What's up, everybody? I'm back with a long awaited update and because I know that there has been a lack, I went the extra mile and made this a long chapter for y'all sitting at 30 pages with over 13k words, so hopefully this will tie you over until the next update. Thanks a bunch for the continued support with the follows, favorites, hits and reviews. It means a lot to me.
Italic: Thoughts/Letters/Journal Entries/Flashbacks
The massive mansion welcomed the group in the early afternoon the next day. They had been curious with what Winter's house would look like and were blown away by the sight alone. It was more of a castle than an actual mansion that one would expect from a billionaire. The stone structure was solid white and mixed with marble pillars that ran up the entirety of the entrance. Towers stood on the corners of the estate and cast shadows over the courtyard that was paved with cobblestones and perfectly trimmed hedges that divided the neatly cut lawn.
Coco let out a whistle as she looked up at it through her shades.
"You grew up here?" She asked over her shoulder to Winter.
"Yes," said Winter.
"Can we expect a grand tour?"
"I suppose I can have Klein show you all around."
"Nice! I wonder what our rooms will look like."
"I'm sure they will exceed your standards."
Coco beamed at Winter and slung her arm around Velvet's shoulders.
"We're living the high life now, Vel! Let's go check it out!" She began to drag her away.
"Uh, Coco, I think we should wait to be shown to our rooms," Velvet spoke up.
"Where's your sense of adventure?"
Before the two could go any further, they were greeted by a smaller man. The man was bald but had groomed brown hair on the back of his head and a bushy mustache. He was dressed in black and had a light blue tie tucked under his vest with not a single crease visible. His brown eyes were warm and welcoming and the smile on his face grew when he met them.
"Oh, welcome! You must be Miss Schnee's guests!" He greeted happily.
"That's right! Who are you?" Coco grinned back.
The man perked up and gave a polite bow to the two of them before smiling.
"Klein Seiben, Miss! I've been the butler for Miss Schnee's family for a long time now!" He said in return.
Klein's brown eyes shifted to Winter and he greeted her with another smile. Winter, however, surprised everyone by moving up to him and wrapping him up in a hug which he returned in full.
"It's so good to see you again, Klein," said Winter pulling away from him.
"And you as well, Miss Schnee. You've grown so much since I've last seen you," said Klein.
Blackburn silently observed Winter's warm and welcoming smile as she reconnected with her old caretaker. He only knew of him from their talk the night before, but he could already tell that the man before him was the one who had more of a fatherly connection with her than her true father.
"Your father will be expecting you tomorrow night as the opening party for the banquet. I trust your friends here are to be with you when that happens?" Klein asked her, sparing them a quick look.
"Yes. We will be at the dining hall an hour before it starts," said Winter.
Klein nodded and Blackburn noticed his eyes fall on him for a long minute. He watched them flick back to Winter and then to him. His eyes widened slightly, but they carried a knowing gaze a second later. Was it possible he figured out that Winter had willingly invited him instead of her father setting her up this time? It was likely.
"Well, let me show you to your rooms. I'm sure you must be tired from the long flight here and would like some rest," said Klein as he turned on his heel.
They followed the small man out of the courtyard and into the mansion's entrance. Inside was almost as grand as the courtyard. Spotless floor shone and reflected light from the windows and ceiling. Polished suits of armor flanked both sides of the doorway. A grand staircase led to the upper floors and was covered in a long blue carpet. High above, a chandelier overlooked the hall.
Klein led them up the staircase and they followed in awestruck silence. Winter's home was no joke in Blacburn's eyes. He could admire the architecture and the grandness of the mansion, but if he were to be honest, it was a bit much for him. Perhaps it had to deal with his upbringing and not being rich, but he could never understand why someone with so much money would strive for such a magnanimous appearance. So much could be brought out of the simplest things, this needless flaunting was overkill.
His eyes took in some of the décor, namely the paintings that hung on each hallway they traversed. They consisted of landscapes, buildings, and past family members. There was only one that caught his eye, though. Shortly after passing a small parlor that had a grand piano in it, there was a large family portrait. His feet came to a stop and he turned to look at it.
The portrait looked expensive as it was bordered with gold frame and looked fresh. In the portrait were five people, two of whom he could instantly recognize as Weiss and Winter. Seated between them was a young boy who had neat hair and was smiling without a care in the world. Was that Whitley? Behind them was an older man with black hair turning white with age, his mustache small and trimmed that he could only assume was Jacque. To top it off a woman that looked like Winter and Weiss, just older.
He frowned as his eyes did another sweep of the portrait. Only two people looked happy, Jacques and Whitley. Winter, Weiss and her mother looked miserable. The family was superficial and the dysfunction clear as day. This was not the model family one would find portrayed in media commercials or in department store catalogues. This was the one that would be hidden and only seen from those that were close to them.
"Tragic, isn't it?" Klein's voice broke him from his thoughts.
Blackburn almost jumped out of his skin. He didn't even hear the man walk up to him and he caught him by surprise.
"Yeah…" he answered back, still recuperating from the abrupt arrival.
"I've been with this family for almost thirty years and I still have a hard time remembering any of these girls smile," said Klein with a sigh.
His brown eyes drooped, but then something interesting happened. When the man blinked, the color of his eyes shifted to red, like something out of an old Looney Tunes cartoon when one of the characters got angry.
"That's what you get for trusting a slimeball with an overinflated ego." He sneered.
Even his voice had changed. It was filled with rage and the vibe it brought did not suggest the slightest care of whoever heard his opinion of the house patriarch.
"Right," Blackburn could only answer in return.
He was at a loss for words. Before he could even ask the first thing that popped into his head, Klein's eyes shifted from red to green.
"Forgive me, that was out of line. I don't mean to give you the wrong impression of Mister Schnee. That should be for you to decide," he said sheepishly.
What was going on here? Blackburn only narrowed his eyes in fascination at the man beside him.
"Don't worry about it, it's cool. I ain't going to say anything," said Blackburn.
Klein looked back at him and his eyes shifted once more back to brown.
"I would have guessed as much," said Klein. "You don't seem like the type of person to do that."
He shook his head in return and smiled back at the man. They turned their eyes back to the portrait and stood in silence.
"When was this taken?" Blackburn asked.
"About eight years ago," said Klein with a sad smile. "My, time flies so fast. I can remember Nicholas Schnee hiring me and meeting Willow my first day here. Both of them were so generous and kind. But now…"
The butler shook his head with a low sigh and his brow furrowed in thought. His eyes shifted to red once more as he stared at Jacques' in the portrait.
"A few costly decisions and a man with questionable intentions was all it took to change this family. The only good to come from it were those two girls there." Klein nodded at Winter and Weiss.
Again, the quick change of personality was a little unsettling, but Blackburn was able to dismiss it. He was able to focus on the man's words and they lined up with what Winter and him talked about the night before. However, it was a little disheartening to hear that about Whitley. From the look of it, the kid was young and not able to figure things out for himself. He could just as easily be a victim of circumstance. Sure, Winter mentioned her frustrations with her brother's quickness to appease their father, but was it truly something he could be faulted for?
Maybe Whitley was just trying to be a good son by going with his father's wishes? Not only to make up for the disobedience from Winter and Weiss, but to receive acknowledgement. It would make some sense in his eyes since boys all seek their father's approval at one point, but until he met the boy himself, Blackburn would give him the benefit of a doubt.
"So, you're the man Miss Schnee invited as her guest, correct?" Klein turned to look at him.
Blackburn straightened up and met Klein's eyes, his mind breaking away from the family portrait.
"Yes, sir." He nodded back.
