Heat of the Moment - Part 1

Blake Belladonna couldn’t sit still. It had been three days of this strange, persistent discomfort, like an itch, yeah, an itch beneath her skin that no amount of scratching could reach. The library, normally her sanctuary, felt stifling despite the air conditioner.

She shifted in her seat again, crossing and uncrossing her legs. The book before her, a thriller she’d been eager to finish, remained open to the same page she’d started twenty minutes ago. The words were just a mess to her eyes.

“This is ridiculous.” She muttered under her breath, earning a sharp look from the student at the next table.

Blake tugged at her collar, feeling sweat beading along her neck despite the cool air. Her uniform felt heavy and constricting, and her intrusive thoughts were telling her to just take her uniform off. This was the third time today she’d felt overheated to the point of distraction. The morning had required an emergency shower and uniform change after combat class, and lunch had been another ordeal of suppressing the urge to simply dunk her head in the water fountain.

Her ears twitched irritably beneath her bow, the sensation only adding to her frustration. Something was wrong with her, that much was obvious, but what exactly remained a mystery because she’d never experienced anything like this before or even heard.

She slammed her book shut with more force than intended, wincing at the loud crack that echoed through the quiet library. With a mumbled apology to no one in particular, she gathered her belongings and headed for the exit, ignoring the curious glances that followed her.

The hallway offered no relief from the inexplicable heat. If anything, being in motion made it worse, as if she was right in front of a furnace. So she quickened her pace toward the nearest bathroom, desperately needing cold water on her face or her entire body.

Bursting through the door, she dropped her bag unceremoniously by the sink and turned the cold tap to full blast. The icy water was a momentary balm as she splashed it over her flushed cheeks and neck, letting droplets soak into the collar of her uniform.

“Get it together.” She told her reflection sternly, amber eyes staring back with an intensity that surprised even her. Her pupils were dilated, making her eyes appear darker than usual.

After several minutes of trying to cool down, Blake felt marginally better. Not good, but functional enough to make it back to the dorm, where she could change into something lighter and perhaps lie down for a while. Maybe she was coming down with something, a fever would explain the persistent heat, though not the strange restlessness that accompanied it.

She gathered her composure along with her bag and stepped back into the hallway, determined to make it to the dorm without further incident.

That plan derailed completely when she rounded the corner near the history section of the library and spotted Jaune Arc sitting at a study table with Pyrrha Nikos. They were huddled over a textbook, Pyrrha patiently explaining something while Jaune nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration.

And that was when her breath caught painfully in her throat. The heat that had been simmering under her skin was like a raging inferno, centered low in her abdomen. A powerful throb of... something... hit her so hard that her knees buckled.

Blake gasped, one hand flying to her throat while the other clutched at her stomach. The book bag slipped from her shoulder, hitting the floor with a thud that seemed distant to her ringing ears.

And Jaune lifted his head and looked at her. “Blake? Are you okay?”

Had his voice always been that deep, that resonant?

Her vision tunneled, darkening at the edges, but not before she caught a scent that hadn’t been there before. Something warm, nice…

She was vaguely aware of chairs scraping against the floor, of Pyrrha’s concerned voice calling her name, of other students gathering around in confusion. But most prominently, she was aware of Jaune kneeling beside her, trying to help… he was touching her.

“Someone get the nurse!”

And everything went dark.

--------------------------------------------------

Cold pressure against her forehead was the first sensation Blake registered as consciousness returned. She blinked slowly, the white ceiling of Beacon’s infirmary gradually coming into focus. With a groan, she pushed herself up on her elbows, the ice pack sliding from her forehead onto her lap.

“Atta girl, stay down for a moment.” A gentle but firm hand pressed against her shoulder.

Blake turned to see a Faunus woman in a crisp white medical uniform standing beside the bed. Two rounded bear's ears poked through her silver-streaked dark hair and her green eyes.

“What happened?” Blake asked, her voice coming out flatter than intended.

“I am Nurse Auburn,” the woman introduced herself with formal precision, checking her pulse with practiced efficiency. “You experienced a collapse in the library approximately one hour ago. Your colleagues transported you here promptly.”

