The stars falling (RWBY Male Reader X Winter Schnee)

Direction

Winter PoV - One day later

James- I trust he recovered well?

Winter- He's still asleep, but he should wake soon enough.

James- Of course. The first time in the sphere is always exhausting for the controller.

You nod.

James- So, do you have any concerns or objections to the idea of permitting him access to the launcher?

The other Atlas members in the video conference mumble to each other, before looking back.

Councilman- I want to know a bit more about Cole, first. How long did he spend in the sphere? Did he suffer any side effects?

Winter- We kept a very close watch on all vital signs. A few increased heart rates and the initial adjustment panic. Apart from that, he was perfectly healthy and has suffered nothing but some neural exhaustion. Astounding signs, despite only being in there for a little over an hour.

He nods, satisfied with the answer.

Councilwoman- And - this one is for James, Lieutenant - what about Ozpin? We're aware the two of you have spoken in private, in the company of other hunters.

James- Ozpin is completely unaware of Cole's real research and the lengths he is going to. Nor does he have any idea of the drone and its launcher.

Councilman- And Cole? Does he know just how much is on his shoulders? How much Remnant needs this research data?

James- Not yet. We'll tell him only if this drone expedition is a success.

Councilman- You'll have to tell him one way or another. And James, if you don't tell him, we will.

James- Very well. Winter, once he's awake, let him have some recreational time before showing him to the launcher.

Winter- Yes sir.

The conference ends and you shut off the terminal. Your radio crackles to life.

"Ma'am, Rose is awake."

Winter- Thank you, I'll come see him.

With a sigh, you get up and leave your office. Right outside is the wonderful view of the planet below. Stopping for a moment and taking in the view, you think of your sister. Of how little you were able to speak before being posted here.

Winter- I'm sorry, Weiss. I wish I could see you more.

Shaking away your thoughts you turn and walk through the corridors to the infirmary ward. You spot Cole immediately as you enter, his charcoal coloured hair standing out from the lighter toned hair the Atlesian staff sport around the ward.

Winter- Hello Cole. How are you feeling?

He looks up and smiles.

Cole- Like I hibernated through winter. How long have I been asleep?

Winter- Around a day. Do you remember what happened in the sphere?

Cole- I remember what happened on the ground, but then James telling me to wake up. And now here I am. Did I miss anything important?

Winter- Not really, just some conferences between the council, the General and myself. Though your input would have helped.

Cole- I apologise for being drugged, then.

He snickers and shakes his head.

Winter- Ah... that was just for the first time.

Cole- Well, it sucked.

Winter- Let me guess, afraid of needles?

Cole- More afraid of getting jabbed by things, but whatever makes you chuckle, Ma'am.

He stands up and stumbles around a bit.

Winter- Steady now. You'll have to find your feet again.

Cole- Okay. I'm good, I'm alright.

He takes a few steps forward, then stops. You watch as he slowly starts falling forward.

Cole- Bugger.

You lunge forward and catch him just before he hits the ground, and lift him back up.

Winter- Try not to knock yourself out, Cole. You're much more useful awake than asleep.

Cole- Uh... Thanks, Ma'am.

Looking down, you realise your hand is still held against his chest. You cough and pull it away.

Winter- Excuse me for the contact, Rose.

Cole- It's all good. What's on the agenda for today?

Winter- Ah, General Ironwood has ordered that you have a few hours of recreational time to yourself before we move onto the next step of your reason being here.

Cole- The launcher, right?

You cover his mouth with your hand and look around at the various staff, who glance over a bit but look away.

Winter- That is classified information, Cole. Not for the unauthorised.

He nods, and you move away your hand.

Cole- Okay, so... what exactly is there to do on the station for rec time?

Winter- You've had rec time before, haven't you?

Cole- Yes, but I've spent it all sleeping, eating, reading and making logs.

Winter- Oh. Well, in that case. There's a few different rooms aboard the outer chambers of the station. A gym, a few rooms to watch television in alone. Some of the meditation and relaxation chambers, and places like the massage station and we even have a cryotherapy chamber.

Cole- Geeze, lotta choices. All of them sound good. Reckon I'll go check out a nice neck massage, then-

Winter- Okay, okay. I don't require the itinerary. Are you going to be okay to walk around the station?

Cole- Yes Ma'am, I will be.

Winter- Good, I'll contact you in a few hours.

You leave the infirmary, and take out your scroll as it starts ringing.

Winter- Hello?

Winter! It's me, your father.

With a sigh, you start walking while holding the scroll to your ear.

Winter- How can I help you, father?

Whitley's birthday is coming around in a few weeks! And I need you to be there for the big day!

Need? Need, need, need. Always needing.

Winter- I'm sorry, father. I'm posted under the General's orders. I can't be there on the day.

So you'd rather work and lick James' boot than be there for your own brother? I can't say I'm surprised, considering how eager you were to leave home.

The nerve of him!

Winter- I'd much rather keep my rank than desert my post, father.

Hmphf! Fine then! But I'm incredibly disappointed in you, Winter.

Winter- When aren't you?

Don't get snarky, young lady! I didn't raise you to have that attitude.

Winter- Father, you didn't raise me at all. Give my birthday wishes to Whitley.

You hang up and put away the scroll.