WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING OF VOL 3
Sorry for the late upload on this one, but I was very busy today with traveling and baking. I made MACAROONS! 3 Anyway, Since this chapter is so long, I will continue to upload once a week, but, once I get back to shorter chapters (and once I catch up on my writing schedule. I'm a few weeks behind... :( ) I'm hoping to upload more than once a week. I just hope that, despite how far I've fallen behind, I won't have to resort to uploading irregularly. Anyway, as always, please read and review! This was my favorite chapter to write so far!
Booze was his greatest ally and his biggest enemy. Qrow noted, swigging the sweet, burning concoction from his round, silver flask. Sure, the wondrous liquid dulled the pain and blurred the passage of time, but it blurred the passage of time. Not only that, but recently drinking made Qrow think more often than not, which was not why he drank.
He might have been hazy on the day, week, and hour, but he had one marker of time.
It had been half a year since Beacon was attacked. Half a year since the whole place was invaded by Grimm. Half a year since his niece was maimed by the White Fang. Half a year since Ozpin's disappearance.
The latter two events were why he was here, in Mistral. Without Ozpin, Qrow didn't know what he should do or where to look, but he did have revenge to get on the White Fang. He followed rumors and whispers and intel in Mistral, keeping close to the main city, so he could come aid Ruby and her friends if they bit off more than they could chew. His business was on the edge of Mistral, though, which is what lead him to this muggy swamp.
He heard rumblings that the White Fang were hiding out in the swamps, and if they were, Qrow would find them. How any of them can stand this muggy air is beyond me. He grumbled, more annoyed and irritable as of late.
Qrow lost a lot when Beacon fell. He lost a long time friend and commander, he lost his niece Yang, who just wasn't herself anymore, and he lost Taiyang… Qrow scowled, remembering the angry message on his scroll. Taiyang and Qrow had been on thin ice for years, but encouraging Ruby to run off with her friends quickly shattered that ice. Now Taiyang was a freezing pond, not even acknowledging that Qrow was family. Partially family.
Qrow stuck his hands in his pockets, feeling a cool chill down his spine, despite the wet heat that permeated the air. The chill reminded him of cold nights on the Mistral streets while he was gathering information. Sure, he occasionally managed to get some information and a warm bed out of some of the locals, but what did it matter? He scowled to himself, trying to remember them.
They all looked similar in his head, but he couldn't see their faces. It could have been from being drunk, but who's to say? He did faintly remember them all being women with fair skin and hair. Qrow groaned to himself, rubbing his face.
None of them even came close, though. None of those women looked like her or moved like her. None of them laughed or smirked like her. They certainly didn't moan or cum like she did, either.
Qrow frowned, rubbing his forehead, as if trying to scrub the thoughts of her out of his head, but they persisted.
The Huntsman found himself thinking about Winter Schnee more than he cared to admit. Most of the time that she occupied his thoughts were when he was drunk or having sex. Which applies double for when he was having drunken sex.
While the Huntress hadn't seen him since her last trip to Vale, Qrow had seen Winter plenty. She showed up in his dreams once or twice. Nothing interesting went on, really, she was just there, as a part of the cast of his life. The image of her, naked and wanting got him through a few lonely nights, but mostly the memory of her kept Winter in his thoughts.
He went over the night again and again in his head. Most times, he changed the ending to better suit his desires. Qrow regretted leaving that penthouse suite. He wished he had stayed. James could go fuck himself. Winter was his that night, or, at least, she would have been his if he hadn't of stormed off like a child.
Qrow took another long swig from his flask, knowing he shouldn't get drunk but so desperately wanting to. He sighed, tucking the flask back into the left side of his jacket. His destination was nearby, and he couldn't risk being more intoxicated than he already was. And I'm certainly not drunk enough. He sighed, channeling his aura. In a second, Qrow transformed, flying into the sky ahead.
His crow form had allowed him to gain information that only he could obtain. Which was why Ozpin had sent him on so many scouting missions and reconnaissance… Qrow tried to forget that Ozpin was missing, opting instead to focus on wherever the White Fang were hiding nearby. The swamp was covered in thick trees and murky waters. Any other Huntsman who tried to track the White Fang down to this location, would most likely never make it through the swamp. Traveling through the area would take time, and it would be very difficult to stay hidden. Just then, he flew above someone, dressed in the white and black uniform. There's a perimeter guard... Ahead, about a mile away, he noticed an area that was more dry, and the trees were cleared out a bit. Found ya. Qrow thought to himself, circle above the clearing to get a look.
