melodiesoflife | A Much Needed Talk

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A Much Needed Talk

Who: Jaune Arc and Chrom
What: Jaune might maybe have feelings for Pyrrha?
Where: Chrom's room
When: February 1

[Jaune's been trying to sort this whole Pyrrha thing out, he really has, but he's getting nowhere. He always thought it was Weiss he really liked but Pyrrha.. it was different with her. He's completely stuck.

Which is why he's heading to Chrom's room.

Now, he's sure if Chrom is seeing anyone or anything like that, but look at the guy. He has to be popular with the ladies. Which means he has to have some sort of experience with this kind of thing, right? ...Right?

Well, he's the best Jaune's got in any case. Besides, Chrom always knows what to do. Still, he can't help but be nervous. This is kind of a potential life changing event for him, after all.

He takes a deep breath before knocking on the door.]

Chrom? Are you in there? Do you have a sec?

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[Chrom, seated at his desk and going over Jade's report for what feels like the 600th time, is more than relieved at the interruption.]

Come in.

[He passes his hand over his eyes, briefly rubbing at his temples before straightening with one hard blink. Since he isn't sure just what it is Jaune wants, he rises from his chair and lays down the paper, resisting the urge to stretch and work out the kinks in his back. When Jaune enters, he smiles in his usual big-brotherly way.]

Jaune, well met. What can I do for you?

[Jaune relaxes a little when he sees Chrom's smile - coming to him was the right decision. He steps in the room and closes the door behind him.]

It's about Pyrrha.

[He rubs his head awkwardly.]

I, uh, might have messed up a little.

How so?

[Chrom finds it hard to imagine Pyrrha being anything less than generous with her understanding, as he's never seen her get angry before. How did Jaune manage to do it, especially since those two know each other so well?]

Please, sit down.

[Jaune sits awkwardly on the edge of the bed, clearly nervous. He takes a deep breath before beginning.]

So, I don't know if you know or not but a couple of months ago Pyrrha and I faced her shadow and it kind of came out that she loved me?

[He winces, recalling the encounter.]

But I thought she was joking - I mean, this is Pyrrha we're talking about.

[Beautiful-excels-in-all-she-does Pyrrha.]

So it didn't go well. But then when I was sick last week I kind of accidentally... kissed her and told her I loved her?

[The last part came out as a squeak as Jaune shrunk into himself, waiting to be called an idiot.]

[Chrom nods in solemn understanding. Ah, so that's how it is. Don't worry, Jaune he's got your back.]

And she caught your cold as a result.

[...Or he might be incredibly, intensely dense.]

Not to worry. The Cuppa Kupo has plenty of soup, we can get her some. Perhaps medicine too, I'm sure the apothecary will have something that will help her.

...

N-no, she's fine - at least I think she is.

[Shit. Had he gotten her sick? He hadn't even thought of that. Maybe he should go out and buy her some soup and- no wait, that wasn't the problem here.]

She loves me, Chrom, and I told her I love her. I messed up big time and now things are weird between us again because Pyrrha's being, well, Pyrrha and giving me time to sort it all out. [He sighs.] I don't know what to do.

[Chrom is silent for a moment because he isn't sure he really understands the problem. He should probably fix this because he doesn't especially enjoy being clueless about women and romance.]

That sounds like the ideal situation.

[He places his hands upon his knees, his brow furrowed.]

Did you change your mind about her?

[Jaune shakes his head.]

I never made up my mind about her. I had a fever when I said that and kissed her, so I don't know if it was me or the fever acting.

I...see?

[He doesn't really see at all. He still has no idea that Sumia ever had a massive crush on him.]

It doesn't sound as if you dislike her. Have you dated? Fought a battle together?

[To Chrom that's basically the same thing.]

Yeah, we're on the same team. We fight together all the time. Dated, no. Though we did dance together once. But it wasn't like that. It was as... friends.

[Crap, Pyrrha liked him back then, didn't she? He felt bad about that now.]

I definitely don't dislike her. I just don't know if I love her.

Ahhh.

[He still doesn't quite understand, but he's got a little more clarity now.]

