She was meant to be training.

It was a beautiful day in Mistral, the sky a pretty periwinkle blue as far as the eye could see. There was not a cloud in sight, the sun shining but not oppressive, a simple warmth that was invigorating and encouraging. That was why they had gathered together in the large open area connected to their current accommodations, the cool mountain breeze washing across the city in a refreshing wave. They were still a week out from their scheduled departure to Argus and were meant to be using the time wisely, a chance to hone their skills and what better place to do that on such a wonderful day. The fight at Haven Academy had shown them all that they still had a lot of work to do, that they were facing enemies that were frankly beyond their current capabilities. Any small measure of improvement would be well worth the time.

And yet she couldn't help it. Her eyes kept straying, her focus scattered. She wasn't getting anything done, no matter how hard she tried. No progress was being made. For someone normally so meticulous and attentive, it was an unpleasant experience.

Weiss frowned determinedly at the glyph laid out before her, the snowflake symbol rotating slowly as a Beowolf made of white light crawled out. This particular Grimm was one she had killed during initiation, the moment she and Ruby had locked eyes and became teammates. It strut around her like an overgrown cat, stretching out its limbs as if getting ready to curl up into a ball and soak in the sun. Dismissing the creature, she tried again, only this time with a more powerful Grimm. The glyph expanded in size, picking up speed as slowly, the Queen Lancer rose into being. Its wings hummed as it emerged fully, yet the scowl on her face let the world know her displeasure.

Still too slow.

The insect Grimm darted around, the air gusting from its rapidly beating wings as it swept from side to side before bursting into motes of light, returning whence it came. Taking a deep breath, she summoned another glyph, intending to call upon her shining knight. But as the glyph spun, her eyes inevitably strayed, breaking her concentration.

Across the yard, Yang, Ruby, Ren and Nora were together, practicing their hand-to-hand combat alongside Oscar, the young boy often switching out for their former Headmaster so Ozpin could relay some tip or to engage his once-students in a spar. For the most part, it was for the benefit of Ruby and Oscar. Ruby was vulnerable without her weapon, the younger girl almost overspecialised with how awkward she was without Crescent Rose and Oscar was simply inexperienced, up until recently working on a farm, no combat training whatsoever. Yang and Ren were more than proficient at unarmed combat, Nora a little less so, but even they were learning new things from the lesson, the reincarnated Huntsman a wealth of knowledge. And even if they hadn't, Ozpin was keeping them on their toes, sharpening their instinct and reflexes with his own boundless experience.

It wasn't their group that kept drawing her attention, however. No matter how loud or boisterous they were.

Ice blue eyes stared as Jaune and Blake engaged in conversation under the shade in a nearby corner. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about that fact, nothing in that gesture that should be so interesting as to interrupt her own very important training with her summoning. They were friends and were helping each other out, just as the rest were. Yes, just friends talking and training together. Therefore, Weiss should continue practicing her summons.

She nodded to herself, yet her eyes stayed right where they were.

Yes, they were just friends. Training... but did he really have to touch her so often?

Weiss narrowed her gaze as Jaune stepped up behind the faunus girl, hands lifting up to rest on her shoulders. Blake tilted her head a little to the side so she could keep him in the edge of her vision, his own head tilting forward as he whispered something to her. Her cat ears flicked as his breath ghosted across them, her face a mask of concentration as she nodded along. The former heiress watched with bated breath as white aura flickered into being, enveloping his hands and traveling down the length of Blake's body, their aura mingling together.

At some unseen command, three more Blake's appeared out of nothingness, perfect copies down to the last detail. They moved in unison, walking across the yard before turning to face each other, unsheathing their weapons and engaging in some light sparing. While Blake's clones had always been capable of movement, Weiss had never seen them perform complicated moves or take any sort of significant damage before dispelling. These clones, however, continued to fight even after landing hits on the other, their faces even showing pain and discomfort from the effort. They even seemed to understand tactics, two of the clones trying to box in the third with a pincer maneuver that very nearly succeeded. They were something else, something more tangible than the usual clones Blake's semblance created.