Blake frowned, memories gradually returning. The unbearable heat. The strange sensations. The overwhelming reaction when she’d seen...

“Jaune,” she murmured, then immediately regretted it as the nurse’s eyebrow arched with interest.

“Indeed. The young gentleman and Miss Nikos were most concerned about your condition.” The nurse made a note on her scroll, her posture impeccably straight. “I must inquire about several matters pertaining to your current physical state, Miss Belladonna. Some inquiries may be of a personal nature, but I assure you they are necessary for proper diagnosis.”

That made her eyes narrow slightly, but sighed in acceptance. “Fine.” 

“For what duration have you experienced elevated body temperature?”

“Three days.”

“Have you noted any unusual sensitivity to olfactory or auditory stimuli?”

Blake sighed. “Yes.”

“I require more specific information, Miss Belladonna.”

“Everything’s louder. Sharper. Scents are... more intense.” 

Nurse Auburn nodded, taking more notes. “Have you observed any physiological responses to the proximity of certain individuals? Particularly male students?”

Blake’s ears twitched, huh she didn’t have her bow, must have fallen off. “That seems irrelevant.”

“I assure you, it is entirely relevant to your current condition,” The bear faunus replied, her formal tone unwavering.

With a barely contained look of annoyance, Blake relented. “Fine. Yes. When I saw Jaune in the library, something... just happened.“

“Please elaborate on the nature of this occurrence.”

Blake’s fingers curled around the edge of the infirmary bed. “Intense heat. A pulling sensation. His scent was suddenly... noticeable. My stomach throbbed, like it was painful.” It was embarrassing to talk about it.

The questioning continued, becoming increasingly specific about her symptoms, her menstrual cycle, her sleep patterns, and other personal matters that made Blake’s responses grow progressively more clipped and terse. Like why was it important for the woman to know how many times she masturbated?! Or if she was using a toy?!

Gods, she could just bury her face into the ground when she was forced to answer it.

After the final question, Nurse Auburn set down her scroll and covered her mouth with one hand. “Oh, dear…”

That didn’t sound good.. “What is it?”

The nurse composed herself and met Blake’s gaze directly. “Miss Belladonna, I regret to inform you that you are experiencing a heat cycle.”

Blake blinked. “A what?”

“You are in heat. A mating cycle. Estrus. The biological phenomenon occurs in Faunus individuals, particularly those with pronounced mammalian traits, this only happens in 1 out of 60000 faunus.”

For a moment, Blake simply stared at the nurse. Then, despite herself, she threw her head back and laughed—a sharp, incredulous laughter that echoed off the infirmary walls. She never laughed so hard before, or even thought it was possible.

“That’s absurd,” she stated flatly after her laughter subsided, her eyes hardening. “Those are ancient racist stereotypes humans invented to dehumanize Faunus. They’re not based in reality.”

cycles,However, the woman’s expression tightened, her ears flattening slightly. “I must respectfully disagree, Miss Belladonna. As a medical professional and a Faunus woman, I can attest to the biological validity of heat cycles even if they are rare. Your symptoms align precisely with the established criteria: elevated body temperature, heightened sensory perception, hormonal responses to compatible individuals—”

“Compatible individuals?” Blake interrupted, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. “You mean Jaune Arc? That’s ridiculous.”

“Your described reaction to Mr. Arc suggests pheromonal compatibility—”

“No.” Blake stood abruptly, straightening her uniform with quick, efficient movements. “Thank you for your assistance, but I’m feeling much better now.”

“Miss Belladonna, I strongly advise—”

“I don’t need advice based on outdated stereotypes,” Blake said coldly, her amber eyes flashing coldly at the stupid woman. “I expected better from someone who understands how we are treated.”

She turned toward the door, her posture rigid with indignation. The very suggestion was not only ridiculous, but offensive. Heat cycles were the kind of mythology humans used to portray Faunus as animals, as creatures driven by instinct rather than intellect. She’d fought against such characterizations her entire life.