Klein looked him up and down with a critical eye.
"You must have made a good impression if she invited you, Mister…" He cupped his chin.
"Blackburn, sir. Connor Blackburn." He held his hand up.
"Mister Blackburn, a pleasure to meet you. Please ensure that Winter enjoys herself tomorrow night."
Klein gripped his hand tightly and shook it, but before he could let go, the man's grip tightened to new levels. His eyes shifted back to a threatening red and a wicked smirk danced under his mustache.
"If you make her cry, you'll find my skills carry far beyond that of a butler," said Klein.
Blackburn blinked and gave a slow nod. He was glad that he had nerves of steel that kept him from shuddering at the man's threat. A slow breath escaped him once Klein let go of his hand and the friendly smile came back to the man's face.
"Right, well, let's get you to your room!" He turned on his heel to lead him back down the hall.
Blackburn gave one last sideways glance to the portrait before shaking his head and following after Klein.
"Jesus Christ, this guy makes Norman Bates look normal."
After getting set up in his room, Blackburn, Coco, Fox, Yatsuhashi and Velvet were given a tour of the manor. It had everything that one would expect someone of wealth to have. Lavish furniture, pristine design, endless rooms, balconies and a large kitchen where the staff was hard at work making the final preparations for that night's dinner and for the banquet tomorrow. What Blackburn was most interested in seeing was the hall where the banquet would take place. Not because he wanted to admire it, but because he wanted to see the layout.
It was imperative to know your terrain and where you were operating when down range, and his soldier nature kicked in to allow him to do just that. During their walk around the manor he made note of all vantage points, key entrance ways and halls that led inside to allow for fast infiltration or exfil if the White Fang were to break contact. The hall was a big concern.
The hall was large to put it simply, capable of holding up to over seven hundred people. Towards the back end there were windows that stretched to the ceiling and gave an exit to the garden outside and a line of sight to both the southwest and southeast rooftops where a well-placed shot could take out Jacques.
Security was being provided by some contracting company to go on top General Ironwood's detail to include himself, Team CFVY, Winter, Sergeant Green and Sergeant Doyle. If what Junior had told them was true, the White Fang were posing as employees of the contracting company that was hired. If they were smart about it, they would not make it too obvious by attacking Jacques outright. They would be more discreet, especially now that they knew they were there to provide additional support. No mistakes could be made.
Blackburn let his fingers drum on his leg as he leaned back in his bed. He had not taken a break since the uneventful dinner they had hours ago. His head was now aching from the constant thought and he needed some reprieve. With that in mind, he swung his legs off of his bed and made his way to the door. During the tour of the mansion his eyes caught sight of the side room where the liquor was being stored. There was some whiskey in there with his name on it.
His footsteps were almost nonexistent as he crept the deserted halls of the mansion. Moonlight illuminated the dark halls through the windows to give him perfect sight of anyone that could come at the last second. Sure, he could make an excuse to his late night stroll, but it would be too obvious of what he was really doing. There was no chance anyone would let him get away with sneaking a bottle of alcohol, so he had to be vigilant.
He stopped by the corner to the hall and peered around it. It was clear. He moved quickly to the large door and his hand rested on the handle. A quick turn and the door opened with a low creak. He eased his way into the room and flipped the light on and felt a wide grin stretch across his lips.
In front of him was the holy grail of liquor storages. Both sides of the room had shelves stocked with alcohol, some bottles were even covered in a thin layer of dust. He slowly made his way down the aisle and his eyes swept both sides. Something good, something good had to be in here. He came to a halt a second later when his eyes fell upon what appeared to be the whiskey.
"Let's see what they got…" His hands began turning bottles.
One after the next met his eyes, but he could not find one that really caught his eye. He would always have three types of whiskey back home. The Famous Grouse, Jim Beam, or the well-known Jack Daniels. Tonight he was feeling scotch. Just as he was about to settle for a rye, he found one bottle tucked behind another.
"Screaming Eagle?" He pulled it out.
Whether it was a coincidence that the scotch was named after one of the most decorated units in the U.S. Army, he did not care. It caught his attention and he would give it a chance. With the scotch in hand he turned to leave, but his heart was soon lodged in his throat.
Someone else was in there with him and he did not even hear her come in. She had been quiet as a mouse and her narrowed eyes were bearing into him. He had seen this woman before in the portrait earlier that day. Willow Schnee, Winter's mother.
The woman looked the same as she did in the family portrait, but there were some things that he noticed up close. Crows feet were under her eyes that gave away her age, but it did not detract from her appearance in the slightest. Apart from that, her skin was flawless and her hair was neatly kept in a tight bun. Her blue eyes were sharp as she stared at him and there was a noticeable flush on her cheeks.
If Winter's stories about her were true, it was possible that Willow was thinking along the same lines as him by getting a late night drink.
"Who are you?" Willow asked as she folded her arms.
"I'm here for the banquet tomorrow, ma'am. Winter invited me," he answered her.
Willow's brow arched in interest before it came down in realization.
"I see now. You must be that Blackburn boy that Klein mentioned," said Willow.
Blackburn only nodded back. He relaxed a little bit as the woman looked him up and down.
"Did I hear you correctly? You said that Winter invited you to the banquet?" She asked him.
"Yes ma'am, she did." He nodded again.
"That's a first. I would have figured you were another suitor that Jacques invited for her."
Willow inched her way around him and made her way down the end of the aisle. She reached up towards the top of the shelf where some bottles of wine rested. Her hand felt around the empty spot as if searching for another bottle. Perhaps the one she wanted was further back and she couldn't reach.
"Here, let me help," said Blackburn as he walked over to her.
He reached up to the shelf and his fingertips grazed a bottle. Standing on his tiptoes he was able to get a grip on the bottle and pulled it down. It was a bottle of red wine. He handed it to Willow who took it without hesitation.
"Thank you," she said after brushing it free of dust.
"No problem, but maybe you should take it easy for now. You look like you've had enough already," he offered back.
Willow's eyes flicked back up to him and seemed to grow sharper at his words. He was quick to guess that he overstepped his bounds with his last comment.
"I can hold my own. Besides, I don't think you're in much of a position to talk." She gestured at the bottle of scotch in his hand.
"Good point," he answered back with a sheepish grin.
A ghost of a smirk came to her lips and she eyed him up and down again.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is your relationship with Winter?" Willow asked.
"I'm sorry?" Blackburn replied, a little thrown off.
"You heard me. I may not look it, but I know my daughter well enough to know that she hates these banquets and would avoid them outright if she could. So I'm curious to know why she invited you here of her own accord."
Blackburn only stared back at her silently impressed. It may have been easy to believe Willow was ignorant to everything around her with how detached she was with what he was told.
"I'm a friend of hers. I owe her a lot for training me and helping me stay alive, so when she asked me to come along I agreed to it," he answered back.
A small hum escaped the woman's lips. She uncorked the bottle of wine and took a long sip from it and closed her eyes and she relished in the taste.
"That's it? You're just doing this as a return for a favor?" Willow opened her eyes again.
"Well, when you say it like that it makes me sound like an asshole, but that's not what I meant. I came because I wanted to, ma'am. She's been my best friend since I came here and friends help each other out," said Blackburn.
Willow swayed a little as she tried to find a wall to lean on. She took another sip from the wine in her hand and let a breath ease out of her nose.
"What do you think of her?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" He asked back.
"I mean how do you see her as a person, as your friend? Or perhaps you see her as something else?"
