Jaune Arc leaned back in his seat, his black coat spotted with blood draped over the back of the chair. His yellow tie was loosened, hanging askew around his neck, giving him an air of casual disarray that contrasted sharply with his usual sleek appearance. The bar in Winter's airship was dimly lit, with a soft golden hue emanating from the collections she had on. It was a place meant for quiet contemplation and perhaps a bit of relaxation amid the chaos that had become their lives. Normally, one wouldn't have something like this, but it was Winter's airship, and she had every right to use her ship as she pleased.

Jaune swirled the amber liquid in his glass before taking a slow, deliberate sip of the hard whiskey. The burn of the alcohol was a welcome distraction, a momentary escape from all the troubles ahead. The attack of Haven weighed heavily on his mind, an ever-present reminder of their precarious situation.

The door to the bar slid open with a soft hiss, and Winter Schnee stepped inside. Her presence was commanding as always, her white and blue military uniform crisp and unblemished, a stark contrast to Jaune's disheveled state. As always, she moved with the precision and grace of someone who had spent her life in disciplined service, and yet there was a softness to her gaze that betrayed a depth of feeling she rarely showed. It was exhaustion.

Winter walked over to the bar, nodding to Jaune in acknowledgment before pouring herself a glass of whiskey. She took a seat across from him, their eyes meeting briefly before she took a sip of her drink. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them filled with unspoken thoughts.

"How are you holding up?" Winter finally broke the silence, her voice calm and measured. "You've been fighting Grimm, healing people, and assisting in search and rescue missions without rest."

"Not enough huntsmen to go around, ma'am. Someone had to step up, and it's a distraction from all the things happening," Jaune shrugged, a tired smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I guess it's been... a lot."

From the start, the task was always been difficult... but the White Fang's activities... the Attack in Haven... and seeing her again.

It's been truly a lot.

Winter nodded, her expression softening. "Yes, it has. Losing Haven was a significant blow. The fear it has spread... it's palpable."

"Vale's doing what it can, taking in refugees, but the fall of a Huntsman Academy... it brings fear, and fear means more Grimm," Jaune replied, his tone steady but laced with concern.

Winter took another sip of her whiskey, her gaze thoughtful. "Mistral is in chaos. The power vacuum left behind is being filled by those who seek to take advantage. It's not just the Grimm we have to worry about... not only the White Fang, but the Spiders are also taking this chance as well."

Jaune sighed, leaning back further in his chair. "The leaders of the kingdoms have to find a way to manage this. They need to stop disagreeing and fighting with each other when an enemy is out there who won't hesitate to destroy a city for their goals."

Winter's eyes flickered as she regarded Jaune. "You're right. But it won't be easy. There are too many with their own agendas."

As they spoke, they couldn't help but steal glances at each other, subtle and fleeting. Winter found herself noticing the way Jaune's hair fell slightly into his eyes, the determined set of his jaw despite the fatigue that was clear in his features. She noticed he had a white strands mixing with his blonde locks. She somewhat admired his resilience, his unwavering commitment to his role.

Jaune, on the other hand, couldn't help but be drawn to Winter's strength and grace. Despite the harshness of their reality, she always maintained a composure that was both intimidating and reassuring.

"You know," Jaune said after a while, his voice softer, "I've always admired your ability to stay strong and composed at a situation, no matter what, Miss Winter. It's... inspiring to have a professional take the lead i in this troubled times."

Winter nodded ever so slightly. "Thank you. I can say the same. Your ability to remain calm and collected despite the pressures is admirable."

Jaune stared at his drink and then asked. "Ma'am, do you ever wonder what it would be like if things were different?" Jaune asked, his tone contemplative.

Winter looked at him, her gaze softening. "Sometimes. But I also believe that we are where and when we need to be."

Jaune nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. "You're right. But it doesn't hurt to dream, does it?"

"No, it doesn't," Winter replied with a small smile. "Dreaming keeps us human. It gives us hope."

