"I would like for us to have a day out, Henry Jekyll. To catch up, if you will."

When Jekyll had heard those words come out of Winter's mouth, he had to check twice to see if there were any cameras around. Not that he didn't think that this would have been some humorous game-show or anything like that but the delivery of that line felt less like he was being asked out on a date and more so that he was being given a memo to seminar that he had to attend to.

It had been sometime after the first round of the tournament. Teams RWBY and JNPR, the latter being attached to the former as they went off to celebrate, had just won the first rounds. Jekyll himself never really trained them per say but he still felt brought that his students managed to make it to the next round considering that they're first years and that their competition involved the upper years as well.

At the sight of both Winter and Jekyll together though, he could see that Weiss' eyes widen in surprise while the Xiao-Long-Rose siblings gasped. The others weren't too surprised or simply shrugged. Not like that mattered to them anyway. Granted, other than the rumors, Jekyll was still a gentleman and offered an arm for Winter, making themselves appear like they were from the Victorian era, or whatever its equivalent would be here in Remnant.

Stepping out of Beacon Academy and unto the Bullhead that would lead them to the cities, Winter sat in her seat in such a disciplined manner that Jekyll was unsure how he should act. Was she nervous? Or was this just how she was? It's been a while that Jekyll couldn't recall how the Atlas Specialist had been back when he himself had stayed in Atlas though he was certain that she was at least more relaxed there. Then again, that was usually after training.

Finding some common ground, Jekyll opted to start some small conversation. It worked a little. Thanks to his time in Beacon and of being a huntsman by extension, he has had a better grasp of the things that were happening in Remnant than he did in those early days in Atlas. Of course, such conversation eventually led to Weiss' performance. Winter is a concerned older sister, Jekyll learned really quickly.

Eventually, the two found themselves in some kind of restaurant. How did she even managed to accomplish that? The place appeared to be one of those on reservations only than walk-in. Ah wait, the servers noticed that it was Winter Schnee. That would explain it. It was fancy by the looks of it. The kind that he had been familiar with in life but he had come to appreciate and even enjoy the more common place since then; there was less judgement there and there is just a certain appeal to having ones fingers be covered in whatever sauce was provided. Still, the qualities of food and drink here were to be expected to be of the finest quality. Ones that really bring out the flavors and scents while also being a pleasure on one's taste buds. Jekyll only realized his being out of practice when he had to recall which knife was for which.

"Something funny?" Winter asked.

"Nothing." Jekyll shook his head. "It's just that it's been a long time since I've had meals like this."

"Ah." Winter nodded in understanding. "Life of a huntsman has done you some good as well. I personally have never been a fan of such formal things but appearances must be kept."

Jekyll heard that sigh. It wasn't noticed by most others but he did. Actually, now that he listened to his surroundings, there were already a few murmurs going around from the nearby tables. Whether that was in agreement or not was something that Jekyll couldn't make out. Probably the latter; Jekyll has had enough experiences with the upper class to know that they aren't as noble and quaint as they like to display themselves as. There was just a difference in what counts as scandalous and terrible in their eyes but it was still there nonetheless. The upper class could just be as crass as anyone else.

The two made sure that the wines weren't too strong; it wouldn't do well to get drunk this early.

"As if I would allow myself such a thing with so much daylight left," Winter said, bitter at the thought. "Unlike some people."

Jekyll did not miss that sad frustration at the end there. Something was bothering her? It can't be Qrow, for all of his drunk endeavors, Jekyll was confident that the huntsman would ever let himself go that far. It was probably something else, something more personal. It was best not to pry.

The servers were kind and Winter left behind a rather generous tip, even by the standards of the elite. The two then made their exit. The next place was one that Jekyll brought Winter too. In his passing conversations with Doctor Oobleck, Jekyll had picked up some elements of history namely on the Vale side of things and thusly brought Winter there to the Vale National Museum. Historical artifacts and paintings were on full display, though Oobleck had claimed them to be more recreation of the thing, meant primarily for the public while the actual things were being preserved.

Weapons, uniforms, documents, and more were in display. Winter showed a much greater appreciation for this. Maybe it was the military background. Some of them were from Atlas, or rather Mantle, from the Great War. Winter showed clear interest when the tour guide had explained some of the displays here. Jekyll personally was unimpressed. Then again, he doubts that anyone could cram decades' worth of history in the span of minutes like Oobleck does.

It's a miracle I was able to make up anything that he says at all, Jekyll thought. He will concede on the speed of that professor. Now that he really gave it some thought, that would explain the number of students who have made complaints about their wrists and hands. He always did think that the papers and notebooks smoking were a little exagerrated. They probably still are exagerrated... probably.

