When it came to military protocol, Winter Schnee was no slouch, everyone who's worked with her knows that. But it came at the cost of her demeanor being colder than that of Atlas itself. She was like that even to her younger sister Weiss whenever the two were together, always asking how she was in both her academics and her training. She continued it with Ruby once she learned the two were a couple, though Weiss got her to ease up and take it easy every time the soldier visited. Now, on the advice of her sister, she was taking time off from duty, something she rarely did, to do what she never thought she'd do: Look after her nephew, Garnet, while the two were out on a date. She sat in the kitchen of their house sipping her tea when she let out a sigh.

"I know you're behind me, Garnet." Her nephew always was a rambunctious child, according to Weiss. She says he gets it from Ruby, on the count of cookies going missing, and his many 'surprise attacks.' But she knew better, her training proved that for sure.

"Aww, how'd you catch on?"

"I was trained in the Atlas military for a long time, little one. I have been caught in surprise attacks before, but I have been trained to the point where I can stop them before they even happen." She looked to Garnet, who had stars in his eyes. "And one day, I may teach you how to anticipate them so you can stop the attacker dead in their tracks."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Winter smiled and petted her nephew in between his ears. "Now come, I want to show you something."

"What is it?" he asked tilting his head.

"You'll see, Garnet, you'll see."

Later

Garnet followed his aunt to her guest room where a suitcase lay on the bed.

"This is what I wanted to show you," she said opening the case. Garnet looked on as she pulled out something from it before his eyes widened at what she held in her hands.

"My weapon, little Rose. While most Atlas personnel wield firearms, I wield this blade. It is my most trusted weapon, and I only use it combat, nothing else."

Garnet looked on in wonder at the sword. He wanted to wield his own blade and master it just like his mother and aunt, but he also knew that it would take time and training before he could be true swordsman like Weiss and Winter.

"Aunt Winter, I want to have a sword when I get older and use it to fight the Grimm."

"I know you do, Garnet, but you understand it takes serious training, not only of your weapon, but of your body as well. It will be a challenge, with obstacles that will prevent you from reaching your goal. So you must power through them with all your might and never falter. Do you understand?" She took a knee and put her hand on his shoulders. After a moment of silence, Garnet responded with determination in his eyes.

"I do, Aunt Winter. I'll push myself to and beyond my limits to become a great Huntsman like Mom and a great swordsman like you and Mother. Nothing will stop me, no matter what the obstacle is. I can promise you that." He gripped the arms that held his shoulders, with a proud smile that screams, 'I'm doing this, and nothing's gonna stand in my way.'

Winter smiled and let go of his shoulders. "You really do take after your mothers, Garnet, and couldn't be prouder. Now, if you didn't take after that dusty old Qrow, you'd be my number one person to be with." She gave him a kiss on his forehead before standing up. "Now, let's get ready for bed, it's late."

Later, again

Winter came out of the shower with her nightgown and hair flowing freely and went to the living room to read a little bit. However, she was interrupted by the sight of Garnet in black and red pajama pants and white shirt sleeping on the couch.

"Oh, Garnet, what am I to do with you," she mumbled to herself. "Get up, Garnet, you should be in-*yawn*-bed," she said jostling the boy.

"Mmmm, bed..." he groaned.

"Come on, let's get you *yawn* to your room, where should *yawn* be." She turned around and signaled him to follow her when she was suddenly felt something cling to her back. "Huh? Wha-?" She quickly realized that Garnet had jumped on her back, which had surprised her. "Garnet, what are you doing? Please-*yawn*-you need to go to bed.

"Mmm," he could only get out. He was still clinging onto his aunts back and not letting go, much to her dismay.

"Garnet, you need to sleep-*yawn*-in your bed, I can't-*yawn*-please-*yawn*-I-Okay, whatever, I'll sleep on the couch," she groaned finally giving up. slowly , she grabbed her nephew and carried him to the couch where she collapsed and held him close as she fell asleep.

Timeskip

Ruby and Weiss opened the door after coming home and walked in silently.

"I hope Garnet was good to his aunt tonight," Ruby whispered.

"Don't be silly, dear, I'm sure he behaved himself and did everything she asked of him," Weiss reassured.

"Well, I guess you're right, but still, I can't help that...Oh, my gods, Weiss!" she scream whispered to her wife.

"What, what is it? Is it something that's broken on the floor, is there blood? Is there-"

"No, Weiss, look, it's Garnet, and he's-"

"Oh, my gods, I can't believe it!" She looked on as Winter and Garnet were sleeping together on the couch.

"It's so adorable, I can't help but take a picture of them," Ruby whispered as she attempted to get her camera before being stopped by Weiss.

"Let's, just let them be, okay? We don't want them waking up and disturbing their slumber, after all."

"Oh, alright. It's pretty late, so we should get some sleep too, we've had a long night as well."

Weiss nodded and the two headed to their room for the night, the image of their son in Winter's arms still in their minds.

Morning

Winter grabbed her bag went downstairs where the Rose family were waiting.

"I did have a splendid night with Garnet, he did as he was told, and nothing was damaged. He behaved himself perfectly."

"As I'd expect from him," Weiss responded. "It was good seeing you again, Winter, and it was good for you to take some time off for the military and spend time with your nephew. I hope you can do it again."

"If my schedule allows it, sister," Winter joked. The two then laughed and hugged each other. "But yes, I would love to watch over Garnet again. He's been a delight."

"Bye Winter, it's been good having you visit. Maybe you and me can spend some time together in the future," Ruby said.

"Perhaps, but don't worry, I won't pester you about your performance as a huntress or anything like that." She and Ruby laughed and hugged as well before turning to Garnet.

"I guess this is goodbye, Garnet."

"I guess."

"But don't be sad, be proud. For the first time ever, you caught me by surprise when you latched on my back last night. No one has ever been able to do that," She said chuckling.

"That was pretty cool," Garnet responded. "I'm gonna miss you Aunt Winter. I did have a good time last night."

"Me too, little one. But we will see each other again, and perhaps I can teach you some combat moves, wouldn't you like that?"

"I would, and we could even spar with each other with my own weapon, right?"

"We most certainly would, and I would hope you would be able to catch up with me, otherwise it would be a very short match."

"It won't be, I swear."

Winter chuckled and gave him a hug. "Goodbye little Rose."

"Goodbye, Aunt Winter. I love you."

"I love you too." She let go and have her nephew a kiss on the forehead. "Well, I best be on my way, duty calls after all."

Ruby and Weiss nodded and Winter soon left the house, leaving the family to themselves.

"Okay, breakfast, anyone?" Ruby asked. Weiss and Garnet nodded and went towards the kitchen to eat.

"I want strawberry pancakes!" Garnet proclaimed.

"I would like some coffee and biscuits," Weiss added.

As the two went to the kitchen, the redhead stayed behind. Unbeknownst to them, she pulled out a picture from her pocket. It was a picture of Garnet and Winter sleeping on the couch.

"Cute," she said to herself.