The Soldier and The Knight: Part 1

Chapter 7: Dates to the Dance

Ironwood looked up from his desk as the door to his office aboard the warship slid open, revealing Winter stepping in with her usual precision. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth—rare and brief, but genuine. "Thank you for coming so quickly, Winter," he greeted, standing from his seat and clasping his hands behind his back.

"Of course, sir," Winter replied, returning the smile with one of her own as she approached. "What did you need to speak to me about, General?"

Ironwood paused for a moment, clearly enjoying the build-up to what he was about to say. "Well," he began, his voice light with amusement, "you're going to need a dress,"

Winter blinked. "Sir?" she asked, her brow arching in confusion.

He chuckled softly, leaning against the edge of his desk. "You're being assigned as a chaperone for the upcoming Beacon dance,"

Winter tilted her head slightly, still processing the unexpected announcement. "May I ask why I've been given this... particular duty?"

Ironwood gave a short sigh, though the smirk returned. "Well, firstly, you'll be keeping an eye on Penny, I don't expect her to cause any trouble—she's been doing remarkably well—but I've overheard some of the Beacon students making comments about how 'cute' or 'adorable' she is, and... well..." He trailed off, clearing his throat.

Winter gave him a knowing look, her expression growing amused. "You're worried some lovestruck boy might try to sneak her back to his dorm and get intimate with a highly classified piece of Atlas military technology?" she asked, her tone dry but laced with humor.

Ironwood coughed into his fist, clearly flustered. "Yes... precisely that," he admitted, his voice low and a touch embarrassed.

Winter couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped her lips. "Understood, sir, I'll make sure no one gets too close to her," She told him. "I'll play the terrifying older sister figure if I have to,"

"Good," Ironwood said with a firm nod. "But if Penny does want to ask a boy to the dance, let her, Pietro's made it very clear he wants her to experience this event to the fullest, that includes the social aspects, just make sure that, if she does ask someone, the boy keeps his hands to himself,"

"Understood, General," Winter replied, her expression shifting into something more serious and protective. "I'll keep a close eye on her."

Ironwood nodded once more, then gave a small, more genuine smile. "My second reason for assigning you to the dance is a bit more personal: I think you should enjoy yourself, too."

Winter blinked, slightly caught off guard. "Sir?"

"You've taken a few vacation days since arriving in Vale, but you've banked so many over the years that you could take almost half a year off and still have some to spare," he said, almost teasing. "You've earned a break, Winter. You've more than earned it. Go to the dance, not just as a soldier or a chaperone—but as yourself. Have some fun."

Winter softened slightly, her posture relaxing. "Ah... Forgive me, sir. Back in Atlas, I never really knew what to do with time off. I always felt... restless when I wasn't working."

"It's understandable," Ironwood said kindly. "We all hit that stage eventually—where work becomes routine, and rest feels foreign. But learning how to enjoy life outside of the uniform is just as important as wearing it."

Winter nodded, a faint smirk curling on her lips. "I suppose I have a dress to find, then."

"That you do," Ironwood said, returning the smirk. "Dismissed, Specialist."

With a crisp nod, Winter turned and exited the office, the soft hiss of the door sealing behind her.

As she walked down the corridor, her mind began to drift. It had been a long time since she'd worn anything remotely close to formal wear that wasn't military-issued. Most of her wardrobe was composed of uniforms and training gear. Even her casual wear leaned toward utilitarian.