Her eyes snapped back to the pair.

His hands remained on Blake's shoulders, the taller blond again whispering something in her ear. Their aura continued to mingle, a light purple sheen covering the girl as her shoulders seemed to lift, chest puffed out, her stance somehow looking more sure and confident, a smile pulling at her usually stoic lips. Right now, Weiss wagered that Blake felt like she could take on the world, that she had never felt better, not in her entire life. It was more than what relaxation could accomplish or mere confidence in ones self, but a boundless, limitless energy waiting to be unleashed, as if seeing the world for the first time and finding any task a breeze, a trifle and nothing more.

A feeling Weiss remembered all too well. That delicious bubbling warmth low in her belly beckoning her from the ice cold darkness, her skin alight, hypersensitive and lungs flushed with heat, mind racing like never before. She had summoned the Queen Lancer with barely a thought, as if she had done so many times before. The sheer power, the joy she had felt in such strength and competence had filled her up further. When she had looked at Hazel Reinhart, she had not felt the trepidation she had before but self assurance. In that moment, she doubted even her dear sister Winter could have stopped her.

She wanted to feel that all again.

And maybe there was a part of her – a small part! – that just wished to be in his company. Friends spent time together, right? Of course they did. And they'd been separated for so long. They had a lot of catching up to do. Yes, perhaps she thought he was handsome and maybe, just maybe she liked him a little bit – and really, was that so bad? Sure, their friendship had always been tenuous but things were different now. But that was beside the point. Right now, her interest was mostly in his newly discovered semblance.

Honest.

She was sure it was an unconscious gesture, that there was no meaning in it, but when Blake's weight shifted and her back rested against his chest, Weiss shot up from her position on the ground. She was marching across the yard before she realised just what she was doing, her halfhearted summoning glyph fading away with little fanfare.

Jaune noticed her approach first, his eyes crinkling a little as he smiled at her. "Hey Weiss."

She returned the smile.

Weiss felt a little satisfaction at the way Blake quickly leaned forward, stepping away from Jaune. Contact broken, the aura in his hands faded away but the effects his semblance had on the girl weren't so quick to retreat. Weiss knew from experience that Blake would feel like she could walk on water for the next little while. Indeed, her clones continued to spar without pause, their continued existence a testament to the potency of Jaune's new found skill.

Blake nodded in greeting, her cheeks suspiciously flushed. Her eyes were brighter than normal, almost luminous. It was vaguely unsettling, "Weiss."

"Make any progress?" Weiss asked sweetly.

The answer was clear, the proof in front of them. This wasn't the first trio of clones that had been created, Weiss having watched the pair handle each other more than a few times already, with each consecutive attempt appearing more intimate than the last. She took a deep breath to steady herself, ridding her mind of the preposterous notion.

She was being childish.

"Yeah, heaps," Jaune spoke up. His eyes followed the clones. "My semblance works quite well with Blake's. Her clones become a lot more – uh, real, I guess. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference if one of them walked into a room. Well, other than the fact that they don't talk."

A small blessing, Weiss thought unkindly.

She was being really childish. Jaune had to touch to activate his semblance and it was important that he learn. It would be an invaluable tool going forward – the ability to amplify aura and semblance, to heal those who have been injured, critically or otherwise. Truly, it was a power that could tip the scales in their favour.

Weiss' hand unconsciously fell to her belly.

It was just… couldn't he practice with her, instead? She was obviously the superior choice. There were so many applications, her glyphs extremely versatile, and that meant there was that much more work to do to discover just what they could accomplish together. They should start their journey into the unknown as soon as possible while inspiration still burned hot in their hearts.

He could touch Blake later – or never, that suited Weiss just fine.

