Alright, I know this is a little shorter and not much really happens, but think of it like the calm before the storm.

Chapter 14: Why can't we be friends?

Ozpin's office, 1400 the next day

Ironwood hasn't been seen or heard from since yesterday's defeat at the hands of the Russians. Instead of prying, Ozpin decided to let Ironwood be alone with his thoughts until the general was ready to talk. It wasn't until this morning that Ozpin received a call from Ironwood wanting a debrief with Alex and the gang. The interesting thing was that James didn't sound at all upset. Winter was another story however, as she had to practically beg Ironwood to attend the debrief. It took some convincing on Ozpin's part to get Alex to allow Winter in on the meeting, but in the end, he gave the okay. Of course, he only agreed in order to get the inevitable one-way bitch fest from Winter done and over with. With that in mind, the guys agreed that they should use this time try to ease any possible tension that may have arisen between themselves and the Atlesians. It's better for everyone if the Russians and Atlesians are on good terms with each other.

"Gentlemen, thank you for your time. I apologize for waiting until now to debrief yesterday's operation, but I had other matters to attend to, as well as needing time to collect my thoughts." Ironwood said in a calm tone. In front of him sat the guys dressed in casual attire while Winter was standing next to him in her normal uniform with her real sword on her hip and looking much better than she did yesterday thanks to proper rest and a nice shower. Though Ozpin was there at his desk, he was merely there to spectate and maybe add a comment now and again.

"It's no problem sir." Greg replied. In truth, it was a good thing Ironwood wasn't around to talk yesterday. After they got back from the forest, they immediately went to go shower and get food before they tackled the tedious but necessary task of cleaning their weapons. Since the first day of basic, weapon cleaning and maintenance has been engraved in their heads to the point that it's become second nature to clean them after use. What the guys didn't expect was how long it took to clean their weapons. Another downside of using those paralysis bullets is that they leave your weapons completely fucked up, especially when used excessively. By the time they managed to clean out all the gunk and build up, it was well past sundown and there was no way in hell they were going to do anything else that evening.

"Let me start off by congratulating you for yesterday's success. You've definitely surpassed my expectations while managing to keep me guessing on your next move." He spoke in a surprisingly friendly tone.

"He seems to be in a good mood. And here I thought he'd be super pissed." Alex thought.

"But…" Ironwood followed up in a sterner tone with a growing scowl on his face.

"Spoke too soon."

"I have 40 men in the infirmary who won't be fit for duty for at least a month, 9 heavily damaged vehicles, two that are completely totaled and unsalvageable, and countless equipment that needs to be replaced! That's 600,000 liens worth of damages!" Ironwood slammed his fist on Ozpin's desk for emphasis, earning an unamused look from Ozpin and an icy glare from Winter. "And all of this during a training operation in front of hundreds of people! Do you have any idea how this makes us look?!"

"Ah, there's the anger." If Ironwood was trying to intimidate the Russians with yelling, he needs to step his game up. Aside from the fact they're not part of Atlas or Ironwood's jurisdiction, they've dealt with higher ups that can scare the Grimm into submission with just a look.

"It makes you look weak and incompetent to the world?" Nick asked with a seemingly innocent tone. He wished he could've taken a picture of Ironwood and Winter's face when he said that. Before either of them could respond, Alex stepped in to fan the flames.

"With all due respect, you were the one who wanted a demonstration and told us not to hold back." The two Atlesians looked towards Alex with looks of contempt, but Alex was unfazed while sitting in his relaxed and lazy position. "You guys should really view this as a learning experience though."

"Go on." Ironwood said in a calmer tone.

"Would you rather find out about the poor state of your army during simulated combat against friendly forces or in a real fight that results in their deaths or the innocent people you're trying to protect?" Both Ironwood and Winter looked at each other before looking back at Alex to continue. "Look, Atlas is the Superpower of Remnant. Largest economy, leader of technological innovation and the strongest military. But is it really fair to claim the title of strongest military if you're literally the only military on Remnant?" Alex asked, not even trying to sit up straight.