The area appeared to be one of the only spots of stable, dry ground around the swamp. An extravagant cabin, which really looked more like a mansion, had been built on the spot, most likely for a rich family that lived in the city. Considering the dilapidated state of the walls and roof, it was unlikely that they had visited in awhile.
Qrow swept down, landing on a nearby tree. He just observed the guards' movements for about half an hour, interested to see just what they were doing. There were only around 30 of them in the dilapidated home, so Qrow flew around the perimeter, counting how many perimeter guards were deployed. He stopped circling when he noticed they had all vanished. Shit. Where'd they go? He circled around a few times, hoping to see them. The smell of blood permeated from an area a few yards from the perimeter circle, and Qrow decided to investigate.
In that small patch of swampy water, seven White Fang members were laid out. Their corpses were bloody and slashed, and one even looked like it had been gored by a Boarbatusk. That's not good. Qrow thought, flying back towards the cabin. His heart skipped a beat when he reached the clearing.
Six White Fang guards were grouped around an area, all of them looking beat up and worn out. The members who had been hiding in the lavish cabin were all waiting on the porch steps and looking from the balconies above, looming menacingly. Qrow flew to a branch, perching and watching over them, trying to hold back his rage. Two of the men, who must have been perimeter guards, stepped forward, throwing their prize onto the ground like two cats, wanting a treat for their dead bird.
Her military coat was just tatters, now, and blood seeped through her uniform in several spots. Her right arm had a noticeable gash, and blood had filled her sleeve, turning the white shirt red. The bun that held her hair out of her face was misshapen and fallen, but still there. The most surprising thing about her appearance, was her posture. She laid face down on the ground, panting, obviously out of breath from her fight with the White Fang. Dirt and blood clung to her cheeks and the chin that was always so dignantly poised.
"Winter Schnee." One of the White Fang lieutenants lorded over her, obviously proud of his prize. "What a surprise to see you so far from home." He purred, kneeling down to get a better look at the former heiress at his feet. "What would a Schnee be doing in Mistral? And here, of all places?" The lieutenant asked, his red fox tail twitching.
Winter kept her eyes shut, trying to keep her breathing steady. "I know what you did in Vale… I'll kill all of you…" She murmured through strained breaths.
"You're doing a wonderful job of it…" The lieutenant straightened up. "How many did she kill?" He asked the guards.
"S-seven." One of the guards rubbed his neck, guiltily.
"Seven. Seven of our brothers and sisters…" The fox faunus scowled, reeling his foot back. The kick hit Winter right in the stomach, and her pained gasp for air made Qrow flinch, ruffling his feathers. Winter clutched at the dirt, wheezing and coughing up a bit of blood. "What's wrong, Schnee? All out of aura?" The lieutenant smirked, motioning to his men. "Take her inside. We'll find out why she's here… You." He pointed to the guards who had been on the perimeter. "Back to your rounds." The fox faunus then picked out seven guards to replace the ones Winter had killed, watching them retreat into the forest. Winter was picked up by two, horned guards, who dragged her up the steps and into the house. The lieutenant followed after them, shutting the door behind him.
Qrow flew to a nearby windowsill, not wanting to take his eyes off of Winter. They'll kill the Ice Queen… He scowled internally, watching them pull up a wooden chair. We're… friends… or, at least allies. I can't leave her here. He thought, watching them tear the remains of her coat from her shoulders before sitting her down. Winter gave no resistance, most likely because it would only aggravate her injuries. I don't know if I should interfere… or how. Qrow fought with himself, wondering what he should do. If he made an attempt to free her, in her current state, she most likely wouldn't survive the crossfire. But if he didn't help her…
The guards tied her up, binding her to the chair with some rope. "So… Schnee…" The lieutenant circled her, his tail twisting the whole time. "What are you doing here?" Winter tilted her head back, resting it on the back of her chair, her bang falling to the side, revealing both of her icy blue eyes. The lieutenant scowled, displeased that she had ignored him entirely. "Answer the question…" He threatened, stepping closer to her.
"That information is classified." Winter replied, totally deadpan. Qrow wanted to smirk. Of course it is. That's the Winter I know... The faunus found that to be much less humorous than Qrow had, grabbing Winter's face, forcing her to look at his Grimm mask.
"I won't ask nicely again." The fox faunus' scowl deepened, but he backed away when Winter started to laugh.