During this time, one of the clones vanished with a pop after a vicious spinning kick landed against its jaw. The two remaining clones took a moment after that, some sort of meaningful look passing between them before they engaged each other once more, Gambol Shroud clashing against its twin again and again. The pair moved in sync, like mirror images of the other. It almost looked like a dance, the pair spinning and twirling, their weapons flashing out like a whip, the ribbon Blake used in combat constantly on the move.

"It is quite fascinating," Blake said, looking to Jaune. "What else should we try? I think we have determined the upper limit on how sturdy they can become, any more aura doesn't seem to have any noticeable changes. Perhaps volume?"

Weiss frowned. The thought of drowning in a sea of cat faunus was extremely displeasing. She was about to speak up and demand some of his time when Yang's laughter filled the air.

"Cat fight!" the blonde called out, no doubt thinking herself very funny indeed. A quick glance showed the other group watching them and it soon became apparent why. The clones were no longer fighting with their weapons but rolling around on the ground in a tangle of limbs, pulling at hair and clawing at eyes. If they could speak, Weiss very much believed they would be screaming and shouting at each other – or dare she think it; spitting and hissing? They stared dumbly at the spectacle.

Yang hadn't been joking. Not entirely, at least.

"What in the world?" Weiss uttered in disbelief.

Blake looked embarrassed and attempted to break her doppelgangers up, getting pulled into the scuffle. The three Blake's tumbled around, the original grunting at the effort of trying to pull apart two girls your absolute equal. Jaune rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"So that happened," he said lamely as Blake finally separated the pair, only for them to pop out of existence. Her hair was frazzled, sticking up at points, her clothes just as disheveled.

"Perhaps we've had enough Blake's for the time being," Weiss said rationally. Blake glared at her.

"Excuse me?"

"One is enough," Weiss clarified. "We've missed you dearly – truly. But those clones give me the creeps."

"They aren't creepy," Blake defended harshly. When Weiss arched an eyebrow, Blake huffed and looked away. "I don't know why they did that."

And they never would know.

"Yes, well," Weiss cleared her throat, feeling excited. Dusting down her skirt, she made sure she was presentable, not a hair out of place. "Since that is done with, I humbly request your assistance, Jaune."

He looked surprised. "Oh?"

She nodded eagerly. "I am currently experiencing a spot of trouble with my summoning and wish to capitalise on the use of your semblance. My fight with Vernal showed the glaring weakness in my technique and I desire to rectify it. If I can practice under your hands, I might better grasp what I need to do to improve."

She then hit him with her prettiest smile.

"Under his hands, huh?" Blake needled as Jaune thought it over.

Before Weiss could hastily correct her wording, Ruby appeared amongst them in a burst of rose petals. Blake, Weiss and Jaune flinched back in surprise.

"Nuh-uh!" Ruby declared, hands on hips. "Jaune promised that I was next."

"What?" Weiss snapped harshly after recovering from the fright.

"I haven't had a go yet," Ruby continued, unconcerned with her partners rising ire. "I want to see how fast I can run with Jaune powering me up."

Jaune nodded. "I did promise."

"You can go after me," Weiss dismissed with a flippant wave of the hand. "You are already busy."

"We're taking a break and I asked before you."

"Ruby," Weiss grated.

"And Jaune has already used his semblance on you before, so now it's my turn," she finished, sounding all logical and fair. Silver eyes then widened slightly at her insensitive comment, "and I'm glad he did – because, you know, you really needed it! You were his first, and now Blake was his second even though I should have been because we are super close friends, so now I'll be his third and it'll be my first time-"

Ruby continued to ramble awkwardly. Jaune cleared his throat, looking thoroughly embarrassed. He wasn't the only one, Weiss feeling her cheeks flush hotly.

"Ruby!" Weiss said, mortified.

Yang, Ren, Nora and Oscar wandered over before the white haired girl could throttle her socially inept partner.

"I'm kinda curious myself," Yang admitted with a grin. She pointed a finger at Jaune then jerked a thumb at her chest. "How about it? I can be your fourth."

"Yang," Blake sighed while palming her face.