Blackburn opened his mouth and paused before closing it again. Where was all of this coming from? Sure, he and Winter were good friends and she was one of the best women he ever met, but there was more to it. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he met as well, although he didn't notice that until just recently. He had always seen her as another woman, but that night he saw her in Junior's club had him sneaking looks at her again and again. Something he hadn't done since he was with Alison.
If he was to be honest, that latter thought scared him. He enjoyed his relationship with Winter and even thinking about something more made his stomach twist, not in shame, but in fear. Alison took a toll on him and he was in no hurry to pursue another relationship. No point in doing that, anyway. Not when he would jump on the first chance he got to get back home. He would be no better than Alison if he did that, and no woman deserved that. It didn't matter if it was Winter, Coco, or another woman that caught his eye, he would do both of them a favor and steer clear of any intimate relationships.
Blackburn's eyes returned to Willow who was patiently waiting for his answer about Winter, albeit with narrowed eyes. It could have been due to impatience for his long pause, but it was likely because it was concerning her daughter.
"Winter's not only beautiful, but strong, intelligent and one of the most caring women I have met. She works hard and goes the extra distance to watch over those close to her. It could be Weiss or Whitley, or even one of her men that she commands, I've seen it firsthand. Hell, she's had my back since I started working with her and as long as I work with her, I will watch her back and look out for her," he answered.
Willow's face softened a little bit as he hit her with those words. She lightly swirled the bottle of wine in her hand.
"Nothing more than a good friend?" She raised a brow.
"I just got out of a relationship a couple months back, ma'am. I don't think I'm ready for another right now. It wouldn't be fair to do that to Winter if I don't have my heart in it and with what I want, it wouldn't last long," said Blackburn.
"Do you believe she thinks otherwise?"
"I don't think so, ma'am."
He was taken by surprise when Willow stepped up to him and reached for his face with her free hand. The rack behind him kept him from moving and he went rigid when he felt her dainty fingers grab his chin. His eyes were forced to look down into hers and then away when she turned his head.
"Shame. I would have thought you made a great impression on her if she invited you. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders and you're handsome," said Willow as she let go of his face.
"Thank you, but trust me, I'm not the guy for your daughter. She deserves more than some broke country boy," he said with a shake of his head.
Maybe he was seeing things, but Willow appeared to have a small smile on her lips. It was gone as soon as it had come, her lips once again a thin line of indifference. She turned around and made to depart the room. When she reached the door she paused and spared him a look over her shoulder.
"You have your opinion, but you have a leg on the others. At least do her the courtesy of showing her a good night," said Willow.
With that, she left.
Blackburn only stared after the woman after she left and silently mulled over her words. He came to a moment later and left the cabinet and began his trek back to his room. Although Willow asked him to ensure Winter enjoyed herself during the banquet, it wasn't necessary. That was his task the minute he agreed to go and he would do everything he could to make sure it happened.
Tomorrow night it would just be the two of them. They would go through the motions by greeting Jacques and talking to anyone who talked to them, but none of that mattered. It was her night tomorrow.
Blackburn had slept well that night with the help of a glass of the Screaming Eagle he acquired from the liquor cabinet. It was easily one of the smoothest scotches he had and it was very hard not to have a follow on glass. He had to stop himself to stay sober and hangover free for today.
After waking up he started his day like he usually did, a quick workout and a follow up shower. It helped him keep true to his routine, but it also gave him the time to not only establish himself to the White Fang personnel that were posing as security and he was able to do recon around the manor once again. He was certain that the White Fang would go with the subtle approach and only loud if necessary. Similar to how the insurgents played back in Iraq and Afghanistan. These terrorists weren't stupid, they were very bright.
On his run he spent a long time looking at the southwest and southeast wings of the house that boxed in the main hall that he observed yesterday. It was his firm belief that there would be a marksman on one of the corners to get a clear shot at Jacques when the opportunity presented itself, more than likely during a speech when everyone would be focused on him to make a statement. The surprise assassination would not only shock people, but it also brought in the threat of Grimm with panic and it would give the White Fang the golden opportunity to escape.
It was essential that they kept the White Fang presence known strictly to Ironwood's detail. There was no telling who was compromised in Jacques' staff that was the foothold for the security team that was hired. Any release of information could jeopardize the plan and it was important to maintain the initiative in every operation. This was no different.
He had checked both the southwest and southeast rooftops and both offered a line of sight to the large window pane where the main table was visible. It would be a tight shot for whoever was taking it, but it was very doable in the hands of a capable marksman. With that in mind, he made it his personal goal to sit as close to Jacques as possible. That way when everything went sideways, he was right there and could get him to the designated safe room which would be the man's study on the second floor.
He sighed as he carefully drug his razor down his face to shave off the excess hair. Nothing fancy, but he needed to tighten up and look sharp. The hair raced down the sink as he rinsed the blade and did another look. Just a couple of finishing touches and he would have the perfect stubble.
The door to the bathroom opened and he saw a boy with messy white hair enter. Blackburn was quick to recognize Whitley, but this was his first time seeing the boy since he was absent along with his father from dinner the night before. When Whitley's gaze fell on him he looked somewhat surprised.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know this was being used," he said.
Blackburn had to bite back a wise crack retort. He had to get a feel for Whitley before trying anything. Usually guys like him always busted each other's balls because it was viewed as a sign of friendship and it was also a key way to break the ice with the douchebag test.
"It's cool. Whitley, right?" Blackburn replied back.
"Yes. How do you know my name?" Whitley rose a brow.
"Your sisters told me about you."
Whitley's head perked up a little bit before a knowing look came to his face.
"I see. Hopefully nothing unpleasant?" He made his way to the second sink.
"No. That'd be rude," said Blackburn.
"Exactly. I believe first impressions are key, so I'm glad that neither of them have said anything ridiculous."
While Blackburn agreed with the boy's belief on first impressions, he was able to hear the arrogant tone in his voice. That already had him starting off on the wrong end, but he would try to test the boy further before giving a final opinion.
"A little young to be shaving, don't you think?" Blackburn gestured to his face.
Whitley's eyes narrowed slightly, but he was quick to roll them before giving a smirk.
"I would prefer a mustache or clean shave over a beard. Beards make one look unprofessional."
Blackburn shrugged it off. The kid was holding up so far, not getting defensive and sticking with his opinion. Admirable.
"I disagree. I think beards make a guy look more masculine, and I'll let you in on a secret. Chicks dig the beard," he answered.
"To each his own, Mister…" Whitley replied as he picked up a comb.
"Connor Blackburn."
Whitley reached out to him with his hand and Blackburn shook it. He could feel the strong grip and he was sure it was something that was instilled into him by his father. Possibly for his future as a businessman if what Winter said about him was true.
"Are you here for my father's banquet?" Whitley asked.
"Yeah. I'm attending as Winter's guest," said Blackburn.
"Interesting. She never struck me as one to bring a guest to one of Father's banquets with how dismissive she was of past suitors and how career focused she is."
The boy was observant too and clearly not detached with what he noticed. He would agree that Whitley had hit the nail on the head with his eldest sister.
"So can I assume that those others that came with General Ironwood and my dear sister her guests as well?" Whitley began to comb his hair.
"Yes. They're my students at Beacon, actually," Blackburn replied after setting his razor down.
He watched Whitley stop combing his hair briefly at his comment before washing the shaving cream from his face.
"So you are a professor at Beacon? I suppose that should have been obvious since my sister brought you here. In hindsight, she would more than likely invite someone from a similar line of work," said Whitley.
The boy's tone had shifted again, not arrogant like before, but it sounded more condescending than anything.
"Is something wrong?" Blackburn asked.
Whitley shook his head and set his comb down again so he could turn his full attention to him.