"That was asking nicely? You people really have no manners!" Winter looked directly into the man's eyes, toying with him. "It shouldn't really be a surprise, though… You are lesser beings, after all…" The slap hit Winter's cheek hard, and the sharp sound could have silenced a room.
"You racist, fascist, bitch." The faunus growled, grabbing the arms of the chair. Winter just moved her head back into place, the red handprint on her cheek.
"Hmm. I'll have to apologize. I think you misunderstood me." Her blue eyes slit, and her perfect white teeth smiled back at the faunus. "I am not racist. Faunus are a very capable people. I harbor no ill will towards them. I've worked with several in my times, and they have all been reliable, excellent fighters… Your kind, on the other hand, are animals." The faunus raised his hand, smacking Winter across the cheek again. "The White Fang does not intend the best for the faunus…" Winter continued, undeterred by the assault. "So, I've determined that they are a different kind altogether. Not worthy of the name 'faunus'. The White Fang are animals." She growled, leaning forward in her chair.
The lieutenant grabbed her by the hair, pulling her head back. "You think you're special, eh? Little Schnee girl… we're going to have so much fun with you."
Winter wasn't fazed, keeping her placid mask on. "You animals can't even conduct a proper interrogation. How long has it been since you asked me a question? Do you even intend to get any answers?" She toyed with them, just asking to be hit again.
The man pulled out a small knife, bringing it towards Winter's face. Qrow tensed, preparing to burst through the window and kill the man. "You don't seem to realize the dire situation you're in, Schnee." He brought the knife towards her left eye, but Winter kept her gaze on the man, not quivering an inch. "Maybe if I take one of those blue eyes of yours, you'll understand."
"You are the one who doesn't seem to understand." Winter frowned up at the fox faunus. "I'm a Schnee. You do realize what that means, right? You're the one in a dire situation…" The lieutenant looked like he was about to reply, but Winter didn't give him the chance. "If you kill me, maim me, or touch one hair on my head, the full force of the SDC will come down on your pitiful excuse for an organization." She didn't hiss or growl the threat, keeping her voice level. "They have just been letting you skate by, but you touch a Schnee? You won't last another year."
"We'll see about that…" The faunus growled, holstering his knife. "In the meantime, you'll still be a good hostage… Maybe we can even get daddy Schnee to pay for his princess' release." Winter scowled at that, straining against her bonds. "Keep her aura down... " When the two guards assigned to watch her looked around, confused, the faunus elaborated. "Smack her around every once in awhile… I'll be back." He muttered, leaving the room.
Qrow watched the faunus leave the cabin, pulling out a scroll. He's going to contact other members… I need to get that scroll. He thought, his eyes glancing between Winter and the scroll. How, though? I can't reveal myself without putting her in danger. He thought, red eyes locked onto the former heiress, slumped in her chair. Even if he didn't like Winter, she was an ally and he could use one of those in these times. Qrow tried to formulate a plan.
I could take out everyone on the perimeter, then burst into the house, grab her, and run. He thought, running a risk assessment. They wouldn't make it out unscathed, but they'd most likely make it out. But then I'd have to flee on foot in the swamps. I wouldn't make it very far carrying her. Qrow tried to come up with a better plan, but stopped, once he noticed that familiar sigil glowing in the house.
Under her chair, the Schnee glyph glowed. The two guards drew their blades, about to strike Winter. She moved too quickly for them, though, easily getting free from her binds and ducking under their blades. Time dilation… Qrow watched, mesmerized. He'd seen it once before, but it was still fascinating to watch. Winter fought off the two guards with ease, grabbing one's dagger from his belt. She spun, avoiding a sword swing downward, before throwing the dagger. It landed in the man's throat and he fell dead. She grabbed his discarded blade, using it to fight off the other guard. His skills weren't nearly as honed as hers, and he, too, was dead within seconds. Afterwards, Winter stretched, throwing the blade aside. Another glyph formed behind her, and from it, a pack of blue and white Beowolfs emerged. She had enough aura the whole time… He realized, tilting his head with interest. There was shouting in the distance and gunfire, and Qrow turned towards the sounds. Within minutes, Atlas soldiers surrounded the cabin. They pointed their weapons at the White Fang members, ordering them to freeze.
