A/N: Hello readers! Welcome to another update on this ship I call "Winter Knight"! Before that, I need to address a couple of things.

First, this fic has hit three major milestones since the last update: 225 follows, 219 favs, and over 11,000 views! That's insane! Now all I need is to reach the 100 review milestone. Who would've thought that bringing this ship to life would garner so much attention? And to think this was originally a one-shot.

Second, Death Battle: Yang vs. Tifa…it was awesome! I saw it live! Just on the off chance some of you haven't seen it, I'm not gonna spoil who won. I will say that it was entertaining, especially since they got Yang's voice actor to voice her in the fight.

Third…this was originally supposed to be done over this past weekend and posted this past Monday, but I got into the flow of writing the rewrite of my OC story…my first story that I decided to write. More on that later.

Fourth, as you can see in the summary, I have marked this story as an AU, with Winter most likely being OOC, because let's face it: she's not gonna be anything like the way I'm portraying her in the show…I mean, maybe she and Weiss actually aren't on speaking terms, but for completely different reasons. Who knows?

More on this and other stuff in the ending author's note.

Right now, time for a talk between the couple.

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY.

Conversation

Jaune and Winter walked together down the Beacon hallways, a comfortable silence between them. The halls were deserted at the moment, so when they talked, whatever was said would be between them and them alone.

"You really were impressive," Winter finally said. "My sister's not an easy opponent."

"Yeah," Jaune said. He knew this from watching her fight…and being on the receiving end or her weapon from time to time, his recent fight included. "I really have Pyrrha to thank for that."

"Yes," she smiled. "Being trained by the four-time Mistral Tournament champion can be quite beneficial."

"She's just Pyrrha to me, but…yeah. I'm glad she's my friend."

Winter glanced at him. "Just friends?"

"Um, yeah…why?"

"No reason," Winter replied, internally sighing in relief.

Oh, there was a reason. She noticed how the champion looked at Jaune. It was the same look that Winter now had whenever she was with the knight…which wasn't that often and would be significantly less so once she returned to Atlas.

She needed to get as much time with Jaune as she could.

"So." Jaune brought her out of her thoughts. "What'd you need to talk about?"

Winter paused. Right, she needed to have a couple of things addressed.

"Well," she began. "My father has deemed it necessary that I attend a sort of "ball" in less than two weeks, the same going for Weiss."

"Okay," Jaune nodded. "But what does that have to do with me?"

Winter hesitated a moment. "…Well, we're allowed to bring a guest."

Jaune stared blankly at her.

"And…." Winter turned her head to the side to hide the light blush. "I was hoping you'd accompany me."

Realization hit Jaune like a pair of heavenly pillows to his fa-

Damn it! I thought I was over that!

He'll never get over it.

Jaune scratched his cheek nervously. "I'd be happy to, but…I'm not exactly "high-class"."

Winter smiled. "I don't really mind that. I'd just prefer to be there with you rather than alone."

She frowned. "Actually, I'd prefer not to be there period, but my father insists."

"Why don't you want to be there?" Jaune asked.

Winter hummed. "…It's not that I don't enjoy these formal gatherings, because I do. It's just-." Winter sighed. "This was supposed to be my vacation time."

"Huh?"

Winter bit her lip. "Being the liaison for the SDC and Atlas's military means that I'm confined to Atlas. Whenever I'm able to get away, which is hardly ever, I come to Vale to take my mind of things."

That made Jaune think. If she was here only here for vacation…then she'd be leaving when it was over.

For some reason, Jaune's heart hurt at the idea of Winter leaving. Perhaps this was because…no, they had only gone on one date. That wasn't enough to…but that kiss felt like it meant someth-.

"Which is another thing I wanted to talk to you about."

Jaune turned to Winter, moving away from the thoughts in his head.

"What is it?"

Winter sighed. "I'll be returning to Atlas soon."

That much Jaune figured out.

"The day after the ball, in fact."

Jaune's heart hurt even more.

Less than two weeks…that was all they had left together….

Jaune regretted not calling her sooner for that date now more than ever.

"Which leads to this." Winter sat down on a nearby bench. She gestured for Jaune to sit next to her, which he did.

A silence filled the air. Not really uncomfortable, more like a patient silence, that waited to be broken.

"Jaune," Winter finally said. "What am I to you?"

And there it was. The ultimate question, the answer of which would either make or break this brand new ship.