Well, there are steps to be taken when growing closer to someone. Ranks. Love would be the top tier rank of S. It sounds as if you're at C or B.

[Look, this is how tactics work, just roll with it.]

If you want to find out whether you love her or not, spend time with her, one-on-one. It won't be long before you know whether you want to progress any further, or keep things the way they are. I assume you do want to know?

[Jaune's not really sure what Chrom's talking about with ranks. Does he mean because he's a team leader and Pyrrha's not? But then how could they even get to S?]

I do, but Pyrrha wants an answer and I don't want to lead her on and get her hopes up if it's not, you know? I've already messed up enough. I don't want to upset her more.

[Chrom is feeling the first tingles of a headache beginning to encroach on his temples.]

Isn't...dating designed so you know if you're compatible? I don't think you have to be in love to spend time together.

[Otherwise he couldn't begin to count the number of times he's grown closer to his female comrades moving from C-rank to B-rank and A-rank. He rubs at his hair.]

As long as she knows you're working toward finding your answer, I don't think she'll be upset.

[He looks down at his knees, quiet for a moment as he considers his options. Why is this so difficult to figure out?]

You're right; she would understand. But I don't know how I'll know the answer.

[His focus shifts suddenly to Chrom.]

Chrom, what does it feel like to be in love?

...Uh...

[Well this wasn't a question he was expecting. It isn't often that Chrom actually looks his age, but he was completely caught off-guard. What does it...feel like? Hrm. He rubs the back of his head, brow wrinkled, as he searches for a way to put that emotion into words.]

I'm not certain how to put it. It's sort of a warm feeling. And a sense of confidence, I guess? I'm sure it's different for everyone.

[If Robin were here, she'd be judging him so hard for not being more romantic about this sort of thing.]

It was a friendship and a trust that just somehow felt...like more. As if there were no one else I could imagine by my side. I wanted to be with her for the rest of my days.

[Jaune nods his head as Chrom speaks. Yeah, that sounded right. So then maybe...Wait a minute. "Her?"]

Hold up.

[He frowns, suddenly very serious.]

Are you saying you're in love with Pyrrha too?

Huh?!

[His voice actually cracks as he jumps back. Super manly, Chrom.]

I don't think so?! I was speaking of someone else, from my own world.

[Subconsciously he twists the ring on his left hand.]

Someone who became very dear to me in the trials we faced together.

[That would have been awkward.

He looks down when he sees a glint of metal.]

Wait, are you married?!

[Jaune's not sure why he's so surprised - he came to Chrom because he figured he must have some experience in romance. He just didn't expect that.]

In a manner of speaking, one might say so. It's part of my future. Ah...

[He rubbed at his head once more before dropping his hand to drape on the desk.]

It's somewhat complicated, I'm afraid.

[Chrom would at least try to summarize, but this isn't really about him and his own tangled problems.]

Would that I had better advice to give, but we found out we would wed before ever forming romantic attachments. Not...not that the news was unpleasant!

I... huh?

[Chrom's a psychic? Well this makes things a lot easier!]

You can do that? Then, can you find out if Pyrrha and I are gonna get married?

Do what now?

[He has no idea what kind of conclusion Jaune has leaped to, but fortunately, the question has sparked a solution to his dilemma! A confident smile replaces the puzzled look on Chrom's face as he rises to his feet.]

I think I know how to find the answer. Let's go to the lab and have a look at your file.

[He gives an emphatic nod as if to support this suggestion.]

I haven't thoroughly examined mine, but I know that many of them contain information about our future. Surely yours will detail whether or not anything comes of your relationship with Pyrrha.

[Jaune jumps to his feet.]

Really? That's awesome.

[This might be cheating, but it's sure to get him his answer. He's not really sure how his file can contain information on the future, but then again he's not sure how most things work here so he's willing to accept it.]

You, my friend, are a lifesaver.

[Chrom chuckles.]

Sometimes I have a worthwhile idea.

[He'd like to think that he has them often enough, but Robin is their tactician for a reason. She's far more clever and quick than Chrom is.]