"He has a point James." Ozpin commented. While Ironwood and Winter took a moment to mull over Alex's questions, Ozpin smiled inwardly at the idea that there's somebody who can get Ironwood to think twice and hopefully make more rational decisions.

"If it's any consolation, we really weren't trying to hurt your men or damage your equipment." Greg reassured the Atlesians who looked like they finish their thoughts. Finally, Ironwood stood tall and sighed deeply.

"You're right. I can't be angry at you, because you did nothing wrong." Ironwood conceded to the guys who were slightly surprised by it. "As for what you said Alex, I suppose we can't call ourselves the best if we're the only one out there."

"You can't really blame yourselves." Ivan commented.

"If you want my thoughts, just look at the state of the world right now." Alex said, while Ironwood, Winter and even Ozpin motioned for him to continue." The most recent conflict that involved fighting against other people was the Faunus revolution, and of course the Great war that took place almost a hundred years before that. Since then, there have been no conflicts between nations or each other. Why? Simple: the Grimm. Nobody is going to wage a war while the threat of a common enemy that can easily overwhelm any Kingdom if they let their guard down for even a second, is out there. With that in mind, the Atlesian military has no military rival or threat other than the Grimm, which I can assume their proficient in dealing with?" He looked to Ironwood and Winter who both nodded in agreement.

"But now you have groups like the White Fang conducting an insurgency that nobody knows how to deal with." Nick added while the Atlesians had concerned looks on their faces. Though they hate to admit it, it's true that they don't know how to properly handle these attacks. As soon as they get troops out there, the enemy is long gone, and the damage has been done.

"Like we discussed with the headmaster the other day, insurgent and terrorist groups know they'll get crushed if they confront you guys head on, which is why they won't attack a base or military target. Instead, they'll attack schools, hospitals, shopping centers, police stations, Dust refineries and even people's houses. Anything to cause fear, panic and disorder." Greg explained.

"They've also been known for human trafficking, drug dealing, smuggling, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom and black-market deals to acquire funding and equipment for their organizations." Ivan commented. They didn't show it, but Ironwood and Winter had a growing worry inside at what the Russians were explaining. Everything that was just mentioned was happening right now and the bitter truth was that they really had no idea how to deal with everything. Not even their intelligence agency is able to find any leads or help prevent attacks. And now there's a shipment of new Paladins that have completely disappeared without any trace. Ironwood finally came to a realization.

"You're saying we need a military reform?" The general asked in a critical tone.

"I wouldn't say a full overhaul since the Grimm are still out there, but a counter-terror unit might be an option to explore." Greg answered.

"Is that what you four are? A counter-terror unit?" Winter asked.

"We're more of a special operations unit. Counter-terror and insurgency is part of the job description." Nick replied. Before Winter could follow up, Alex stepped in.

"I'm not sure what the Atlas special operatives do, but we're primarily an airborne force meaning we parachute in behind enemy lines and conduct various operations depending on the mission." Alex said while looking at Winter who kept a neutral disposition to him.

"So, where did you receive training on such a broad range of skills?" She asked.

"I'm afraid that information is classified Specialist Schnee." Greg replied, earning a scowl from Winter.

"Let's get back on topic. If I were to form a new unit, can I count on your cooperation in helping to train them?" Ironwood asked, wasting no time getting to business.

"There's a few things you need to keep in mind General." Alex replied to Ironwood who motioned for him to continue. "First off, you and I both know this can't happen overnight. It'll take months, if not years of planning and organizing logistics, stronger intelligence networks, training regiments and personnel before anything happens. Speaking of which, I hope you have a general idea on who you want to be part of this new unit because I can speak for myself and the guys in saying that the majority of your army is not cut out for this job."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Winter asked with slight aggression in her tone.