Jaune actually had to think about it. He wanted to be sure whatever he said came from his heart. He thought to the two times he was with Winter: the first time they met and their date. He had been captured by her beauty, and helping her with Weiss had been great….

Spending time with her had been greater.

This had been proven more so when they went on their date. It had been fun getting scared together from that horror movie (which they would never see again in their lifetime), getting to know her (and her him) when they had dinner, and seeing her reaction to the hidden flower garden.

Their short time together had been great…and Jaune wished it didn't have to end so soon.

But she had to go back. He couldn't ask her to defy her father and stay longer. Somehow, he felt that wouldn't end well.

Jaune knew what he wanted to say.

"Winter," he began. "It honestly makes me sad that our time together has been short and is coming to an end. Kinda wish I'd called you earlier."

"You should have."

"Yeesh, rub salt on the wound, why don't you?"

Winter giggled.

"Anyway," Jaune continued. "I know that the short time we've had isn't really the normal amount of time it takes to see whether you like…well, like-like someone. But-." He turned to look her in the eye. "I know that I want to see you more and more. I want to get to know you better. I…I l-like you."

Winter stared blankly at Jaune for a moment…then burst into a fit of giggles.

"H-Hey! What's so funny?!" He didn't say the wrong thing, did he?

Winter finally calmed down, still smiling. "N-Nothing! It's just…that was rather cheesy, don't you think?" She giggled again.

Jaune looked indignant. "W-Well…I meant it, at least."

"I know you did," Winter said, leaning towards him. "And it was sweet…cheesy, but sweet."

He already knew this, but Winter was beautiful. Jaune blushed as he could practically feel her breath on him.

She leaned back. "I feel the same, you know."

"Really?"

She nodded. "I do. You turned out to be an interesting person to talk to ever since we first met, and from what I've learned-." She smirked. "You're a goof."

Jaune actually pouted. "I'm not!"

Winter laughed. "Alright, alright. How about…you're funny even when you don't mean to be?"

"…" Jaune sighed, yet smiled. "Yeah, that's pretty much me in a nutshell."

Winter smiled back, and both returned to a silence, only this one was comfortable.

…

…

…

"So~," Jaune drawled. "We're gonna see where this goes?"

Winter nodded. "Indeed."

"Even though you're leaving soon?"

Winter smiled. "Let's cross that bridge when we get to it, shall we?"

Jaune smiled back. "Definitely."

Both stood up and decided to walk the halls of Beacon again.

Weiss had actually been watching the two converse. She hadn't been able to catch all of what was said, but it was enough to ease her mind.

She may have given her blessing, but there had still been lingering doubt about Jaune. He had always tried to pursue her, and she rationalized it as him going after her for the perks of her last name.

When she found out that Jaune dated her sister…she didn't react well. She was livid and had confronted Jaune on the matter. One thing led to another, and they both spared. While the fight was underway, Weiss had actually calmed down and found the time to actually consider the idea of Jaune and Winter dating….

It still sounded farfetched, especially considering the age difference. But…somehow it clicked, as though by some outside force.

(A/N: *whistles innocently*)

And what's more…when he called Weiss beautiful, he had been genuine about it. That, combined with his kind nature made Weiss wonder….

Had she been wrong about him?

…

…

…

And was Winter right? Did she miss out?

"Hey, Snow Angel."

Weiss turned to see the person she was currently infatuated with, Neptune Vasilias. Though, if it hadn't been for Jaune, she and Neptune wouldn't be seeing each other in the first place.

"I saw your fight with Jaune," he said, flashing his smile. "I knew you'd win."

Weiss couldn't help but smile in return.

She would never admit it, but perhaps she had missed out.

Weiss took another look at Jaune and Winter, who were enjoying each other's company…much the same way Weiss and Neptune enjoyed each other's company. Taking both couples into consideration….

Perhaps she was meant to miss out.

Pyrrha watched sadly as Jaune and Winter turned a corner, disappearing from sight. She, too, had been overhearing the conversation….

And what she heard saddened her.

She had always hoped that Jaune would notice her affections for him. Ever since she met the Arc, she had been…charmed by him. He didn't see her for her fame, only for who she was. This had drawn Pyrrha to him and eventually she fell for the clumsy knight.

Yet the entire time, he only had eyes for Weiss. When the dance came along, she had hoped that his little stunt of keeping his promise had been a sign that perhaps he felt something for her.