The blonde girl snickered. "I wonder what my semblance would do if it was amplified."

Weiss thought it was likely she would simply explode, not just her hair.

"I do admit to some curiosity myself," Ozpin spoke up with Oscar's voice. "Aura amplification is a fascinating ability that under better circumstances would undergo extensive study were we still at Beacon. Perhaps some more experimentation is in order."

Ruby pumped her fist, shoving Weiss out of the way and taking her place beside Jaune.

"Hey!"

"Sorry," Ruby said, clearly not sorry at all if the grin on her face was anything to go by. "How should we do this?"

"Uh, like this," Jaune said, placing his hands on her shoulders. Aura flaring to life, it poured from his hands into Ruby, her own aura flaring in response. Red and white mixed, the colour of blush spreading between them. Ruby straightened in surprise, eyes widening.

"Oh, wow," she said breathlessly. A giddy smile spread across her face. "That feels awesome."

Weiss frowned.

"C'mon, c'mon," Nora urged them onward.

"Okay, whenever you're ready," Jaune said, bracing himself.

They really should have thought it through more, obvious in hindsight what was about to happen. Ruby adopted a running stance, Jaune crouching slightly to maintain contact before with a massive crack of displaced air that rattled the nearby windows, the pair burst. Within a blink, they were gone, a sheet of red and white petals showering the area as they tore through the air at unbelievable speed, a tearing roar in their wake. Smashing through the waist high barrier that ringed the enclosure, they spiraled out into the open air, high above the streets of Mistral. Zigzagging left and right, up and down, they somehow managed to bank sharply and avoid smashing into one of the cities great peaks, hurtling back the way they came and crashing against the ground with a muffle boom. The floor splintered from the impact, kicking up dirt as they slid several meters before coming to a stop.

They had been moving so fast that this had all happened in less than a second. To everyone else, the pair had barely moved before the ground literally exploded under them.

"W-What happened?" Oscar asked, unsure. He was covered in dirt and rose petals, as was everyone else.

Ruby groaned in pain, eyes unfocused as she sat up. Her clothes were torn and dirty, her hair a mess. Her aura flickered briefly before stabilising. Yang rushed over after the shock wore off, kneeling by her sister.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly, hands checking for injury. Thankfully, she couldn't find anything.

"Everything is spinning," Ruby muttered.

Meanwhile Jaune rolled over on his hands and knees, a choking sound coming from his mouth. Nora and Weiss knelt by his side, Weiss placing a hand on his arching back to steady him.

"Jaune?" she asked moments before with a massive heave, he vomited all over the ground. The pair flinched back in alarm, Nora scurrying away from the line of fire with a startled scream.

"Never again," he said weakly, coughing. Spittle hung from his lips as his body trembled, his breathing laboured and shaking. "No more, please."

"Perhaps further testing can wait," Ozpin spoke up, looking equally as surprised as everyone else.

Ruby started giggling hysterically.

"Everyone is blurry," she said when everyone looked her way. Her face looked even paler than usual and that was saying something. Ruby was a pale girl to begin with.

"Right," Yang said in her older sister voice, carefully hauling Ruby to her feet. She swayed dangerously and would have face planted if not for Yang's iron grip. She looked like a life size doll, flopping uselessly at Yang's side. The elder sister brushed as much dirt off Ruby's clothes as possible. "I'll take this one inside."

Weiss peered down at Jaune worriedly. After a moment of heavy breathing, he climbed unsteadily to his feet, careful to avoid the mess he had made. Without a second thought, Weiss reached out to steady him, slipping an arm around his back. She felt tiny, tucked into his side as she was, his own arm unconsciously circling around her shoulders. Pulling a handkerchief from her pocket, she dabbed at his mouth and chin without thought.

Jaune looked to her in surprise, a small smile pulling at his lips. "T-Thanks."

"No problem," she answered. "Perhaps you should go with Ruby."

He nodded slowly, grimacing. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Ruby was right – everything is spinning."

"Do you require assistance?"