"You're joking right? Between the guys asleep at their posts and the one's not paying attention to their surroundings, the 'casualties' you suffered could've been a lot worse." Nick replied with a subtle grin that only grew when he noticed the slight twitch in Winter's eye. Could the Atlesians have suffered more casualties from the exercise? Who knows, but after a final tally of 155 casualties, including Winter, from both direct and indirect attacks, it's not looking good for the Atlesians.

"You ever hear of the saying 'Train like you fight?'" The two Atlesians shook their heads at Alex. "It's pretty self-explanatory: if that's how your guys are during training, then what the hell are they going to do when the real thing happens? It's not enough to be in shape or have the ability to use a weapon. No, it takes a certain type of person to do what we do. There's a reason we're called special forces. Aside from being physically strong, they need to be mentally strong enough to make life or death decisions under extreme pressure in a split second. They also need to be adaptable, self-reliant and be able to operate in any environment while thinking outside the box and using unconventional tactics. But most importantly, they need the spirit, the courage and the will to do what must be done. They must be ready to fight for their nation, the people they care about, their brother's and sister's in arms, and for the sake of humanity." Ironwood, Winter and Ozpin were hanging onto Alex's words with certain look of approval. "And if necessary, they need to be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice if it's to ensure a future of peace, freedom and prosperity where guys like us won't be needed. But until that day comes, we'll be ready." Alex finished his speech with looks of respect from the three Remnant natives.

"Have you ever considered being a motivational speaker?" Ozpin asked in a whimsical tone.

"It comes and goes. Sometimes I can motivate a sheep to fight a lion, other times I can't motivate a starving lion to eat the sheep." Alex replied with his metaphors before turning back to Ironwood. "Now tell me General, do you have people who could fill this role?"

"I'll have to get back to you on that." Ironwood calmly replied. The only people he could think of at the top of his head were members of the Special Operatives. The problem is that he only has authority over a small number of them, as they get divided out to other high-ranking officers. Not to mention he needs to go through a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy just to bring it up to the council where they'll go through weeks of debating to even consider approving the motion despite him being a member with two seats.

"I'd like to also remind you about what we talked at our first meeting." Alex paused for a moment. "We're not interested in joining the Atlesian military. We can assist and cross train, but we're quite comfortable here in Vale. Besides, all our stuff is here including the training fields." Ironwood knew they weren't keen on joining Atlas, which was unfortunate because it would make creating the new unit significantly easier.

"If I may suggest a compromise, perhaps you send in a few observers to attend some of Sgt. Volkov's classes? They can take notes from their lectures and practical applications for future use." Ozpin suggested to Ironwood who was immediately on board with the idea. He gave him an approving nod before the two looked over to the Russians for their input.

"I don't mind." Ivan said.

"Me neither." Nick added.

"That sounds reasonable but keep it limited though. It's a full class." Greg commented.

"They're free to ask questions and participate so long as they remember that we're in charge. I don't need an Atlesian officer breathing down our necks telling us how it should be done." Alex said while looking at Winter for some reason.

"Then it's settled. James will send a few of his soldiers to sit in during Alex's courses to observe and take notes. With this decision, we can hopefully come together and learn from each other to strengthen our resolve and to ensure a safer future for Remnant." Ozpin stated to both Ironwood and the Russians.

"I hope you don't mind me sending Specialist Schnee as one of the observers. She is my second in command after all." Ironwood said to the guys who only shrugged in response.

"Yeah, didn't see that coming." Alex thought sarcastically.

"I'll be sure my notes and observations are thorough and detailed sir." Winter replied to her superior.

"Well, that's taken care of. Is there anything else you wish to discuss General?" Alex asked. Today was their day off so they kinda needed to wrap things up before they head out into the city.

"At the moment, no." Ironwood simply replied. He already has a lot on his plate right now and talking to the Russians keeps adding to it, so he'll leave things as is for now.

"Very well. If you excuse us, we're off to the city now." Ozpin and Ironwood both gave a nod to Alex gesturing them that they're free to go. As the guys left the room, Ironwood turned towards Winter.