The fox faunus dropped his scroll, crushing it beneath his boot before he drew his weapons, ready to fight. His eagerness was wasted, however, as a Beowolf rushed him from behind, grabbing him in his mouth. The lieutenant cried out in agony, blood seeping from the Grimm's mouth. The rest of the White Fang members gave up, dropping their weapons once they realized they were outmatched. The few that tried to fight back were taken out by Winter's Grimm. Once the ordeal was over, twenty-one White Fang members were in chains, being taken away by the soldiers. Winter stood on the porch, ordering the squadron around. A bullhead arrived after a few minutes, ready to take the terrorists back to Atlas for questioning.
One of the soldiers approached Winter, saluting. "Commander, we'll be taking them back to Atlas, now. There's a medic on board, prepared to give you medical attention."
"No, soldier. Make sure they see to that lieutenant." Winter replied, coolly, watching them take the fox faunus to the clearing where the bullhead had landed. He had large gashes all over his body, and blood seeped from them. "We need to interrogate him." She said simply, watching them take the crumpled, broken man into the airship.
"You still intend to stay, Commander?" The soldier asked, looking over Winter with concern in his face.
"Yes. The mission hasn't changed. I'll stay to monitor the location." Winter insisted, standing straight despite her many sustained injuries. "I'll contact the secondary team if anyone shows up. Just get these animals back to Mantle." She ordered calmly.
"Yes, commander." The soldier saluted. After a beat, he paused, pulling out a familiar blade. "We found this." Winter took her blade from his hands, hooking it onto her hip.
"You're dismissed, soldier." Winter ordered, cooly, before turning back to the house. The soldiers and the White Fang were all shuffled on board before the bullhead flew off.
Qrow watched her through the window for a moment, before flying down to the ground and changing back to his human form. He waited in front of the house for a bit, his mind racing. A part of him wanted to grab Winter and force a kiss on her. In his head, that would have been a good idea, but this was the real Winter, not the one in his head. Besides… that doesn't seem like a very me thing to do. Qrow dismissed the thought as being a result of alcohol, loneliness, and the stress of the past six months.
He walked up the porch, making sure to do so quietly. Qrow stopped at the doorway, just watching Winter leaning on the chair. She popped her neck a few times, and rolled her shoulders. Winter rubbed her sleeve that was soaked in blood, before tearing the dirty fabric off. She threw the soaked sleeve on the floor before removing her gloves and throwing them onto the floor, too. She looked over her clothes, finding that they were too muddy or bloody to use as rags. The former heiress just sighed, running a hand through her bang.
"Maybe you shouldn't have turned down medical attention, sweetheart." Qrow murmured, strutting into the cabin.
Winter drew her blade in an instant, turning on her heel to point the tip at the Huntsman. Once those icy blue eyes connected with his, they softened, and she got out of her combat stance. "We already know how that battle ends, Schnee. And you're already roughed up, so it's very unfair." Qrow smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"Branwen." Winter scowled, sheathing her weapon. "What are you doing here?"
"What? No 'Been a long time'? No 'it's nice to see you'?" Qrow strolled into the room, looking around at the mossy wallpaper. When Winter just tilted her head, the Huntsman sighed. "I guess I thought about saving your ass, but seems like it wasn't necessary." He rubbed his chin, disappointed. "Imagine how grateful you would have been…" Qrow smirked, pushing his hair out of his eyes.
"You sure took your time." Winter rose one of her perfect brows, going to sit stiffly on the chair that she had been bound to just a half an hour ago."I'm glad you didn't, though. Your idiotic attempts at heroics would have most likely ruined the mission."
"Which reminds me…" Qrow lifted a hand, pulling his flask from his coat. "Is Jimmy trying to get you killed, or something?"
"These missions abide by my own plan. General Ironwood had no input." Winter replied, stiffly, her military shell perfectly intact.
"Ah. That explains a lot…" Qrow murmured, taking a swig of his liquor. "They're ballsy and stupid. Perfectly fitting." He added, hoarsely. Winter just crossed her arms over her chest and slit her eyes. "You suicidal, or something, Schnee? Cause that's what it seems like…" Pushing his hair out of his eyes, Qrow's scarlet irises locked onto Winter's. They're… colder than I remember. "Let me guess… you missed me?" He gave her his most mischievous smirk, hoping it would crack her shell a bit.
"I'll ask again: What are you doing here, Branwen?" Winter didn't waver, her militaristic attitude irritating Qrow.
"I'm here to do the same thing as you, apparently." He murmured, looking around the house. "Get revenge."
Winter pursed her lips, before speaking quietly. "Yes… I heard about what happened to your niece. I'm sorry." As much military and civil decorum was in her voice, there was also a genuine apologetic tone.