“Dismissing biological realities will not alter their existence, Miss Belladonna,” Nurse Auburn called after her, maintaining her formal tone. “The symptoms will intensify without proper management. I would be remiss in my duties if I did not warn you.”

Blake paused at the door, her hand on the handle. Without turning, she replied, “Thank you for your concern, but I’ll manage.”

As she stepped into the hallway, Blake took a deep, steadying breath. The suggestion was completely absurd. Her, in heat? Attracted to Jaune Arc? The awkward, fumbling leader of Team JNPR who could barely hold his shield properly? Well, he wasn’t the same fool from the first year, he was now a pretty competent leader and fighter but well, the first impression was quite lasting and he still maintained that dorky attitude.

Still, it was beyond ridiculous.

And yet, as she walked away from the infirmary, she found herself wondering which direction he’d gone after bringing her there, and why that thought made her heart beat just a little faster.

--------------------------------------------------

Night brought no relief. 

Blake lay in her bed, tossing and turning while her teammates slept peacefully around her. Ruby’s gentle snores and Weiss’s occasional mumbling about test scores provided the usual nighttime soundtrack, but Blake couldn’t find comfort in the familiar routine. Her sheets were twisted around her legs, damp with sweat despite the cool night air drifting through their partially opened window.

“Ugh, this is stupid.” She whispered to herself, staring at the bottom of Yang’s bunk above her.

Every time she closed her eyes, intrusive thoughts crept in—strange, unwelcome images that made her body temperature spike even higher. Most disturbingly, these thoughts increasingly featured a certain blonde.

When the first light of dawn crept through the window, Blake gave up on sleeping entirely. She slipped quietly from the room, hoping an early morning walk might clear her head and cool her body. The academy was peaceful at this hour, most students still sleeping.

Her wandering brought her past the training facilities. Most were empty, but as she passed the main gym, movement caught her eye. Through the large windows, she spotted a solitary figure diligently using the weight machines.

Jaune.

Blake froze on the spot. He was dressed simply in a tank top and training shorts, his usual armor nowhere to be seen. The morning light caught on the sheen of sweat that covered his arms as he moved through a set of push-ups.

She’d never paid much attention to Jaune’s physique before. He was always just... Jaune. Awkward, fumbling, perpetually struggling to keep up with his more combat-ready peers or failing to woo Weiss. But now, watching the muscles in his arms flex and contract with each movement, Blake found herself unable to look away.

His shoulders were broader than she’d realized, his arms more defined than his usual hoodie suggested. As he switched to pull-ups, the muscles in his back strained visibly against his tank top.

A powerful wave of heat crashed through Blake’s body, settling low in her abdomen. She imagined how those arms would feel wrapped around her, how his skin would feel against hers, how his hands might—

She abruptly stood up from where she’d been unconsciously leaning against the window frame, and rushed away, her heart pounding violently in her chest. Without thinking, she made a beeline for her dorm’s bathroom, barely registering the surprised looks from early risers she passed in the hallway.

Once inside, she locked the door behind her and turned the shower to its coldest setting. She didn’t even bother removing her yukata before stepping under the icy spray, covering her mouth with both hands to stifle a shriek as the cold water hit her overheated skin.

‘You are in heat.’ 

Nurse Auburn’s words echoed in her mind as she stood shivering under the freezing water, her teeth chattering violently.

But it couldn’t be true. It was literally impossible because Faunus were not animals, they were people. 

Faunus only had animal traits, not animal instincts. They couldn’t go into heat cycles. They didn’t go through that. 

SHE WAS A PERSON!

It was just a racist rumor, a very old one that for some reason persisted to the present day. Blake knew this was the truth because otherwise, her mother would have told her about it, or she would have experienced a heat cycle herself previously. And she never had, nor had anyone else she knew in Menagerie. 

Yes, that was it—just racist rumors meant to demean and mock them.

The cold shower seemed to be working, at least temporarily. The uncomfortable heat receded, leaving her shivering but clear-headed and hopefully ready for the day. Blake turned off the water and reached for a towel, her soaked yukata clinging uncomfortably to her skin.