"You're dismissed as well Schnee." He said to her. Winter responded with a curt nod before leaving Ozpin and Ironwood alone to discuss other matters.

While waiting for the elevator, Alex noticed Winter leaving Ozpin's office and heading towards them. Even though Ironwood seemed cool with them, he knew she probably still has some…resentment towards them. He doesn't blame her, but since she's going to be sitting in on their classes, they'll be seeing her around more often and it's probably a good idea to clear the air with her.

"I'll catch up with you guys shortly, there's some stuff I have to take care of." He said to guys as they stepped into the elevator.

"Going to try and become Weiss's step brother?" Greg and Ivan couldn't help chuckling at what Nick said. Alex rolled his eyes but still had a smirk on his face. He agrees that Winter is indeed a beautiful, age appropriate woman, but he does not want to be on the receiving end of her sword. Besides, he knows nothing about her and their first meeting wasn't exactly the best.

"Funny, maybe she'd like to know who smashed a chair across her sisters back?" Alex replied with a smug grin.

"Whoa, wait a minute." The elevator doors shut before Nick could say anything else. Alex got a quick chuckle in before walking over to Winter who already acknowledged his presence.

"Specialist Schnee, do you have a moment?" He calmly asked.

"What is it?" She replied rather coldly.

"I believe this is yours." Alex reached into his jacket pocket and revealed the knife that got stuck in his helmet to her. He then tossed it to Winter who caught it with ease and looked it over before putting it away.

"Thank you." Was all she said in an unenthusiastic tone.

"It's a nice blade, I take it you have one like it with your real sword?" He asked.

"Okay, what do you want? I have places to be." She said with a hint of annoyance, ignoring his question.

"Just wanted to say I hope there's no hard feelings between us." Alex's tone was friendly and professional. Winter responded with a look of skepticism.

"About what?" She replied in a less harsh tone.

"You're going to make me say it aren't you? Look, I may have used a little too much excessive force on you and wanted to make sure you knew that it wasn't personal." He wasn't sorry about what he did, but he did feel a little bad about yesterday, so this is the closest to an apology that Winter was going to get.

"A 'little' excessive? In what universe is locking me in a gas filled room, slamming my head into a tree, punching me between my legs, stepping on my throat and shooting me between the eyes at point blank range a 'little' excessive?!" Winter shouted, letting out her anger.

"Well when you put it that way, I sound like a total dick." He said in a joking matter despite Winter's frustration.

"You think this is funny?!" She yelled while grabbing his shirt collar and pulling him towards her.

"Uh, no?" Alex was slightly taken back by how strong Winter was while looking like she was ready to kill him. And yet despite it all, he couldn't help but notice how pretty Winter is when she's angry. Flawless skin, luscious white hair, nice thin lips that covered a perfect set of teeth, and those stunning blue eyes glaring daggers at him while being hit with the lovely fragrance of her hair care products. Coconut, if he had to guess. There's nothing that beats a gorgeous woman who could swiftly end your life and make it look like an accident.

"Because of you, hundreds of people, including my sister, saw me, an Atlesian Specialist and eldest child of the prestigious Schnee family, get bested and utterly humiliated by some nobody!" She shouted directly into Alex's face, while he remained unfazed much to her annoyance.

"It's like I told Weiss one time after class: Nobody's perfect and even the best of us have our off days. All you can do is shake it off and learn from the experience." Alex calmly said, remembering the class where Weiss was unable to take down Ruby in the fighting pits and he had to talk to her after class. Guess that stubborn, prideful perfectionism runs in the family.

"So, are you saying I should just ignore the talking going on behind my back and simply move on?" Her reply sounded calmer despite the frustration.