Qrow just took another drink, not wanting to hear apologies. "Yeah, well… I'm not after these thugs. I want the bastard that attacked Yang." He growled, menacingly. Memories of Yang waking up to see what had become of her haunted him. She was broken. She had given up. Qrow might have known that she would endure and fight on, but it didn't make this stage any easier to watch.
Winter leaned forward in her chair, a sudden menace to her voice. "I assure you, if we catch him, I'll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn't get off easy. He will suffer." The threat in her voice broke Qrow from his stupor, and reminded him why he found Winter so attractive.
"Let me assure you…" Qrow frowned, tucking his silver flask back into his coat. "If I catch him? Atlas won't see hide nor hair of him. Neither will Vale."
Winter leaned back in her chair, returning to her straight, military posture. "It's a deal." She nodded, adjusting her vest. "While we're at it…" The Huntress looked up at Qrow, the apologetic look on her face again. "I'm sorry about Ozpin's disappearance."
Qrow frowned on instinct, clenching his fist. "the loss of a commander and friend can be difficult." Winter murmured. The hell would you know about that? His cheek twitched in annoyance, and he pulled out his flask, unscrewing the cap.
"I'm sure that hasn't helped your drinking problem, either." She continued, watching him with those judgmental blue eyes of hers. Qrow hesitating taking his drink, focusing his gaze.
"what's that thing you always say? You should hold your tongue, Schnee." Qrow grumbled, scowling at the woman. For some reason, her, of all people, pointing out his flaws, really pissed him off.
Winter just furrowed her brow. "Excuse me for expressing concern for your vice." Her tone came off more condescending than concerned this time. "These are war times, Qrow… even if very few people know it." She's not wrong about that… "And, despite your failings…" The Huntress stood up, brushing off her vest. "You're still an excellent Huntsman, and the world needs you at your best." The placid expression on her face tempted Qrow. She used a lot of aura in that fight… I could easily wipe that look off her face. The dark part of him thought, but he managed to control himself. The Huntress just kept tempting him, though.
"Depression and alcoholism feed into each other. It's a vicious cycle…" Winter murmured, running a hand through her bang. Her boot heels clicked on the wooden floor as she turned to look out the window. "And you have a lot feeding that cycle…"
I don't need you to psycho analyze me. He clenched his fist harder, his nails drawing blood. "What the hell would you know about that?"
Winter turned on her heel, her gaze meeting his. "I've read your files. It's not just this recent attack on Beacon that troubles you. Really, it's understandable." Stop. Qrow mentally shouted, far too sober for this. "After everything that happened to team STRQ… those missions." Her blue eyes were softer, but Qrow knew she didn't have his best intentions in mind. She just wants to torture me. Provoke me. "Summer Rose's death-"
"You don't know shit about me." Qrow growled, a real, genuine threat in his voice. Winter didn't falter, though, used to false threats.
"And your sister leaving-"
In one swift movement, Qrow pinned the Ice Queen to the wall, his sword at her throat. Winter looked surprised and afraid at first, but, after a moment, she relaxed. They both knew Qrow wouldn't kill her.
"We were all we had." Qrow hissed his hand tightening around the hilt of his blade. The rage that was boiling to the surface was dangerous, and the Ice Queen had played with fire too much. "I know you can't understand that princess, but-"
"Why would you say that?" Winter frowned at him, unconcerned by the sword to her throat.
Qrow scowled, sheathing his blade, but pushing Winter's shoulder against the wall with more force. "Little rich girl... Pampered and showered with gifts... House full of servants… Yeah, I'm sure you felt all alone in that big old house… unwanted and unloved." He hissed, his pent up aggression towards everyone, especially Winter, finally coming out.
"Material things can't replace loving parents." Winter hissed, jutting her chin out towards Qrow. "I didn't have a mother or father in my childhood. My mother died before Weiss was four years old… And my father… We were trophies to him! To be shown off. 'Look at my perfect children. Know that the Schnees are always perfect.'" She suddenly stopped, swallowing hard. "Why did I think you might understand?" She looked down, whispering and shaking her head. "Why did I think you'd be different than everyone else?"
Her stupid response just made Qrow angrier, and he grabbed her other shoulder. "Did you ever wonder when your next meal would come? IF it would come?" He growled, waiting for the wave of guilt to overcome her. It never did.
