The Unexpected Loss (a RWBY fanfiction)

Cold As Ice

It didn't take long before Weiss was in a jet bound for Atlas, her eyes trained out the window as one of the company negotiators sat and talked at her about what was happening next.

"You're not even listening are you?" They finally asked.

Weiss blinked, turning to look over at the skinny blonde woman across from her.

"I-I'm sorry, I guess I'm a little distracted." She replied.

The woman shook her head. She was in her forties or fifties, wearing glasses with her hair in a bun. Stereotypical office girl. Ruby would've laughed at that.

The woman nodded. "It's alright, miss, just please try and focus."

After the short explanation as to their goals and some opportunities with military officials, the two went about their own business, Weiss watching out the window as the waters got darker.

Weiss couldn't help but smile as the ice floated through the water. She was going to see her sister again for the first time in many years. They call on occasion, but not often.

Winter was a little different from Weiss. She still held the regal attitude of the Schnee family, but had a hidden reserve of warmth to share. She wasn't quite as guarded, her self confidence flowing off her and dominating any room she entered.

"Miss Schnee." The company woman snapped her out of her thoughts. "We're just about to land. The pilot was just informed that General Ironwood will be welcoming us."

The ivory haired woman nodded. "Right. I'll be ready."

The landing was barely noticeable in the expensive jet, gracefully reaching the runway without a problem. Weiss exited, the brisk air colliding with her as she stepped out to see a military escort waiting.

"Miss Schnee." James Ironwood greeted, standing tall and ready.

Weiss gave him a business quality smile. "General Ironwood, a pleasure to meet you."

"No need to be so formal." The man laughed, grinning softly towards her. "We're practically family. You're sister's been ecstatic to see you. When I left, she was practically hopping in her chair."

"I find that unlikely." Weiss laughed. "She's not one to show her excitement."

Ironwood chuckled. "Ok, maybe I fudged some details, but she wants to see you."

The Schnee smiled, allowing James to guide her to the waiting car that would take them to the military base. The company negotiator was forced to take a different car, something Weiss was completely fine with.

"So as I understand it, you're here to renegotiate the production of Atlas military equipment by Schnee Industries, is that right?" Ironwood asked, getting down to business.

Weiss nodded. "Yes, as Schnee Defenses' primary partner, the Atlas military is a big part of the division functioning at max capacity. I've been assigned the task of assuring everyone is happy by the end of the day."

"Is that so? You sure you're not just being sent because Winter has a soft spot for you?" He questioned.

The woman shook her head. "Winter doesn't have a soft spot for anything, sir."

They continued to talk about the future agreement and the possibility of new additions to the contract. When the car finally stopped, Weiss stepped out to see a woman in a white officer's uniform standing in wait for them.

A loving smile crossed her features for half a second before she started walking over.

"It's wonderful to see you, sister." Weiss greeted, bowing her head quickly. "I hope we can figure out a way to resolve the curre~"

She was cut off instantly when Winter pulled her into a tight hug, squeezing them together. "Just stop talking for a moment and let me have this."

"W-Winter..?"

"I am so proud of you, Weiss." She started. "You stood up for yourself and you forced father to listen to you, even if he did push you away because of it."

Weiss blinked, trapped in shock as her arms finally caught up and moved to embrace her sister.

Winter pulled back just enough to face the younger Schnee, a gentle and loving expression covering her face. "I've missed you a lot."

"I can tell." Weiss chuckled. "I've missed you too."

Winter began to guide Weiss over to the base. "Let's just take some time to catch up before we have to get down to business. I want to hear everything."

The younger woman frowned, realizing quickly what she was referring to.

The pair made their way to a cafeteria where Winter paid for their meal and found them somewhere to sit. The older sister took a deep breath.

"It has been so long since I've seen you..." She whispered. "I-I'm sorry, I just... I've missed you."

Weiss smiles, taking her sister's hand within her own. "I should've come sooner."

"Well." Winter began. "As I've heard, you've been busy for the last year."

A cold empty expression crossed Weiss' features. "I-I'm not sure what you could mean."

"Business news has been frantic over finding out more about it, but from what I've read, you've been taken." Winter teased. "A pretty brunette working in the area."

The businesswoman could feel her mask being pressed. The dam walls cracking.

"I wish you'd have brought her. I'd love to meet her."

"You aren't going to meet her, Winter." Weiss whispered, tears falling from her eyes. "I made sure that she'd never be involved in this again..."