister thought they were adorable together. Not because he had been swept off of his feet by her breathtaking kisses.

He wanted it to be for the right reasons.

He wanted to be because he wanted to be there for her like she always was there for him. Because he cared about her just as much as she cared about him. Because - dust! - imagining a future without her by his side was actually really weird. He wouldn't have come this far without her, she was the first person to ever believe in him, encouraging and supporting his dreams and he wanted her to know that. Because Pyrrha made him want to be better in every way, she made him happy and he simply, but purely, would do anything to make her happy too.

Because he didn't want to call it a crush. For it wasn't one, not anymore.

Now if he could only convince that part of his mind that was only reserved for doubt and anxiety… Apparently, it was going to be more complicated than he thought. After all, the idea of someone liking him for real felt so absurd - especially someone like her. Every time he entertained the idea, he had the urge to laugh, deprecated part of his mind calling him an idiot for believing something as amazing as that could actually happen to him.

"Jaune!" His staggered name brought him back to Remnant. There she was, as if summoned by his thoughts, in half a step through the doorway, still in pajamas and ponytail yet to be redone, with a few strands out of place. Then she gave him her characteristic soft smile, crossing the threshold. "Good morning."

Jaune closed his Scroll with a loud clack as she approached, fumbling with his feet around the stool. "Hm- M-morning, Pyr."

"Is everything alright?" Pyrrha asked between a repressed yawn. "You're up early."

"Y-yeah." His eyes followed her as she rounded the table. "I-it's just that-"

He swallowed his words to avoid a choke as her hand messed with his already unruly hair as she passed behind him, fingertips tickling his scalp. The sensation now familiar enough to make the strands on the back of his neck stand up.

It's just that I think I'm falling in love with you.

He swallowed back his sigh at her touch with a sip of his coffee, eyes still following her even after her fingers left. Their eyes met before she opened the fridge and directed them inside. He caught a brief glimpse of her knowing grin in response to his now burning face.

Actually… I think I've been for a while now…

"It's just that I feel asleep really early yesterday." Jaune managed the full reply after a long breath.

She giggled shortly before closing the fridge. "I noticed that."

Pyrrha sat by his side, the corner of the table between them. The loose strands of her messy ponytail fell in front of her face as she picked the lid off of her Mistrali yogurt. He only noticed he was about to raise his hand when a wave of disappointment washed over him after she tucked the strays behind her ear herself.

He felt like he should say something else but opening his mouth felt the same as lifting a pile of bricks. So Jaune just stayed there, unconsciously fidgeting with his closed Scroll between his fingers as she ate quietly - it was peach flavored… he liked peaches… if he kissed her after… would the taste stay…?

Even after their gazes met he didn't acknowledge he was staring, that only happening after he noticed the blush rising on her cheeks as she, to his surprise, looked away first, a small curl of lips hidden by her spoon.

He didn't have the mind to look away too because this felt too unreal. Pyrrha glanced back to him and only that made his face burn, Jaune barely caught her words, they came out between a repressed giggle. "Want some?"

"Hm?" He tilted his head, then understanding fell over him when her now full spoon was pointed to his direction.

Unreal. His body made the decision before his flustered mind could even fully process the moment, bending forward to reach the offered spoon. It wasn't the peach flavored kiss he had thought of a while ago, but close enough.

He licked his lips, finally being able to speak up after. "Hm, so… my sister said they are leaving after lunch… today. I-if you want to come…"

"Oh. Of course!" She replied after another spoonful. "I would love to see them again, especially little Adrian."

Jaune only nodded, smiling at how her eyes lightened up when mentioning the baby. He peeked at the clock. "It's still early though…"

There was a hum of agreement, his partner continued while nonchalantly scraping the bottom of the plastic cup. "Do you want to practice today?"

Gods, yes! Was the first unprocessed thought that crawled from the back of his mind. Still, the rational part of his brain stopped to fully consider her question, getting every muscle of his to freeze. Jaune felt his face burning as he spat out a "What?"

The smirk was concealed by her last spoonful. Pyrrha raised her eyebrows as she was starting the most obvious thing. "On the roof? Training? As we do almost every day?"

"Oh." It came out as blankly as he could to mask his letdown. He straightened his eyes at her pinkish cheeks and too knowing glint of eyes. He would bet she knew exactly the implications on her words, she knew exactly what she was doing.

Un-real… "Y-yeah... Sure."

Pyrrha only hummed again. Getting up from her chair to wash the spoon and throw away the empty yogurt cup. She gently patted his hair again before leaving and he almost fell out of his stool. "I'll see you in a few then."

He was alone again. Jaune could hear the ticking of the clock and his own heartbeat reverberating through the room. More time than necessary passed, and he let himself fall face first on the table with a loud groan.

What was that?! Of all the scenarios that popped on his mind of how their conversation was going to play out, that certainly wasn't one of them. It felt vague, it felt incomplete. He wanted to say so much to her and he acted like a weird and jumpy, frozen idiot. Jaune was actually considering bolting out of the room fast enough to find her in the middle of one of the corridors, tackle her in a hug, and just tell her everything, getting the confirmation to his suspicions from her own mouth.

But he didn't have the willpower to move. Just hunching over the table, chin buried between his forearms as his hand went through his own hair in a frustrated gesture. The sensation felt null in comparison to her touch, from the recent gentle pats to the ruthless mess of her fingertips from the night before.