"Well if it's your fellow soldiers talking behind your back, I think you should kindly remind them that you're still a Specialist and can easily crush them like a bug. The same could be said about everyone else." Alex started off, but Winter didn't seem to be buying it. "Look, you know who you are. You're Specialist Winter Schnee, a strong, intelligent and capable fighter who no doubt had to work her ass off to get where she is today, who is also gracious in defeat, and shouldn't give a fuck about a bunch of losers who talk shit on you behind your back because they don't have the balls to do it in front of you." Alex said to her with a serious face. She looked surprised by his…colorful vocabulary and had to process what he was trying to say. Eventually, his words seemed to have gotten through to her if the small grin she had was any indication. She then let out a deep sigh and let go of his shirt.

"It's hard being a member of one of the most influential and powerful families on Remnant. Your raised up to be perfect, while everyone around you holds you accountable and ridicules you if you step out of line. You wouldn't happen to know what that's like do you?" She asked with a weak chuckle. Who would've guessed that underneath that cold exterior, is a normal person who deals with personal issues like everyone else? Alex certainly wouldn't've. Luckily this is something he does have experience with.

"I actually do, believe it or not." Winter gave him a curious glance. "I also grew up in a wealthy family where I was supposed to be refined and what not. Unfortunately, I was a total shithead and eventually my parents couldn't take it and kicked me out while completely disowning me." Alex said nonchalantly.

"Your own family disowned you?" She asked in disbelief. Granted, she's not in any better position with the strained relationship with her parents, losing her title of heiress of the SDC and being financially cut off by her father, but he does acknowledge her existence…on occasion.

"Dad said he had enough of my bullshit and that I was a stain on the family. Mom couldn't look me in the eye as I walked out the front door with only the clothes on my back and what little money I had in my wallet. We haven't spoken to each other in over 6 years." Alex said in a somber tone. "But that's all in the past and things are better for me now." He said in a more chipper tone.

"I suppose we're not that different after all. We both have similar upbringing, have terrible family lives, and we're even both in the military." She said in a friendlier tone while it was Alex's turn to give her a curious glance.

"What makes you think I'm military?" He asked with a hint of amusement.

"Nothing for certain, but I did make a few observations about you and your teammates: The attire you were wearing is not something the average Huntsman would wear, your tactics are too well coordinated for police units, and your movements and fighting style say you're not just some guys who knows how to use a weapon." Winter pointed out to him.

"Those are good observations. And you're right, I do have military training." He replied.

"May I ask from where?" She asked hoping to sate her curiosity.

"Like I said to you earlier, that's strictly classified." Her response was a scowl. "However, I may give Ironwood the okay to let you in on the loop in the near future. But for now, it remains on a need to know basis." That wasn't the answer she wanted, but it'll have to do.

"Very well then. And it's General Ironwood to you." Alex raised his eyebrow at her. "Just because you don't fall under his jurisdiction, doesn't mean he shouldn't be shown respect for his rank." She replied in her normal, no nonsense tone.

"Right. Anyway, back to what I was saying earlier, don't feel too bad about yesterday. Walk it off, learn from it and ignore what people think of you. Besides, I doubt Weiss, of all people, is going to view you any differently. And if people are still stupid enough to talk shit on you, I'd like to point out that you have a mean right hook that's guaranteed to shut anyone up." Winter couldn't help but smile when Alex started to rub his face where she punched him.

"I'll be sure to remember that for next time." She said with a smirk.

"Next time?" He asked.

"Just because we're on the same team, doesn't mean I'm not going to seek redemption for my loss." Alex can't explain it, but somehow her smirk is more terrifying than her angry face.

"That's going to be a very short rematch." He sarcastically replied.

"You're that cocky in your abilities?" Oh, she'll make him regret saying that.

"Actually, it's the opposite." Winter didn't expect that response. "That was pure luck with you being weakened by the gas and me being able to counter your attacks, not to mention you letting your guard down when you thought your knife went through my face." Alex pointed out.

"Yes, I supposed I should apologize for that. I was caught up in the moment." Winter rarely dishes out apologies, but since an innocent man was almost killed by her hand, she'll make an exception.

"Don't apologize, I would've done thing same thing. Besides, there's no hard feelings between us, right?" It was his turn to smirk at her.