She stepped out of the shower, intending to change into dry clothes—only to be hit by another intense wave of heat that seemed to come from nowhere. Her knees buckled, and she barely caught herself on the edge of the sink, preventing a face-first fall onto the bathroom tiles.

“This is getting ridiculous!” She muttered, gripping the porcelain so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Clearly, the nurse wasn’t going to offer any real help, and these symptoms were showing no signs of subsiding on their own. Without many options left, Blake wrapped herself in a dry robe and went to retrieve her scroll from her bedside table. She returned to the bathroom, locking the door behind her again.

She’d reconciled with her parents over the past year, slowly rebuilding the relationship she’d damaged when she left home. It might be inappropriate to call at this hour, but she needed help, and if anyone would know what to do about these strange symptoms, it would be her mother. Her mom seemed to know everything about Faunus’ history and biology—surely she could explain what was happening and how to make it stop.

Blake’s finger hovered over her mother’s contact information, her embarrassment warring with her desperate need for answers. With a deep breath, she pressed the call button, hoping her mother would pick up despite the hour.

The call connected after a few rings.

“Blake, dear?” Her mother’s voice came through immediately before the video feed came.

“Mom, I need help,” Blake blurted out, her usual composure cracking.

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” 

“No. Well, yes... I don’t know!” Blake gripped the edge of the sink, frustrated by her own inability to articulate the problem clearly.

“Okay, calm down,” Kali tried to soothe. “Explain what’s happening.”

Taking a deep breath, Blake began describing everything—the persistent heat, the heightened senses, the overwhelming reactions she’d experienced, particularly around Jaune. She spoke in rapid, clipped sentences, embarrassment coloring her words as she detailed the symptoms that had progressively worsened over the past few days.

Throughout Blake’s explanation, her mom remained silent, though Blake could picture her mother’s ears perking up at certain details.

“And you’re certain these sensations intensify around this particular boy?” Kali asked after Blake finished.

“Yes, I already told you that,” Blake responded tersely.

“And you said this started three days ago? And the temperature rises are unpredictable?” Her mom pressed.

“Yes, mom. I just said all of this.” Blake’s patience was wearing thin, her discomfort making her snippier than she intended. “Why do you keep asking me the same questions?”

“I’m just confirming the details, my kitten.” Kali replied evenly. Another pause followed, then: “My daughter, you are in heat.”

Blake’s mind short-circuited at those words, the same diagnosis she’d rejected from the academy nurse now coming from her own mother’s lips.

“I know what you’re thinking, but—” 

“I can’t believe this,” Blake cut her off, indignation rising. “My own mother, believing racist spiel? These are stereotypes used to dehumanize us! To make us seem like animals rather than people!”

“Blake, if you would just—”

“No, you listen! I went to the nurse earlier, and she tried feeding me the same garbage. Heat cycles aren’t real for Faunus. They’re made-up stories humans tell to mock us, to justify treating us like we’re driven by instinct instead of intelligence!”

“That’s not what I’m saying at all—”

“How could you, of all people, perpetuate these myths?” Blake continued, her voice rising with each word. “You raised me to fight against these exact kinds of stereotypes! To stand up for the dignity of our people! And now you’re telling me I’m what—some animal in heat chasing a male to spread my legs to?!”

A short, tense silence followed.

“Are you finished?” Her mother asked calmly. 

Blake breathed heavily, her ears flattened against her skull, feeling a deep sens of shame washing over her.  “Yes.” 

“Good. Now, as I was trying to say, heat cycles are indeed real for some Faunus, but they’re extremely rare. Most of us never experience them—which is why they’re often dismissed as stereotypes. I’ve never had one myself, nor have seen one.”

“Then why is this happening to me?” Blake challenged, confusion replacing some of her anger.

“That’s what makes this so remarkable, my dear. It only happens when a Faunus encounters someone with exceptional compatibility—a potential mate so perfectly suited that it triggers ancient biological responses. In our entire history, perhaps one Faunus in a dozen thousand ever experiences a true heat cycle.”