He let out a puff of air to cool down. Everything felt so cluttered. From his sister visit, to their rushed scheme, to made up lies, to the sudden reveal of information, to the realizations that made a bit more of sense that he could ever imagine, to actions that were not as fake as they were supposed to be.

Maybe… he should wait until this mess with his sister passed. Maybe when it's all over and he won't have to worry about any scheme, he will be able to think straight. Maybe after seeing how his partner will act without no more need for acting, all of his self-doubts will wash away, giving him the courage he wished for. Confirming that he wasn't only a hopeless, lovesick, wishful thinker.

Jaune straightened his back, getting up from the stool, mentally nodding to himself to his decision. In less than half a day it would end, he just needed to survive training, with her, alone, in the rooftop, just the two of them, then another double date with his sister and wife, acting all couple-y, having her close, holding her hand and holding himself back from looking too much like someone who just had discovered their feelings, instead of someone who was in a stable relationship for six months.

It would be fine. He just needed to focus on how after all of that, they would be able to move forward.

To his defense, he had said it would have been fine, not easy.

The practice on the roof was really just practice, Jaune had never felt so much relief and disappointment at the same time. Though the moment they began their sparing, the combat instincts he had been honing for months kicked in to avoid himself from being beaten up.

Yeah, she was close, but you know what else was close? Her very sharp spear. And he knew from experience that, even with Aura, getting whacked by it wasn't exactly fun.

He couldn't help but smile when the heavy sensation he was carrying on his back since he had woken up gradually faded as the familiar rhythm of their training routine dawned into them. He still found it funny how she could flare up his nerves so effortlessly and yet ease him of his concerns simply by being there.

Letting out an ugly groan, he heavily sat on the floor as Pyrrha called out their last spar, just to completely fall back stretched on the ground, the smooth concrete tiles were heavenly chilly.

With his eyes closed, he could only picture her smile as her giggle reached his ears. "That was great! You did really well today."

Jaune blinked his eyes open when noticing her voice hadn't come from the direction he had expected, finding the upside down view of her figure standing right above him.

"I still think you measure how well I did by how wasted I am in the end." He mumbled as he recovered his breath.

"It could be…" She lightly rolled her creased eyes, blocking the sunlight by leaning over his worn-out form, hands crossed behind her back. "Though I just see as a sign that you're giving your all."

He huffed a laugh. "Or that you're just going harder on me."

"Of course I am." Pyrrha placed a hand over her chest. "I can't hold back after you improved so much, can I?"

He opened his mouth but soon closed it with another recovered lengthy inhale, just staring up at her for a few seconds before trying again. "Couldn't have done without you."

Her smile softened. That sentence was basically his catchphrase for the end of each training sessions, though even after being said so frequently, Jaune always made sure she knew how much he meant it every single time it left his mouth.

Maybe he put too much feeling on the words this time though. The way her eyelids dropped as she looked away, together with the tilt of lips, completely returned to his body the heat he had already dissipated after their last match.

"So, are you going to need a few minutes? Or we should get going?" She started after looking back to him.

He groaned a whine, stretching his limbs and his words. "I don't knooow." Jaune closed his eyes again before adding drowsily. "The floor is nice."

There was a chuckle, then the sound of metal lightly scraping the ground as she sat. A half-lidded peek, and his heart skipped a beat after he noticed her crossed legs were right behind his head - a swift move up would be all that it takes to lay on her lap.

"Just don't lose track of time. We still have to meet your sister." Pyrrha rested her elbows on her knees, placing her chin over her palms as she spoke, bending slightly over him to catch his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah." He blinked forcefully, thanking the pos-training heat for masking his blush. He waved his hand nonchalantly as he continued. "Saph said she would call… or text… when they are ready. They're probably still packing… or just waking up…"

"If you're saying so." Jaune just hummed in response, noticing a second too late that his hand had drifted upwards, curiously poking the green gem dangling from the chains of her circlet. She huffed a silent laugh when his finger lightly patted it like a kitten.

"I just… want this to be over soon…" He breathed, focusing only on the smooth texture between his fingertips.

"Oh?" Her tone of voice was devoid of any particular emotion.

"Y-yeah, I mean… I'm not really an actor. And… All the pretending… is kind of … a mess?" He fumbled with his words, only able to glimpse quickly at her eyes before looking away. His hand lowered back to his chest, it grazed feathery against her cheek on the descent. Jaune let out a dry chuckle "I know it was my own idea and all…"

He let out a breath, eyes glazed over the edge of the roof, mumbling just below a whisper. "But I… I don't want to pretend anymore…"

When she said nothing, Jaune had the courage to glance back to her. Her eyes were wide and searching, Pyrrha opened her mouth and after a failed attempt, the question came out quietly. "What did you say?"

He panicked a bit under her expecting stare. "I… S-sorry. I think I still feel a little guilty for dragging you into this."

Her shoulders dropped as she let go of a breath and he mentally kicked himself because that certainly wasn't what he wanted to say. "Jaune, you asked me and I said yes, remember?" Her smile was a tiny thing. "So it's not like you dragged or forced anything on me." There was an unsure divert of eyes, she placed her next words carefully. "Or are you… regretting… it?"

"No!" The speed of his reply surprised his own self and brought the weight of her stare back to him. "Of course not… I just… everything… it's… it's really… fine then…?" He stuttered, his words seeking assurance.

Pyrrha let out another silent chuckle. "Yes, it's fine." Her hand lowered, messing with his hair reassuringly. "Now stop worrying that much."

