Comforting Care

Chapter 1

By

Grevin Hades

It had been a long journey. For all of them really but for some, more-so. She watched him walk silently along with the rest of the group, all seeming to be in great spirits after managing to defend Haven Academy from utter destruction. Their spirits were high, and their joy more than evident and yet, he was quiet.

Ruby, along with Wiess and Yang, were celebrating the return of Blake thus completing the reuniting of Team RWBY. Ren was discussing things quietly with Oscar / Ozpin and Qrow and Sun was back helping the Belladonnas secure places to sleep for the next few days while the campus was repaired and a new headmaster established. This left Jaune to be walking alongside the group, his hands in his pockets and head down and Nora to be watching him quietly from the back.

She frowned as she watched him, knowing exactly what was bothering him. He missed her. He missed Pyrrha. Here everyone was celebrating, everyone had a person to be joyful with, a partner, except him, his was gone.

She did understand his pain somewhat. She had, after all, lost her parents as a child so the pain of loss was no stranger to her, but she had Ren to lean on for support. Jaune had no one. He had left his family, apparently on bad terms, to come to Beacon and hadn't spoken to them since he arrived, but then he had Pyrrha, which was great…but now…now he was alone.

She hated seeing him this way, especially knowing that it wasn't just a friend he was missing, but a part of his very heart. She had heard about how Pyrrha had confessed to him and then sent him away before she died…about how she both lifted his heart and then crushed it in one single action. It had left him a changed man. It goes to show that you never really know what you have until it is gone.

He did try to hide it and for the most part he did, doing what he could to honor the fallen spartan, but most evenings, she could tell he was hurting. He would get quiet at meals, or stand off to the side during group gatherings and have his arms crossed while quietly brooding, and late at night when he would go out to vent his anger and sadness. It really bothered her, especially when he would refuse to talk to the others about it. When he tried to bury his emotions.

Jaune was a kind soul, a good person who did everything he could to help his team, his friends…anyone really. He came to Beacon with nothing, knowing nothing, only a dream to support him, and he had grown. He had changed so much. He even had discovered his semblance and saved Wiess in an amazing way but the snow angel hadn't even acknowledged his saving her life, or his great achievement. No one had. He barely got a pat on the back for his efforts. Granted it was an intense evening with lots of things happening but once it settled down she had expected someone besides herself to give him some kind of positive comment but a simple "Good job kid," from Qrow was hardly praise.

Nora scowled a moment at the white-haired beauty. She didn't even thank Jaune for saving her. She just ignored him as always. If it were her in that position she would have latched onto Jaune and given him a hot and heavy kiss. She felt a small smirk come to her lips as she silently ran that mental image through her mind.

She pictured having both arms around his neck, pulling him down to meet her as she all but slammed her lips into his, causing him to let out a muffled surprise but then he would begin to reciprocate and even wrap his arms around her. She had to admit, it was a nice thought.

Nora blinked a few moments before shaking her head quickly removing the thoughts from her mind. What was that? Did she just…imagine making out with Jaune, and had a good feeling from it? That couldn't be right…could it? He was like a brother to her, or at least a cousin.

However, there was a saying about kissing cousins that she used to hear a long time ago. She grew a devilish little smile on her lips as she slowly let her eyes wander over his form. While he did have his back to her not letting her focus on his face or eyes, she could see his blonde locks of hair, his strong jawline. His muscled neck and collar leading to his broad shoulders. His toned back leading down to his cute butt and overall toned body…Yep, she had to admit the truth to herself. Jaune was hot.

She came to a decision there and then. She wasn't going to allow him to be down, not tonight, not after everything he accomplished and been through. No, he needed something positive. She didn't want him to be a jaded man like Qrow was.

Steeling herself she quickened her pace to hop over next to him and began to walk next to Jaune, her hands behind her back and head tilted a bit to look at him. From this angle, she could see the sadness in his eyes, and could almost sense the pain in his soul. "So…Jaune, you found your semblance…that's so cool!"

