Love and Lack Thereof

Chapter 1

    Warm, dry air made the lavender curtains of the guest room flutter lazily. It was a hot, slow day, and the residents of Vacuo were staying inside. The streets were deserted but for the occasional cloud of dust. It was very different to the bustling Atlas that Winter knew so well - cold, wet, but with never-ending energy. It was a nice change, however. She bathed in the sun spilling through her window, warming the sheets covering her pale skin. Burying her face in her thin blankets, Winter breathed deeply. There wasn't any time to relax now, but she was comfortable, warm, and the bed still smelled like him. Like Qrow. He was alive. He was here. That was the most remarkable thing.

    Qrow hugged Ruby and Yang closer, as the two shouted and squealed and cried. "I told you, I'm fine. Ice Queen just didn't see me escape - rookie mistake. Where even is she?" "Still in bed, I think," Glynda said from her corner, eyeing him smugly. Weiss looked worried. "That doesn't sound like Winter," she said, before rushing out of the room. "Oh, I'm sure she's fine," Glynda shouted after her, not removing her gaze from Qrow. Ruby and Yang ran after their friend, after saying something about training and writing home to their father. "So..." "So?" Qrow asked, finally meeting the pompous green stare. "So...did you and Winter make up?" "Define 'make up'." "Did you make out?" "NO, Gods Glynda!" "Well, is this a 'thing' now?" "What kind of thing?" "Stop pretending you don't know what I'm talking about, Qrow."

    Someone was knocking violently on her bedroom door. Winter sat up and immediately started dressing. "Yes, who is it?" "It's Weiss! Are you okay?" "Yes, I'm fine. I just slept in. I'll be out in a moment." The knocking stopped, and high-heeled footsteps marched away. Fifteen minutes later, Winter walked, straight-backed with her head held high, down the stairs towards the courtyard. As she passed made it to the bottom, a man in a trench coat greeted her. He had thick, golden hair that shone with sun streaks, a lazy blue eye and an eccentric amber eye, and white scars detailing his otherwise tan skin. Though his rugged appearance and baggy clothing, when the young man smiled at Winter, she felt goosebumps -  he was extremely attractive. 

But you have Qrow.                 

    It's been fifteen minutes...that  Weiss girl did say Winter was awake, right? Qrow thought, making his way slowly to the courtyard to watch Ruby and Oscar train. Then he stopped. "May I help you, uh, sir?" "Why, yes," the familiar man responded, grinning flirtatiously at Winter, "I just got here late last night. I don't know if you could point me in the direction of the nearest inn? The ever so kind headmaster let me stay the night, but I don't want to be a burden." It was a convincing act, Qrow had to admit. If he hadn't seen the villain just a day or two ago, aiming a shotgun at a young, innocent man before killing him, he would not have guessed the true monster that Singe Volant was. "Yes, it's down the street. Cathy's Place, painted green for some strange reason. You can't miss it." "Well, this works out nicely, doesn't it?" "Does it?" "Yes," Volant said, taking a few steps closer to Winter, "this way, you know exactly where I'm staying. I'll be sure to come by with my room number, Miss...?" "Schnee. Winter Schnee." Was she blushing? Was she really blushing? Why was she blushing? Why was he flirting with her? What's his plan? WHY IS SHE BLUSHING! 

    Winter felt heat creep up her neck and fill her face. What was wrong with her? "A Schnee!" The man exclaimed, throwing his head back slightly, studying her. "Does your daddy know you're so far from home, little lady?" "I won't tell if you don't." He laughed. It was rich and smooth, and goosebumps rippled over her skin again. Trying to regain some of her composure, Winter asked, "And you are?" "Singe Volant, Madame." "Well, Volant-" "Please, Mrs. Schnee. Call me Singe." "Well, Singe. First, Mrs. Schnee is my mother. I'm not married." "I'm glad." "You can just call me Winter, if you'd like." "I would." "And second," She finished apologetically, "I must go. My little sister is waiting for me." "Then I shall not hold you up any longer. Goodbye...Winter." "Farewell...Singe." He winked, and left, passing Qrow, who was leaning up against the wall near the door. He watched Singe with narrowed eyes, but the younger man just nodded politely, and took his leave.

    Nope. Nope, no, nonono. Qrow didn't know exactly what just happened, but he did not like it. 'Call me Singe' what's his angle? Why is he here, flirting with-what was Winter to Qrow? Didn't matter. This wasn't a jealousy thing, this was a you-sniped-my-friend-right-in-beteen-the-eyes thing, which was perfectly rational. Perfectly. Rational. "Are you okay?" He didn't meet Winter's eyes. "I'm fine." Trying to decide wether or not to go after Volant, Qrow became the dark winged bird, and flew out the window into the cloudless sky.