He took a step to test his balance, his weight leaning heavily against her as he wobbled.

"Yeah, if you wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all."

Training halted for the time being, the entire group made their way inside. Weiss felt a little put out that she wouldn't get the chance to experience his semblance again but there would be plenty of other opportunities. Time was on their side, at least for the moment.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Bathroom," Jaune replied with a grimace. "I need to brush my teeth."

Weiss left him there when he assured her he was feeling much steadier on his feet, though she waited outside the door for a few moments, making sure he wouldn't fall over the minute she left. When she entered the living area, she noticed Ruby sprawled on the couch, her head in Yang's lap. Yang was running her fingers through her black-red locks, massaging soothing patterns into her scalp. The look of bliss on Ruby's face was adorable. Blake was seated nearby and looked up at her approach.

"Is Jaune okay?"

Weiss nodded. "A little dizzy, I think. He is brushing his teeth."

Yang snickered. "Good ol' Vomit Boy, still living up to the name."

The blonde yelped as Ruby pinched her thigh. "Be nice."

"You know I'm only messing around. What did he used to call you? Crater Face?" Yang grinned. "You made another crater in the yard, so I guess that still applies."

Ruby groaned.

"Where are Ren and Nora?" Weiss asked as she carefully sat, folding her skirt beneath her.

"They've gone to get some food," Blake supplied. "Oscar went with them."

"Training works up a hunger," Yang said sagely.

"How are you feeling?" Weiss asked Ruby kindly.

"Better," the girl answered. "I think we moved a little too fast, it was difficult to control where I was going."

Yang blinked. "You guys actually moved?"

"Of course we did. Didn't you see us?"

Blake shook her head at Ruby's curious look. "It just looked like you blew up. One second you guys were standing there, the next we were getting pelted by dirt and rose petals."

"What did it feel like?" Yang asked. "Not the blowing up part. That probably sucked. I mean Jaune's semblance," lilac eyes peered around at her teammates. "I'm the only one that hasn't experienced it yet."

"It felt really nice," Ruby said with a wide grin. "Like a sugar rush, only way more intense. Like I could do anything if I wanted to – all I had to do was do it."

Blake nodded along. "Think about it like this – aura amplifies our capabilities, right? Things like our strength and speed, even our senses to a certain degree are enhanced. Then Jaune amplifies that even further – much, much further. It can be a little… overwhelming, but at the same time it feels incredible," amber eyes grew hooded in remembrance. "If I had to call it anything, I guess I would label it comforting."

An unusual feeling overcame Weiss at hearing them speak.

She certainly agreed with what they were saying but wasn't sure their words could do it justice. That all enveloping warmth, that feeling of supreme safety. Perhaps it had been different for her, even more intense because of the situation. Healing her body until not even a scar remained, her tummy as flat and smooth as ever. No evidence of that wicked woman Cinder Fall attempting to take her life. She had felt aflame from within, but not because of that molten spear – it was a feeling she had never experienced before, had never believed one could feel such a way.

If it reminded her of anything, it reminded her of passion.

Unbidden, desire uncurled inside her belly. Weiss felt her heart rate increase, her breath catch slightly. She bit her lip lightly, her mouth suddenly dry.

"You guys are getting me excited," Yang admitted, unintentionally voicing what Weiss felt. "I gotta get me some of that."

"What about you, Weiss?" Ruby asked.

She doubted she could find the words to express it. Only that she wanted to experience it again. As much as possible.

She opened her mouth, paused – and then shut it with a click of her perfect teeth as Jaune picked that moment to round the corner, looking much better than before. His hair was slightly damp and his face had regained its usual colour, his steps steady.

"Hey," he greeted. "Where is everyone else?"

"Gone out for food," Yang answered after a beat of silence. "You alright?"

He nodded, taking a vacant seat. "Yeah, just needed a moment."

"Good. I like these boots, so if you feel the need," she made a shooing gesture. "Toilet is that way."