He glanced over at Nora his eyes snapping back into focus and he quickly put on a fake smile while rubbing the back of his neck with his right hand. "Heh, well, yeah I did. It's neat but not as cool as being able to turn electricity into strength or having super speed."

She frowned and shook her head while lightly smacking his arm. "Are you kidding! You can amplify aura! You basically can give super healing to anyone. You saved Wiess tonight! Aren't you proud?"

He looked away and gave a small nod. "Well…yeah. I kept Cinder from having another kill under her belt…I just should have found this out sooner, trained harder to unlock it…then maybe…" He trailed off as his features darkened once again while looking away.

Nora frowned as she watched him retreat back into his self-loathing. She couldn't stand it. Someone like Jaune needed to be a bright spirit…it was like he was broken. "So…do you think you could use your semblance to enhance your own aura?"

He blinked a moment before lightly shrugging his shoulders. "Well…I honestly don't know. Maybe. That would be something. Why do you ask?"

She rolled her eyes and smiled. "Well, think of the possibilities. You could become an unstoppable tank in the field of battle. You would be able to shrug off wounds from Urza to King Taiju's. A true warriors warrior. You might even be able to handle taking me in a fight."

Jaune smirked a bit and shook his head as she shifted his hands in his pocket. "I wouldn't know about that Nora, but it is an interesting thought."

Seeing him shifting his arms she quickly moved in and wrapped her arms around his, holding him close while letting her head rest on his shoulder. She didn't look up at him but did let her fingers lightly trace over his arm enjoying the firmness of his muscles. "You know she'd be so proud of you…she was already proud of you."

The reaction she received was one that wasn't expected. She felt him tense and she could almost feel his heart rate increase just by the pulse she felt in his arm. He gently pulled his arm away and stuffed his hands in his pockets once more while stepping to the side of her a little bit putting some distance between them.

She frowned and tried to reach out to him. "Jaune-"

"Don't…just…please. Don't." He quietly snapped as to not draw attention to himself. He refused to look at her now, his eyes glued to the road. "There is nothing to be proud of Nora. Look, why not go hang out with Ren. I appreciate what you're trying to do but I can tell you that it isn't needed. Don't let me bring you down. Go celebrate with the others."

With that he increased his pace putting more distance between them leaving the red-haired bomber with a defeated feeling of sorrow. She felt like she was letting him down…that she needed to help him. Glancing around a bit she saw Ruby glance over at her then to Jaune a look of worry coming to her face.

*Later that evening*

The group was both exhausted and excited about what had just happened at the academy and as such had begun to properly celebrate with food and drink. Qrow had gone out and picked up several cases of drinks ranging from Beer to Whiskey and despite the mild complaints of Ozpin, the group had been given permission to partake.

Currently both Qrow and Ozpin/Oscar had retired for the evening deciding to let the young have their fun and for the very young to get much needed sleep. The group had several bottles of liquor open, beer cans strewn on a table and several plastic cups filled with all manner of drinks. Team RWBY had sat themselves around the table, Nora and Ren sitting nearby on a couch and Jaune was sitting in the exterior doorway, a bottle of whiskey sitting next to him, looking out at the starlit night sky.

Everyone there were telling all kinds of stories about their time apart as well as various memories of their time at Beacon. Ruby was sipping on some rum and soda from a red cup while Yang had several beers set out in front of her as well as a couple attempts at a Strawberry Sunrise. Wiess had two bottles of white wine set out next to her and Blake was sipping on Saki. Each girl had red faces and small grins on their lips as they chatted mirthfully, their inebriation showing quite clearly.

"Pffft, Ha-Ha-Ha! A-and then I came crashing back through the ceiling! It was awesome!" Yang laughed as she slapped her hand on the table.

Ruby snorted as she gave a high-pitched giggle. "Yeah but the best wa-was when I used my semblance and threw all that food over at everyone. Seeing everyone peel off the wall and hit the group while covered in condiments was hilarious!"