"I would say my opinion of Huntsmen is one of curiosity," he began. "I've heard the history of how the Huntsmen academies came to be after the Great War. How they're purpose is to be protectors of the world from the creatures of Grimm, but I feel it's a romanticized lifestyle for the naïve."
Blackburn could tell his patience and beliefs would be tested with this conversation and mentally prepared himself for what the boy would challenge him on. It may have been an overreaction on his part, but he had a gut feeling that it would be reminiscent to people who looked down on those in the military or criticized what they did without the slightest thought for the other's perspective.
"What do you mean?" Blackburn asked him.
"I mean, why hide the truth behind a profession that does not elaborate on its goals? Both of my sisters have followed similar paths. Weiss ran off to become a Huntress and Winter is now an officer with the Atlas Military. They have chosen to follow a path that is not only dangerous, but almost pointless," Whitley answered.
"Pointless how? I personally don't see how their decisions are a waste. I find it courageous to follow that line of work."
"Look at the Huntsman. They've been fighting this battle against Grimm for ages, and then you have a military when there has not been a war in almost eighty-five years. Why keep spending tax lien on these two powers when it can go to something more useful?"
"Because what's to stop something or someone from coming and threatening the peace we have now?"
His retort was a challenge for the boy.
"A simple talking point that has been used time and again to keep up needless spending," said Whitley with a shake of his head. "Nothing has happened because it would be foolish to start a war that cannot be won by simple means. Why not invest more into the businesses and bolster the economy or better healthcare for those that don't have their Aura unlocked? Both systems are just as fragile as this peace we've had for over eighty years, aren't they?"
"While no clear threat may be seen, there are others that can just as easily flip the tables and make things a living hell for everyone else. If that happens, I'd rather have a force that can be dispatched quickly to dispose of it. We're the guys that keep the fight from coming to your doorstep. We're the ones that volunteer so you don't have to. At the end of the day, people with your mindset will always need men like us," said Blackburn.
Whitley hummed and pursed his lips.
"Every country survives because of those that take up arms to defend it. Without a military, a militia or Huntsmen to protect it, it's vulnerable to takeover or collapse and becoming a failed state. Then you'll really have a problem on your hands," Blackburn continued.
"So which group do you belong to, Mister Blackburn?" Whitley asked.
"Former soldier turned professor. I may not be in the fight now, but the second one starts, you can bet I'll be the first running towards it to stop it from coming to people like you."
Whitley only shook his head.
"I suppose I'll have to continue trying to understand people like you. You all have a chance to live such a prosperous life, yet you choose to live in service to people above you who use you for their own agendas," he said.
"Someone like you will never understand this lifestyle that only one percent of us answer. We are born with a sense to answer a higher calling that can only be carried out by few. We can go into the most hazardous situations and stare death in the face and still make it home that same day to kiss our kids goodnight. Unless you serve as a soldier or Huntsman, you'll never understand it," said Blackburn.
"I suppose not."
Blackburn stared the boy down, neither one budging on their stances. Their opinions had clashed and come to a stalemate.
Whitley was the first to break the gaze as he turned away to finish combing his hair.
"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Mister Blackburn. If you excuse me, I need to prepare for the banquet tonight," he said.
Blackburn tucked his razor back in his hygiene kit and slung his towel over his shoulder as he got ready to depart the bathroom.
"Yeah, it was nice meeting you too, you little cockbag." He opened the door.
"Excuse me?" Whitley glanced back at him.
"I said it was nice meeting you, too. See you tonight."
Winter had spent the majority of the day preparing for the banquet and talking over the security plan she had set up with her team. They would enter with the main party since they were her honorable guests. She and Blackburn would be sitting close to her mother and her father along with General Ironwood at the main table. Coco, Fox, Velvet and Yatsuhashi would be at the first table in front of theirs while Sergeant Green and Sergeant Doyle posted security at the doors leading into the mansion. Spaced out, but enough to keep a low profile.
She had taken the time to double and triple check her plans to ensure they offered the best measures to be taken when the White Fang made their move. Hindsight would come at the end of it all, but the level of it was unknown for now. It was something that filled her stomach with butterflies each time.
She shook her head and forced herself to focus on the matter at hand. She had had cleaned up and was now putting on the finishing touches. Her hands finished tying the braid in her hair to form her bun. She brushed her bangs to the side and gave herself a long look.
It had been a long time since she wore a dress like this, having been used to wearing her uniform day in and out for her duty. For some reason she could not explain it, but it felt like a breath of fresh air and she welcomed it. She turned to the side to try and spot any blemishes in her appearance. Her long white gloves ran almost the length of her arm and her dress was a midnight blue that gave way to baby blue near the bottom. As she turned around she could see the dress as it hugged her form.
She tried to give the most genuine smile she could, but it came out strained. If she were to try that downstairs, people would be able to tell she was uncomfortable. So she tried again and again, but had little improvement. A deep breath went through her nose and she closed her eyes to calm down. The stress was getting to her and she would be damned if she let that tarnish the hard work she put in to getting ready.
She took another breath and let her mind become empty. Right now it was just her, relaxing and just getting ready for another day. It started as something small, something that she enjoyed doing on a daily basis coming to her, and then another and another. Slowly she felt the corners of her mouth perk up and she opened her eyes. There it was. The perfect smile of a woman who was ready to enjoy her night out with good company.
It was good company, too. She had Coco, Fox, Velvet, Yatsuhashi, Sergeant Green, Sergeant Doyle, General Ironwood and Blackburn. Just thinking about the latter made her do another quick look of herself. Hopefully he would be speechless when he saw her.
Winter shook her head and looked down at the floor. The back of her neck burned under the light, but she knew it wasn't the cause of it.
"Where did that even come from?" She straightened up.
A hard knock came from the opposite side of the room.
"Hey Winter, you ready?" Blackburn's voice came through the door.
Her throat was dry and it took her a moment to find her voice.
"Yes, but come in here first and let me inspect you."
She smirked to herself when she heard the exasperated sigh on the other side of the door. It opened with a low creak and the gentle scuffs of the carpet met her as he entered the room.
"God, I hate wearing these fuckin' monkey suits," said Blackburn.
"What are you, a woman? Winter turned to look at him.
She was about to continue her playful comeback, but the words died in her mouth. Her blue eyes fell on Blackburn and she could not help but look him up and down. She knew he could clean up well after seeing him in Junior's club the week before, but now, she could only watch in silence.
His face had been shaved and his beard trimmed down to a light stubble. The black suit he wore clung to his broad shoulders and fit his frame well. His shoes were polished to produce a perfect shine. The blue button shirt was accompanied by a tie that was neatly tucked under his jacket.
"All right, get it out. I look ridiculous, don't I?" He held his arms up waiting for her sharp wit.
His words broke her from her stupor and she lightly shook her head. She folded her arms and smiled at him.
"No, actually, you look rather dashing," said Winter.
Blackburn rose a brow and then pointed at her.
"Who are you and what the hell did you do with Lieutenant Schnee?" He asked.
Winter rolled her eyes and walked over to him.
"Hush up and let me take a look at you," she said.
Winter stopped in front of him and her hands went to work in smoothing out some of the wrinkles on his suit. She moved behind him and made sure the collar of his shirt was not jutting out before making her way back to the front. As she did this, her fingertips could feel the toned muscle beneath the clothes.
She had seen them countless times during their spars and when she walked in on him shirtless, she knew just how strong he was. Whatever was there when she met him that first night had only become more defined during their training, and oddly enough, it was something she took pride in.