A laugh escaped as he closed his eyes to avoid strands falling on them, feeling his chest being filled with lightness. Almost unthinkingly, he placed a hand over hers over his head, interrupting her ruffling. Jaune only gave it a squeeze, them let go. "Thank you."

She smiled at him in that characteristic way of hers, that curl of lips that lifted her cheeks, made her eyes smile together with her mouth. Her fingertips lightly brushed his bangs back into place and he let out a sigh at the touch, not even caring that he was probably looking up to her with a silly smile on his face. Her soft stare still carried a curious, expecting shine - It would be the perfect time to start something like "hey, I was talking to my sister and she really, really believes you really like me y'know, isn't that funny?"

Though a realization came first. His sister. In a sudden motion, he patted the pockets of his pants, his momentary fear was validated as he found them empty. "Pyr? I... I just realized that I left my Scroll at the dorm…" He started embarrassedly. "I... don't actually know if Saph already called or not…"

The weightless touch left his hair, with a shake of head, she let out a breathy chuckle. "We should go check then." Pyrrha got on her feet first. A hand invaded his line of sight as he sat up. "We don't want to risk keeping them waiting long."

"Y-yeah. That-" He took her offer, the pull on his arm was stronger than he expected and he stumbled upwards. Their joined hands were pressed between their chests. "T-that wouldn't be nice…" He only managed whispers, the proximity and the fact that she didn't make any effort to restore any distance making him light-headed. "They seem to be really excited to see you again actually."

"They are?" There was genuine surprise on her voice, eyes lightening up with enchanting happiness.

Jaune nodded, containing the urge to lean forward to rest his forehead on hers. Unconsciously, his thumb caressed her fingers. "T-they liked you… a lot."

"Oh. I… I really liked them too." Pyrrha squeezed his hand gently, giving him a sheepishly smile. Seeing the bright color filling her cheeks, and this up close, still felt like a surreal experience for him.

A beat of quietness, he didn't know what to do next, thoughts rushing around his head just as fast as his heart was beating. More than half of them consisted of ending the remaining space between them, yet he didn't have the guts to do so. "So… hm, l-let's try not to mess all up in the last hours?"

A soft giggle. "I don't think we will." The tilt of her head got their noses to touch for a brief second, it made his skin prickle, he was able to contain the gasp. "I believe we can be pretty convincing... At least your sister thinks so."

"She really did believe us..." His laugh came out as a wisp of air. "Let's keep giving her reasons to not suspect then…"

She hummed an agreement. Her eyes flickered down and he didn't restrain the fleeting movement of his tongue over his lips. The grip on his hand got firmer, he had one second to watch the curl of her mouth appearing before she moved forward.

A soft, comforting pressure right above his lips, slight to the side, right at the edge of his cheek. His breath hitched as the touch lingered for enough seconds for him to close his eyes. He only fluttered them open after she pulled away, the hold on his hand being released. "I think we will do fine."

Then she was taking a step away from him, with that too satisfied smirk that appeared on her face when he knew Pyrrha could see his face burn.

Jaune didn't know what came over him next. A jolting energy on his chest knocked him out of his dumbfounded state quicker than ever before. Rushing forward, he took her hand again, turning her back to him. "And I think you missed."

He registered a fleck of confusion over her expression before he closed the distance between them once more.

It was quick and shy, like a kiss a kid would steal from their school crush. Even so, the familiar texture of her lips caused the wildest spark to explode inside his body, together with the alarming thought of what the dust are you doing?! causing him to harshly recoil back after the second of bravery.

Her breath came out as a loud gasp as he pulled away. Her wide eyes stared at him with overflowing bewilderment, grip on his hand tightening not allowing him to let go, face in the process of reaching the color of her hair. Every part of his body froze - a little voice on his head chanting louder and louder that he had messed up - then she blinked, taking in a breath, the exhale after came as a huffed, baffled chuckle.

"I… hm-" Pyrrha started with an uncharacteristic hesitance after an enticing lick of lips, they quivered with a repressed smile. "If… if we are giving constructive criticism here… I think… that was a bit too short..."

He had only time to barely register the meaning of her words, chest fluttering with hundreds of wild butterflies, because right after, the distance between them was cut for the third time and her smile collided with his mouth.

The sudden contact made him stiffen in surprise, but then a lean to the side caused her lips to fit perfectly between his, lingering as the inviting taste of cherries and the hint of peaches hit his senses, clutching hands on his hood bringing him closer and the shock crumbled like a house of cards. Shoulders dropping, blissfully sighing, his surprised hovering hands lowering towards the curve of her waist as he melted under the satisfied smile of her kiss. Yet before he could embrace her fully, she pulled away with a pleased exhale, leaving him hanging in the edge of space she was occupying before as he swallowed back a pleading whine for more.

A quiet laugh got him to open his eyes, Jaune also tried to open his mouth to speak, though the only sounds he was able to produce were short, indistinct flustered babbles. "Ehrm… I- hm...?"

"I... just thought this way would be more believable," Pyrrha replied his questioning mumble, smile turning into an amused grin. "Don't you think?"

Having a question to answer partially snapped him out of his stupor. "Ah. I… Y-yes." He didn't know where to focus his eyes, they wandered around, jumping between the glint of her eyes, the curl of her smile, the hold on his hoodie. "You're… you're right." His hands that had been on the path to her waist were still hovering around it unsurely, he withdrew them closer to his chest, just to promptly rest them over her forearms as the need to touch her too became impossible to ignore.