Let's go.

[He could just let Jaune find out for himself, but now that they've spoken, he feels invested in the outcome. They're both his housemates and he only wants the best for those two. He leads the way out of the house and to the laboratory, making comfortable small talk along the way.]

[Eventually they reach the file room with the multiple computer terminals. Chrom has to ask one of the Moogles for help in accessing Jaune's file, since he really isn't certain how to use these things.]

Are you prepared to find your answer?

[Jaune follows Chrom to the records room, glad for the support. What's in that file could change his life, and he's not sure he'd be able to face it alone. The moogle is pulling it up now. In just seconds, he'll know what the future has in store for him and Pyrrha. He nods.]

Ready as I'll ever be.

Here you go, kupo!

[Jaune takes a shuddering breath before looking at the monitor, trying to find the spot that will say what's to be.]

Okay, so I'm past the dance... Tournament... Hey, we make it to the finals! That's...

[He pales, reading the next few lines:

"After the fall of Beacon, Jaune travels with Ren, Nora, and Ruby. Jaune continues his training, using recordings of Pyrrha in her place. Her crown is melded into his shield and he wears her sash in remembrance of his fallen comrade."

Jaune's barely breathing as he reads with tears clouding his vision, trembling.]

This... this can't be right.

Edited 2017-02-28 21:29 (UTC)

[Chrom, too, is in shock. His blue eyes widen the moment Jaune says 'fallen comrade.']

No...!

[Gritting his teeth, he swallows a noise of discomfort as he jerks his gaze away, hands knotting into fists. Pyrrha is going to die? The kind, helpful girl who's always stood as a model of what the Heroes of Light out to be? He can barely fathom it. Jaw clenched, his harsh expression softens as it moves back to Jaune.]

I'm sorry. Had I known...

[He never would have suggested they go to the lab if this was the result.]

Your future. Can it be changed?

[Jaune doesn't register the question at first, still too shocked. It takes him a moment to realize that Chrom is waiting for an answer. Truth be told, he has no idea, but like hell he's not going to try.]

It'll have to. I'll have to. I won't let her...

[He closes his eyes, clenching his fists.]

Not Pyrrha. Anyone but Pyrrha.

[He'd gladly sacrifice himself if it meant saving her.]

Yeah... Maybe you were meant to change it.

[It's hard to know the rules for things like this. Some might argue that the natural course ought to be followed, but when it costs the life of someone dear, how could someone fail to strive for a different future? If it were Robin, or Lissa, or any one of Chrom's Shepherds, he'd stop at nothing to keep them safe at his side.]

This could be an opportunity, for both of you. Maybe you didn't find the answer you wanted, but this could change everything for the better.

[He shakes his head, lost in thought.]

I don't even know where to start. Pyrrha's... She's incredible. And I'm just... you've seen me in a fight before. If Pyrrha can't beat someone, then there's no way I can.

[He turns away and takes a shuddering breath.]

I can't lose her, Chrom. I love her.

[If this weren't, well, this, Jaune would probably be freaking out at his revelation.]

[Ah. It seems Chrom spoke too soon. Jaune had found the feelings he'd sought after all, and he spoke with a clear conviction that could not be denied.]

Then you won't.

[Of that, he's certain, and he speaks with the strength of confidence.]

We have a unique opportunity in being pulled into this world. If our timelines have not been disrupted with our absence, we can nonetheless make use of the time here to hone our skills on the battlefield. You can both grow stronger, strong enough to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

[He takes a step forward, armor clinking.]

You now have all the motivation you need to become a great warrior.

Motivation and skill are two different things, though. And who knows how much time we actually have? Aren't we supposed to be facing Garland soon? Don't get me wrong; I've learned a lot while I've been here. But Pyrrha is the best fighter I know. She's leagues ahead of me.

[He pauses, his train of thought taking a turn.]

Who would even want to kill her? Everyone likes her. It just doesn't make sense.

[Maybe if he finds out who or why he can take action a different way.]

I don't know.

[He shakes his head.]

You might have to see if her own file is unlocked, or ask to see hers to find out more.

