Chapter Text

The beach was far too warm for Willow but she tried not to care. It was James's birthday that his board member decided to put on for him and Jacques couldn't make it due to “new management” in the mines. As a breeze rolled by Willow held onto her light blue hat. Her summer dress was a navy A-line dress the barely covered her knees. Winter who was three months shy in graduating high school stood proudly by her mother's side wearing white pants with a navy chiffon blouse.

Winter's eyes were subtle as they scanned the beach. “I wonder where General Ironwood is.”

“I bet he knows what's going on, but doesn't want to get dragged into a surprise party.” Willow grabbed a martini from one of the waiters and thanked him.

Winter's eyes went as soft as a puppy. “Mom?”

“Mmm?” Willow took a long sip.

“Do you really want to get intoxicated before seeing an old friend?”

“That's exactly what I want to do.” Willow drew a circle in the sand with the tip of her polished toe. “Do you know what happens to friends as they age? They get all nostalgic.”

“You're hardly aging.” Winter smirked. “And even if you were you'll always have a bit of a spoiled child streak.”

“Thanks,” Willow took another sip. She sighed as she looked out in the ocean. “You know your grandfather would take me to the sea for my birthday every year from eleven to fifteen. He rented a yacht for me and we would go on it together with our family members. Your aunt would go with me – even if she didn't like it. It was always good times. Hmph, now that's nostalgia.”

“So I'm guessing General Ironwood likes the sea as well if the board members would hold it here?”

“I think he's alright with beaches themselves – but he likes being near the ocean purely for the sake of remembering his teammates.”

Winter paused. “They were your teammates too, Mother.”

Willow said nothing as she finished her glass which the waiter took from her. Even under her hat she could feel the heat pouring into her. The ocean waves were getting closer and closer as if they were reaching for her. She wanted to dip her feet in the water but didn't want to do anything that would embarrass her oldest daughter or James. As she closed her eyes she thought of the happier times near the ocean.

“Everyone! Everyone!” One of the board members bellowed. “He's on his way so everyone be still and quiet.” Only whispers were murmured.

Willow scoffed. “He already knows. I mean why else would someone drag him away from his desk on his birthday?” Everyone then went dead silent, their eyes trapped onto Willow. “Well I'm just saying.” She tipped her hat away from the crowd and saw Winter stood still but her eyes drooped to the sand. Willow wondered if people have mistaken Winter for being the mother and Willow being her daughter.

The hotel's patio door slid open, James smiled slightly as the crowd both erupted in the “Happy birthday!” following with a staged applause.

Willow along with Winter only clapped and smiled. Willow chuckled. “Yup, he definitely knew.”

Everyone wrapped their arms around him, greeted him, and gave him gifts such as vintage wine and coffee from Anima. Willow grabbed her leather tote from the sand and took out a book wrapped in newspaper.

“What did you get him again?” Winter inquired.

“When I was at our library I came across this book of old stories of the warriors of Mantle. My father loved reading it and my sister at one point read it. As for me, I tried getting around to it but...” Willow shifted her lips to the side. “Oh never mind, it's not worth getting into it now.”

“It really isn't. For now let's enjoy ourselves – for General Ironwood's sake at least.” Winter said in the same breath. “I think he'll appreciate his gift – but mostly the wrapping.”

“I'm glad you think so even at the risk of me looking like a plebeian.” Willow stuck out her tongue slightly. She observed her former teammate's placid look as the crowd tried to cajole him with compliments of his latest achievements. She refrained from rolling her eyes. They all knew that James could get them out of any trouble with only one word without ever experiencing the hardship he went through.

When James finally met eyes with Willow he sauntered over to the two silver-haired women with a smile. Winter bowed slightly in front of him. “A pleasure to see you, sir.”

“A pleasure to see you as well, Ms. Schnee.” James returned the bow. Willow caught his anxious look. “Your father tells me that you are in the midst of graduating high school – and that you won first in your sparring classes. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Winter's blush set upon her cheeks. “I have been practicing ever since I could remember.” Her eyes smiled upon her mother's.

“I'm sure of it. Your grandfather would be very pleased to know that you still want to uphold the family name.” James blinked as his shoulder twitched. “Are you planning on taking over the company?”

Winter paused barely loosing her stance. “No, there's no reason for me to.”

James side-glanced at Willow as if she was going to give him the right words. “Whatever your goals are I wish you...”

“I wish to join Atlas Academy then your military, sir.” Winter said without hesitation.

“Oh,” James raised his organic arm and pointed at her in a fatherly manner. “Well I must warn you, Miss Schnee, I am very hard on my students and I won't cut anyone any slack because of any – nepotism.”

Willow sighed. Well good thing I drank earlier. There is no other way I would be able to tolerate this awkward exchange. “Winter, dear, why don't you tell the general of your other pursuits like your... violin skills.” She said as she inadvertently teared up the wrapping paper slightly.

Winter pursed her lips. “Oh, sorry, General Ironwood. My mother has a gift she would like to give to you.”

James instantly turned to Willow. “I was wondering if that was for me.” He chuckled. “It didn't have any of your fancy bows or silk lining.”