Blake sat in stunned silence, processing this information.

“So you see, kitten.” She continued. “You’re not experiencing something degrading or animalistic. You’ve found something incredibly rare and precious. A connection so powerful that your body recognizes it on a fundamental level.”

“That... that can’t be right.” Blake managed, though her protest lacked conviction. “Jaune is just... he’s just Jaune.“

“Tell me about him,” Her mom prompted gently.

“There’s nothing to tell. He’s the leader of Team JNPR. He’s...” Blake searched for words. “He’s kind. Awkward sometimes. But determined. He’s not naturally talented like most students at Beacon, but he works harder than anyone. He never gives up, even when he probably should.” She paused, surprised by her own assessment. “He stands up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.”

“He sounds wonderful,” Kali remarked, her smile evident in her voice.

“That’s not the point!” Blake’s embarrassment returned full force. “Even if what you’re saying is true—and I’m not saying I believe it—this isn’t ‘lucky.’ It’s inconvenient and uncomfortable and completely unwanted!”

“Is it?” She challenged softly. “Or are you just afraid of what it might mean?”

Blake fell silent, the question striking closer to home than she cared to admit. She remembered those times they spent together, studying, hanging out or even fighting against the grimm. She didn’t really think much about them.

Or did she?

“Oh, I’m going to have such beautiful grandkittens!” Her mother suddenly exclaimed, her tone shifting to pure delight. “Your father will be thrilled! A son-in-law who triggered a genuine heat cycle in our daughter! It’s like something from the old romantic tales!”

“Mom!” Blake hissed, mortification replacing indignation. “That’s not—I don’t—Jaune isn’t—we’re not having kittens or getting married or anything else you’re imagining!”

“Not yet, perhaps,” Her mom said with an audible wink in her voice. “But the compatibility is there. It’s literally biological fact now.”

“I just need to know how to make these… symptoms stop.” Blake said firmly, desperate to change the subject. “Can you help me or not?”

Her mother’s disappointed sigh carried clearly through the call. “Well, there are two options...”

“I’m listening.” 

“There’s a specific tea blend that can help manage the symptoms. Ginger root, lemongrass, valerian, and a touch of nightshade—not too much, mind you. It won’t stop the cycle, but it should take the edge off.”

“That sounds good,” Blake said with evident relief, finally a real solution for this mess. “I’ll go to the cafeteria and see if I can make some. What’s the other option?”

“Well, the other option, of course, is to find this Jaune and rid—”

Blake ended the call abruptly, her face burning. She knew exactly what her mother had been about to suggest, and that was absolutely not happening. The idea of approaching Jaune with... that... was unthinkable.

Tea. 

She would make the tea, control these ridiculous symptoms, and get through whatever this was. Then she would pretend none of this had ever happened. That was the sensible approach. The only approach.

With new determination, Blake stood up, straightened her robe, and prepared to venture to the cafeteria, not before changing to her uniform. The sooner she got this under control, the sooner she could return to normal.

Though she couldn’t quite explain why the thought of “normal” suddenly seemed less appealing than it had three days ago.

--------------------------------------------------

The Bullhead vibrated beneath Blake’s feet as she sat rigidly in her seat, fingers nervously tapping against Gambol Shroud’s hilt. The tea blend her mother had suggested did help—significantly—but the underlying sensations persisted like a dull ache, a constant reminder of her stupid but very real and ridiculous condition.

She’d managed to avoid the worst of it over the past two days by maintaining a careful distance from Jaune. Every glimpse of him in the hallway or dining hall still sent unwelcome warmth surging through her body, but at least she could function without collapsing. The tea saw to that much.

Now, however, her careful avoidance strategy had been completely undermined. 

Blake half-listened as Ruby enthusiastically recounted some story involving Zwei and a shampoo bottle, her teammates laughing at the punchline. 

Blake couldn’t focus on their conversation, her mind preoccupied with far more pressing concerns.

She hadn’t known until they were boarding that Ruby had specifically requested a joint mission with Team JNPR. “Because we’re all friends!” her team leader had explained cheerfully, completely unaware of the crisis this created for Blake.