Shifting weight between his feet, he started. "But… hm… w-what if…" He glanced up to her, she waited for him to continue curiously. "What if there's only time for… f-for a short one?" He swallowed dry, surprised at himself for having the courage to speak. "I- I mean… can I... Do something like this…?"

Her mouth opened as if she was going to ask him what he was talking about, that only turned into a passage for her gasp as he gently pecked her flushed cheek. The sound made any hesitation he had transform into incredible satisfaction, giving him the push he needed to continue.

"Or maybe…" He finished his sentence after a detour to the tip of her nose, the grasp on his hoodie pulled him closer as her breath came as a puff of a giggle after the soft touch.

"I… I have to say that you're right too." The last word melted into a sigh as he rose to kiss her forehead, right under the golden tip of her circlet.

"Pyr..." Jaune smiled against her skin as he brushed the curve of her other cheek, under her crinkled eyes. "I… I want to try again…"

Somehow she understood what he meant, her head shifted and he pushed forward once more, his lips falling over hers in a short kiss. Still a timid touch, yet now the rushed harshness was replaced by tender certain.

Pyrrha hummed against him before he parted. "That… was much better." Her forehead gently rested against his. "You always improve extraordinarily fast."

"I have a good practice partner." He gave her a sheepish grin, now conscious of how hot his skin was feeling.

Her melodious, quiet laugh filled his ears. Silence fell over them and he didn't dare to move, yet, to avoid it turning awkward, he continued. "So… should we… see if Saph called?"

"Oh!" Pyrrha nodded, the surprise in her voice got him to think that maybe she had forgotten about it. "Yes, we should check." After a quick divert, her eyes locked on his again with a new playful glimmer. "We need to put this practice into good use."

"Y-yeah. Totally." The smile broke through his words. They let go of each other, he felt her reluctance as her hands twitched before releasing their hold, and he was sure she felt his by the way his thumb stroked her wrists before letting them go.

Jaune expected to feel the same cold he felt the previous night as the distance was put between them, yet it never came, her warmth staying as if giving him the assurance he had been looking for.

Guess practice wasn't just practice after all.

Jaune's behavior did a complete 180 shift.

The usual nervous stuttering and hesitant gestures gave space to giddy smiles and bright looks. There were still flustered divert of eyes and shy glances, of course, but now he would look back almost at the same second, and admittedly, he wasn't the only one with that habit now.

She had gotten from him and it was totally his fault. He stared at her and talked to her and touched her with such sincerity, taking carefree steps by her side as if he had been cornering those feelings behind stone walls and finally had allowed those to be demolished. Her heart, so used to pinning after his obvious self, was having a little bit of trouble on dealing with the spike of attention.

Or maybe she was just seeing things through her own giddy feelings as well - though she doubted that was the case.

The smile hadn't left her face since she had stepped out of the rooftop, neither her blush. Really though, how could she not be feeling like that? They had kissed! But most importantly, he had kissed her! Again and again and she felt like she was walking on clouds.

Or better, she was falling through clouds, as she had always been, yet now Pyrrha was sure he was there with her.

Saphron had already messaged her brother indeed. The correct time of their departure and an invite to meet then earlier for lunch. So they promptly went to get ready for their second double date. Pyrrha had to ignore Nora sending piercing knowing looks to their flustered demeanor when they arrived at their room, then the hushed teasing questions as her partner left for the bathroom. Questions she had managed to dodge the night before, and now she was going to dodge again - though now with a promise to tell her excited friend everything after all being resolved.

Nora let out a squeal probably only dogs could hear when Pyrrha mentioned she had a hunch it wasn't going to take long for that to happen.

Soon they were ready to leave, surprisingly, the atmosphere between them not turning awkward for not even one second. They had just been kissing in the rooftop and made out in a dark alley the night before, still, any changes on his behavior were nothing but positive.

The airship ride was the same old shaky trip for him. She gave Jaune the usual support, though she found herself taking a bit more of liberty than customary. Not restraining the strokes to his shoulders and spine, her hands wandered around his back, crawling up to his nape, sneaking through the soft locks of his hair until her fingers were buried in gold. She heard his relaxed sighs even over the sound of the ship turbines as he leaned his head over her palm like a puppy asking for pets, as if he had just allowed himself to enjoy her touch fully. Aside from the ride the night before, Pyrrha had never seen acting so calm inside a moving airship.

Jaune thanked her together with a brighter grin than usual while walking out of the boarding docks, side by side, shoulders bumping and knuckles brushing against each other. Until his fingers twitched in anticipation, she took his sign and slightly moved hers, only curling them around the edge of his palm, she restrained herself to allow him to complete the hold. He did. A silent laugh escaped as they both fumbled a bit too eagerly to intertwine their fingers together.

They still had a few blocks to walk before having to actually put up an act to the visiting couple, though neither of them paid mind to this minimal detail.

Lunch went on smoother than she had expected. Saphron and Terra were already waiting for them at the restaurant, they greeted her with hugs and smiles - Adrian did that with happy babbles - no suspicious looks were exchanged, no teasing jabs were given. The conversation flowed between the four of them naturally, she especially enjoying talking about growing up in Argus with Terra. The only teasing coming from Saphron then, throwing at her brother something about Argus girls attracting Arcs a bit too easily. Pyrrha felt her face burn with the commentary, and then as if she could combust as Jaune, between flustered chuckles and awkward scratches on the back of his head, sheepishly agreed.