As they were walking, Winter paused which caused Jekyll to nearly stumble himself. Her arm was still around his after all. Jekyll followed Winter's line of sight and found a family of sorts.

"Mommy, daddy," said the little girl with blue hair. "Look, look!"

The little girl had been shushed. She was being too loud but the parents did bring her to where she was pointing. It was a display on some knights in armor.

Jekyll could see that Winter bit her lip after she sighed.

"Is everything okay?" Jekyll whispered.

Winter must have been caught unawares since she flinched when he asked. "No. Just… just something I… never mind."

Taking a deep breath, Winter Schnee once again put on that strict professionalism that she often defaults to. Her arms were no longer around his own but rather behind her back. Some onlookers looked at him like he had just made a terrible mistake.

Other than history, there were also the arts. Sculptures of wood and stone, paintings that could be traced from before the color revolution and after showed clear differences in their approach, or rather, their use of color. There was even a 3D section where the paintings on the walls, combined with correctly placed sculptures, gave the impression of an immersive image if one were to stand at certain locations. Pictures were obviously taken. The civilian populace in particular certainly appreciated those paintings were they too could be the huntsman or huntress fighting the terribly cartoon-looking Grimm.

Without realizing it, Winter's mood had returned to a lighter one as Jekyll heard a chuckle. She too had seen them. Her posture had become more relaxed. While still reserved for the most part, she had become less soldier and more tourist.

Continuing with their apparent date, Jekyll and Winter took to one of the open areas in the museum. Being located at a rather elevated location, the balconies provided a more natural breathtaking view of nature. The blue lines that signified the flowing waters, the patches of clouds that covered the mountains, and even the breeze from the waters that were fluttered their clothes. It was a contrast to the man-made displays found indoors.

"Vale really does celebrate its individuality," Winter commented. "Art, history, nature. They're all here."

Once again, the sounds of families enjoying themselves filled their ears and Winter's mood lowered a little. There was little in the way of frustration but Jekyll did not miss the sadness.

"Winter?" he asked. Jekyll was starting to guess.

"Let us go to a gift shop." Winter ignored his concern. "I'm thinking of a souvenir to bring back home."

He shrugged and shook his head. She was having a harder time hiding it than when he tried to hide Hyde.

Taking a risk, Jekyll took a deep breath and took Winter's hand. "Come on. Perhaps a cup of coffee will do us both well." Never could he imagine that he would actually say that. Not the invitation part but the fact that he said coffee instead of tea.

At this point. He joked to himself. I am more of a Valean man than I am an Englishman. Eh. Not important. What's important was that Winter would have a better time in Vale. There was still time before they would have to return to Beacon. Even then, there was more time before the next match of team RWBY.

The café that they had went wasn't the fanciest of places but it was certainly of good enough quality. Jekyll just picked one at random really when he was looking for a place. He heard that it was a family café somewhere. It had Rais Family Café written above it. Inside, the place was clean with spaces big enough to allow much greater movement at the cost of the number of customers that it could host. To compensate for this, the café had two floors with the upper one providing an outdoor experience with large umbrellas for each table. Jekyll opted to stay indoors, the sunny heat was still out there and there was little in the way of a good breeze; there was also the noise of the streets.

Jekyll became a gentleman in this regard. Opening the door for her, ensuring that she sits first, and at the end of it, he plans to cover the expenses which isn't a lot granted, especially when compared to the sheer amount that she must have had spent earlier that day. Still, Jekyll could hope that the day ended better than during those middle parts wherever family seemed to be involved. Though, the fact that it was called a family café didn't help.

"Looking to reminisce, Jekyll?" Winter asked. "I seem to recall that time we had partook in those instant foods."

"You remember that?" Jekyll returned. "I suppose it was different than what you're normally accustomed to, both in military and in social elite circles."

Still, Winter appeared to have been in lighter moods now. That had more to do with the location than anything else. While the café may be a family one, it was more of a business thing than anything else. Mostly couples and friends filled this establishment which meant there was little to remind Winter of whatever it was that was bothering her.

"Two coffees," Jekyll ordered. "And would the lady perhaps want some cake?"

"Chocolate would be lovely," Winter replied.

"Then two slices."

It didn't take long for their orders to arrive. In that time, both Winter and Jekyll took in the silence not as something awkward but rather as a sort of comforting ambiance in the silence. The sounds of cutlery hitting the plates and chatter in the background gave off a nice feeling of slow and calm. Winter looked better like this. Calm, collected, and at peace, it was as though that had bothered her earlier had completely vanished as she simply took in this calmer and better state. When their orders did arrive, the aroma of the coffee and the presentation of the cake slice only made things better for them both.

"This is what we all fought for," Winter began. "This peace. It is nice."