Instead…nothing had changed. He still hadn't noticed, yet Pyrrha was sure that if she were patient, he would come around….

Though, now the question was: had she been too patient? Did she miss out on her chance to be with Jaune?

Seeing how happy Jaune was with Winter…the most likely answer was "yes".

But was it too late?

…

…

…

Perhaps it was…or perhaps it was not.

Pyrrha wiped her eyes, now filled with determination.

She still had a chance to somehow get Jaune…or at the very least, tell him how she felt. Whether he rejected her or not was irrelevant. She needed to say how she felt, lest she be consumed by her uncertainty.

It didn't matter if it was too late…she would no longer sit idle.

The Champion was, in her opinion, still in this.

Ozpin sipped his mug as he watched the three separate parties of Weiss and Neptune, Pyrrha, and Jaune and Winter.

He turned his gaze to Weiss and Neptune.

"A ship has sunk, only for another to take its place.

He gazed at Jaune and Winter.

"This new ship still stands strong, intent on sailing forward."

He now gazed at Pyrrha.

"And one still has some fight left in it. Though I feel it's fighting a losing battle."

He sighed and took another sip of his mug…then turned to his companion.

"And what of your thoughts, Glynda?"

Said disciplinarian had half a mind to smack the Headmaster in the head with her riding crop.

"I think you should stop with this "shipping" nonsense!"

Ozpin hummed. "…So, you're one of those people…who flame the shippers." He sighed. "For shame, Glynda. For shame."

Livid and having had enough, Glynda raised her riding crop.

SMACK!

Jaune raised his head. "Did you hear something?"

Winter shrugged. "Whatever it was, it sounded like it hurt."

Both Jaune and Winter were walking towards the Beacon docking area for Winter's return trip to Vale.

Before she left however…there was still the elephant in the room that needed to be addressed.

"Jaune…there's still one thing to consider."

"You mean me being young, right?"

Jaune knew this needed to be talked about.

"Yes," Winter said, slightly hesitant. "Is it a problem?"

"Well, some people might not like it, but-."

"I know that people would see a problem with it," Winter interrupted, already accepting that the public would see someone in their early twenties dating a seventeen-year-old as…not okay. "I meant, do you have a problem with me being older."

Jaune paused. "…I don't know. Do you have a problem with me being younger?"

Now Winter paused. "…Well, not really. I've already said how I feel and that I want to see where this goes."

"Same here," Jaune said. "Besides, isn't there an actor that's married to someone twenty years older than him?"

"Well, yes, but he's over 18. In his mid-twenties to be exact. While people wonder if he likes older woman, they won't really say anything since he's over 18."

Jaune shrugged. "Well, I'm turning 18 soon, so it won't be that much of an issue."

The world stopped for a moment.

Noticing that Winter was no longer beside him, he turned to find her staring blankly at him.

"W-What?" she finally asked.

Jaune rubbed his head. "Yeah, my birthday's this Saturday…gonna be 18 then."

Winter's mind shut down at this recent discovery. It took a while for it to reboot, but as it did, one thought formed.

He'll be legal.

Winter turned in the other direction to hide her blush, mortified she had even had that thought.

Why did I think that?! I-It's too soon for that! I don't even want to!

…

…

…

Winter cupped her chin in thought.

Do I?

"Winter? You alright?"

Winter snapped out of her thoughts and made sure her blush died down before turning to answer Jaune.

"O-Oh it's nothing!" she assured with a nervous smile. "Just…guess I knew what Ozpin meant."

Jaune looked confused. "What?"

"Never mind. It doesn't matter." Winter tapped her chin. "Well…I guess it'll be less of an issue. Still an issue, but less so once you're birthday passes."

"Yeah…." Jaune seemed to be thinking of something. "…Hey, Winter?"

"Hmm?"

"…Have you ever been to a birthday party before?"

That made Winter think. "…Not the kinds of birthday parties you're thinking. They've always been so…formal."

Jaune pursed his lips in thought. "…Wanna come to mine?"

Winter blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Well," Jaune explained, rubbing his head nervously. "I kinda figured you'd like to see what a "normal" birthday party's like. You don't have to come if you don't want to. It's not exactly gonna be what you're used to. It'll be me and the family, probably at a family place where my two younger sisters can play."

Winter stared blankly at him…then smirked. "My, my. Introducing me to your parents already?"

Jaune went wide-eyed. "Wait, that's not wha-."