As the waitress appeared with their food, interrupting their conversation, she had to ask for extra ice for her water.

Soon they were heading to the airport after a quick last stop at the hotel for the couple to fetch their already packed bags. She was happy to carry Adrian to free his moms from extra weight, even if their luggage wasn't more than a few small bags. Her partner was still deeply impressed of how the baby had adapted to her so quickly, she just rolled her eyes, watching him adorably play at his nephew, messing with his hair and dodging little fingers as they walked. Saphron took her son back after arriving at the airport, cooing at him with high pitched voices, then she referred to her as aunty Pyrrha as the baby jumped between their arms and her chest was filled with warmth.

Terra went to check if everything was in order for their flight, Saphron took Adrian to the bathroom with her, so now it was just his partner and her, waiting on a corner, sitting on the not so comfortable chairs and staring at the flickering names of the destinations on the departure screens.

And that was when his mood did another 180 shift.

What started as what Pyrrha had assumed to be some bored fidgeting escalated within seconds. It was as if every speck of nervousness he had avoided until now crash landed on his shoulders. Jaune tapped his feet in the floor, tugged on the hem of his hoodie, his fingers felt restless even under her hold, free hand going through his own hair as a nervous gesture every minute or so, eyes now lost and unfocused over the sea of people.

Uneasy worry took over every inch of her being.

"Jaune…" She called, adjusting the grip on his hand to a more comfortable position, thumb instinctively tracing lines on his skin. "Is something wrong?"

Her words were enough to snap him out of his restlessness, he jumped slightly as if just taking notice of his own antsy acts. "Ah. Y-yes. Wait. I mean no!"

Right. With a squeeze on his hand, she tugged on his arm, coaxing him to look directly at her.

Pyrrha didn't even need to speak for him to crack, his eyebrows knitted together as if he felt guilty for making her concerned. "I… It's- It's just…" Jaune took the deepest of breaths, sounding exhausted, his hand messing with his hair one more time. His shoulders dropped as any argument he was supposed to be having inside his mind came to a halt.

"I know that… in the original the plan… we would tell my sister after she left…" He started slowly, eyes downcast. "But now it's… I don't… I can't do this anymore…"

"You want to tell her now…" It was supposed to be a question, Pyrrha meaning to complete the sentence asking if he was really talking about the scheme, but it came out more like an affirmation, the remaining words stuck on her throat as he nodded weakly.

"I... I thought this was a smart idea at first… But I don't like lying to her." Frustration leaked into his voice. "And I don't like lying to myself." Jaune raised his gaze then. "I… I don't like lying to you..."

Her heat was close to stopping, confusion clouding her mind and making her body go cold inside. Why did his words sound like he regretted everything? He was lying to her? Pyrrha didn't have the time to go over his words again to seek for a reply or ask him to elaborate. A mechanical voice announcing the upcoming flight resonated through the building. Saphron and Terra soon appeared as if they were summoned, materializing by their side by the end of the announcement.

She put a smile on her face to say her goodbyes.

"I guess it's time to go." Saphron adjusted Adrian on her arms, freeing one to give a hug to her brother. "I'm really happy we got to spend some time with my baby brother!" She teased, messing with Jaune's hair - a disgruntled mumble of I'm not a baby! came from her partner.

"And Pyrrha," She started after letting him go. Pyrrha wasn't surprised when the other woman stretched her arm to her direction, offering her a half hug too. "It was so nice meeting you! And sorry for any trouble, really."

"No, no. There was no trouble at all." She was released from the clumsy but warm embrace. "And I'm really happy I got to meet you three too!" Adrian was quick to grab her finger as she approached him, giggling cutely. With a smile, Pyrrha shook his tiny hand lightly before letting go.

"If one day you come back to Argus, you should visit us!" Terra added, throwing her bag over her shoulders.

"Absolutely!" Her wife was quick to agree. "And one more thing." She winked, smile still bright. "Take care of my brother, ok? You know how he can be sometimes…"

"Hey!" The brother in question grunted, the other Arc only laughed.

"And I know you have your reasons…" She continued, the sincere, sisterly tone now taking over her words. "But I'm sure the rest of our family would also love to meet you," She exchanged an earnest look with her brother. "To know about you two."

Jaune opened his mouth to say something, but soon closed. Saphron turned her attention to him fully. "I know why you would want to keep from our younger sisters… with how kids can be with secrets and all…" She laughed softly, Jaune smiled back in a way Pyrrha could only classify as homesick - she almost looked away, feeling like an intruder in the middle of a sibling moment. "But Mom and Dad…"

"I already told you this, Jaune, I have never seen you so happy before. I have no doubts our parents would be overjoyed by knowing all the reasons for that. To prove to them even more coming here was the right decision." Saphron placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, then glanced directly at Pyrrha, a soft, reassuring smile taking over her expression. "And I'm sure they wouldn't tell anyone."

"Saph…" Jaune's muscles dropped under his sister's touch, his voice did a nearly imperceptible crack.

He looked at her then, the same conflicted stare from their talk still on his eyes. Pyrrha let go of a breath, and nodded.

"That's… that's not why I didn't tell them." He began under his breath.

His sister took her hand away from his shoulder, eyebrows scrunching in confusion. "Then why-"

"I didn't tell them because there was nothing to tell!" He spilled, voice raising with exasperation. Another look at Pyrrha's direction, then quickly continuing before his sister could say a thing. "Pyrrha and I… We aren't dating."

