Little Miss Joey insisted on detouring and heading to the nearby convenience store to purchase boxes of chocolate and a bouquet of roses. According to her best friend and daughter of Weiss, Europa Vasilias, Joey adamantly told her father that no man would approach a woman's door without chocolate and flowers. It perplexed Jaune on how a four-year-old can take such advice when she couldn't even tie her own shoelaces, let alone keep them on. Nevertheless, little Joey kept her arms folded and kicked the seat with her heels until Jaune came and delivered the concession.

Joey was the curd of Pyrrha's loins. Just like her mother, she can be daunting until she gets what she wanted. A box of crayons, coloring books, an extra ten minutes past bedtime, and an additional bedtime story, that was Joey to a tee. Quite convincing and able to pull onto others easily. If she could do that at such an early age, who knew what kind of woman she would blossom into.

As he stood at the counter while the sales clerk was scanning his items, and while the sly daughter would add a piece of candy into the mix, he pondered on her. What does she think about when she sleeps at night? What does she dream about? Of course, Joey and Jaune talked about their intimate conversations between father and daughter, but he often thought about her aspirations, dreams, visions. Things that a daughter wouldn't tell a father. Things that lie within her soul. Maybe Jaune was overthinking things. He couldn't help it. Probably because he knew this bundle of joy was going to grow up someday. That beautiful face could become her mother's. She already adapted her mother's personality. Amazing as they never had any verbal conversations between mother and daughter.

When Pyrrha was carrying Joey, she would always talk to her. She knew there wouldn't be any verbal response but it didn't matter to the redhead. Speaking positively, reciting affirmations, telling great things about her future before looking forward to hearing Joey's first cries. Jaune remembered a time when they were sitting in the kitchen of their home when they were having a conversation about their daughter-to-be.

Jaune, I always believed that before our daughter comes, a connection is already there.

I think so as well. Saphron tells me that a mother already has a relationship because of the many months of the baby being in her womb.

True but Joey is different. I can sense it.

Joey?

That is the name I have chosen. It was your idea of giving her that name.

It was a joke. Not every day to have a girl having a boy's name.

She will have a dueling personality to support that name. My devilish charms and gorgeous looks! Your strong adaptation to handle pressure and your cute looks. Although she will take more after me.

Only in looks! She will have my personality!

Nah! I think she will inherit all of my looks! I can sense this girl is going to be a mighty beast when she realizes her strong aura that is underneath her soft exterior. At least she will take after your naming her.

Pyrrha, please!

Okay, okay, can a woman dream? I will say that Joey has big shoes to fill. She comes from strong domineering parents. Parents that are willing to resort to any kind of measures to protect their gift.

You are the Spartan!

You are the farmer! And a father-to-be. And the love of my life. And the awesome wonder that is glad for the spirits to put us together. And I am going to need someone to change all of these diapers.

And you got to bring your quips!

And you love me for it, Jauney baby!

Yeah, yeah! Nothing but love.

Jaune was grateful that Blake wasn't in any rush. She understood about the blond needing to fill his tank of gas. A lie, he admitted, but he couldn't find the proper words that he was coerced by a four-year-old to buy roses and chocolates. He knew the word, coerced, was out of a joking manner but when hearing the words coming from Joey's mouth, it gave him chills.

For a moment, he didn't hear the soft, delicate voice of the checkered tooth child.

But the voice of his dearly departed wife.

The sun was making its way to the horizon by the time he parked in the driveway of Blake's home. The lights were on in the living room, determining that she was probably waiting there. Before he could turn off the engine, he heard the coughing noise coming from Joey.

He turned away as he waited on her orders.

"Have the chocolate and roses, Daddy Sweetness?"

He gave her a salute. "Chocolates and roses are at my three o'clock, boss! What else is on the agenda for tonight's gathering?"

She extended her tiny fingers. "Breath check?"

"Sprayed some into my mouth after leaving the convenience store."

"Okay! You are going to step out and walk to the door, right?" She folded her arms while giving a glaring look to her father. "No Daddy of mine is going to call a woman and make her come to the car." She pointed her fingers. "It is your job, Daddy, to walk to the door and escort her to the car."

"Do you and Europa have these kinds of talks during school? I didn't think you guys have time to speak in such a manner." I need to have a talk with Weiss about her daughter's strongly-worded verbiage with my daughter.