"I'm certain that you are preaching to the choir," Jekyll replied. Coffee was not his preference and after taking his sip, that has yet to change. Maybe if there was no other drink other than the water, perhaps.

"Yes," Winter agreed. "I probably am… it… it must be nice to be able to do things like these… with a family."

Jekyll sighed. There was no escaping whatever it was that was bothering her. "Would you like to talk about it? It's been bothering you since earlier today."

There was a quietness to Winter. Jekyll would rather not prod; it was clear to him that it was a case that bothered her deeply but since she had been focused on that ever since the topic shifted to family through her sister, it was clear to him that this was something that would not be easily be distracted from.

"It would be accurate to say that it bothers me even before this day. Weiss never told you about the Schnee family, has she?"

Jekyll shook his head. "I doubt that Weiss would be comfortable enough to share that with any professor." Perhaps her friends but certainly not the professors. Does Beacon have a counselor of sorts?

"There are reasons why I left for the military and Weiss left for Beacon."

Winter then began to recount her times growing up. She began as far back as when the Schnee Dust Company had just begun with one Nicholas Schnee. Hearing it, Jekyll was impressed that the company even reached the status that it had today. While that was a result of the father, Jacques, who married into the family and adopted the name instead, Jekyll couldn't help but be impressed at that rapid growth. Despicable, certainly, especially when one considers how he got there, but still impressive.

In the company's rise to power and influence, it came at the cost of having a rather terrible family. One that resulted in two of its children leaving as a form of rebellion. A family in name only.

When Winter had finished, her coffee had gotten cold. Jekyll had already finished his. The cake had been untouched.

"…so when I heard about Weiss doing really well here in Beacon," Winter said. "I was happy. Happy that she found something that she should have had—that we should have had—back home."

"Have you ever tried talking with your father?"

"I have. Father's main concern had always been the company. The name is more of a brand to him at this point. I would have brought Whitley if I could but father's grip on him had been tight ever since both me and Weiss had expressed any desire to leave the SDC. Probably trying to ensure that the SDC would not be run to the ground, especially after he had brought it to where it is now."

"I'm not sure about how this Whitley would be able to do under military care but I see your concern."

"Even with the argument that the treatment of the faunus in the mines would draw more Grimm, still, Jacques refuses to move on that. Saves money on profit? The loss of jobs. I truly do not understand what goes on in father's mind."

"Sometimes," Winter continued. "Sometimes I wish that the SDC never got to where it is today. Perhaps it would have been better that it shut down. Another company may take its place someday but I would take it if it meant that we would have had a proper family."

Winter's face was buried in her hands. Thankfully, they were away from the random passerby which meant that there was little chance that they would see this sight of the Atlas specialist. Part of Jekyll was also glad because that meant there was less people seeing this and thinking that he caused it; he really didn't need a scandal here.

"Was that why you were bothered earlier?" he asked. "Seeing those families makes you wish that you had one back home?"

"We all want things that we don't have," Winter replied. "I know that they say that family are the people who love and care for you but it certainly would have been nice if those who do are the same people that you were born into."

Jekyll listened intently. Winter was simply letting things out and he was there simply to be a soundboard. Why it had to be him of all people was beyond him. Perhaps it was because of the fact that since the only other option that Jekyll could see was that she would share with fellow soldiers in Atlas military. From what he remembered of his time in Atlas, and even now just by observing it, Winter has never really been particularly close to anyone which meant that he himself had that privilege by default outside of maybe Weiss but she is obviously family.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Jekyll opened up. Truth be told, he wasn't sure if there was any way that he can; this was a family matter. On the business side of things, there was nothing he could offer either.

Predictably, Winter shook her head. "You're already doing enough as it is. It should be of no surprise that out of everyone outside of the workplace and what farce of a family life I have, you are the only one whose company I could say was adequate."

Winter managed to finish her cake and her coffee. A blue-haired girl took the payment and the tip.

Didn't I just see you earlier? Jekyll thought. The sight of those little souvenirs from the museum's gift shop earlier was confirmation. Huh, small world, this Remnant.

The sun had begun to set as the skies had been painted orange. News of the first round of the Vytal tournament filled the televisions and radio. Namely, there was a focus towards those most likely to win. Jekyll recognized the names of Pyrrha Nikos and Weiss Schnee among them being celebrities in their own right. Others were mentioned as well, the underdogs and dark horses in this tournament.

One thing that was noted here was that Winter's arm was once again intertwined with his. There was a relaxed state from Winter, one markedly more than earlier when it was mere etiquette. Even on the Bullhead, Jekyll felt her lean onto his shoulder as she must have exhausted herself this day.

