RWBY: Siblings Three (Malereader)

Fall

"I'm just saying you guys at should increase security, update your systems stuff like that, so idiots can't break in and steal important files." Y/n nodded to emphasize his words.

Winter replied, eye twitching in annoyance. "Need I remind you that you were that idiot?" She sighed, her usually flawless hair was messy from trying to ignore Y/n.

"Yeah, but I shouldn't have been able to do it!" Y/n shot back, grinning. "I mean, come on, I broke into Atlas's supposedly 'secure' systems with a modified Scroll and some duct tape. That should be embarrassing for you guys."

Winter pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly regretting every second of this conversation. "You bypassed security by sheer recklessness and luck, not skill."

"Potato, tomato," Y/n shrugged. "Point is, if I could do it, someone way worse could too. You guys really need to upgrade."

"You do know you have the right to remain silent, dont you?"

Y/n smirked, leaning back in his chair as much as the cuffs would allow. "Yeah, but where's the fun in that? Besides, I figured I might as well give you guys some free advice while I'm here. Consider it my way of saying thanks for the hospitality."

Winter exhaled slowly, clearly debating whether she had the patience to continue this conversation. "You are not in a position to negotiate or lecture, Y/n."

"That's what you think," Y/n said, tilting his head. "But think about it, if I got in, that means there's a hole in your security. And if I can find it, that means someone else can too. Maybe someone who actually wants to cause damage, not just... borrow a few files."

Winter's eyes narrowed. "You didn't just 'borrow' files. You stole classified Atlas intelligence, disrupted operations, and-

"Yeah, yeah, committed treason," Y/n interrupted with jazz hands. "You guys keep saying that like I was planning to sell secrets to the highest bidder. I was trying to help people."

Winter crossed her arms. "And you expect General Ironwood to believe that?"

Y/n hesitated for just a second, but his grin didn't fade. "Honestly? No. Ironwood's about as flexible as a brick wall and twice as difficult to talk to."

Winter's expression softened for just a brief moment, her arms uncrossing as she looked at him with a flicker of something close to frustration and exasperation. "Then what do you expect to happen, Y/n? Do you think this is all some game, that you're going to waltz out of here unscathed because of some half-baked excuse?"

Y/n tilted his head, meeting her gaze with a challenge in his eyes. "No, Winter. But I'm not about to let some outdated military structure treat me like a criminal without at least making sure they know they've got some major flaws."

The door to the interrogation room suddenly clicked open, drawing both their attention. A pair of boots echoed against the cold floor as none other than General Ironwood stepped inside, his presence commanding as ever.

"Schnee," Ironwood said in his usual firm tone. "Leave us."

Winter stiffened, then nodded. She shot one last glance at Y/n, one he couldn't quite read, before silently exiting the room.

The door shut behind her with a heavy finality, leaving Y/n alone with the general.

Ironwood stepped forward, resting his hands on the metal table between them. His expression was unreadable, his cybernetic fingers tapping once against the surface before stilling.

"Morning, or afternoon or evening, I don't know I've been in here awhile. I'd salute you but little tied up at the moment, though you know that." Y/n leaned back as much as he could, rattling his cuffs slightly for emphasis. "So, General, what brings you to my humble accommodations? Finally here to hear me out, or just to glare at me until I confess to something I didn't do?"