"Nevermind that, Daddy Sweetness," Joey said matter-of-factly. She put her finger to her lip while she hummed. Meanwhile, Jaune was staring awkwardly. A few minutes ago, she was being childlike and worried about the possibly scratched Frozen soundtrack (that Jaune purposely did with the car keys because he wanted to pull his hair out if he heard "Let It Go" one more time). Now, she was acting like a teenager and giving her father dating advice. "I think that is all I can think of right now."

Jaune let out a silent sigh while unbuckling his seatbelt. While he was opening the door, he was met with another cough. He turned to his now-winggirl daughter. "Yes, Joey?"

"You're not going to leave me in the car, are you?"

Jaune observed the distance of their car from her home. "It's barely a few feet."

Joey stuck out her tongue. "And it takes a few feet for predators and other forms of danger to come and snatch me." She folded her arms. "I saw Chris Hanson on Dateline, Daddy!"

Note to self, Jaune! Cancel cable!

"I was going to lock the door."

"You can face trouble, Daddy!"

"For what?"

"Child abandonment!"

"But…"

"Out of my car seat and take my hand." She nodded with her eyes closed. "And I won't be taking no for an answer, Daddy Sweetness! I must have prime examples of these things. How can you teach your daughter to be humble? This is a critical age for me. In order to be subtle and free-hearted, you must teach me these things."

"Who taught you this? Europa? Ms. Belladonna? Nejire Hadou?"

"No," she answered melodically. The little bundle of joy winked as she extended her hands with a sly look. "It's a secret!"

'When someone is kind and free-hearted, that sounds that there are people in this world still worth a damn.'

'That's why I love you, sweetie. You always know the right thing to say.'

'Thanks, sweetheart. Understand I don't say these things as a sing-song or it sounds good. Apply this to your everyday life and for the sake of our daughter.'

'I know, Pyrrha.'

'She needs to have prime examples of these things. I don't need our daughter to feel as though she is entitled to anything. Teach her to be subtle and free-hearted.'

"Fine, you win!"

Little Miss Joey extended a peace sign. "Victory and score one for the girls back home!" She extended her hands as she was welcomed by her father as he unbuckled the car seat. Her warm tiny digits gripped onto his shoulders as he hoisted her to his waist.

"And you are going to quit watching Slayers, Little Miss Xellos!"

She flicked his nose. "I will watch stopping Slayers if you quit watching Chobits."

"Young lady, how would you know about that?" Before she could respond, he gave her a tiny flick to her nose. He returned her wink. "I am going to assume that it's a secret." Seriously, Jaune! I really need to cancel cable.

Crickets filled the night sky. The sounds of Blake's roses were crinkling in Joey's tiny hands and the box of chocolates were in his free hand. Despite Joey's non-negotiable demands, he kept telling himself that this wasn't a date. This was a friend who had spare tickets and didn't want the tickets to go to waste. Oum forbid, he would have reimbursed her. Why was he feeling hesitant about going out?

Since Pyrrha's death, he had a few dates here and there. Nothing went past a coffee date or Velvet's art show. Weiss was a good friend and a confidant but her taste in women was atrocious. He couldn't enjoy them. Most of them were consumed with themselves and never once asked about his well-being. He and Joey were a package deal. There wasn't going to be a further date unless Joey was going to be included in that equation.

Then, there were moments in which Jaune would fall weak to the alluring of a woman. Of those dates, they were one-night stands. A hotel or at their place. Jaune wouldn't have the nerve to make love to the very bed that he and Pyrrha once shared. Of those girls that remained interested, Jaune couldn't do it. He was friendly. A kiss goodbye and a departing breakfast. He didn't really know how to cushion the blow. Even in the department of women, he still had his issues. Yet again, those women were girls to him.

The only woman he ever wanted and ever needed was back into the heavens.

"Are you okay, Daddy?" Her tiny voice penetrated his deep thoughts. Jaune shifted his hand as her mouth was nibbling on the wrapping paper. Jaune produced a smile. "I am okay, dear. What's going on?" His voice had to be calm. On the surface, he was getting ready for his outing with Blake. Within, there were moments in which he wanted to cancel. He even had a phone conversation with his therapist to talk himself out of the date. The therapist, on the other hand, advised Jaune about his open communication with other women. At some point, he had to move on.

"Move on." That phrase irked him to the very core. He tucked his eyes shut. He tried not to think of the moment in which he wanted to end his own life. The dire need of being with his Pyrrha again. He was selfish. Not thinking about his own daughter and only his own. There haven't been any suicide attempts since then.