Nora was enjoying a fruity drink that packed a bit of a punch while Ren sipped on some soda with some rum, both of which laughing along with the conversation. However, from the corner of her eye she could see Jaune sitting silently with his back against the doorframe, one leg resting outside, the other bent in front of him allowing him to rest an arm on it. His head was turned to look outside, his eyes distant. He idly swirled the whiskey In his cup, taking a sip every now and then only pausing to refill it from time to time.

She glanced at her best friend Ren and lightly poked his arm. "Renny…do…do you think Jaune is alright?"

He glanced over at their leader before giving a small nod. "I Think so. I imagine he is mourning Pyrrha. Sharing a victory with a departed friend."

She sighed and took another drink. "He looks so sad…I want to cheer him up."

Ren smiled at his friend. "Then go cheer him up. When have you ever been hesitant about doing something?"

She smirked a bit. "That…that is true."

As the two talked, another member of the group had seen Jaune moping away from the group and she decided she was going to pull him out of his funk. Yang took a long drink of her Strawberry Sunrise, enjoying the fruity flavor and the familiar burn of the rum sliding down her throat before moving to her feet, swaying slightly as she did. She grinned at her target and began to walk her way over putting a sway into her hips. "Hey, tall, blonde and lonely. Why not come over here and join us?"

Jaune glanced over to his right seeing Yang sauntering towards him, his eyes easily noting the slight stumble in her walk and the redness on her cheeks. He quickly changed his demeanor, putting a smile on his face, something noticed quite easily was fake. "Oh…hey Yang."

She plopped herself down next to him letting herself rest against his side easily bursting into his personal space. She smirked and kept her face close to his, her lilac eyes glazed and mischievous, he could smell the alcohol on her breath. "Sooooo, why are you over here all by your lonesome?"

He shook his head and took another small sip of his drink. "I'm not lonesome, I'm just enjoying the cool air from outside."

She took the cup from his hand and took a quick drink of it, her face turning a bit sour as the whiskey contrasted from the sweet drink she just had. "Oh…wow…that has some bite to it."

He frowns a bit and takes his cup back taking another long drink from it. "I don't think it does but then again I may be used to it."

She smirked but nodded before leering at him once again. "Oooohhh, Jauney, Jaune, gue…guess what…w-we just did something. You and I..."

He blinked in confusion a few times. "W-what are you talking about?"

She grinned and put her arm around him pressing herself closer causing him shift uncomfortably. "You and I…just had an indirect kiss. We swapped spit lover boy."

Jaune glanced at his cup then at her his eyes going wide a bit. "W-well I wouldn't word it like that Yang. I mean you just had a sip of my drink, that's all."

She moved her head close to his ear, letting her warm breath wash over his neck. "You know what…you're kind of cute when you get nervous. I wonder…how would you react if you were to give me a real kiss."

He frowned and let his fake smile falling from his face and he pulled back from her. "ok, that's enough Yang. I don't feel like being teased. You're not going to get me all flustered so just stop it."

Yang gave a small pout, sticking out her bottom lip. "Awww, what if I'm not trying to mess with you? Oh fine, but you need to come over here and have some drinks with us!" She latched onto his arm and began to try and pull him up to his feet but he jerked his hand back causing her to fall back onto her butt. "Hey, what the hell vomit boy, don't you want to celebrate with us?"

Ruby moved to her feet and quickly moved to place a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Yang, stop it. He doesn't have to do anything."

Yang frowned and grumbled but slowly got back on her feet. "Fiiiiiine…but if you change your mind feel free to join me. I'll let you have a yangtastic time."

Ruby rolled her eyes as she pulled her sister back over to the table where Blake and Wiess both pushed another drink in front of her. Ruby stood there a moment watching Jaune with concern in her eyes but said nothing as she again returned to her seat.

Jaune for his part had had enough. He picked up his bottle of whiskey not bothering with the cup next to him and he shuffled past the couch and table making his way to his room. He mumbled a brief goodnight and disappeared around a corner, earning a look of concern from those remaining it he room.

