The stars falling (RWBY Male Reader X Winter Schnee)

Picking sides

Finally slipping into an alcove, you stop and let the events of the last five minutes sink in.

Cole- Okay, okay. Breathe, Cole. Breathe. Maybe I didn't see what I think I saw. Maybe it was a mistake? But... why would Mercury attack me? I know they trained with me a bit, but-

James- Ah, Cole. There you are. How are you settling into the chassis?

You perk up and stand straight as Ironwood walks over with a smile.

Cole- Uh, quite alright, sir-James, sorry. Just tried to do a bit of a run.

James- Good to hear. Now, would you please walk with me?

You nod and follow behind him. You sit with your lie for a moment, before mentally shaking it away and moving on.

James- Have you made much progress on your own personal research? Which, might I ask, is what?

Cole- Ah. Yes, I have. I've been looking into gravity fluctuations in different regions of the galaxy. I've found something interesting, but not of much use to Atlas Military.

James- That doesn't matter. Do tell, I'm interested in your work.

Cole- Well, I've been looking at what is currently considered the "center" of the galaxy. And I ran a few long-range scans. The center seems to be creating some form of gravity well. I believe, and this is still unproven, that there is a black hole acting as the core of our galaxy. Keeping it all spinning.

James- So there's a massive gravity phenomenon holding the galaxy together like glue. Able to prove it?

Cole- I would need a drone able to go further down our "arm" of the galaxy to get closer. If I can do that, and hopefully accomplish it within a year, I could very well prove it.

James- How far inwards were you thinking?

Cole- It would have to be light years. But no craft is able to go that speed.

James- You're right, no craft is. We'll discuss this further afterwards, Cole.

"What does he mean?"

You nod and step into an elevator with James.

Cole- Are we headed to see Ozpin, sir?

James- We are. There's been some... developments, in Vale. Ozpin is trying to sweep it under the rug, and I can't let that happen.

Cole- I understand, sir.

James- You believe me, right? You trust me?

Cole- Pardon?

He turns to you.

James- I know I do some questionable things and-and hide things sometimes. But, through those things, do you trust me?

Cole- Of course I do, James. You've given me a chance.

You look at your hands then back up at him.

Cole- A new life.

He smiles and nods, resting his hand on your shoulder.

James- Also. Here.

He hands you a white lab coat, which had been hanging over his shoulder.

James- You're clearly one of the most intelligent and respectful scientists I know, albeit young and perhaps at times immature. I just hope you will be on my side for anything that comes.

You put the coat on and wipe it down a bit.

James- And one last thing.

You take from his hand a keycard and a sew-on badge. Along with a set of clear glasses.

Cole- Uh... glasses, sir?

James- They're specialised. You can use those while on planet.

You put them on, and see a set of data show up.

Cole- It's a HUD. Like in a video game.

James- Simply put, yes. I'll leave you to manage it. Now, what is taking this damn elevator so long?

As if on cue, the doors open, revealing a straight faced Ozpin, a stern Glynda and a scowling Qrow. Though their expressions shift at resting their gazes on you.

Ozpin- Mister... Mister Rose?

James- Don't speak unless given permission, Cole.

You nod.

James- Cole is here on some leave. He's assisting in some on planet research.

Glynda- On planet? So you mean to say that the whole rant months ago about space and stars and whatnot were legitimate?

James- It was. Cole has become one of Atlas' most intelligent and willing researchers.

Qrow rolls his eyes and scoffs.

Qrow- So what? He's smart. That's all he has going for him.

James- Perhaps if you had been a better uncle, he would have more going for him.

Qrow- Watch it, Jimmy.

James- Don't worry. I'll make sure he's twice the man you are.

Qrow- Hey! You're being a real asshole, James!

Ozpin- May I... speak with Mister Rose?

James- You may. Go ahead, Cole.

Ozpin- Mister Rose, have you been in contact with your sisters?

Cole- I have no need or want to be in contact with them. They're irrelevant to my research.

Ozpin- Irrelevant? They're your sisters.

Cole- Have you forgotten about their behavior when I was a student here? I have no care for them.

You catch a smirk from James and copy it.

Qrow- You know how torn up they were? Ruby thought you were dead, for pete sake!

"Torn up? That's a laugh."

You bob your head side to side, chuckling a little.

Cole- Sorry, Mister Branwen, but I have no interest in their feelings. My focus should be on my orders and research. Nothing else.

Qrow- You arrogant prick! This is all your fault, James!

The old drunk lunges towards James with a balled fist. You step in the way and block his punch with your hand. A loud clang rings out from the contact, and Qrow's aura flickers.

James- Qrow, act your age. And learn some self control.

Qrow- W-what the hell is with your hand?

You close your hand over his, crushing it.

James- Cole. Let him go. You've made your point.

You let go and step back beside James. You perk up at hearing the elevator open behind you.

Taiyang- James. Heh, good to see you. And then there's... you.