“You’ve been quiet, even for you,” Yang remarked, leaning across the aisle. “Everything okay, partner?”

“Fine,” Blake replied curtly, her eyes inadvertently drifting across the cabin to where Jaune sat with his team.

He was looking over a map with Ren, his brow furrowed in concentration as he traced potential routes with his finger. The simple sight of his hands moving across the paper, such soft and long patterns, made Blake’s mouth go dry. She forced her gaze back to Yang.

“Just tired,” she added belatedly. “Didn’t sleep well.”

Yang raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. Blake silently thanked her for that small mercy. She hadn’t told anyone about her condition—partly out of embarrassment, partly because she still wasn’t entirely convinced of the explanation herself. Now she was regretting that decision. Perhaps if she’d confided in Yang, she could have avoided this mission entirely.

The Bullhead touched down with a gentle thud, and Blake rose with the others, shouldering her pack. As they disembarked, she found herself hyperaware of Jaune’s position in relation to her own, as if her body had developed a sixth sense specifically calibrated to his presence.

They were greeted by the village mayor, a stout man with a thick beard and worry lines etched into his forehead. He led them toward the town center, explaining the nature of the recent Grimm incursions that had prompted their call for aid.

“...unusual activity in the eastern forests, mostly Beowolves but we’ve spotted at least one Manticore...” the mayor was saying.

Blake nodded mechanically, but her attention kept drifting. The sunlight caught in Jaune’s hair as he walked ahead of her, turning it to spun gold. She found herself fixated on the breadth of his shoulders, the way his armor shifted with each step.

“...arranged accommodations for your stay. It’s our visitor’s lodge—nothing fancy, but comfortable enough...”

The word “accommodations” managed to penetrate Blake’s distraction. Lodging. They would be staying in the same building. Possibly in close proximity.

For days.

This was going to be a problem. A significant problem.

As they approached a modest two-story building near the village square, Blake fell further back from the group, trying to gather her thoughts. She needed to maintain control. She was a Huntress, not some creature driven by instinct. She had a mission to complete, people to protect.

“You okay?” Jaune’s voice startled her, almost causing her to jump as she realized he had dropped back to walk beside her.

“I-I’m fine,” she managed, her voice strangely tight. Up close, that woody scent she’d noticed in the library was stronger, mixed with the leather of his armor and something uniquely him. Her fingers itched with the sudden, inexplicable urge to reach out and touch him, feel him. And explore his perfect body and-

“You seem distracted,” he pressed, genuine concern in his blue eyes. “If something’s wrong—”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Blake interrupted more sharply than she’d intended. “I just want to complete the mission.”

Jaune looked taken aback by her tone, and guilt immediately pinched at Blake’s conscience. This wasn’t his fault. None of this was his fault.

“Sorry,” she said more softly. “I’m just... tired.“

He nodded, still looking concerned but respecting her space. “Well, if you need anything, just let me know. That’s what friends are for, right?”

Friends. Right.

As Jaune jogged ahead to rejoin his team, Blake watched him go, an uncomfortable knot forming in her stomach. This mission was going to be a special kind of torture, and there was nothing she could do about it now except endure.

Yeah, this was going to suck.

Suck hi-.

NO!

-----------------------------------------------------

They were shown to their accommodations—a quaint lodge with several small bedrooms, a common area, and a simple kitchen. The rooms were assigned, with Team RWBY taking the upstairs rooms and Team JNPR settling on the ground floor. Blake couldn’t decide if the separation was a blessing or if the thought of Jaune directly below her room would make things worse.

Like her already planing in crushing those-

Nope!

“We’ll do an initial reconnaissance this afternoon,” Ruby announced once they’d dropped off their gear. “Jaune and I already discussed splitting into three teams of two to cover more ground.”

Blake froze. “Teams of two?”

Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! I figured we’d mix up the partners a bit for better team cohesion between teams RWBY and JNPR. I’ll go with Pyrrha, Weiss with Ren, Nora with Yang—they’ve been dying to try some combo attacks—and you with Jaune.”

