A/N: Update 3 today.

Scribbles

-seduction-

She often wondered what happened to the people whose paths she crossed throughout her many years teaching. Walter Brown was one such figure- the flirtatious Huntsman ended up on her mind every once in a while, but without news about him, that was all Glynda could do- wonder.

James Ironwood would never admit jealousy. However, Glynda found a certain amount of joy bubble up in her stomach anytime she mentioned his name to the Atlesian man. After recognizing Walter's advances towards her, James' opinion on the man had soured, so mentioning him to James almost ended up as taboo. It was almost impressive, actually- she never thought she'd see the day when James preferred talking about Qrow Branwen rather than someone else.

Perhaps it was also just pure frustration at the distance between them. With their own discreet roles, both in their above-ground employment and their work on Professor Ozpin's team, the two of them were usually separated for most of the year, only sparing a few weeks in total to actually be in each other's presence. The heating of her tattoo became something that was more of a surprise than anything, the periods of cold in between their reunions far too long. Due to his newfound status as a general he was always asked to stay on duty in his fleet's airships when he came to Vale; therefore, they could no longer enjoy companionship in the evenings, either.

She wasn't expecting the forty-year-old to act like such a teenage boy, though.

Every chance he found, James would pull her into his arms. His lips would find hers, and they would embrace until they heard footsteps, or the elevator dinged its arrival, or one of their Scrolls went off. She didn't know how to feel about the whole situation- amusement, perhaps, at how they were acting like hormonal teenagers whenever they got within five feet? Embarrassment? Frustration?

Either way, nothing could match the amount of shame that filled leaden feet when she first heard Professor Ozpin clear his throat while she was tangled in James' arms. "Now, now, you two," she heard him murmur, the amusement evident in his voice, "While I do respect and admire the strength of your relationship, we do have a meeting to get to."

The elevator was open. They had arrived at the headmaster's office. She had ever wanted to sink into the floor more.

Straightening up her blouse (goddammit, how had he managed to pop off a button?) and fixing up her hair, Glynda strode as far away from James as possible. Behind her, the man followed suit, clearing his throat embarrassedly and taking post by one of the columns supporting the high ceiling, far from both her and Professor Ozpin.

The contents of their meeting took a decidedly dour turn, however. Amber was attacked. The teen was able to escape, but she was indeed injured, and they didn't yet know who the assailant was.

"We should bring her into protective custody," James insisted. "In our protection, we'd be able to-"

"We can't lead Salem's forces to the Relics," Ozpin replied firmly. "She's much more mobile on her own."

"Still, Salem's forces are making a move," Qrow murmured lowly when he finally joined their meeting. "We have to keep watch."

Professor Ozpin nodded. "That, we must. Qrow- I leave you in charge of checking in on her." As he outlined his expectations for reporting in on Amber's future location and position, James stepped forward, scrolling through the transmission from Amber which Ozpin had projected onto his holographic screen.

There was a description of the assailant. Glynda moved to join him, reading along. Unfortunately, the attack had happened in the night, far away from prying eyes. The only distinguishing feature was that the girl had managed to catch a glimpse of the colour of the assailant's Aura- silvery-white.

"…you didn't-"

"Don't even," James interjected, brow furrowed in thought. "It's a common enough Aura colour. This won't be enough to identify the attacker."

"No reports on Semblance nor weapon, either," she muttered.

They exchanged worried glances. If Amber had been found, and they weren't able to keep her safe…

They didn't know what would happen. They didn't want to know.