Her eyes fell upon his tie and she could see that the knot needed to be tended to. Her hands unfastened the tie and her fingers moved with the nimble dexterity that could make the oldest tailors jealous. She gave a firm pull and watched the knot come to a perfect rest under his collar.
"Thanks. I can't tie those things to save my life," said Blackburn.
"You're welcome." She smiled back. "So, who tied them for you?"
"Alison did. Then I'd just loosen it up and hang it for a quick cheat for next time."
"I don't know if I should praise you for being clever or scold you for being lazy."
"Whatever works for you."
Winter hummed and looped her arm into his.
"Well, since you cleaned up well, I suppose I can let this go," she said.
"Damn, if I knew looking sexy was all I had to do to get off the hook with you, I'd have done this sooner." He smirked back.
"Don't push it. And please do me a favor and keep the crassness to a minimum."
Blackburn shot her an amused glance and cocked his head.
"Anything else, Your Majesty?" He asked.
"Escort me down to the hall, please." She smiled back at him.
"Yes, ma'am."
They left her room and made their way down the empty hallways. When they reached the grand staircase they could hear the entrance hall echoing with conversation.
As they stepped on to the landing, Winter could almost feel all the eyes on her. She silently did a quick look around the entryway and could see dozens of men and women looking at her and Blackburn as they made their way down the stairs. Some whispered to one another while they made their way to the bottom of the stairs. The talk ranging from the way she looked to the man who she was arm in arm with.
She had to keep a laugh back as she saw some of the younger men eyeing Blackburn with envy, and it was there that she knew she made the right choice. Sneaking a glance at her date she could see the calm grin on his face. He carried himself with confidence and did not lower himself to taunt back those glaring at him. Something she loved in a man. Right now he was being a professional, but later when it was just the two of them, they would be laughing about it over some drinks.
Blackburn led her around the corner and down the hall until they reached the double doors to the ballroom. General Ironwood was waiting for them along with Team CFVY, Sergeant Green, Sergeant Doyle, Whitley, Willow and Jacques.
"Ah, there you are," said Jacques as he turned to them.
"Father," Winter said with a curt nod.
"I'm pleased that you could make it."
Jacques' eyes then shifted to Blackburn and narrowed just a little. He looked him up and down closely before looking back to her.
"Is this the man you told me about?" He asked.
"He is." She nodded again.
She caught a small glance from Blackburn as she tightened her grip around his arm. Her eyes were fixed on her father who had taken the time to step up to Blackburn and extend his hand.
"Introductions are in order. I'm Jacques Schnee," he said.
Blackburn returned Jacques handshake and a small curve of the latter's lips indicated it was a strong one. That was something Winter knew her father liked. The man was like most when it came to introductions and first impressions, and handshakes were a big one. If it was weak, they would be off to a bad start out of the gate, but if it was strong, Jacques would have some minor respect for them.
"Connor Blackburn. It's good to meet you, sir," he answered before letting go of his hand.
"We'll continue our conversation shortly. It's time for the banquet to start," said Jacques.
"Whatever works, sir."
Jacques nodded back and went back to Willow who did not hesitate to loop her arm in his. Winter guided Blackburn to stand behind her parents and they were followed by Team CFVY and General Ironwood.
Klein appeared and hurried over to the doors and pushed them wide open. Golden light met them and revealed the now heavily decorated hall. Tables were draped with expensive cloth and china for each guest. One bar area was on each end of the room and the doors to the gardens were open to allow for guests to converse and walk around at their leisure. Each door had a set of guards to deal with any threat or potential drunks.
The guards were wearing a mix of grey and black suits, but none of them showed any Faunus traits. Something that Winter made note of. If they could not be seen, it would make things more difficult to anticipate. A clever move on their end.
"So what usually happens next?" Blackburn whispered to her.
"Excuse me?" Winter faced him.
"What comes next? Do we head to the table? Kick it off with a dance?"
She perked up and lightly shook her head.
"It takes a while for the hall to fill up. My father would usually introduce me to my date at this time, but since you're here, he will be spending time trying to see who you are," she said.
"Got it. Anything I should know or any advice you can give me?" He asked.
"Don't shy from your beliefs if he challenges you and don't let him rile you up."
She felt him flex his arm that was looped with hers in acknowledgement just as her father returned with Willow by his side.
"Mister Blackburn, have you met Willow?" Jacques asked.
Blackburn nodded back.
"Yes, sir. I met her when I arrived yesterday."
Winter's eyes flicked between Blackburn and her mother and she could have sworn she saw the woman's mouth curved up in a small smirk. She watched him and her mother shake hands.
"How did you and Winter meet?" Jacques asked.
Although Winter was sure Blackburn would not do anything embarrassing or foolish, she still expected him to act like a wise ass to an extent. Their first meeting was far from pleasant and not something that would be looked on well in the light if her father heard it. In fact, it might just as easily cause him to ignore her for the rest of the night. It was tempting, but she was quick to snuff out that thought.
"I met her during a mission, sir. We got paired up during an operation against the White Fang," he answered.
While not entirely true, he was honest about the first part. It was understandable why he made the alterations to the story that he did. There was no way her father or her mother would believe the truth of his arrival to Remnant.
"You're a soldier?" He rose a brow.
Blackburn gave a nod.
"Former soldier, sir. I now work as an assistant professor at Beacon Academy under Professor Goodwitch. I currently oversee Weiss' training and I get tasked out to be Winter's partner now and then," he answered him.
Jacques cupped his chin at his response.
"I see. And how does Weiss compare to the other students?" He asked.
"One of, if not the best student I got, sir. She's very intelligent and her combat prowess holds limitless potential. I wouldn't be surprised if she surpasses Winter or Willow someday," said Blackburn.
Winter gave him a sideways glare, but it was more playful than anything. She knew full well that Weiss was a very capable Huntress and she had the potential to do just that. It may take her time, but she would eventually be one of the strongest Huntresses in her generation.
She snuck a quick look at her mother and could see a flicker of surprise in her eyes. That was a comment that she had not been expecting and it probably painted Weiss in a new light for her. Her mother had not trained Weiss, it had been her to do it, so that had to serve as extra shock.
"And what about Winter? How does she hold up as an officer for the military? James tells me she is one of his best, but it's natural for acquaintances to vouch for one another," said Jacques.
Winter felt her grip tighten around Blackburn's arm further. While his words were not untrue, she could already see where her father was taking this conversation and did not like it one bit.
"Sir, I apologize for the language, but no bullshit. Winter earned my respect by doing what a true leader is supposed to do. She helped with my training, I've seen her lead successful missions and make difficult decisions, and she takes care of her soldiers. In our line of work there are a lot of officers, but a lot of them I've seen are bad leaders. Winter is only the second officer I've come respect and would follow without question. The first officer was another lieutenant and my old platoon leader, Jack Coen," said Blackburn.
Winter's eyes cast down to the floor and she felt her heart cease momentarily before thumping to life with newfound vigor. She had seen it for herself. Blackburn would obey her orders without question now whenever they worked together and had not challenged her or disrespected her since their first mission together. Hearing it for herself was not only very assuring, but flattering.
"Would you follow her in an otherwise hopeless situation?" Jacques answered.
She flinched at his words and the faces of Sergeant Silva and Lieutenant Burns flashed through her mind. Two of her friends and two fellow leaders who fell under her command during a mission that she wished she could go back and fix every day.
"Yes, sir. She has my back and I have hers. If we're out there together the mindset is that it becomes about protecting each other. Politics, personal beliefs, and motivations mean nothing," said Blackburn.
"I see. In any case, your devotion is admirable," said Jacques as he straightened his tie.
"Thank you, sir."