“M-me with Jaune?” Blake managed, her voice betraying her despite her best efforts.

“Is that a problem?” Ruby asked, silver eyes widening with concern.

Yes!

Blake felt seven pairs of eyes turn toward her. She straightened her shoulders, composing herself. “No. No problem, just surprised.”

“Great!” Ruby clapped her hands together. “We’ll meet outside in twenty minutes. Pack light, we’re just scouting today.”

As the teams dispersed to prepare, Blake retreated to her assigned room, closing the door behind her with perhaps more force than necessary. She leaned against it, taking deep, steadying breaths.

“This is fine…” She whispered to herself. “It’s reconnaissance. Professional. Focus on the mission.”

She reached into her pack and pulled out the small pouch of tea blend she’d prepared. The remaining supply was limited, but she could steep another cup before heading out. The effects typically lasted several hours—hopefully enough to get through the afternoon scout without incident.

After preparing and quickly drinking the slightly bitter brew, Blake checked her weapon and ammunition. The familiar routine helped center her, pushing the unwelcome thoughts to the background. 

She was a Huntress first. Everything else was secondary.

When she descended the stairs, most of the others were already assembled outside. Blake stepped into the afternoon sunlight to find Jaune waiting for her, his sword and shield ready, a determined expression on his face.

“Hey, partner,” he said with an easy smile. “Ruby says we’re taking the western perimeter. It’s mostly farmland, so good visibility, but there’s a stream and some woods that could hide smaller Grimm.”

“Sounds straightforward enough,” Blake replied, proud of how normal her voice sounded. The tea was working—the uncomfortable heat was present but muted, manageable.

Ruby gave final instructions to each pair, emphasizing that this was reconnaissance only. “If you encounter anything bigger than a few Beowolves, don’t engage—mark the location and we’ll tackle it as a full team tomorrow.”

The pairs separated, heading in different directions from the village center. Blake and Jaune took the dirt path leading west, walking in silence for several minutes. The distance between them was carefully maintained—close enough for communication, far enough that Blake didn’t feel overwhelmed by his…sex- presence, his imposing presence.

The countryside around the village was peaceful in the late afternoon light. Rolling fields of grain swayed gently in the breeze, and the stream Jaune had mentioned gurgled somewhere ahead. It was almost idyllic, making it hard to believe Grimm were threatening this place.

“So,” Jaune finally broke the silence, “I can’t help noticing you’ve been avoiding me lately.”

Blake nearly stumbled and turned around, her ears perked up. “What?”

“You’ve been keeping your distance. More than usual, I mean,” he clarified, keeping his eyes on the path ahead. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No!” Blake answered quickly. Too quickly. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Then what is it?” His tone wasn’t accusatory, just genuinely curious. “You haven’t made eye contact with me in days, and whenever I enter a room, you find a reason to leave.”

Had she been that obvious? Blake felt heat creeping up her neck that had nothing to do with her condition. “I’ve just had... a lot on my mind.”

Jaune nodded, accepting her answer for the moment, though his expression suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced. They continued walking, the awkward silence stretching between them.

As they approached, the tree line where the farmland gave way to a small forest, her ears twitched. Her enhanced hearing picked up the faint sound of movement ahead—too deliberate to be the wind, too heavy for small animals.

“Grimm,” she whispered, instantly alert. “In the trees.”

Jaune tensed, reaching for his sword. “How many?”

“Can’t tell yet. At least three, maybe more.”

They moved forward cautiously, weapons at the ready. Blake appreciated the distraction—finally, something to focus on besides her confused emotions and the persistent awareness of Jaune beside her.

The first Beowolf lunged from between the trees without warning, followed quickly by two more. Standard Grimm, nothing they couldn’t handle. Blake moved with practiced precision, Gambol Shroud slicing through the air as she ducked and weaved among the attackers.

Jaune had improved significantly since their first year. His movements were more confident, his stance more balanced as he blocked a swipe from a Beowolf’s claws and countered with a solid thrust of his sword. Blake found herself momentarily distracted by the fluid motion of his attack, the way his muscles flexed with each movement—how STRONG they were.