Listening to those words caused a bigger impact on her than she expected. Even if she knew he was about to do it, and even though she knew they were nothing but the truth, for some reason, it still hurt.

Saphron and Terra wore identical looks of pure puzzlement, Adrian alternating curious glances between his mom's. Pyrrha would have chuckled at the scene in any other circumstance.

"What do you mean you aren't dating?" Saphron blurted after a heavy second, glaring at the two of them for explanations.

"We just… aren't. We aren't a couple. We never were." Jaune looked down in shame. "You were just… talking about all that stuff on the phone... How you were happy after finding someone. And I felt bad and guess I felt like I needed to catch up and then everything escalated too quickly and you were assuming that my partner was actually my girlfriend and then the talk ended and you were arriving and I panicked-"

"What I mean is… You were right when you suspected about it at first. It was planned. We were pretending. It was fake. I'm… I'm sorry."

Pyrrha didn't make any attempt to intervene on his rambling, letting him pour the truth to his sister. She was sure that even if she wanted to do so, even if she tried, the lump on her throat wouldn't allow that to happen. So when Saphron looked at her again, searching for confirmation, she had to look away.

"Fake." The older Arc shook her head, but the expression on her face wasn't confusion anymore, nor denial, not betrayal, and thankfully, nor anger. It was just pure worry, as if she reached an understanding that made her extremely concerned.

"First, Jaune… I'm sorry for pressuring you on our phone call-"

"No! It wasn't your fault." He interrupted. "You were just playing around. It was me who took everything too seriously..."

"Still, I shouldn't have." Saphron diverted her eyes from her brother once again then. The weight of her stare made Pyrrha's stomach heavy. A too knowing look and somewhat apologetic, and she knew exactly why it was being sent to her.

Saphron knew. When they had talked on the recreation area, she had made questions and Pyrrha had replied to them. Though it was deep into their conversation when she noticed that even if she needed to be convincing, her answers had been given a bit too truthfully. Despite the realization, she still didn't restrain herself from letting her feelings shine for the rest of their talk, completely absorbed by the cathartic sensation of finally being able to speak about them so freely.

"I shouldn't have because if you wanted to tell me about someone you should do it on your own." The woman continued to her brother. "It's just I was so sure… the way you talked…" Saphron paused, looking for words. "I mean… I would have never guessed those feelings were fake…"

Without missing a beat, Jaune immediately replied. "Because they weren't." He then blinked, surprised at his own conviction. His posture shrunk, head pending towards the floor. "That… That was the only thing that wasn't fake… Even if I didn't realize it at first…"

Her heart definitely missed a few beats, especially when her surprise wasn't mirrored by Saphron. The woman having now a satisfied smile on her face, as if she had been expecting that exact reply. "We'll talk more about this later… But now," She gave a gentle pat on her brother's shoulder, sending a quick glance to Pyrrha before staring back at him. "… It's not to me you have to say that."

The gentle tap became a light push, and then his eyes were on hers. A shy glance, raising reluctantly as if he braced himself to take in her reaction to his confession.

A confession! Pyrrha opened her mouth to try to speak, but words were out of the reach, a silent gasp for air took their place, her heartbeat was still trying to normalize its rhythm, and honestly, with not much success, expectation making strands of hair on the back of her head stand up. Then, senses going completely off the rails as the shine on his eyes shifted to that familiar soft stare, the one with the words he was never able to free.

The way he let go of a sighed breath, straightened his back, with determination leaking to his expression made her believe that wasn't going to be the case for long.

"Pyr…" The nickname that was exclusive to him slipped from his lips in a tender whisper, accompanied by a tentative step forward. And with just that, she already felt like her knees were about to give in on her. "I… hm…" Jaune slightly rocked himself on his feet, fingers fumbling between themselves as if they were looking for something to fidget with, until the restless hand raised to his neck, to where his blush was steadily spreading.

An embarrassed groan escaped, he looked to the side, palm shifting to his mouth, muffling the frustrated words behind an awkward chuckle. "I'm so bad at this. I don't know where to start."

Gods, why did he had to look so hopelessly cute when flustered?! A puff of air escaped from her as an amused giggle, throat finally unclogged then, allowing her to find her voice after all this time.

"Jaune…" She took her own tiny step forward. Growing smile intertwining into his name. He looked back to her immediately and Pyrrha did her best to send him an encouraging look. Yes, she could have just ended everything by closing the distance between them right at that second. Though she wanted him to give him the chance to speak, she wanted to hear the words he had been hoarding behind his gentle gazes, and the moment for that was now.

Jaune let out a quiet laugh in response to hers, shoulders losing their tension as hands were allowed to drop. "G-guess I… hm- I'll start from the beginning…" After shutting his eyes tight for a second, together with a calming breath, he truly began.

"W-when it started I… I thought it was just me… being bummed out and upset after the fiasco with the dance, looking for a way to make amends to feel less… less like that." His face contorted a bit with the memory, just to immediately soften, eyes defocusing as if he was replaying the events on his head as he continued. "And you were just there… Just there for me, even after I had been an idiot… And because it started so suddenly, I thought it was just a thing of the moment… y'know? So I… I brushed it off… I didn't want history to repeat itself by risking liking another person who wouldn't like me back."