I can only image what the tabloids would say if this were to be seen. Looking around him, he managed to catch a few people doing just what he had expected them to. Well I can only hope that it won't be front page, surely the Vytal Tournament would take precedent, right?

Soon enough, the Bullhead made its landing and Jekyll had to wake Winter as gently as he could. He escorted her through the halls of Beacon Academy, getting the attention of nearby students and most certainly surprising those who were familiar with either.

Bringing Winter to her room, she turned to him and said, "thank you, Jekyll. It was certainly a pleasurable experience. Perhaps someday, we may do so again. Without the baggage, of course."

Jekyll laughed. "It would be an honor, Winter."

The door closed in front of him. Jekyll then proceeded to return to his own room. It was a rather exhausting day and one that he hadn't expected to enjoy as much as he did.

He heard Peach's voice the first moment he opened the door to his room. "You're out late."

Jekyll raised an eyebrow. It wasn't even evening yet. The two had a staring contest in that moment. He specifically focused on Peach's lips which appear to be visibly stiff, as if she was trying to make them as neutral as she could. The slightest twitch wasn't missed and it betrayed Peach's attempt. She devolved into a chuckle.

"Darn it," she managed to say. "Oh well, I tried. So how did it go?"

"All things considered," Jekyll replied. Peach needed a roller to complete the image. "As well as it could be. There was a little bit to unpack there but it went well enough."

"I expect it to be." Peach took out a scroll. "Didn't take long before you two started a trend."

"Already?" He shook his head. How are they so fast? "Shouldn't the tournament be more important right now?"

"Interest probably, celebrity status and all that. Gotta get all the happy stories for the Vytal Festival," Peach said as was reading the comments. "Whoever took these photos are good photographers, got to say. Almost convinced me that you two staged this rather than it being stolen."

Jekyll took a glance over the photos. Admittedly, they were excellent. There were even some who captured the less-than-pleasant moments and articles were being written. Ruby's semblance may allow her to reach high speeds but these people were certainly faster. He and Winter were being contrasted to the combat that was happening apparently.

"Should I be expecting words from her father, soon?" Jekyll faked despair. He never met the man nor does he know what he was like.

Peach shrugged. "Probably against you for being some commoner huntsman or something."

"Gee, I can't wait." He raised his hand weakly as if to cheer. "Go me."

"You have my support," Peach stretched her arms, legs, and wings as she made her exit. How long had she been waiting here, exactly? "That and name the kids after me."

"Ha," Jekyll said.

/-/

Winter Schnee sat down on her bed. Taking a deep breath, she could rest easy knowing that she had done her duty. She had observed her target and he didn't seem to notice. Lying down on her bed, she kept making circles with her fingers. She did as she had been told and soon would be giving her report to the general. Henry Jekyll, for as long as he stays that way, would not be a threat and would be a helpful ally when he could.

It was an unorthodox approach, she will admit. Unorthodox in that, it was not her usual way of operating as a specialist. Her specialization often revolved around direct combat than stealth and reconnaissance. She had already steeled herself for the obvious tabloids that would certainly be shared by now if they haven't already.

Then, she ended up seeing the different families. Conversations about Weiss must have primed her to thinking about family. Those smiles and joys on their faces reminded Winter of what she had lacked back home. It hadn't been missed by Jekyll and she had to play into it and make do with the circumstances that had been presented to her.

Despite what the headmaster of Beacon Academy has said, the general of Atlas had already informed Winter of the truth. After all, while she was nearing the upper limits of that candidacy, Ironwood was still planning on pushing her for that role, believing in her capabilities of withstanding whatever the transfer process may entail.

She tossed and turned. Winter couldn't understand it. It had been easier before. No. She shook her head. Clearly, it was just that she had not much else and thusly attached herself. She sighed. Perhaps, when she would return to Atlas, she'll open herself up more to others. It will be awkward certainly but it had to be the reason she was feeling this way.

She wasn't supposed to let down her guard around him. She wasn't supposed to lay her head on his shoulders. His warm and comfortable shoulders. Why did he feel safe? No. She felt safe around him even back in Atlas. It was because he had this strange thing that makes him akin to a harmless civilian. It wasn't anything else.

"You are a good man, Jekyll," Winter said. She bit her lip. "You are good man."

Getting back up, Winter thought about taking another walk around Beacon. It is best that she would go and give the report to the General as soon as possible. He should be at his airship.

"He has a danger inside of him," Winter whispered to herself. "If we could just separate Jekyll from Hyde..."

Winter certainly would have liked to have more activities like that. She enjoyed it, more than she thought she should.

AN: I had been tempted to make a "In Their Eyes Part Three" but if I did that, we would be having a reaction arc here. Instead, expanded on what happened between Jekyll and Winter from Adam's POV while also being a callback of those earlier chapters from Atlas.