Winter had been in the city for a good while now, and she thought she had a pretty good grasp of how most people drove in the city. Most of the time the city streets were bogged down with traffic, but once and awhile you might get lucky and find the streets clear, in which case she might be able to go the speed limit. So, sitting in Qrows passenger seat, going fifteen over the speed limit in a packed city, she wasn't sure if she was the one who drove wrong or if Qrow was. Actually, scratch that. Qrow was speeding and driving recklessly.
The sound of a car horn blared somewhere to Winters right as Qrow passed them, but Qrow acted like he didn't even notice and left the sound in the dust. Winters right hand was gripping the side of the door so tightly she was a little scared she might rip into the leather, while her left hand was grabbing the handle above her head. Her legs were pulled up to her chest in a vain attempt to try and feel like she wasn't a moment away from death. Yes, she was wearing her seat belt. No, it didn't feel like nearly enough.
Winter closed her eyes tight as Qrow drifted into a right turn, cars all around them were laying on their horns as he drove off without a second thought, "What am I doing next?" Qrow asked in a calm voice, his left hand on the wheel while his right hand rested comfortably on his knee like he was driving in the country.
"L-L-Left on fifty-second" Winter stuttered out, her words shaken by the bumps and cracks in the road. Qrow looked away from the road and at her, a confused look on his face. "Eyes on the road!" She snapped the moment his eyes met hers. He grinned, not complaining as he looked and started to glide into another turn, his car roaring like a lion trying to show off.
"I'm shocked, Snowflake, that's not the prettiest part of town. What's someone like you doing over there?" He wondered, his voice dripping with curiosity and sarcasm.
"Cheap rent. Good location" After you boiled it down, that really was the whole reason she ended up there. Earl's a pretty good reason to stay though, Winter thought with a smile. Then she was thrown forward as Qrow slammed on the breaks, she felt the seat belt strain with the momentum, her fingers locked, trying their best to keep her from flying out the windshield. He put the car in park and shut off the engine, but Winters hands still refused to budge. "Jesus…" She whispered under her breath.
"Fair enough. Same reason I got the house actually. This is it, right?" Qrow probed as he pointed at the gross red, greed, rusted brown building with a look of worry. Winter collected herself, slowly releasing each and every one of her fingers before she felt ready to talk again.
"Yeah, this is home" Winter leaning back in the seat with her legs sprawled in front of her, her arms and legs felt limp after being tense for so long.
The leather was actually pretty comfortable, and smelled really nice now that she could appreciate it without the fear of death in the she'd died and gone to heaven?
"Looks, cozy, I guess. Well, you get what you pay for. Alright, be quick. Remember, in and out" Qrow stressed as he leaned back in his own seat, pulling out his phone.
"You aren't coming in?" Winter asked as a tint of sadness started spreading through her like a drop of food coloring in a glass of water.
"You want me to come in?" He asked sarcastically, as if there was any other way for him to answer. Winter felt herself pout, annoyance starting to sprout inside of her.
"Maybe I didn't want you to sit in the car bored by yourself, OK? Now come on, you're the one that's in a rush" Winter chastised as she stepped out of the car onto wobbly legs with Qrow following right after. Winter knew she was being a bit short with him, but it was late, she was sleepy, and he was planning to drag her to some mystery location, so it seemed pretty reasonable to her.
"By the way, is your building…?"
"Tilted? Yeah, I think so. Put some oranges on my table one day and they all rolled to one side" Winter sighed, she had to buy a bowl to keep all of her round fruit from falling off her counter. Qrow started to chuckle, and she wasn't sure if it was from her story, or from her pouting face. Either way, Winter couldn't help it, and she had to join in. The two of them had big smiles on their faces as they walked into the lobby.
Normally, Earl didn't look up from his book until Winter came close to his desk. That was simply the way the world worked. But the moment they walked in, there was a change in the air, and the book was down like lightning. His eyes were dancing between Qrow and her, looking like he was trying to dissect every minute detail of how they were walking together.
"Hey Earl, how are you?" she questioned politely, hoping he wouldn't drag this out for too long.
"Doing fine, Winter. Who's your friend?" He pointed at Qrow, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Earl, this is my… um, friend, Qrow. Qrow, this is my landlord, Earl." Winter slugged through the introduction, trying her best not to be super awkward and failing. Earl went from looking at Winter with a gentle smile, to looking at Qrow with a dark smile on his face. The kind of look a predator had when stalking its prey.
"Qrow, eh? Good to meet ya. I trust you're treating her right?" Earl stood up and held out his hand. Qrow walked up to him with a much more relaxed expression, and took Earls hand.
"Nice to meet ya, Earl. Don't worry about her, I'm treating her fine. If I wasn't, I know a few people that would give me hell" He chuckled, but his face looked a lot more strained than it had been a second before. Earls face looked pretty tense too as a matter of fact.