"When I asked you to help me with this pretending scheme… I didn't… I would have never guessed that y-you… I couldn't even imagine…" He struggled, hand starting to move in unquiet gestures, expression full of pure bafflement. Jaune chuckled softly, scrunching his shoulders. "At first, I thought you, like, had a hidden talent or something and were just a really good actress." She found herself laughing too. His posture relaxed as he glanced down at his own hands, curling and uncurling fingers as if now self-conscious of his gesturing. "B-but… it wasn't that, was it?"

Pyrrha decided against using words for her reply for now, taking the opportunity to reach forward, her own hands being drawn to his just as easily as metal would be attracted by the pull of her semblance. He trembled slightly under the superficial contact, she gave him a squeeze while he was still staring down at them, causing him to raise his head up, eyes full of awe searching for confirmation.

His bare stare was enough for her to look away for a moment, skin crawling with the heat surging from their now firmer hold, spreading through her whole body. "I… I think you already know the answer." Pyrrha found the will to whisper, a satisfied grin raising on her face just by letting the words out.

His smile brightened, happiness mixed with a hint of disbelief colored his face, as if everything was too good to be true. "I… wow." She had to giggle. Jaune cleared his throat quietly and shook his head, thumb tracing random patterns on the back of her hand. "I don't really know how it started for you… But I… After yesterday, everything we did together… Even if was supposed to be just pretending, it was so... Easy… And right… And so stressful at the same time. B-because that was when I realized I couldn't just brush it off anymore..."

"... And because I realized that everything was really unfair to you… Unfair to us…" His hands shifted, trying to lace their fingers together. Having them fall perfectly between the gaps had never felt so fulfilling. "So I... I want to make this right… I… I want to try again."

"Pyrrha…" He breathed, her name tinged with a heartfelt smile. For the past months, she got so used to him just calling her Pyr, the nickname made her heart flutter, yet hearing him say her name fully, with his emotions combining into it so sincerely, made a shiver run through the whole length of her spine. "If- if you want it too… we could give this- hm… another shot… and…" He let out a chuckle, embarrassedly looking away for a second, just to focus on her again with a renewed intensity. "What I mean is…"

"Do you… want to be my girlfriend? For… for the right reasons this time."

Her whole body jumped with her hitched breath, even if she knew the reply to his question, it took one extra split of a second for her to react, staring at his expecting, hopeful eyes, his words playing on a loop inside her head until she was sure she had heard them correctly.

"Jaune…" Her growing smile split her breath, not allowing her to speak more than his name. So Pyrrha just bounced slightly on her feet before rushing forward, throwing her arms around his neck, tackling him in a hug with a joyful laugh.

Her eagerness made him stumble backward, though his own arms came around her waist with equal enthusiasm at the same second, making them spin in place as he hugged her closer, the puff of his laughs tickling her neck. She hadn't noticed how the air conditioning of the building had cooled down her skin until she was completely embraced by his comforting warmth, so she buried her face on his shoulder, melting into the contact, taking in his essence of homemade soap as she let out trails of whispered "Yes! Yes!" with each breath.

Pyrrha stopped by the curve between his neck and shoulder, leaving a light kiss over his pulse before raising her head, just to promptly be greeted by mesmerizing bright blue mirroring her own happiness, the familiar soft stare highlighted his expression, though now it felt so much more real, looking directly at it making her face burn as if she was staring at the sun. A hand raised to trace the curve of his smiling cheeks, gently cupping it as he shyly snuggled into her palm. "I knew you would come around…" She whispered, blinking her eyes quickly go get rid of tears of joy before they could be fully formed, watching his smile grow before grabbing his head and pulling him in.

They had kissed before, but it felt just as magical as if it had been the first - and guess if you stop to think about it, in a way, it was. It combined the rush of fireworks of the one she gave him at the dorm, with the conviction and gentle touches from the ones from the night before, with the playfulness and certitude of the ones they shared at the roof - it never felt more perfectly complete.

So she let herself get lost in the soft curl of his lips, his happy sighs and firm embrace making her heart flutter. Her hands moved on their own to dig into his messily smooth hair, breathing in sharply before having to part because their silly grins prevented lasting contact. Jaune immediately fixed their problem by coming to her with a sequence of short kisses, repeatedly capturing her smile gently, yet excitedly eager, while occasionally giving them both space for their giggles.

Pyrrha opened her eyes while parting for a quick breath. What she did only to appreciate the view, made her realize that she had lost the notion of her surroundings for gods knows how long, and that something was missing.

"Jaune?" She moved her head to look around, that caused his next kiss to fall on the edge of her lips. She giggled a bit after the misplaced contact before continuing. "Weren't your sister supposed to be still here?"

"Ah." Jaune raised his head then, also looking around. His confusion was clear when he registered they were alone. "Hm, yes?"

He looked back at her. "Did you see when…?"

"No..." How could she even? "I- hm…" She quickly poked the tip of his nose with hers. "I wasn't really paying attention."

The reddish color on his skin got brighter somehow. "Oh well…Guess I was a little distracted too…" Jaune let out some quiet chuckles. Eyes shining, he still hugged her tight. "Maybe they left because we were being disgustingly adorable."

"Honestly…? I can see that being the reason." With a laugh, she rested her arms around his neck, bringing him forward to place a quick kiss on his cheek - his flustered grin and lively blush were truly adorable.

And he seemed genuinely satisfied with that. Yet, Pyrrha had to add. "Though I just think we didn't notice that their plane was about to leave." She raised her head, Jaune following the movement right after, the departure screen now indicating that the flight to Argus was in the process of taking off.