The momentary lapse in attention cost her. A Beowolf’s claw caught her sleeve, missing flesh but tearing fabric. Blake hissed, more in frustration at herself than pain, and redoubled her focus.

Between the two of them, they made quick work of the small pack. As Blake dispatched the last Grimm with a clean slice through its neck, she felt a surge of satisfaction that had nothing to do with her current predicament. This was what she was trained for. This was where she belonged.

“Phew, that was a surprise.” Jaune said, sheathing his sword after confirming no more Grimm were immediately present. “But the way you fought—it’s like watching a dance. Totally different back in Beacon.”

I can do more than that for you.

The compliment, innocuous as it was, sent a flush of warmth through Blake’s whole body. She turned away, pretending to scan the forest. “We should keep moving. There might be more.”

They continued their patrol, marking potential Grimm hiding spots on their scrolls and occasionally dispatching small groups of Beowolves. The work was straightforward, almost routine, but Blake found it increasingly difficult to ignore Jaune’s proximity.

The tea’s effects were wearing off faster than usual, way too fast… Perhaps that was due to the physical exertion?

By the time they’d completed their assigned circuit and were heading back toward the village, the familiar heat was building again, stronger than before. Every accidental brush of shoulders, every time Jaune’s scent carried on the breeze—it all chipped away at her composure.

As they crossed back through the farmlands, the sun beginning to set behind them, Jaune stopped suddenly. “Blake, I think we need to talk.”

Her steps faltered. “About what?”

“About whatever’s going on with you.” He turned to face her fully, blue eyes serious. “And don’t say it’s nothing, because I know that’s not true. You’ve been acting strange, especially around me, and now you’re starting to look feverish again, like you did in the library before you collapsed.”

Blake’s hand instinctively went to her face. She was burning up again, she could feel it. “I-I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not,” Jaune insisted, taking a step closer. “We’re supposed to be a team out here, and that means looking out for each other. If you’re sick or something’s wrong, you need to tell me so I can help.”

The concern in his voice was genuine, his expression open and earnest. It was so typically Jaune—putting others first, trying to help, even when he didn’t understand the situation. Under normal circumstances, Blake would have appreciated his care. Now, it only made her condition worse.

Jump him. Nobody is around. Jump him and-

“You can’t help with this,” she said, her voice strained. She took a step back, trying to maintain the distance between them. “Please, Jaune, just drop it.”

Take him!

“Not if it’s affecting you this badly,” he persisted, closing the gap she’d created. “Blake, you’re clearly unwell. Let me—”

He reached out, perhaps intending to check her temperature or offer some form of comfort. His fingers brushed against her arm, and the contact, innocent as it was, sent a powerful jolt electricity racing up her spine. Blake gasped, the sound escaping before she could stop it.

He wants you! He wants you! He wants you!

Jaune froze, his hand still touching her arm, confusion written across his handsome face. “Blake?”

MOUNT HIM! MOUNT HIM! MOUNT HIM! 

Everything hit her at once, hard, his warmth, his scent, the concern in his blue eyes, the slight quickening of his pulse visible at his neck. She was acutely, painfully aware of every single detail.

BREED ME!

“I-I…I need to go,” Blake managed, her voice barely above a whisper. She pulled away from his touch, stumbling slightly as she quickly created distance between them.

“Blake, wait—”

STAY!

But she was already moving, using her semblance to create a shadow clone as she darted away, fleeing from Jaune and her screaming instinct clouding her mind. It was cowardly, she knew, but at that moment, running was the only option that wouldn’t end in complete humiliation.

NONONONONONONONONO! PLEASE STAY!

She didn’t look back, focusing only on the path to the village and drink-no, she was going to directly eat it or chew it. ANYTHING to help her fight this off.

She was going to endure.

Why were her legs suddenly wet and warm?

-----------------------------------------------------

AN: Spoiler Alert: She was not going to make it. This ended up longer than I expected as partial comedy/romance and smut. Had to split it.