While it might look like the two of them were having a simple handshake, Winter knew better. Her father had told her many times about how important a first handshake between men was. It wasn't a greeting, it was a battle of wills and dominance. Threw a few subtle cues that any good man should know, you could tell a lot about someone, or at least that's what her father had told her. At this moment, she knew he'd been right, and how it was on full display between these two. Winter could see both of their hands trembling with how much force they were both using, both of them still with gentle smiles on their faces. Winter was scared, and glad it wasn't her hand they were crushing.
When they let go of each other, both of them looked rather pleased as they rubbed their hands slightly and nodded to the other. Winter wasn't sure why, but it looked like they'd worked something out. She had no idea what they had worked out, but at least it was over.
"We're gonna be right back, Earl. Don't worry" Winter blurted out, grabbing Qrow by the arm and dragging him to the elevator before anything else embarrassing could happen.
"Take your time" Earl chuckled, slowly sitting back down in his chair. Winter pushed the button and sighed.
"He seems nice" Qrow chuckled as he flexed his fingers, making sure nothing was broken.
"Yeah, he's a really nice guy, he's been good to me" Winter smiled warmly, but then her face got really warm when she realized that she was still latched onto Qrows, admittedly toned, arm. She slowly let him go, hoping he hadn't noticed, right as the elevator opened.
Qrow went and leaned against the back wall while Winter hit the button, and stayed by the panel. But right as the doors were about to slide close, someone stuck a foot in the door, blocking them. When the doors opened up, Winter looked up to see Tyrians smug face with a snake like smile aimed right at her.
"Why, Winter, what a pleasant surprise! It's been far too long!" He grinned, slithering close to her. Winter felt her back stiffen, and could feel his eyes crawling up and down her body. Winter stayed quiet, hoping he'd get the hint and leave her alone. He didn't.
"Winter, it feels like I always miss you in the mornings, and I always keep an eye out for you. We leave at about the same time, and I know you said no last time, but I wouldn't mind giving you a ride any morning, or night" Winter felt herself shiver like a cold wind hand blown through her. He'd said stuff like that before, but it had never gotten to her so much before. His words actually scared her. He started to crawl closer to her her, almost reaching out to touch her "I'll give you my number, so we can-"
Before he could finish his sentence, a shoe came flying between them and slamming into the elevator door with enough force to rock the entire elevator and to leave a small dent in the metal, missing Tyrian by an inch at most. Winter couldn't have been happier, but Tyrian couldn't have been more pissed.
"What the hell was that jackass! You almost hit me!" Tyrian yelled, murder in his voice. Qrow, with his hands still in his pockets, slowly lowered his leg.
"Sorry, there was a spider on the door" He looked totally disinterested in Tyrians hissy fit.
"So that makes it OK for you to almost kick me in the face? Are you a moron! I should call the police!" Tyrians face got red with how angry he was getting.
Qrow shrugged, "I really don't like spiders" and that was the only explanation the man was willing to give. Tyrian looked like he was about to throw a punch, but that's exactly when the door opened up. "This is our spot. See ya later buddy" Qrow said as he walked out of the elevator, patting Tyrian on the shoulder as he passed by. Winter followed, leaving Tyrian standing there too angry to even speak. The elevator took him somewhere else, thankfully.
Winters' heart was electric, shocked at what'd just happened. She was confused why she hadn't said anything, but she was glad that Qrow had been able to step in and help. She turned to thank him, but he was already a good ways down the hall, looking at one of the paintings on the wall with total interest. Maybe I'll thank him later, Winter thought as she walked over to him, feeling lighter than air.
"This is a neat painting. Really gives off a 'your building's gonna catch on fire' vibe" Qrow told her, pointing to the painting of the forest fire that Winter totally loved seeing every morning.
"Yup, really brings the hallway together, don't you think?" Winter smiled as she walked past him. It wasn't far before she reached her room, with Qrow trailing behind her. His eyes were wandering around the hallway like it was some kind of art exhibit, and it made her feel like she was some kind of a docent at an art exhibit.
When Winter put her key in the lock, she realized that she had no clue if her apartment was clean. She'd never had, never even thought about having anyone over before! What if she left it as a total pigsty when she left without realizing it?
"You gonna open it? Is it busted or something? Should we get Ernie?" Qrow was leaning right over her shoulder, his face way too close to her face for comfort.
"It's Earl, and no! I'm just… taking my time, ok?" Winter grumbled as she unlocked her door, opening it up for Qrow.
Winter walked in slowly, stepping to the side and letting Qrow get a good look around. He slid off his shoes and walked around the kitchen and the living room like he owned the place.
"No TV?" He asked out of the blue, sitting down in the one chair in the living room.
"Couldn't fit it in my car, so nope" Winter sighed as she sat down on the carpet.
"Hm. Well, I have an old one if you want it, we have enough of them in the house" Qrow explained as he moved around in the chair, trying to get comfortable. He ended up with his legs hanging over the edge of the chairs arm.
"I couldn't accept that, I'm sure you guys could sell it or something. I'd buy it, but I don't exactly have room in the budget for that right now" Winter explained with a shrug. She was never the biggest fan of TV anyway, and she'd survived this long without one.