"No, we're on friendly terms…for now." Though he refuses to fight her again, she won't forget her first major defeat at the hands of Alex anytime soon. She never expected to have a rival, but here he is, standing in front of her.

"But like I was saying, if we were to fight again, with you at full strength, there's no doubt in my mind that you'll totally kick my ass."

"Why the self-doubt? You seem like a capable fighter."

"My style of fighting is completely different from what most people are accustomed to. I'm trained to go in behind enemy lines, hit them hard and fast, and get out before they even realize what happened. At no point do I ever confront them head on and get in an epic dueling sword fight or whatever, as I'm limited to firearms, hand held explosives, a standard knife and defensive unarmed techniques. The latter two are more of a last resort in close quarter engagements." Alex explained.

"So, you have a different fighting method. I fail to see how that prevents you from holding your own against me." He managed to hold out against her in the forest, so there's no reason in her mind on why he has reservations.

"If I tell you why, you're going to feel even more horrible about almost killing me with that knife. You sure you want to know?" The serious look on his face matched his tone.

"I already feel bad enough as it is, what else is there?" She asked.

"You're a smart woman, so I'll let you put the pieces together." She motioned for him to continue. "The guys and I exclusively use firearms to attack from a distance and avoid melee combat unless it's the only option. We rarely fight out in the open, always seeking cover, and relying on stealth, deception, and hit and run tactics to catch the enemy off guard. At no point did we ever use a Semblance or Aura enhanced movements to get around the field. We took little to no fighting damage, and yet your knife found its way into my helmet with no resistance at all. What does that tell you?" Alex was right, Winter is smart, and it didn't take her long to come to a conclusion.

"You…don't have your Aura unlocked?" She asked, wide eyed with disbelief.

"We don't have Auras at all. We've tried to unlock it, but you can't unlock what you don't have." He simply stated.

"But that's impossible! It's the manifestation of your soul. Are you saying you and your friends don't have souls?" She probably could've worded that better, but someone who fights without Aura is practically unheard of on Remnant.

"I like to think we have souls in a spiritual sense, but it's probably just one of those rare cases that you don't hear much about." Once again, he's not outright lying, but also not telling the whole truth. Like he said earlier, maybe he'll let Ironwood bring her in the full loop one of these days, but he needs to see how this plays out.

"Then how are you all alive? Actually, why do you fight at all with the idea that you could easily die?" Winter was still trying to wrap her head around the information she was just presented.

"Well we wear armor and protective gear for starters. Plus, superior training, good planning and a little luck all factor into keeping us alive. As for the second question, I don't see why you can't fight if you don't have Aura. Granted, having a protective barrier that absorbs damage, heals your injuries and enhances your physical abilities makes things so much simpler, it doesn't mean anything if you don't have any heart." She gave Alex a glance, telling him to elaborate. "You and the Huntsmen fight the Grimm to preserve life and humanity itself, while guys like me fight to preserve freedom and liberty among ourselves. As you're well aware, not every Human and Faunus is a good person as they would rather cause chaos or even try to oppress us. I'd rather die fighting as a free man than live in constant fear or peaceful slavery." He explained to her.

"I never thought of it like that." Winter wanted to know what he meant by "peaceful slavery" as the two words aren't normally used in that context, but she was still focused on his lack of Aura. "One more question, why did you tell me about your lack of Aura?"

"General Ironwood already knows, so it's not that big of a secret. Besides, after yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if other people started making observations and connecting the dots. No point in delaying the inevitable." Alex knows they won't be able to maintain that secret for much longer, so they might as well get used to people knowing how vulnerable they are. Of course, people will learn the hard way if they think they're pushovers.

"And I was looking forward to a rematch against you." She replied with a fake disappointed tone and a small grin on her face.

"Sorry, but I want to live long enough to see my thirties."

"Why only you're thirties?"

"With the amount I drink and smoke, it'll be a miracle if I live that long." That answer earned him an annoyed look coupled with an eyeroll from Winter.

"Ugh, I can't believe you'd waste your time and money on such vices." This time, her disappointment was genuine.