However, it didn't mean those darkened thoughts have disappeared. As he was ringing the doorbell, he needed to remind himself to phone the pharmacy to pick up his medication.

Jaune and Joey waited momentarily as they were waiting for an answer. While they were waiting, the sound of something was scratching and whimpering at the door. Jaune turned to Joey. "What is that, sweetie?"

"Coming!" Blake's voice followed the sounds of the whimpering voice in question. The door drew back and suddenly, out came the origin of the whimpering voice.

Without warning, a bundle of teddy-bear fur rushed toward the father and daughter, blinking with eyes of pure expectation.

Joey's eyes were wide as saucers as she was pointed at the animal in question. "Puppy!" Joey cried when seeing the canine patting his paws as he tries to get Jaune's attention with excitement.

Jaune swallowed a lump in his throat. He gripped onto his daughter while keeping his composure. There were things Jaune feared - Cardin, the tenth grade, Beowulf and Grimm, My Hero Academia's Katsuki Bakugo making a formal apology to Izuku Midoriya and mean it, and dogs.

"Hey," said the nervous blonde. "Easy boy! Easy boy!" The bundle of joy watched Jaune's nervous movement and proceeded with excitement.

"Hey, sorry Jaune! I forgot to tell you that I was watching my parents' dog while they were away." Jaune's eyes turned to seeing the Faunus in front of him. She was wearing a simple black sundress. She was wearing her golden earrings. Her ears were stunning, sticking out of her sunhat in front of her. Her yellow eyes were like gold to Jaune. He swallowed another lump in his throat when seeing the beauty right in front of him.

"Oh! Oh! Puppy, puppy!" Joey was kicking at Jaune's waist. "Daddy! Daddy! I want to play with Ms. Belladonna's puppy!"

"I don't want to get your clothes dirty, sweetie," replied Jaune as he needed an excuse. Although he was always honest with his departed wife, he did tell a lie. Pyrrha loved dogs, if not adored them. Because of Jaune's fear of dogs, he had lied to his wife that he was severely allergic to them.

"Oh, don't worry, Jaune," retorted Blake. "Mido, here, just had a bath." She snapped her fingers. The moment she did so, Mido stopped in his tracks. Jaune watched as the Faunus used her fingers to aid the dog's direction back to her sight. "Down, boy, now!" Mido followed suit. "Sit in your corner and I will get you a treat-treat!" Jaune continued watching in awe as Blake was nuzzling her dog as it was obeying her commands. "Who's a good boy?! You are Mido! You are Mido!" The dog wagged his tail as he walked back to the corner. Blake's eyes were redirecting to the father and daughter. "Sorry about that, I get excited whenever Mido comes and visits. A bit of my childhood!" She waved her hands. "Come on in!" She looked at her watch. "We have a little time before the carnival begins."

"I thought the carnival starts at eight."

Blake tilted her head. "I am a Faunus, you Vomit Boy." She winked at Joey. "Your father can be a little loose-screwed sometimes."

Joey nodded as she flicked her father's nose. "Ms. Belladonna always goes when it is her time to go. FPT, Daddy!"

Jaune looked awkwardly at the duo. "What's FPT?"

Jaune watched as both Blake and Joey winked. "Sorry," said the girls, "but it's a secret!" It was that moment in which Jaune could imagine a teardrop looming from his face. I am so going to cancel cable.

A tiny cough interrupted Jaune's thought. He turned to see the frowning face of Joey. Her head was tilting towards the items in question. "Oh, Blake! These are for you!"

Blake released a friendly smile as Joey extended her hand to give her roses and Jaune presented Blake with the box of chocolates.

"It was my idea to give the roses and chocolates," said Joey with pride in her voice. It was met with another flick to the forehead. "And it was my money that got Ms. Belladonna this," retorted Jaune.

"I wasn't going to take all of the credit, Daddy Sweetness," said Joey as she squinted her fingers. "Just a little bit."

Blake covered her mouth to hide her laughter. She found it joyful to see the antics of father and daughter. "Well, thank you, Joey!"

Joey pointed her finger at her chest. "Thank nothing of it, Ms. Belladonna! You're welcome!"

She smiled at Jaune. "And thank you, Jauney!" She used her hand to pinch his cheek. "I will take back what I've said about you being a Vomit Boy."

Jaune couldn't rebuttal. Even if he did, no way could stop looking at the beauty that stood in front of him. This was the same Blake he developed a friendship during their Beacon days. What was happening now that gave the blonde his full and undivided attention?

