A/N:

I wasn't sure about updating this soon because I wasn't sure if anyone really liked this story, but a rave set of reviews from Nina Vale has inspired me!

Enjoy!

Chapter 6

The next day was very much the same. Winter was added to wheel rotation and they each took hour long shifts and napped in between. She got much better at taking the wheel and releasing it, though Qrow insisted on being sure that she had it before leaving. Tai was a bit more lackadaisical and would grab the wheel with one hand and wave Winter off with the other before getting into a comfortable stance.

The rain began to lighten up through the day and by sunset the clouds began to disperse. Winter joined the girls in mopping up the deck and they chatted amicably. Once they finished, they all headed towards the bow to watch the sunset. Tai joined them shortly after.

"So Winter, what are your plans once we get to Mistral?" Tai asked.

"To be honest I really don't know. I wasn't planning for any of this, but I suppose I will see what happens once we get there. I have received an education and I will do what it takes to make a good life for Weiss and I, but I have rarely been outside of Atlas and even then it was under strict supervision." Winter fidgeted nervously. She wasn't expecting to be asked such a question, but she hasn't known what to expect throughout this whole journey.

"Well, like the girls have said we've been short staffed as of late so you're welcome to stay with us as long as you need." Tai smiled.

"As long as you earn your keep. If I catch you lazing around like this I'll be kicking you out first sign of dry land." Qrow taunted as he approached from behind.

Winter jumped to her feet, worried that she had missed her rotation.

"Relax Ice Queen. I took a longer shift so the Doc could check on the kids and he's making up for lost time now. I just wanted to see what you guys were looking at." Qrow grinned and sat down, pulling a gleeful Ruby onto his lap.

They watched as the sun turned read and dipped below the horizon. It's reflection shimmered on the surface of the sea, rippling with each new wave. The sky was a gorgeous gold gradient that got deeper and deeper until it was a rich red at the horizon. The night sky started to creep in and the first stars began to twinkle beside the shattered moon. Winter could have watched the sky forever, but she had a duty to attend to. She owed these people everything, even Qrow. She stood and headed towards the wheel. Qrow grabbed her arm.

"I'm sure the Doc has it, Ice Queen. It hasn't been a full hour yet, you can stay a little longer." He said, letting go of her arm. The others agreed in a chorus of "Yeah, stay!"

"I appreciate your words but I have promised to fulfill this duty and I must earn my keep, as you said." Winter smiled and continued towards the wheel.

"Do I need to make sure you have the right grip?" He asked.

"You've taught me well. I think I can take the wheel just fine myself. You know, last time I traded with Tai he left the wheel as soon as he saw me coming and the boat didn't even lurch." Winter smiled, proud of how far she had come. Qrow frowned.

"Oh, I hadn't realised that suddenly Tai knows more about sailing. I'm the captain of this ship, not him." Qrow argued.

"Last I checked you share the Captain's Quarters. Really, Qrow, you should enjoy your time with your nieces and get some sleep before your shift is up." Winter shook out of his grip and went to the wheel. Qrow headed back towards the bow and Winter took over steering.

He was being silly and he knew it but he couldn't help but feel a little embittered. It seemed that every woman he knew would compare him to Tai. Once that started it didn't take long for them to choose him over Qrow. Winter has been getting very close to the Tai and the girls. He sat back down next to Ruby and scowled. After a while the girls decided to spend some time with the faunus kids instead of their grumpy, no-fun uncle.

"You know, you could just talk to her." Tai said, looking out over the water.

"Talk to who?" Qrow asked grumpily.

"Don't play dumb. The storm has subsided and if all goes well it'll be an easy couple of days to Mistral. She might leave, but she might not. You can just go up and talk to her if you want to get closer before you lose your chance forever." Tai patted him on the back.

"That's not really my style. What would we even talk about Tai? I grew up in the wilds and she grew up in a high class society. She loves her sister enough to marry a stranger to protect her and I abandoned my family. I'm almost ten years older than her. The most bonding we've ever done is when I was a bird and she didn't even know it was me." Qrow sighed and put his head in his hands. Tai shrugged.

"Well, if she's more comfortable with a bird then maybe you should just be a bird until you get to know each other better. or you could just be a bird forever and then I never have to hear you complain about the lack of love in your life." He chuckled and dodged Qrow's half-hearted punch.

"I wouldn't go that far, not yet. But I can't read her. One minute she's pouring her heart out to a bird and standing on a ledge and the next she's kicking me in the ass for saving her and now she just does whatever I tell her to do. I don't get it!"

"Qrow, if you really want to know how to read her then you need to talk to her. She's probably more willing than you think. She's been alone for years, I think she'd welcome any kind company." Tai patted Qrow's shoulder again then stood up, heading towards the wheel to relieve Winter of her duty.