As they sat there, sipping their drinks. The conversation lulled into a comfortable silence when Jaune leaned forward, his blue eyes meeting Winter's with a renewed sense of purpose. He set his glass down and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Ma'am," he began, his voice steady, "could you do me a favor?"

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it, Jaune?"

"I need you to criticize my work as a Mediator," he said earnestly. "I need to know what I'm doing wrong so I can work on it."

Winter's expression turned thoughtful. "Are you not confident in your abilities?"

Jaune shook his head. "It's not that. I just simply want to improve. I want to be the best I can be, and for that, I need to know where I'm falling short."

A small, amused smile tugged at Winter's lips. A rare one. "Well, for starters, you need to stop with the drinking."

"It's not my fault your private airship has an impressive collection, Ma'am," Jaune chuckled, lifting his glass slightly. "I can just Semblance it away."

Winter rolled her eyes, though her smile remained. "Always with the straightforward solutions."

They shared a laugh before Winter's expression grew more serious. She set her own glass down and leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him sit up straighter.

"Jaune, I've seen many people who are content to stick to their roles, to do only what is expected of them and nothing more. But you... you take on what's given to you, even when no one would criticize you if you didn't. You charge head-on, restlessly talking and fighting if you need to be. It's admirable."

Jaune felt a warmth spread through him at her words, a sense of validation that he hadn't realized he needed. "Thank you, Miss Winter. That means a lot."

Winter's gaze softened. "I must admit, I was apprehensive at first. But I'm glad to have been proven so wrong. You're more than capable, Mr. Arc. Stand proud of what you do."

Jaune's heart swelled with pride, but before he could respond, Winter continued.

"I had to confess, however. It was actually Penny who convinced me to give you a chance to prove your worth," Winter admitted, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "Sometimes I feel like Penny is more human than I am."

Jaune's expression turned serious, his gaze unwavering. "Ma'am, if you weren't human, you wouldn't care about your sister the way you do. You wouldn't have left the SDC, nor would you stay up for hours defending a kingdom. You have every right to let handle their own problems."

Winter looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "But I am a soldier, Jaune. It's what I've been trained to be."

"And there's nothing wrong with that," Jaune said firmly. "Being a soldier doesn't make you any less human. It means you have the strength to fight for what's right, to protect those who can't protect themselves. It's something to be proud of."

Winter's eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked vulnerable, a rare glimpse behind the disciplined facade. "Thank you, Jaune. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that."

Jaune nodded. "Well, I need to flatter my superiors, Ma'am."

"Touché," Winter said.

Jaune leaned back and asked again. "So, about my work as a Mediator... any specific critiques?"

Winter chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, besides the drinking, you could work on your negotiation tactics. Sometimes you're too straightforward. A bit of subtlety can go a long way. But it has merits on its own. It leaves people confused and you wonderfully exploit that to learn everything you can. I believe a lot of people are easily scared by the way you could make them talk about anything."

Jaune nodded, taking her words to heart. "Got it. Anything else?"

Winter tilted her head, considering. "You have a tendency to overwork and always to be on the ground. Delegate when you can."

"I'll work on that," Jaune promised. "Thank you, Ma'am. Your feedback means a lot."

"Anytime," she replied softly. "And Jaune, remember, you're doing an incredible job. Don't be too hard on yourself."

He sighed, feeling a mix of contentment and determination. "So," he began, his tone light but curious, "does this mean our negotiations are over? Back to Atlas maybe?"

Winter's lips curved into a small smile, her eyes reflecting a hint of mischief as she swirled her drink. "Far from it, Jaune. In fact, our work is just beginning."

Jaune raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Winter took a sip of her whiskey, her demeanor shifting back to the composed, strategic officer he had come to respect. "General Ironwood will be assigning us a new mission. We still need to try to stop a war with Atlas and Menagerie. With the city of Mistral falling... they'll need all the help they can get."