Ruby sighed. "Am I the only one that saw that?"

Nora frowned. "You mean where he looked ready to take a head first dive into an empty pool?"

Ruby nodded. "Yeah…what's bothering him?"

Ren shook his head. "He misses Pyrrha."

Wiess blinked before taking another drink of her wine. "well, we all do. She was a great friend."

Nora crossed her arms. "It's more than that. Pyrrha told him she loved him then died…now he has to sit around and see all of us talking to our partners while he is forced to put on a happy face. She lifted him up and then broke his heart. He doesn't want to bother anyone so he doesn't say anything."

Blake nodded. "It makes sense. He is heartbroken and lonely."

Yang slammed down another drink "Mmm-aaahh! Well look, if he is lonely, I'll go keep him company. I don't mind. He's cute. Momma Yang doesn't mind mending his heart and giving him someone to spend time with."

Nora rolled her eyes as she got to her feet and set her drink down on the table. "I'm going to go to the bathroom."

The other waved her off while both Ren and Ruby watched her go, each knowing that she was going to check on the leader of team JNPR.

Nora padded her way quietly down the hall making a straight line for Jaunes room. It was located at the end of the hall and as she approached she saw that the door was closed. At first she thought about knocking but upon further thought she didn't want to risk him sending her away before being able to even see him.

Instead she silently opened the door a crack and peeked inside. Through the narrow crack she could see Jaunes armor, shield and sword all piled carefully on the floor next to his shoes. Next to his shoes in a pile was his hoodie and shirt. As her eyes focused on the rest of the moonlight filled room she saw him step into view, his back to her as he moved to look out the window. She couldn't make out all the details but she could see the muscles on his toned back and the whiskey bottle in his hand. She watched with quiet breath as he raised the bottle and took another long swig of it. He then raised the bottle up with a quiet sigh. "Here's to you Pyrrha…I'm sorry I was so useless."

Nora narrowed her eyes and opened the door fully, not hesitating to step inside and close it behind her, flicking the lock as she did so, ensuring they wouldn't be bothered. Jaune had turned around nearly dropping the bottle in his hand, his surprise showing clearly on his face. She only took a small pause in her steps as her eyes wandered down his form but refused to stop until she was only an inch apart from him, her eyes looking up into his.

"N-n-Nora? What are you doing in here?"

She said nothing for a moment, uncertain how to approach things but then she reached out and took the bottle of whiskey from his hand and brought it to her lips taking a slow drink. She then handed it back to him before speaking. "I'm here for you Jaune."

He blinked in confusion as he reached over and set the bottle down on a nearby desk not wishing to have another indirect kiss situation like he had with Yang. "What do you mean by that? Why aren't you out there having fun with the others?"

She reached forward and poked his chest noting just how much resistance his muscle had against her finger. "The question is, why aren't you? Why are you in here alone?"

He turned his head away and averted his eyes as he cleared his throat. "I just felt tired. I'm not as combat capable as the rest of you and wear out easier. You know that. " He stepped away from her moving to the edge of the window letting a hand rest on the windowsill.

Nora narrowed her gaze and quickly stepped up behind him, sliding her arms around his waist and pushing herself against his back in a gentle embrace. She let her face nuzzle into his back between his shoulders enjoying the natural smell he gave off. "Jaune, don't give me that garbage," She let her hands slowly run up and down his stomach, enjoying the feeling of his muscles under her fingertips, a bit of guilty pleasure washing through her. "You have shown so much improvement and done so much to grow as a hunter and as a person…it's truly awesome. So, why are you in here really?"

He frowned and reached down trying to pry her hands from him but he was unable to break her grip. "Look, Nora I don't feel like I should be there. I didn't do anything spectacular. I can't even hold my own in a fight. I didn't feel like bringing the party down."

Nora nuzzled into his back once again while letting one hand slide up over his chest a bit and then down along his arm earning a shiver from his form and an increased heartbeat which she could hear when she rested her ear on his back. "More garbage…you did something amazing. You saved Wiess's life and if you think that isn't spectacular, then you need to get some more schooling."