Qrow thought for a moment. He watched as Winter smiled and chatted for a little bit with Tai before leaving, undoubtedly heading straight for the bow to look up at the sky. Qrow transformed and flew up to the ropes, not yet ready to confront the woman. He did want to find out what was with her mood swings, but he was nervous about asking.

Winter made her way over to the bow, as he had predicted, and rested against the side. She spun around to pick out each constellation and cluster that she could name. She pulled her hair out of its bun and braided it loosely to the side, then she laid down on the floor to get a better view.

From his perch he could watch her safely. He could watch the moon shimmer through her platinum hair. He could watch her ice blue eyes sparkle like the sea. He could watch how her chest lifted as she breathed. He loved seeing her pull his shirt tighter around her, though he was sure it was only because of the breeze. She likely didn't even know it was his unless someone had expressly told her.

He was not expecting her to turn to her side. He was caught staring, there was no way he couldn't be. She was looking straight at him and smiled.

"Hello little bird. Come to bring me more bad luck? I've been enjoying the last batch you brought me." She spoke so sweetly.

Her voice was soft, just like the first night that they had met, but there was no more sorrow. He would have smiled if his beak would let him. He did exhale in relief that she did not realise he was staring at her. She held out her arm for him to land on and he gladly took it. Normally he was transform back at this point to make her jump, but he decided to take Tai's advice for only just this one occasion. Winter stroked his head and back, smoothing his feathers. He bobbed his head happily as she cooed at him.

"This has been quite a trip little bird. I'm free but poor and happier than I've ever been rich. I've never been surrounded by so much warmth. I'm happy that Weiss got to meet children her own age and that she can grow up understanding what it's like to have a loving family. I truly hope that it helps us settle into a healthier routine in Mistral. I would love to be able to love her as freely as Tai loves the girls."

Winter sighed and laid back, placing the crow on her chest and her hand behind her head. She spoke as she looked up at the stars, a smile spreading across her face. Qrow was happy with his new placement and remained silently, waiting to hear Winter bare more of her soul to his bird form.

"I'm not the best at showing affection. Regal courtship and quick familiar embraces are all I've ever know. Weiss was mostly raised by her dear sweet butler Klein, but I was raised by a General. I suppose my way of showing affection is following orders, or giving them. I had always hoped to one day join the military, but as the oldest daughter I had duties to fulfill.

I certainly hope I can make a loving and prosperous life for Weiss and I in Mistral. Though I have been thinking about Tai's offer. I've met more interesting people on this ship than throughout my entire life, and I was raised amongst the elites. The people I met were very unique people, of course none of them could breathe fire, or run fast enough to leave a trail of rose petals out of thin air," Winter paused and smirked, looking straight into his eyes. "Or turn into birds."

Winter smiled playfully and placed Qrow on the ground. He was busted. She rolled onto her stomach and held herself on her elbows. She reached out and stroked his wing.

"I wonder if you can hear me when you're in this form. I'm assuming you must, you did come free me after all, but I do love your inability to talk back and ruin the moment. Otherwise, I would probably never be able to get up the strength to thank you. I really do appreciate what you've done for us, for me. I don't know how to repay you, but I am really trying to earn my keep."

Winter closed her eyes and stopped stroking his wings.

"I'm not sure if you've noticed or not but I'm not always the best with people, or emotions." She rested her chin on her folded arms and looked off to the side, avoiding his avian gaze.

"Me either…" Qrow said as he transformed back into his normal form. He mirrored her position and looked at her. She punched his shoulder.

"I knew it was you." Winter smiled.

"Well duh, Ice Queen. Crows aren't exactly known for their love of the open seas." Qrow smirked and rolled onto his back, closing his eyes and putting his arms behind his head.

Winter rolled her eyes. He opened one eye and smirked, closing it again.

"Right, right sorry I forgot. You like it when I don't speak." Qrow zipped his lips.

He was immature, but maybe that wasn't as terrible as she thought. In all honesty she was a bit jealous. She never got the chance to be immature, even as a child, and yet this grown man was allowed be be as childish as he wants all the time. Though even he had some mature moments. He was hard to read.

"Hey, I gotta question." Qrow said, interrupting her thoughts. Winter looked at him and nodded.

"How come when I'm a bird you pour your miserable soul out all over me and shower me with affection but when I'm human you barely even look at me and when you do it's usually to throw knives or insults at me? You seem to get along to well with Tai and the kids, what's your problem?" Qrow asked.

Winter couldn't help but notice that he seemed a little hurt. She frowned. In all honesty, she didn't know. He brought out emotions in her that she didn't understand, mostly fury and frustration but she knew that that wasn't all. She wanted to annoy him, to frustrate him in the same way he antagonizes her. She also wanted to care for him and make him happy, to see him excited about life.

"I really don't know. I suppose I'm not good with people, but I've always had a soft spot for birds. Kind father figures and children too." Winter chuckled. "But in all honesty, I don't know you. Tai wears his heart on his sleeve but you're shrouded in a shadow of sarcasm and booze."