"Seems I have a habit of throwing up around you," he deadpanned. "Wonder what that means?"

"Oi!"

Weiss laughed, Blake and Ruby joining her.

"We were just talking about your semblance," Yang revealed slyly. "You'll have to do me next. It sounds like a really good time."

Jaune laughed awkwardly at the suggestive tone.

"Blake was practically gushing about how you made her feel," Yang continued with a shit eating grin, moments before a cushion smacked her in the face.

"She's lying," Blake protested furiously, attempting to smother her partner. Ruby was jostled from her position as Yang flailed against the assault, the younger girl rolling away with a giggle.

Jaune looked around in askance.

"Yang is just being Yang," Ruby assured him. "I mean, kind of. It felt really good – you know, before we crashed."

"Oh, right," Jaune watched as the two reunited teammates wrestled for dominance, Yang's voice muffled by fabric as she shouted. One of her hands snuck free and jabbed Blake in the ribs, fingers digging in. Blake jerked wildly, an odd sound halfway between a sob and a scream escaping her lips as she retreated. Her cheeks flushed scarlet at their startled looks.

Blake was apparently ticklish.

As Yang advanced on Blake with wiggling fingers, Ruby cheering them on, Weiss took her moment to sidle over to Jaune, perching herself on the armrest of his chair and crossing her slender legs. Jaune looked up at her in surprise.

"Thanks for earlier," he quickly recovered.

Weiss beamed at him. "I was glad to help."

He returned her smile.

"Listen, Jaune – do you remember what I asked you earlier? About helping me with my summoning?" Idly, she grabbed one of his hands in both of hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. He had long fingers, his palm slightly rough with calluses. "I was hoping we could schedule a time and place – not now, of course, you should take the time to rest – but maybe later on tonight, or tomorrow if that would be more agreeable?"

He was staring at his hand, the hand she was holding. She gave it another squeeze, one he returned. She had to stop herself from playing with his fingers, of indulging in the feeling of his rougher palm against her own smooth skin. When he looked up at her, his expression was difficult to discern. Her next breath left her lungs haltingly, his blue eyes drawing her entire attention.

"How about tomorrow morning?" he put forth. "Early – say, seven?"

Weiss nodded quickly. "Perfect."

More than likely, everyone else would still be fast asleep. There would be no interruptions. Just what Weiss desired.

"Stop," Blake shrieked, thrashing on the ground where Yang had pinned her down with her body. "S-Stop, Yang, ahh!"

"There is no escape!" the blonde crowed, victorious. Fingers danced up and down Blake's sides, the faunus yowling, face flushed as she bucked and writhed, eyes filled with tears.

"P-Please, no more," Blake pleaded, gasping for breath.

"I don't know, you did try to suffocate me."

"Because you were being insufferable!"

"Oh? I think you haven't learnt your lesson yet."

"No, stop!" she cried out, flailing as Yang continued her devilish attack. As Blake attempted to twist away, her elbow connected with Yang's mechanical arm, right on the seam where flesh met metal. With a hiss and a pop, the arm disconnected and flew free. It tumbled across the ground limply. The pair froze, one in surprise, the other in horror.

Jaune and Weiss stared, the room silent for several long, tense moments.

"Looks like you've been disarmed."

Everyone swiveled to stare at Ruby, the younger girl shaking in suppressed laughter. Seeing their incredulous looks opened the flood gates, Ruby doubling over as she let loose, peals of laughter escaping her lips. Yang spluttered incoherently, for once on the other side of a crappy pun. Blake took this moment to wiggle free, the breathless girl crawling away to hide behind the couch.

Ruby had turned a potential disaster into a joke.

"Keep it down," a crotchety Qrow yelled angrily from down the hall.

Jaune snorted, Weiss covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle any laughter.

"Tomorrow, then?" he asked.

She nodded after getting herself under control. "Tomorrow. Don't be late."

AN: Just some stupid fun after the last two serious ones. I'll try not to take forever with updates but I'm ass at keeping any sort of deadline.