He shrunk his shoulders apologetically and chuckled with a shake of head. They were quick to agree it was better for them to leave as well; both feeling a little flustered when noticing the curious glances of the passerby who had caught them being a bit too affectionate for a public space.

Even so, their mutual reluctance to break the embrace was almost comic. Still, Pyrrha found the strength to do so after stealing from him a swift peck on his lips, parting from his arms as she watched Jaune be stunned for a second before he beamed cutely.

He stretched his hand forward then, and she promptly took it. Watching their fingers intertwining before they started walking, getting a sigh out of her because of how right it felt.

Since they were already in the boarding docks, had eaten not much earlier and, at Sundays afternoons, the city didn't offer many activities, they soon found themselves in the next flight back to Beacon.

There were a few familiar faces from the academy's halls, yet neither of them minded being caught walking through the corridor with linked arms as they picked a seat on the back row. Pyrrha was actually feeling more satisfied to be seen than she had expected, taking her steps proudly as she concealed her giddy grin behind her boyfriend's shoulder, pretending not to notice the few stares they had received.

Jaune sat by her side, leaning against the backrest, not having the need for his usual flight stance anymore. However, he instinctively tensed as they acquired altitude. Pyrrha was quick to place her hand on his back in a soothing touch, and Jaune immediately eased up.

She shifted her arm after he slumped against the seat properly, an elbow rested behind his shoulder, hand finding its way to his hair, fingers idly twirling with the strands on the back of his head. The touch made him shiver lightly, together with a laugh caught up on his throat. She only buried her fingers deeper then, he responded by leaning his cheek on the top of her head, nuzzling her hair with a content hum while giving her a better angle for the strokes.

Gods, she could stay like this forever. Her chest fluttered at how his actions had lost its persistent hesitance, how he melted under her displays of affection and wasn't embarrassed about returning them.

They hadn't spoken since the takeoff, being hard to do so over the roar of the ship engines. Now that they were smoothly on air, he was the one who broke their comfortable silence. Words coming out as thought that was accidentally said aloud. "… We still have to go on a real date…"

She could only hum in agreement, a huge smile not giving space for words, and nod quickly; he shifted his weight over her head after the movement. "Do you… have something in mind?"

"I… was thinking…" His breathy chuckle blew on some of the strands of her bangs. "But I can't think of anything we haven't done already… We already go out all the time…"

"I don't mind." Her free hand mindlessly drifted towards his when he turned his palm upwards, accepting the invitation. "And we usually do those things as a team, so now…" She didn't feel the need to complete the sentence as his fingers feel between hers.

"And, Pyr?"

"Hm?"

"Do you… really have a problem about telling others? A-about us? I mean… I understand if you do, I just…" He completed with a squeeze on her hand.

"I don't actually."

The conversation was halted by the noise of the landing towering over any voice. So Pyrrha focused on how she could feel his smile growing after her reply by the way his cheek shifted over her head, excitement shining through his gestures as Jaune shifted more comfortably against her side, thumb caressing the skin of the back of her hand affectionately after a gentle squeeze.

She raised their joined hands then, brushing light kisses on his knuckles. She couldn't wait to tell the whole world either.

- It just dawned on me and can't believe you actually did that

whaaat are we talking about here? -

- You! For the entire weekend! Tricking your poor sister

haha -

…

youre not actually mad are you? -

- I would be… But then I realized that if something like that was what took for you to stop being a dense dumbass…

- So you win some lose some

- Don't do something like that again tho. It could have hurt one of you…

- And you know you don't need to prove yourself to us in any way

i know… -

i know it was a really irresponsible, impulsive thing for me to do -

and that it could have ended badly... -

so consider myself scolded. i wont do anything like that again, trust me -

especially now that i have the most amazing girl in the whole world right here to not let me do something that stupid again -

- Oh I see what you're up to

- Don't start

i don't know what youre talking about dear sis -

just saying that she is -

- I mean I could argue...

- After all, that title was created by me

eh i dont think is debatable really -

aaand i could list all the reasons for that -

…

- Jaune…

…

- You've been typing for years by the gods…

…

- You're actually doing it

…

- I can still see you typing put that down!

- I won't read an essay about it!

…

- Okok, dust fine you win! Go be a sap with your girlfriend! Not me!

…

i can do both cuz shes watching me type :) -

ive decided to spare you from the essay telling how amazing she is –

mainly cuz it would take a very long time to finish it –

- You two omg

- I can feel how disgustingly adorable you two are even through messages

…

- I'm glad to see that you're happy, baby brother

- I have to go, take care!

yeah… thank you saph -

and im not a baby! -

take care sis, see ya! -

So we reached the end of this fluffy ride! Thank you soooo much for reading, thank you for all the support, for faving and following and especially for all the amazing comments! I would hug you all if I could! I have to say I didn't expect all of this positive reception! Mainly because it was my first try at multichapter, I'm certainly going to miss being excited to post a new part and replying to your reviews...

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts for this last chapter! If you're only following this fic, consider leaving a fave too!

And if you haven't already, consider taking a look at my other stories! Currently, they are all Arkos with similar light, fluffy tone as this one! I consider Head Pats to be my best work, Pinned is close to its one year anniversary (and only, like, 8 away from 300 faves \o/) and I still love it with all my heart, and if you want something shorter, I have a couple of one-shots too.

I think this is everything. Thanks again for sticking until the end (even if some diabetes were acquired in the process lmao) and, hopefully, see you soon!