"It was Yang's for awhile, but she hasn't used it in forever. It's to the point where Ruby's asking if she can take it apart and see how it works. So you'll be doing me a favor, I don't wanna clean up any broken glass" Qrow explained as he stretched, leaning over the chairs other arm.
"I still don't think-"
"Winter, just take the TV. It's not a big deal. We're friends" he pressed, and Winter didn't have any other counters. She knew she'd called him a friend to Earl, but hearing him say it like that, unprompted… It made her feel good.
"Alright, I'll borrow it. But only so Ruby doesn't break it. Then, if Yang ever wants it back, she can take it. Deal?" Winter faltered, not really used to someone wanting to give her something without any strings attached. " And thank you… I appreciate it" She smiled up at him. His eyes were closed, but he had that relaxed, knowing smile on his face, like someone who'd just won a game.
"Sounds like a deal, and don't worry about it. You'd do the same for me. I'll loan you some movies and stuff too, get a little culture in your head"
"I'm cultured" Winter squeaked defensively, her hands on her knees.
"I'm talking about real culture, pop culture. Ya know, I'll be back, may the force be with you, where we're going we don't need roads. Any of those ringing a bell?" He asked, his eyes opening in time to see Winters totally stumped expression.
"I- I have no idea what any of that means" Winter admitted in a deadpan expression, her face looking like a middle aged woman having the internet explained to her.
"Don't worry, you'll learn" He sighed, reaching out and patting her head lightly, so her bun stayed in place. "Now go and change. We're actually not doing too bad on time, thanks to my excellent driving" Winter actually busted out laughing, rolling around on the carpet as she held her belly.
"Excellent driving? Qrow, if you drove like that with the girls they'd probably never get in the car with you again!" She got out between fits of laughter.
"Hey, I always drive safe with the kids in the truck, so when I take Harbinger out, I like to let him go a little wild!" Qrow confessed, sitting up in the chair.
"Harbinger? Did you name it when you were in middle school or something?" Winter cackled again as she stood up. Qrow looked away, scratching the back of his head.
"It was sophomore year, ok? I was an edgy kid" he admitted with a light blush.
"Aww, that's adorable! Don't worry, harbingers a good name… For a sophomores car" Winter patted his shoulder before turning and walking to her room.
"At least my car has a name, all the best cars do!" He called after her.
"That can't be true, because mine doesn't, and mines way better than " She turned around and winked at him before closing the door. She could hear him grumbling on the other side of the door, which made her smile grow even more.
Now that she was in her room, her mind hit a wall. A few walls. Where the hell were they going? And worse than that, what the hell am I supposed to wear? The second question was a lot more important than the first. She opened her closet and… Had no clue what to wear.
Winter cursed under her breath and grabbed the first things she could think of, trusting her instincts. That way if she looked terrible, she could blame her instincts! That worked, right?
She ended up in her best fitting jeans and a long sleeve white shirt that she thought clung to her in the right ways. She threw on a thin white jacket over that, it had been cold the past few nights and she wanted to be ready. She looked herself up and down in the mirror, and thought she'd pulled together something nice considering the short notice, but Weiss was always the best at checking her outfits. The girl had an eye for that sort of thing.
Winter opened the door, and saw Qrow standing up and looking down the opposite hallway, looking past the open door and into the empty bedroom. Winter started to walk, and his ears perked up, and he turned towards her. She was expecting some half baked, sarcastic comment, but he stood there silent. His eyes looked wide and were moving up her, drinking in every detail. When Tyrian had done it, it had felt wrong. But this, Qrow, sent a typhoon of butterflies moving in her stomach.
"What do you think?" Winter hesitantly asked, not sure if she wanted the answer. She didn't have time for makeup, her hair probably needed to be redone, and she wouldn't have said no to a shower, so it wouldn't be a huge shock if-
"You look incredible" He finally spoke, a dopey smile on his face that reminded Winter of how Yang looked when talking about her, friend.
"Thanks" Winter blushed as she messed with her hair, "Should we get going?" Winter pointed to the door, remembering how rushed he'd been not thirty minutes ago. Qrow looked like he was lagging a bit behind, taking a bit longer than normal for her words to sink in.
"Yeah, you're right. Lets, uh, let's get going. You're in for a fun night, and we don't wanna be too late" He turned towards the door, but stopped after his first step. He turned towards Winter and held out his arm for her to take. Winter felt her heart flutter, but wrapped her arm around his with a hesitant smile.
"Don't wanna risk that weird guy with the ponytail getting too close to you again" He chuckled as they started walking.
"No, of course not. Gotta stay close together so he knows to stay away" Winter agreed, trying her best to believe her own words before she shut the door and went who knows where.
-Authors note
Another week another chapter! Hope you guys are enjoying! By the way, it's always really fun reading what you guys think is gonna happen, it really makes my day, so please keep it up! See you guys next week!