"Hey, it's good to kick back and relax every now and then, you should try it sometime. Work hard, play hard. Besides, why do you care what I do?" While Winter does enjoy the occasional glass of wine, she's not one to toy with the effects of alcohol. And smoking is out of the question. She'll never understand the logic behind giving yourself lung cancer.

"I'd just hate to see a good soldier and worthy adversary destroy their body with those filthy habits." That wasn't a lie.

"Yeah, you'd rather kill me yourself." He joked with her to lighten the mood.

"Please, I'd rather not clean your blood off my sword." She was quick with her response and they both shared a light laugh with each other.

"That's a relief." He commented before looking at his watch. "Well as much as I enjoy conversing with you, the guys are probably wondering what's taking me so long." Alex just knows Nick is probably going to say something about being up here so long with Winter.

"Yes, I should be going to as well but before we depart, I must say that your company isn't entirely unwelcome." After talking with him, she already developed a level of respect for Alex. But finding out he smokes, it's like he's trying to make her mad.

"You'll be seeing more of my company Monday morning at 0900 by the outdoor fighting pits. Don't be late." He said as he pushed the call elevator button.

"I look forward to it, Sgt. Volkov." She replied, remembering that she technically outranks him.

"Feel free to call me Alex, my friends normally do, and I hope after today we can be friends…or at least two acquaintances that can tolerate each other. I'm fine with either, Specialist Schnee." He replied to the technically higher ranked woman. At the same time, the elevator doors opened, but Alex placed his foot back to keep the door from closing.

"You may address me as Winter. And maybe one day we could be considered friends, but for now, we'll remain mutual allies." She's not one to jump straight into friendships without a little time to build up, but Alex seems like someone she could get along with in the future. She then extended her arm out to him to shake on their new acquaintanceship with each other.

"Fair enough." He reached forward and the two sealed their new alliance with a hearty shake. However, instead of letting go when the shake concluded, Alex gently pulled her hand towards him and lightly kissed her hand, a common gesture of respect. Before Winter could react, he already stepped back into the elevator with the doors already closing. "Take care of yourself, Winter." He smiled coyly while giving her a two-finger salute right as the elevator doors closed. "Hmm. Technically I'm supposed to do that when I first greet the woman. Eh, close enough." Alex thought, remembering his wealthy upbringing of customs and courtesies when it comes to meeting ladies of similar class.

Winter stood outside the elevator door with her hand out in front of her for a solid minute before she came back to her senses. Her reaction was more out of surprise than anything else. At first, she thought Alex was being flirtatious, but then remembered he was raised in a wealthy family like herself, so it makes sense he knows the customs and courtesies of the upper class.

"He's normally supposed to kiss my hand in greeting. Then again, I didn't give him a warm welcome and it was probably to show respect if anything." She reasoned in her head. Now that she got to know Alex a little more, it turns out that he's nothing like she initially thought. Instead of an unpleasant, arrogant and possibly sadistic brute, he's a friendly, humble, chivalrous and intelligent man. He's also very mature and dedicated to his work, traits that she can respect. And yet he still finds time to relax with his friends and knows how to have fun. But the biggest thing is his motivating and caring attitude. When he mentioned that he had a similar conversation with Weiss, her respect for Alex grew. Anyone who shows concern for her sister earns a major plus in her book. On top of that, it turns out they have a lot in common: wealthy families, strained relationships with those families, both in the military and are very serious about their work.

Winter then looked down at her gloved hand and felt a slight warming sensation in her cheeks. It only lasted for a couple of seconds before she shook her head and her face returned to it's normal, no nonsense demeanor. She then pressed the elevator button, only to realize that it was still in use. She'd have to wait another five minutes before it returns.

"Damn it." She muttered to herself.

A/N:

Man, I hope this wasn't too cheesy for you guys.

Next chapter might be a little mild as well, but it's going to help out the chapter after that.

Until then, thanks for your support.

Hawk Out.