[Chrom can see just how rattled Jaune is. It's difficult to know what to say in situations like these. He isn't about to punch him the way Sumia did when Chrom was shell-shocked after seeing his sister die right before his eyes, that's for sure.]

If you need more training, the hall is open, and I've some time available for a sparring session. It may help you focus your mind as well.

[Jaune nods solemnly, looking at the floor. He's definitely not okay, but given the circumstances, he's pretty sure that's alright.]

Yeah... more training might help.

[He's silent for a moment. He doesn't really want to look at Pyrrha's file, not just because it's an invasion of privacy but also because he really doesn't want to read about how or when Pyrrha is going to die, but there's a good chance it would help him keep her alive. And that's suddenly become his number one priority. Still, he can't bring himself to look at the screen again.

His voice is soft when he speaks again; he's barely holding it together.]

Can you look at it and just tell me how soon? And who?

[He doesn't want the gritty details.]

[Chrom looks at Jaune's face, and nods once, solemnly.]

Of course. Kulevi, will you lend me your assistance?

[The moogle who's been relaxing in the corner suddenly perks up with a 'kupo' of surprise at hearing her name.]

'Sure!'

Wait here.

[Chrom turns to the computer, allowing Kulevi to pilot him through the motions. He's not the most tech-savvy person around, but he can follow directions.]

[OOC: Do you know if Pyrrha's player said the file was unlocked or locked?]

[Jaune just stands quietly, trying not to break down in front of Chrom, but it's a battle he's going to lose, he knows it, he just doesn't know when.

This was not how this day was supposed to go. Chrom was supposed to give him big brotherly advice and they'd work together to solve Jaune's feelings and maybe get waffles afterwards.

He was not supposed to find out that the woman that he loves is going to die.]

((ooc: He was a little vague: "I think she probably would have locked it without looking herself. I mean, if you need it to not be locked I can roll with that too" so I think it's up to us if we want it to be accessible.))

[Kulevi's little white arms are a blur of motion that boggles Chrom where he stands, and his attention flicks back and forth from Kulevi to the screen. Try as he might to figure out how she's pulling up this information, it's just too fast and too complicated. At last the screen comes to a halt, Pyrrha's name emblazoned at the top left corner with her 3-D model slowly spinning in place on the right, a proud warrior in her gold trimmed armor, but wearing a gentle smile just as easily as she wears her shield and javelin.]

[Chrom reads slowly and carefully, trying to absorb the information as best he can. His brow furrows and both hands plant themselves on the console as he leans forward.]

The tournament is disrupted by someone named Cinder, Roman, Neo, and Adam. It says...she was about to have the abilities of the Fall Maiden transferred to her, to stop an invasion of creatures called Grimm. Those powers go to Cinder instead. They fight, but...

[Chrom looks back at Jaune, then shakes his head.]

Cinder will be the victor if her history continues along that path.

[Jaune swallows hard when Chrom mentions Pyrrha's death befor taking a deep breath, trying to focus on the facts rather than their meaning.]

Grimm are monsters on my world. My school trains hunters to protect the people from them.

Cinder... I know her. I haven't spoken to her, but I've seen her around. She's from another school but she came here to fight in the tournament. What's she doing with Torchwick though? He's a major player, and not on the good side.

[He shakes his head. He doesn't know enough on either of them, and he's not going to be able to find out anything on them while he's here. He turns his attention to the only part he might be able to find out some more intel on.]

I don't know what the Fall Maiden part means either, but maybe Pyrrha does? I guess I could ask her if it means anything to her, but then she'd want to know why I'm asking and I can't tell her that she's - that she'... I just can't.

[He's given up trying to hold back his feelings; it's just too hard. He looks at Chrom, tears running down his face and voice hitching as he speaks.]

I don't know what to do, Chrom. I can't lose her. I can't.

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A Much Needed Talk

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it's okay Chrom, Jaune's worse than you are

Not by much!

Re: Not by much!

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oh noooo

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I'm not crying you're crying

sh-shut up

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And all it took was finding out she is going to die :D

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