Willow excused herself and turned to the direction of one of the open bars. She weaved her way through the crowds and disappeared from sight. Once she was out of sight, Jacques scoffed and shook his head.
"Typical," he muttered. "I apologize for Willow's rudeness."
Blackburn dismissed it with a shake of his head and smiled it off.
"It's fine, sir. I've already spoken with her before. When she feels like talking then I'll talk back."
"Perhaps. Now, before I tend to some of my other guests, perhaps you can enlighten me?" Jacques replied.
"Of course, sir."
"What are your long term aspirations?"
Winter held her tongue. This was her father's screening process to see whether or not the man before him was truly worthy of potential to marry someone of the Schnee name. It was ridiculous and biased and Winter could tell by a longshot that despite Blackburn's answer, he would be a dismissed candidate because of where he came from.
"Well, my plan at the moment is to stay at Beacon until I find my way home. After I get back, I will pick up where I left off by heading back into the military and following my dad's footsteps by serving until I reached all the goals I wanted. After that, maybe I'd like to settle down and have a wife and a couple of kids and take over the family business," said Blackburn.
Jacques perked up a little bit at the trail end of his comment.
"A business you say? What kind of business does your family run?" He asked suddenly interested.
"We run a repair shop in Piedmont, sir. Been there for almost forty years," said Blackburn.
Jacques' face fell, but the man steeled himself and cupped his chin.
"I've never heard of Piedmont, but I personally do not see how a business like that can be fulfilling. I can respect the challenge it brings, but that skillset does not sound ideal with what you want out of life," he said.
Winter snuck a glance at Blackburn and saw that the smile had left his face for the first time that night. It was replaced with a look of calmness and quiet confidence. Her friend shook his head and met her father's eyes again before speaking.
"With all due respect, sir, I don't believe that at all. I had to work for everything I had and learned a lot by doing so. The way I see it, I will always have a job and be able to support myself with what my skills offer. Businessmen like you come up with ideas and try to market them, but all it takes is one wrong move or investment to make you broke.
Guys like me may not make millions or have a high education, but we sure as hell make the most out of our earnings and have a sense of fulfillment that we were productive in helping the world go around another day. The god's honest truth is that without tradesmen like us, you would be nothing and this world would stop working. We'll always be needed and knowing that gives us a sense of pride."
Winter blinked and stood there silently impressed with his articulate response back to her father. His words held a lot of truth in them and offered a difference of opinion from the man before her who was a stickler for her suitors in the past. Every individual he chose had a similar mindset to his and conformed to whatever he believed as an easy acceptance. She despised weak people like that.
Her arm tightened even more around Blackburn's and she felt him return the gesture. When her eyes returned to her father she could see a flicker of surprise, but it was quickly snuffed and replaced with a look of indifference. The man adjusted his tie and cleared his throat.
"To his own, I suppose. If you will excuse me, I need to check in with some clients of mine. Please enjoy yourself and be ready to sit at the head table when the food is ready," said Jacques.
With that, the man excused himself from the two of them and made his way over to another circle of men that were well groomed and dressed in expensive suits. Once he was gone, Winter shook her head.
"I'm sorry about that," she said.
"Don't be. I've dealt with guys like him before, it's nothing new," Blackburn answered back.
"Still, you did not deserve to be scrutinized like that."
Blackburn shook his head and led her away from the table and through the crowd. She paid little mind to the people they passed and the looks they received. What had her attention now was where he was taking her.
Ahead she could see the crowds thinning out to reveal the open floor where dancing could take place. She quickly stiffened and a tingle went down her spine. She had attended formals before and went with the motions by dancing with her father's chosen suitors, but this was different. This time she was dancing with someone who was here for her and someone who had become her best friend. Her feet were rooted to the spot and she could only stare on in silent fear at what was about to come.
"You okay?" He whispered to her.
"Yes," she lied back with a nod.
She continued following him to the floor and they came to a stop at the center of it. The feeling of everyone's eyes on the pair of them sent a shudder down her goosebump riddled flesh. The vulnerability was almost unbearable and she could almost feel her foot inching away to get the smallest bit of movement to allow her a quick dash off the floor.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Blackburn fiddling on his scroll before turning back to her.
"What's the password for the network here?" He whispered.
"Prosperous," she answered back.
She watched his thumb type in the password and he quickly went into his playlist. He would be commandeering the music so long as it entertained him. Knowing her father it would be possible he would figure it out, but he more than likely would pass blame on the one in charge of it.
Winter was broken from her thoughts when a few familiar notes met her. She felt Blackburn take her hand in his and could feel its strength as he gently held it up. His other hand found the small of her back and she felt it arch just a little in surprise. Once she relaxed, her eyes turned up to meet Blackburn's. He smiled down at her and started to guide her as Chris Cornell's 'Josephine' continued to play.
She was by no means ignorant of slow dances, having had a couple during past formals, but this time it was different. Each time before, Winter never felt a strong bond with her partner or any kind of connection with their personality. They would be able to sell the dance to whoever may have been watching them, but there was nothing there.
As Blackburn slowly guided her on the floor, she was able to follow his movements with grace. No stumble of the feet and no awkward eye contact that made her wish she was somewhere else. His hold on her was gentle and comforting, something that she only read about in stories when she was younger. The touch of a lover.
She followed Blackburn's movement and went with the spin. Her eyes could pick up the faces of guests that were looking on at them in silent judgment. The attention was nothing new given the past banquets she attended, but this time she could feel her skin flush.
Shyness? There was no other way to describe it. But why?
Fingertips ghosted from her back to her hip as Blackburn turned her and dipped her towards the floor. A small round of applause sounded, but she had trouble registering it as she was forced to look up at those damning brown eyes of her partner.
That was why. It was the only thing that made sense! She was having fun and feeling this way because she had a mutual connection with the man she was dancing with. The same stubborn man that had broken through her shell and challenged her to no end that she subconsciously found herself trying to meet. She never felt the urge to prove herself to another man like this. It left her with confliction.
These feelings were new and something she had not been feeling until recently. They were by no means unwelcome, but they were becoming more frequent for her taste. No amount of distance she tried to put between herself and that warmth lasted long and it was frustrating. She had things to focus on, things that were more important than something childish like that.
He was close. So close that she could feel the small breaths coming from his nose and caressing her skin. A small shudder went down her back and she snuck a glance up at him. This time his eyes were not focused on her, instead they were flicking to each side of them room as if searching for something or someone.
"Do you see them?" She whispered.
"Maybe. I think they're posting at the doors and hiding in the halls and kitchen," he whispered back.
She did her best to ignore his hand as it trailed down upper back and brushing her skin before finding the small of her back. He pulled her in close and his lips were just by her ear.
"I think we got time. Do you have access to your weapons?" He whispered.
She nodded back and pushed away from him a little. Her hand picked up on something solid under his suit and she had to do a double take. His pistol was secured well and she was silently wondering how she missed it earlier.
"I had Klein hide our weapons under the head table. We'll be ready for them," said Winter.
"Good. I think it'll go down when your dad gives the speech before dinner," Blackburn answered.
"I think you're right."
He led her back to the center of the floor and steered her in a slow sway.
She resigned herself to the dance again, previous thoughts about the White Fang gone for now. That warmth that she had broken free from with her questions was now back and felt hotter than before. A light sweat had formed around her neck and she could feel her heart race lightly.
Winter's eyes looked back up at Blackburn and he met her gaze again. The smile had returned to his face and she felt her hand squeeze his a little tighter at the sight of it. If he noticed her gesture, he hid it well.
The song was nearing its end.
"Did you mean what you said earlier?" She kept her gaze on him. "That you would follow me anywhere and watch my back?"