He said nothing now as she continued to gently run her hands over him in a kind of massage. She smiled wistfully as she felt a new sensation beginning to build in her and she slowly pulled back letting her hands rest on his waist. She applied some gentle pressure and began to turn him around only stopping once he was facing her fully his hands resting against the windowsill behind him, holding his weight. She noticed how he kept his eyes averted and gaze lowered. "Look at me Jaune Jaune."

She reached up and gently placed a hand on his chest and up to his neck while her other hand slid across his stomach and waist. She locked her eyes with his and moved as close as possible letting her soft form press against him. "I know you hurt…I know you miss her so much but, I know she would be so proud of you."

He said nothing for a moment, before closing his eyes breaking eye contact and turning away again only for her to cup his cheek and pull him back. "Nora, I…I failed her. I failed as a partner and she died because of it. She loved me and I couldn't do anything to help her! Why should I get to celebrate like the others when I have that kind of failure looming over me? She deserved so much better and died because of it, because of me."

Nora gently brushed a tear away from his cheek and shook her head. "Jaune Jaune…you're so wrong. Pyrrha sent you away because she knew what was coming. She didn't want you to die. She wanted you to live…to experience the joys of life. She would have been so thrilled for you...Because of you another gets to live. Pyrrha saw the potential you had and it is amazing. Don't sully her memory by bringing herself down."

Nora gently moved closer, leaning on her tip toes as she closed the gap between them closing her eyes as she gently pressed her lips to his in a soft, gentle kiss. She then pulled back slightly "She would hate seeing you beating yourself up."

Jaunes breathing froze and his eyes snapped open the moment he felt her lips connect with his. He swallowed the lump in his throat and managed to find his voice even as he felt Nora's hands moving over him. "N-nora?"

She smiled warmly and lightly licked her lips. "Yes Jaune?" Her breath was warm against his lips.

He moved his hands from behind him and placed them lightly on her hips to which she responded by wiggling ever so slightly. "W-what are you doing?"

That was a good question. She had intended to come in and cheer him up. She hated seeing him so sad but as she spoke to him she felt a stirring…something deep inside of her change. Something strong. It was pulling at her. It drew her too him. If she had to call it anything it would be like she felt a calling to him…to give him what Pyrrha would have…to take care of him.

She smiled warmly at him and slowly pulled back letting her hands move over his arms down to his hands, taking them gently in her grip. She pulled him away from the window and turned him towards the bed pushing him back onto it, saying nothing as she watched him bounce back on it. She then proceeded to slip her jacket from her shoulders letting it pool at her feet.

Jaune felt his cheeks beginning to turn red as he watched her stare at him while slowly sliding her skirt from her waist letting it join her jacket. "N-n-nora? What are you doing?"

She said nothing for a moment as she slowly climbed onto the bed crawling her way up him, her eyes never breaking contact from his, her smile never fading. Finally, she came to rest over him and reached up placing her hand against his cheek. "I'm going to take care of you Jaune. I'm going to do what Pyrrha would want."

With that she closed the gap between them crashing her lips into his moaning into his mouth as she slid a hand up through his hair, her legs sliding over his enjoying the sensation of him writing under her. She could feel it in her soul now, a sense of right…peace. She wasn't just helping Jaune…she was answering a call from beyond…from Pyrrha asking her to take care of him. She wouldn't let her down.

In the darkened hallway a long figure stood with her head resting against the doorway, her hand lightly pressed against it, a small tear coming down her cheek. How could she have missed the signs...how could she have missed the chance to comfort him? It was then and there that she decided that she wasn't going to let him go without some sort of fight. While Nora was taking care of him now, she resolved to be the one to help him in the future.

To be Continued?

Authors notes: Hi guys, this is just a little side project that popped into my brain the other day. I just needed to get it out so...here it is. What do you think? Who is the mystery person in the hall? Just how far will Nora take things? Post your thoughts and answers.

Thanks for taking time to read my work. Have a great day.