Jaune's expression turned serious. The gravity of the situation settled over him like a heavy cloak. "A war between Atlas and Menagerie... that's the last thing we need right now with Mistral… but how we salvage that when we the White Fang keep appearing?"

"I share the same concern," Winter replied, her gaze steady. "The fall of Haven has created a power vacuum and tensions are rising everywhere. We have to do everything in our power to prevent further conflict."

Jaune nodded, his mind already racing with the implications. "So, what's the plan?"

Winter leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. "First, we need to assess the situation in both Atlas and Menagerie. Identify the key players, understand their motivations, and find common ground where we can. It's going to be a delicate balancing act."

Jaune listened intently, absorbing her words. "And you think we can do it? Even after all of this?"

"I know we can," Winter said confidently. "It won't be easy, but I trust your skills as a Mediator and in a fight if need to be."

"Alright," he said, his voice firm. "Where do we start?"

Winter's eyes gleamed with resolve. "We'll start with a meeting with General Ironwood. He has the latest intelligence and can brief us on the specifics. From there, we'll strategize our next moves."

Jaune nodded. "And what about the evidence we got in Haven?"

Winter turned serious. "I noticed you handed over the physical evidence easily. But the uploaded data should still be on the system. Were you expecting that?"

"Somewhat. But it should be useful, right, Ma'am?"

"It was. General Ironwood appreciates it."

Winter looked him in the eyes. "Jaune, do you have an idea what those things are?"

"I have, Ma'am."

"I see. Keep it to yourself. General's orders."

"Understood. But-"

"What's wrong, Jaune?" she asked.

Jaune raised his glass slightly. "You know, before we dive back into the chaos tomorrow, how about we share a few more drinks? I think we've earned it."

Winter's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Mr. Arc, we still have a task ahead to prepare for."

Jaune's grin widened. "Come on, Ma'am. Just a few more. If you get a hangover, I guarantee I can use my Semblance to take it away."

Winter's shoulders slumped slightly, a sign of reluctant surrender. She sighed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Alright, but we keep it moderate. Just because you can use your Semblance to get rid of drunkenness doesn't mean we should get carried away."

Jaune grinned, appreciating her concession. "Deal."

Jaune poured them both another glass, handing one to Winter. He raised his glass in a toast. "To teamwork."

Winter clinked her glass against his, her eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and resolve. "To teamwork," she echoed, taking a sip of her drink.

They settled back into their seats, the tension of their responsibilities momentarily lifting. Jaune took another sip of his whiskey, savoring the moment. "You know, Ma'am, it's good to relax sometimes. With all these focused on the work, on the next crisis... it's nice to just sit and enjoy a drink."

Winter nodded, her posture relaxing slightly. "You're right. It's easy to forget to take a moment for ourselves."

They talked more, their conversation flowing easily. Jaune shared stories from his cases in Mantle and Solitas, and Winter recounted her experiences in Atlas. The more they talked, the more Jaune appreciated the depth of Winter's character. Behind her disciplined exterior was a person who had faced her own struggles and triumphs.

As the evening wore on, Jaune noticed Winter's cheeks flushing slightly from the alcohol. He chuckled softly. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day when Winter Schnee would relax with a few drinks."

Winter rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it, Mr. Arc. This is a rare occurrence."

"I'll take what I can get," Jaune replied with a grin.

Winter finished her drink, setting the glass down with a satisfied sigh. "Alright, I think that's enough for me. We still have work tomorrow."

Jaune nodded, though he couldn't resist one last playful comment. "Remember, if you wake up with a hangover, I've got you covered."

Winter shook her head, a smile on her lips. "Just keep it moderate, Jaune Arc. Even with your Semblance, it's best not to overdo it."

Jaune raised his glass in acknowledgment. "Got it, ma'am. Moderate it is."

As Winter stood to leave, Jaune settled for a few more glasses before walking back to his quarters.

He truly needed this break.

Just quiet.