"You're one to talk. One second you're making goo goo eyes at birds then the next you're kicking my ass and then you're hidden underneath that cold facade." Qrow sat up and faced her.

"We're a pair of emotionally stunted fools, aren't we?" Winter chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah we are. Oh well, Tai always said I'm not the best at making friends." Qrow shrugged.

"Well, I suppose we still have a long journey ahead, and it would probably be easier on everyone if we got along a little better instead of being hot and cold." Winter held out her small, pale hand. "What do you say, peace?"

"Yeah, peace." Qrow smirked and shook her hand, dwarfing hers with his own. "Now, I don't know about you but that is too much emotion for one night. I'm getting antsy."

"Agreed. You've been nice for far too long and it's starting to make me uncomfortable." Winter smirked.

Qrow leaned in closely to her. She could feel his breath on her face. His eyes were a piercing red and she noticed that he had the beginnings of some silver flecks spread throughout his scruff and hair. Winter wasn't sure what she was expecting, but she was not expecting him to hold up a dagger between them.

"Are you up for that rematch yet?" Qrow asked.

Winter looked up at him as he reached back for his broadsword and leaned it on his shoulder. She rolled her eyes but grinned. He looked down at her with a grin and held out a hand to help her up. Winter knew exactly what to do. She nodded and grabbed his hand. Instead of standing, she rolled backward and took him to the ground with her. She landed on top of him and pinned his arms down with her knees and held her dagger to his throat, indicating a winning position.

"Easy Ice Queen, I didn't realise you were so eager to get on me like that." Qrow teased before shifting his weight and flipping their positions so that he was pinning her arms down with his own. "You don't want this to be fast do ya? I kinda like to take my time and build it up you know? Well, I suppose you wouldn't." He smirked.

Winter growled and lifted her leg to knee him in the jaw. It's amazing how quickly he can go from being caring to being a lewd ass. Her strike was true and she kicked him off of her before rolling back and standing, knife primed for a lunge. Qrow recovered quickly and stood, though he did not have the momentum to lunge. Winter leapt at him and he used her sword to block his attack. He spun around and slashed at her over and over. She cartwheeled backward to deflect his attacks but the edge of the boat was fast approaching. She ducked as he lunged one final time and he get his sword stuck in the wood of the side of the boat.

Winter dove between his legs and jumped up, grabbing for the ropes above them and pulling herself up. Qrow freed his weapon and sliced straight upward, right to where Winter was standing. She leapt off of the rope and landed in perfect form. Qrow brought his sword down and she dodged and struck out with her dagger on his upswing, but he blocked it with his sword.

She swept his legs out from under him and he fell onto his back. She ran forward to stab at him but he caught her, holding her up with his knee and a hand planted firmly on her chest. His smirk and raised eyebrows were infuriating enough that Winter still stretched out with her dagger to place it against his throat for the second time. Qrow was about to advance the situation but they both froze in place as they heard somewhere clearing their throat nearby. Qrow and Winter both turned toward Tai with matching expressions of guilt and horror. Tai just smiled.

"Listen, I get that you two have your weird thing going on and all but there are kids on this ship so all of this," He gestured to their odd position, "Should maybe happen somewhere more private. Like a bedroom, or the moon or literally anywhere else in the universe other than where I have to witness it." Tai folded his arms and waited for them to come apart.

Qrow gracelessly pushed Winter off of him and straightened his hair. Tai gave him a frustrated look before turning and leaving. Qrow reached out behind him to give Winter a hand. She was furiously angry, that was definitely the reason why her heart was galloping faster than a racing horse. Her chest heaved as she practically panted trying to catch her breath. She noted with pride that Qrow was also panting, so she must've put up a good fight.

"Well Ice Queen, we're both still alive." Qrow said with a wink.

"For now." Winter deadpanned, slightly more seriously after he dropped her like that.

"I guess we still don't know who kicked who's ass." Qrow sighed.

"I thought it was quite obvious that I-" Winter started. Qrow interrupted her.

"Guess we'll just have to have another rematch, hmm Ice Queen?" He smiled right in her face. He was too close for her comfort and her heart refused to slow down.

"I suppose I could kick you around a bit more." Winter smiled.

Qrow abruptly transformed into a bird and flew away in the direction that Tai left in. Winter made her way down to her hammock for the first time in days. It was too late now to catch up with Weiss about everything that happened below, but it would be nice to rest. Unfortunately though, she was just a little bit too wound up to rest and she wished more than anything that she could have finished that fight to wear her out.

Qrow had a similar wish, he couldn't help but be impressed though. The Ice Queen really could be cold but she was tough too. If she could match him that well with just a dagger how well could she do with a real weapon? He might even be able to stop taking it easy on her. He thought a lot about how she moved as she fought but slowly he began to fall asleep and his memories faded into dreams, dreams that would probably never come true, but they did keep him very warm considering that she was such a cold woman.