Blackburn blinked and responded with a firm and reassuring squeeze of her hand.
"Every word, LT."
This time her heart and her stomach fluttered.
A round of applause broke her from her flustered state and she spared a look around the room. The song had ended and now they were being rewarded for the opening show. Coming back down from her high, Winter noticed two things. The first was her body was pressed against his, and the second was she felt very thirsty.
Fighting off her dazed state, her mind was able to conjure the words she needed to excuse herself to regroup. She let go of Blackburn and stepped back.
"I will be back shortly. I need something to drink," she said.
He nodded back at her with a grin.
"Go ahead," he answered.
"Then you don't mind if I borrow him for a dance?" Coco's voice came from behind her.
The brunette was wearing a dress that came down past her knees that was split at the sides to allow for more movement. It clung to her well and offered a small amount of cleavage. Her hair had a delicate sheen to it and it caught the eyes of a lot of men in the room.
Winter's eyes flicked back and forth between Blackburn and Coco before she shook her head and stood aside for the brunette.
"By all means," said Winter.
"Thank you," said Coco as she stepped up to Blackburn. "Don't think I saw you mess with the music earlier. You got anything good on that scroll?"
Blackburn only rolled his eyes and smirked down at her.
"Depends what you call good," he said.
"Got anything spicy on there?" She folded her arms under her breasts.
"Maybe."
The man's fingers were fast with the scroll as he sifted for another song. When he pushed down on it the plucks of a guitar string came over the speakers.
"Santana should work for you," said Blackburn as he tucked his scroll away.
"Fine. I can work with this," Coco answered with a grin.
Winter watched as Coco began to swing her hips to the beat with Blackburn falling into pace with her. By this point some more guests started to flock to the dance floor now that the ice had been broken.
Reminding herself of her goal, she took her eyes off of Coco and Blackburn and made her way in the direction of the open bar. Her thirst had died down, but she still wanted something to drink. She had felt tense and her blasted emotions bloomed brightly during her dance. She needed to unwind and there was a drink over there with her name on.
When she reached the bar she found the bartender polishing a small glass.
"Ah, what can I get for you, Miss Schnee?" He perked up.
There was not any beer since her father was a man of class, only liquor. She sucked her teeth as her eyes roamed the selection in front of her before they fell on an amber colored drink. Her finger pointed at it and the bartender nodded.
She watched him pour the drink into the fresh glass of ice before setting it in front of her.
"It's pretty strong, so take your time with it," he said.
She nodded and brought the glass up to her lips. The scent alone made her shudder. Taking the chance, she tilted the glass and let a small amount of it land on her tongue and sit. Her throat tightened and her lips twisted into a grimace. Definitely not her choice, but it did the job. Her shoulders relaxed and she offered a thank you to the bartender who moved to the other end of the bar to help someone else.
Winter waited for a minute before taking another sip. The taste would take getting used to, but this time she was prepared for it and let it work its magic.
"I never thought I would see the day where you resorted to that," said a woman.
She turned in the direction of her voice and her eyes fell on her mother. Her cheeks were tinted pink, but the woman was barely buzzed. She was at a loss for words and could only nod at her mother who moved to stand beside her.
"Do you have a moment?" Willow asked.
Winter's eyes flicked back to the dance floor where Blackburn and Coco were enjoying themselves before returning to her mother. She was not sure to expect from the woman, but she nodded in agreement.
Willow turned and made her way down the bar towards the hall. Winter followed close behind and they entered the abandoned hall a minute later. Once they were alone, Willow turned to face her again. Her eyes while not glazed over looked distant as though she was reflecting on something important.
"What is it?" Winter asked.
Willow looked down at the floor and swirled her glass of wine. Her lips were curled and her brow furrowed in a pensive stare. She was trying to find a way to word whatever she wanted to say. Her mother was always articulate with explaining something on her mind and perhaps in her inebriated state she was struggling to find the right words.
Her face softened and a small smile came to her lips.
"You know, you may have been too young to remember this, but when you were younger I would still do some missions for Atlas. I would come home after some of them and after seeing some of the things I had seen… I would be a mess," she began.
Winter said nothing and took a sip from her glass again as she thought about her mother's words so far. She was aware that her mother would do missions before she became pregnant with Weiss, but she could never recall her mother looking distraught or distant about them. She imagined her memory more than capable of remembering something like that and was wondering whether her mother may be recalling something she imagined. Instead she gave her the benefit of a doubt and continued to listen.
"There was one night I came home from a mission and sat in the study crying, and you found me. I was gone for a couple of days and you did what you always did by coming up to me with this big smile on your face," said Willow.
Now Winter knew that was true. She had always been happy to see her mother come back home, but this one memory in particular was one she still had trouble pinpointing.
"You came up to me and asked, "Mommy, why are you sad?" And I just smiled back and said that I was happy to be back home with you. You were too young to understand what I saw and I didn't want to burden you with my troubles. That was supposed to be your father's job. But you smiled at me again and hugged me saying, "Everything's going to be okay, Mommy. I'm here now."
Something distant from Winter's memory became clearer. Her mother sitting in a thick oak cushioned chair in a dirty Atlas Military uniform stained with dirt, blood, and torn in various spots. Dried tear streaks were on her cheeks with more tears being held back behind blue eyes struggling to be strong.
Then an embrace. A loving hold between mother and daughter that served as a light of peace and serenity for one and promise for the other. Then tears meeting her cheeks as she comforted the older woman as best she could.
The memory was real, but what Winter found surprising about it was that it was the biggest one to inspire her to follow her mother's footsteps. To ease her pain by promising to not only be strong to help her, but to take her place so she could be free of the duty. How could a memory so cherished by her be buried so deep down?
Did she truly lose that much respect for her mother in the years following that night? The mere thought of that alone made her stomach twist in shame.
"Winter, I'm sorry," said Willow as her eyes turned up to meet hers.
Her eyes became glossy as tears built up in them. Her breath became shaky as her hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder.
"For what?" Winter asked tilting her heard curiously.
Willow shook her head and sniffed.
"You shouldn't have been saying that to me, I should have been saying that to you," her voice shook as she tried to speak.
Willow squeezed her shoulder and she could feel her mother's hand trembling. She was struggling to confess her thoughts.
"I have been a terrible mother. I put so much on your shoulders after Weiss was born and made you grow up too fast. You took care of Weiss and you took care of Whitley, and not once did I ever hear you complain," she continued.
Winter bit her lip. While it was true that her mother never heard her complain about it, she must have known she was aware of her feelings. Not only that, she herself felt somewhat guilty about her mother's words because she vented them to Blackburn just two days before after keeping them bottled down for so long.
A tear trickled down her mother's face as she pulled herself closer to her. She pressed her forehead to hers and her hand trailed up to gently stroke her face. At first the tender touch surprised Winter, but she felt that familiar comfort return and it resembled the same moment that night in the study years ago.
"Winter, I just want you to know… that I am so proud of you," said Willow.
Winter only stood in shock. The very woman who she looked up to more than anything and the very same woman who had more or less been absent for the second half of her life was now revealing exactly what she wanted to hear from her for the longest time.
She didn't dare speak. Not because she didn't want to, but because she didn't trust her voice. She felt her throat tighten and her eyes began to sting with unshed tears. She blinked quickly to keep them from falling and had to fight the sensation as it threatened to return.
"Is this you talking?" Winter asked, hoping it wasn't the alcohol.
A shaky laugh and another stroke of her thumb.
"Yes."
Winter set her drink down on the nearby stand and wrapped her mother in a tight hug. Her eyes closed and she smiled lightly into her shoulder when her mother's arms wrapped around her.