"We WERE alone!" Winter burst out, her face contorting in anger. "After mother died it was just Weiss and I. Our father was gone for weeks at a time at some points… and when he was home he... he..." Her eyes fell to the ground and Qrow's grip on her shoulders loosened and a feeling of deep regret overcame him. The rumors… they are true.
"The servants always had this look on their faces…" The former heiress continued, with less anger and sadness in her voice. It was as if she had gone numb. "They acted like they were upset... but with time they'd change their tune. 'Thank Grimm someone is beating a Schnee. They deserve it.'" Winter spat the last word, still not making eye contact with Qrow. "And yes. We didn't have to wonder. We knew it would be once he left again. Once he couldn't call us unseemly for eating a salad with dressing.
"We always sat at his banquets and ate only enough to keep up appearances. He had us weighed and measured daily." Her eyes suddenly shot up to his, and she motioned to her body. "I wore a corset for 3 years so I'd look like this. Because he wanted us to be perfect. We endured daily training regimens from the day we could read onward. Etiquette classes, sewing, singing, dancing, tutors for everything… swordplay, gunplay, every form of combat. We were battered by trainers who were twice our age and infinitely more experienced. He told them not to hold back, and they didn't. We broke bones, tore flesh, bled and bruised, but we never cried. We weren't allowed to."
She took a breath and looked down, as if preparing herself for the next part. "And if we protested, he'd beat us with the hilt of his sword. If we courtesied improperly, if we slouched, if we used the wrong greeting towards a business associate... once everyone else was gone, he'd beat us." Winter admitted, quietly.
"Luckily, when I was around, I could take most of the beating... Weiss didn't have to suffer as much as I did. It's one good thing I've done with my life." She frowned, her lip quivering as her head shot up, eyes full of fury. "But now she's THERE. In Atlas. ALONE with him. And I'm here and terrified constantly for her." She almost broke down, holding back a sob as she pressed her hand to her mouth.
Qrow let her finish beforfe he pulled her shoulders, forcing Winter into a hug. "I'm sorry." He murmured into her white hair, feeling the woman hesitate before she wrapped her arms around his waist. Sometimes I forget that her demeanor is an act. Qrow thought, gently stroking Winter's hair. If Raven and I were in this same situation, I'd probably feel the same as she does...
"Your sister is strong." Qrow murmured, trying to remember all of the stories Ruby had told him. "She'll survive this. This won't break her."
Winter shook her head, sucking in air. "It will break her. I just don't know if I'll be able to put her back together again." She sobbed softly, her fingers clutched at Qrow's coat.
The Huntsman's eyes widened, and he gently sunk to the floor, still holding Winter. She's… crying? He thought, panicked. I've never been good at dealing with this kind of stuff… His stomach twisted and turned at her sorrow, and he wished he hadn't put all that pent up shit on her.
Qrow didn't know what to say, so he just continued to stroke Winter's hair with one hand and her back with the other. The woman rode out the cry with surprising dignity. She didn't sniffle or gape for air, and her tears fell silently, ignoring a few occasional sobs. Once the well dried up, and she steadied her breathing, Winter looked up at him through her bang.
"I'm sorry… how… unsightly of me." She murmured, apologetically, her eye bloodshot from the tears.
"Don't apologize…" Qrow muttered, still stroking her back gently. "I… put all my stress on you. It was none of your business…"
Winter nodded, looking ashamed. "Same…"
"Don't bring up my sister again." Qrow warned her, much calmer this time.
"I won't. I'm sorry." She promised, shaking her head.
"Or my drinking problem." Qrow added, a teasing look in his eyes.
Winter giggled, covering her mouth with a hand. "I can't promise anything on that one."
Qrow couldn't help but smirk, looking down at the smiling Huntress. "Fine. That's understandable…" She smirked up at the Huntsman, something in her eyes speaking to him.
"I did miss you." He thought he could almost hear her admitting it, a frown crossing his face. Just admit you missed me, Schnee. My ego needs it.
She didn't say anything, though, just sitting there, her arms on him, gently breathing. She's far more beautiful than my memories give her credit for. His thought, looking at her blue eyes behind those long lashes. Her soft cheeks were slightly red from the tears, and Qrow subconsciously reached up, wiping the remains of a stubborn tear trail. His hand lingered on her face, though, his thumb gently brushing the apple of her cheek. Winter didn't protest, lifting a hand up to wrap around the one on her cheek. And her lips… He thought, staring at the soft, plump lips, that were nearing him.
Wait. He almost backed away, but didn't have the reaction time. Winter pressed those soft lips against his, causing the memories to flood back more vividly.