"Before we leave, I did make some tea cakes and milk tea." She smiled at Jaune. "Remember when my mother would make these."

"Darn, right! A separate box was just for me." Jaune was able to put down Joey. Joey instantly ran to the corner to go to the dog, Mido. "Did you make enough for me, myself, and my nine stomaches?"

"No," retorted Blake. "I made enough for me, Little Miss Joey, you, yourself, and your nine stomaches!"

Jaune snapped his fingers. "Well, color me badd!"

As Jaune was about to head to the kitchen, he heard a sound pelting the window. Liquid began dripping onto the window. What started as small and light turned into fat and heavy.

Joey stopped petting Mido when seeing the window covered in raindrops. "Oh, no!"

Blake put her finger to her lip. "Oh, no, indeed!" She looked at her tablet on the wall where it displayed the weather forecast. "Strange! Rain wasn't expected anytime tonight."

Jaune put his hands in his pocket. "Must be an isolated shower."

The Faunus clicked her tongue. "The way it is looking, I am not sure if the carnival will continue tonight."

The sound of groaning filled the tiny corner of the living room. Joey sat on the floor as she held Mido. Jaune can tell that she was going to have a fit.

Blake clicked her tongue as she made her way to the tiny disappointed Joey. Blake kneel to where she can greet the tiny damsel at eye level. "Little Miss Joey, did I remember about whenever you don't have your way."

Joey pouted her lip. "I can't always have my way."

Blake rubbed her hair with her hands. "There you go, sweetie! We can't stop life. Remember! When it rains, it pours! And whenever we can't play outside, what do we do?"

Joey's face glowed. "Inside recess!" She clapped her hands. "Goodie!"

Jaune smiled as he watched Blake grabbed Joey into her possession. "Jaune?"

"Yeah, Blake?"

"I know the carnival is definitely out of the question. I don't want you to waste your time," said Blake. "So, you wouldn't mind if we do a little take-out and a movie instead?" She lightly pinched Joey's cheek. "Maybe some party games to have some fun." She turned to Jaune. "Are you in?"

"What if I die, Jaune? Would you find a new lover?"

"What? No? Why would I? You are my one and only."

"Just a thought, sweetness. But happiness is everything."

"You are my happiness, Pyrrha."

"I am just one person. There are others and this baby-to-be is going to need her daddy."

"Of course, I show it to others, but you and this bundle of joy are at the top."

"Can't be selfish, Jaune. You must learn to open up. You can never know what would happen."

"You say such talk, Pyrrha. You are infamous. You can never die."

"Jaune?"

"Daddy?"

Jaune reached down and removed his cowboy boots. He produced a smile as he looked at the girls. "Okay, as long as I can pick the movie." He glared at Joey. "Because you always picked the movie."

Blake giggled. "How about I do take-out, Jaune does a game, and Joey picks the movie."

"So what I just said was null and avoid."

Joey poked at Blake's neck, enticing to whisper something in her ear. The Faunus was smiling, trying to contain her laughter. She then turned to the blonde. "My client tells me that it is the deal or else, you are going to reimburse her about her scratched Frozen soundtrack." Joey further whispered in her ear. "That you purposely scratched!"

"How did you know that," questioned Jaune. He stopped, knowing where it was going.

Joey and Blake looked at each other. "It's a secret." Blake grabbed Joey's waist as they began to sing "Let It Go" toward Jaune. Jaune attempted to remove himself from the situation until he kept getting intercepted by the girls. As he tried running around, it excited the dog to join.

Jaune was laughing as the girls and the dogs were chasing him. Singing and giggling filled the air. Jaune couldn't help but to feel so kind of joy.

It was a better feeling than what he was feeling either. Like he said before, darkness still looms.

But not on this night.

To be continued….

GOTA: I really enjoyed this chapter you made, BD. A happy family story!

BD: I know! Makes me want to change the rating. The only reason why it is rated M is because of the mature elements in the story. And maybe a love scene at some point.

GOTA: So, Blake and Jaune are a go!

BD: Won't talk! It's a secret!

GOTA: I'm cancelling cable!

BD: Got only internet. We too broke for cable. Stay tuned for more, ladies and gentlemen.

GOTA: What's FPT?

BD: It's based on CPT!

GOTA: What does it mean!

BD: GOTA, you're not black. Only black folks (and other races) know what it is and gratefully, I am one of them.

GOTA: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!

BD: Sorry! It's a secret! Stay tuned!