Fox had managed to break free from the confines of the packed hall. He had to deal with a lot of high class citizens and even heard derogatory comments towards Velvet with her Faunus heritage. It infuriated him to no end and he came close to swinging at some of the guests. With great restraint he excused himself from his friends and found himself in the large garden outside.
The peaceful night air was cool, but not frigid. He half expected Atlas to be cold enough to cut to the bone, but the timing of their trip turned out to be perfect. The late spring had warmed the mountainous territory to that of Vale's average summer night. He could even smell the moisture in the air that would give way to storms later.
His scroll vibrated and he rolled his eyes lightly. He was sure it was Coco or Velvet trying to reach him and coerce him to come back inside and lighten up, but when he pushed the answer button he was surprised to hear Yang.
"Hey Foxy, where are you at?" She asked.
"I'm in Atlas," he replied.
"Atlas? I thought you said you were here this weekend?"
"Girl, I told you I wasn't going to be there. You looked me right in the eyes when I said that."
"Did I really? Are you sure?"
"Screw you."
"Buy me dinner first then we'll see what happens, big boy."
He felt his shoulders shake as he let out a chuckle. Since they hung out during the mission in Junior's bar the week before, they had been talking more frequently. Heck, she even met up in the gym with him a couple of times to do some sparring.
When Coco told him that Yang was the one that had been sizing him up a couple of times, he didn't believe her. Not that he didn't think it was possible, but because he never paid her much thought. Sure, she looked good, but personality was another factor for him when it came to a girl. She had to be someone he could talk to and get along with. If not, she was not worth it.
He presumed Yang to be more of a flirt than anything, but so far she had been the girl to entertain him much like Coco had as his partner.
"So how's the party? Boring?" Yang asked.
"It's rich people, what'd you expect?" He sighed. "They're pissing me off."
"Should've known, but what did they do?"
"Talking shit about Velvet being a Faunus. Man, I knew there was still racism towards Faunus, but I think I've heard more comments about her tonight than I have during a whole year in Beacon."
He heard Yang sigh on the other end of the line and could almost picture her shaking her head at that.
"Yeah, anyway, I'm sure you didn't call just to hear me complain. What's going on with you?" He sat down on a stone bench.
"Not much. Just got out of the shower and thought I'd hit you up," she answered back.
"Thanks for that image."
"I knew you'd like it."
"I think any guy would."
Fox heard the music grow loud and muffle a second later. Someone had exited the hall and was on the opposite path walking through the garden. The figure seemed to be around his height as he closed his eyes to analyze it. Footsteps were light, as if they were being cautious of disturbing anyone that could be out there.
He craned his neck and stood up slightly to look in the man's direction. The black and white outline of him was visible, but it was fading by the second. He made note of it and waited for a couple of seconds before walking down the path to stick close to him.
The man was heading in the direction of one of the overwatch points that Blackburn and Winter made note of during their brief before the banquet. That was cause for concern and given he was the only one out there at the moment, he had to play it safe. It was possible that this person was out for a breath of fresh air, but it could not go ignored.
"Is being a bodyguard for some businessman all that it's cracked up to be?" Yang asked.
"Not really. Would probably enjoy it more if it was for a cute girl," Fox answered coolly.
A playful gasp came from Yang's end.
"Oh, and what about me? Am I not cute enough to be guarded?" She pouted.
"First off you're hot, not cute. There's a difference. Second, I've seen how you fight. You don't need me there to protect your ass." He rolled his eyes.
"Oh, smooth. But I think you're lying. You wish you had my ass in your hand."
He felt his face heat up as he stopped short of the connecting path. His eyes flicked over to the other path where he saw the figure stop. The man was possibly waiting to be sure he was alone before continuing.
"That's beside the point," he answered back without even thinking.
"Aha! So you are an ass man!" She said.
"Yeah, but let's be real here. Men go the ass, boys go for the boobs. So what does that tell you?"
Yang laughed heartily, but was quick with her own comeback.
"Hey, I had to test you. So far you're on the right track. I got the best of both worlds."
"I know, but how many times have you gotten an answer like mine?" He checked the spot the man was hiding at.
The man was gone, but he heard a door close just ahead of where he was. He cursed inwardly and hurried over to it, but stopped just shy of it.
"Can't give you an honest answer," said Yang. "When do you get back?"
"Three days," said Fox.
"You're killin' me, Foxy. You said you had some cool moves to show me."
"I do, but I don't know if you can handle them."
He heard her scoff.
"Who're you talking to?" She asked.
"A cocky but hot freshman," he answered as he opened the door slowly.
He poked his head inside and he could hear the faint footsteps of the man that entered a couple floors above. The man was on his way to the roof. He had to move.
"Hey, I'll call you back later. I need to check something," he said.
"Work?" Yang asked back.
"Yeah, I think something's about to go down."
"Don't get too banged up. You owe me some new moves, sensei."
He hung up and crept to the base of the staircase. Now free of his distraction he was able to focus on the matter at hand. Above him he heard a door close and he quickly bounded up the stairs towards the rooftop.
During his stride he pulled out his scroll again and prepared an instant message.
"I got movement heading to the southwest rooftop. Get ready to move Mister Schnee to the safe room," said Fox.
He sent the message and set the scroll back in his pocket.
As he reached the top of the stairs he hugged the wall and closed his eyes. The man's footsteps were faint, but he was able to sense him near the corner of the rooftop. Outside the door there was no cover save for the roof ledge. He would need to move fast when he saw his chance.
He fingers slowly turned the knob and he pulled back slowly to avoid making the door creak. The night air met him and he crouched low to stay out of sight. His ears heard something click and then a faint pull of a charging handle. A bullet was locked and loaded. A shift in the man's position and he saw him take a knee as he touched the ground. The barrel of his rifle was resting on the ledge lined up for a shot.
It was now or never.
In a burst of speed that could give Ruby a run for her money, Fox shot out of the doorway. His feet barely made a sound as he lunged for the man. His arm wrapped around the man's neck just as a loud shot rang out.
Through his ringing ear, Fox heard a shatter of glass across the courtyard.
Cliffhanger like that? Yuuup. It's about to go down next chapter, so that gives you something to look forward to. Confrontations and revelations galore! On another positive note, my Ft. Knox mission is wrapping up and will finish within the next couple of weeks which means I will have time to do more writing, so we should get back to an update schedule soon enough. Check out the statements below, and I'll see you all next time.
Statements:
1.) Don't forget the new poll for this story on my profile page. It will remain up until the last couple of chapters for the story and is in regards to whether people would like to see a sequel to this story with Blackburn or let it end where I planned originally
2.) The scene with Blackburn and Winter dancing has artwork! The link is on my profile page, check it out if you like!
3.) Update schedule should be coming back into play soon enough, just be patient a little longer.
Military Terms
LT: Short for Lieutenant
Review Responses:
Andy021: Thanks for the review and the compliment. I'm glad you like the story. Yes, I am in the U.S. Army, going on my 4th year in August. Sequel is reader dependent. I have a poll for the possibility of one on my profile page that will remain up until the stories last chapters. Whatever the result, will be the answer to the sequel.
CT7567Rules: Ah, I see, no worries. Thanks for the review, I appreciate.
OBSERVOR01: Thanks for the review, I appreciate it! Yeah, I remember you saying you wanted to see Weiss react to Blackburn's music, and while it would have been hard to squeeze it in the actual story, I did a small omake to humor you.
welcometodalolz: Much appreciated. Damn, haven't seen something from you in ages.
Dasgun: Um, okay?