"T-This is all happening so quickly!" she mockingly exclaims, a hand to her chest. "It's so sudden!"

Jaune deadpanned at her, realizing the tone. "Really?"

Winter giggled. "…I'd love to go."

"R-Really? Um, great." Jaune smiled. "I'll call later to let you know the details."

"Wonderful," Winter smiled. She placed a kiss on his cheek, making him blush. "I'll see you later then.

Jaune cleared his throat, the blush remaining. "R-Right. See you later."

Jaune turned back to the school, walking away. Winter watched him go for a while, then turned to the airship. As she was about to step on, however, she realized something.

She didn't have anything to wear for a simple birthday party.

…

…

…

Well, she could always ask her sister and her teammates….

Yes, she'd do that.

Standing near the edge of a cliff, overlooking the surrounding forest, was none other than Adam Taurus, leader of the White Fang.

He calmly waited as, in the background, the rest of his brothers and sisters of the White Fang continued with their daily tasks, preparing for something big.

A lone member walked up to him. "Sir?"

Adam gave a sideways glance. "What is it?"

"We've just received confirmation on intel recently acquired." The grunt glanced at his Scroll. "Both daughters of the head of the Schnee Dust Company are attending the formal gathering in Vale."

Adam grinned. "Excellent. We will soon deal a striking blow to the Schnees at last."

Less than two weeks. That's all that was left before vengeance against the Schnee family would be at hand.

A/N: And there we go….

Yeah, the White Fang's in this. Shit's going down. Note yet, of course. We still have a birthday party to get to…which may or may not involve people other than Winter going along. Also, Pyrrha's not giving up yet…poor girl.

As for including Neptune/Weiss in this...I don't really see what problem people have with this ship (other than most fans being White Rose shippers). I mean, I'm willing to give this ship a chance. Plus, Neptune and Weiss have one thing in common...they're both putting up facades: Weiss with her "perfect girl" routine, and Neptune with his "cool guy" routine. Common ground. Besides, I'm pretty sure there's a cliché somewhere out there about the rich girl falling for the cool guy.

And yes, I'm having Jaune turn 18 in this fic. This could technically be seen as a cop-out, but I didn't really want to deal with that whole "age" dilemma. Cause obviously there's a problem with a relationship like this happening. I mean, just look at all those Rosewick fics. They're fun to read and all, but…you know, age difference and…the law and stuff.

Now, on my decision of marking this as AU with possible OOC Winter…like I said in the first chapter, this is how Winter could be. "Could" being different from "would" or should". I'm expecting Winter to be much different than from how I'm portraying her, and I know you all are too.

But that's okay. All this fic was meant to do was open the doorway to future Jaune/Winter fics. And with Volume 3 premiering, hopefully it'll inspire other writers to write Jaune/Winter fics. I mean, I could simply write another "Winter Knight" fic after watching all of Volume 3, but…I kinda put all I could into this version. One-shots aren't out of the question, but I kinda want to leave it to others to keep the ship flowing with full-length fics.

Although…I might change my mind. Depends how Volume 3 goes.

Speaking of which…apparently there'll be two episodes airing rather than one…that's what I get for not paying more attention. So now there's two chances of Winter making an appearance. I'm hoping she does, yet at the same time, I'm hoping she doesn't, just to buy myself some time.

Oh the dilemma!

Anyway, I received an overwhelming response regarding whether or not I should do a smut scene. Still thinking about it, but the feedback's been helpful.

However…just to be on the safe side, I've created a poll on my profile that you readers can vote on that deals with the smut scene. Go check it out and cast your vote. It'll still be my decision, but I'd like to see what you all think.

Also, on the matter of my OC story…I'd appreciate it if, after voting on the poll, you take a look at it. It's called "The Idiot, The Assassin, The Fighter, and The Robot (Revamped)". I mean, if it wasn't for that idea, I wouldn't be writing fanfiction period. Ergo, this fic would not exist. Granted, someone else would've written a "Winter Knight" fic, which would possibly be better and have a different name for the ship, but that's irrelevant. If OC stories aren't your thing…read it anyway. You might be surprised.

Well, I've rambled on long enough. Leave all your comments in a review. I enjoy reading them and hearing from you all. If you haven't done so yet, follow and fav to be kept up to date with future chapters. And be sure to cast your vote in the poll on my profile involving the smut scene.

Well, that's all I have to say. See you in the next update!

LATERS!