“Very funny,” Willow passed the gift onto him. “If you don't like it then donate it to the library or something. Otherwise it will just sit in our shelves forever.”

James glacially pulled the paper off the book. “Oh,” He smiled but only for a few seconds. “But wasn't this your father's favorite book?”

“My father would have wanted it to have gone to someone who would appreciate it. You know how utilitarian he was.”

“Mmm,” James's looked at Willow again with soft eyes. “Well I appreciate the thought. Thank you, Willow.”

“Just don't hurt yourself too much by spending your free time with your other gifts.” Willow winked. A breeze swept up, she cringed as she closed her eyes. Her hat glided off her head. “Oh no!” She said instinctively.

In one split second James captured her hat, barely moving a muscle. A few female guests noticed and cheered. Oh, what a gentleman! James barely paid attention to them as he handed the hat to Willow.

“What is up with the wind today?” Willow took the hat from James realizing he caught it with his robotic arm. She murmured a thanks as she snuggled the hat on her head.

“The beaches don't suit either of us like it used to it seems.” James moved clenched his robotic hand. He glances at Winter. “If it's not too much trouble may I speak with your mother in private for a moment.”

“Not a problem at all. I was actually about to get some water. I can get a couple of glasses for the both of you.” Winter strutted off without any hesitation.

Willow held out her hand. “I can take the wrapping paper too if you like. Your goodie bag is all the way over there.” James did as she suggested and so did she. “So what do you want to talk about?”

“Well a part of me genuinely wants to catch up – even if any news about you is usually relayed from Jacque.”

Willow folded her arms. “I'm fine, really.”

“Did I say or imply you weren't?”

Willow's hummed as she folded her arms. “I guess you didn't. So what's bothering you?”

“Well it's about Winter's decision.” James shifted his gaze from Willow and onto the sand then back onto Willow. “Do you think she'll go through with it?”

Willow paused as the wind brushed her hair. “I know her will but I don't know if her rebellious nature is because of her being a teenager or if it's because she's...”

“Like her mother?”

“No,” Willow sang. “If she was anything like me she wouldn't dream going anywhere.” She inhaled. “Besides, I warned her what it's like out there. And so did you just a few moments ago.”

“I warned her that I wouldn't cut her any slack. There's a difference between knowing a story won't have a happy ending and being able to handle that the story is not a happy one. At some point there will be a happy ending it's just a matter of finding it through harsh texts.”

Willow paused again. She observed Winter solemnly drinking a water as a lad around her age was trying to chat with her with smiles and ostentatious hand movements. Winter looked at the lad with clear disinterest. “So what you're saying is that even if you knew everything that would happen you would still choose your life and what you become?”

“Even in a heartbeat.” James said instantly.

Willow retracted her head slightly. “I guess you're not kidding.”

“But I will say this,” James tucked his book under his robotic arm and held onto Willow's hand with the other. “Even though Jacque did wanted to love you I knew where his motives ultimately lied.” James closed his eyes. “I thought about telling you, but I obviously didn't – or at least not out loud. That is my biggest regret.”

Willow wanted to ask him why. Was it because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Jacque? Was it because he wanted security? Or maybe both. Or maybe there was a third thing? “Why am I experiencing awful birthdays?”

James laughed out loud. “That's all you can say?”

“I was only half kidding.” Willow mustered a queasy smile. “But don't worry about me. I have chosen this life.”

“Are you sure about that?” James stroked Willow's veins on her hand with his index finger. Willow went from very warm to shivering. “What other alternative does a disgraced huntress has?”

“You have the resolve, it's all up to you to finally muster up the courage and yield it.” James released his grip. “Now if you excuse me I should converse with the guests.”

“Sure,” Willow folded her arms again. “And I should get another drink.”

“It's truly good seeing you, Willow.” James held onto the book again. “Please think about what I said.”

Willow pursed her lips slightly before awkwardly saying, “Enjoy the rest of your birthday.”

“Thanks,” James smiled before marching off towards the crowd.

Willow sighed as the wind once again brushed up against her, this time it was a soft breeze that was free of sand or howling sounds.

“Mother?” Winter said gently.

Willow felt a shock. “Sorry, dear, you snuck up on me.”

Winter held out the water for her mother. “You were lost in thought. I can tell by the way you were moving your lips. So what was on your mind?”

“Wouldn't you like to know.” Willow said when she grabbed the water from Winter and took a sip. She noticed her daughter's smirk. “I was simply just thinking about what he said to me. Nothing special, really.”

“Of course it wasn't,” Winter said in tone that Willow hasn't heard since her daughter was a little girl. “The general doesn't cut anyone any slack. Not even an old friend.”

Willow swished her glass around before finishing it. “Well I already had my tax. Now for some libation.”

Winter grasped onto her mother's arm. “How about we dip our feet in the water instead?Remember we used to do that on our summer vacations. And you would tell me your fairy tales.”

Willow softened her face. “Sure, let's do that instead.” Winter beamed and so did she. They strutted towards the sea then kicked off their sandals. “Now let me tell you the tale of the knight in literal shining armor...”