With her neighbor's music blaring in the background, Weiss read the last few sentences on the page while slowly flipping it over. As soon as she reached the final word, the piece of paper went on the 'completed' pile and her gaze slid to the much taller, much more daunting 'incomplete' stack. Meanwhile, the song changed to another pop-rock tune she'd heard so many times that her foot tapped the floor with the beat.

Car horns broke her out of that relative tranquility, snapping her concentration as the angry sounds continued. The disruption eventually ended, but her focus didn't immediately return. Her eyes landed on her phone instead, and she picked it up for the hundredth time that morning.

Ruby's easy-to-find contact information still featured the photo Ruby set herself long ago - the two of them looking young and naive while giggling about something only they found funny. That was Ruby though, always making Weiss laugh by doing something silly or klutzy, like toppling over that sign yesterday.

Weiss' finger hovered over the dial button, but she set her phone aside rather than press it. Ruby was probably busy at the second day of the convention. She didn't need more people demanding her valuable time and attention, though her sincere invitation to catch up hadn't left Weiss' mind since yesterday.

Even if Weiss wanted to see Ruby again, so much time had passed, and their lives had gone in separate directions. Ruby became a superstar; Weiss became a nobody. Even if Ruby was the same girl from high school, Weiss had changed. Life had given her no other option.

Two short knocks ended that train of thought and drew her to her feet to answer the front door. Before opening it, she straightened her blouse and made sure her braid still looked as neat and even as it had that morning. Only then did she unlock and open the door.

"Good morning," she greeted Winter, who somehow looked out of place anywhere near this building. Her posture was too perfect or her composure too unflappable for a place like this.

Regardless, Winter stepped inside, glanced over Weiss' outfit, and offered a polite, "Good morning," in return. Weiss twisted her hands in front of her while Winter's thoughtful gaze swept around the apartment before landing on the papers on the dining table.

"I haven't finished it yet," Weiss said before Winter asked. "But it should only take a few days."

"Take your time," Winter replied, though they both knew it was a lie. "Once you're done, we can submit it. Hopefully, with Dad's signature."

"That'll never happen."

"That's why we're seeing Mom."

Weiss sighed at the reminder but didn't argue. She got ready to leave instead, grabbing her phone, keys, and wallet before searching for the shoes she picked out that morning. She'd just found them when Whitley walked out of his room.

"Well, if it isn't my two favorite sisters!"

Before either of them moved, he wrapped an arm around each of their shoulders and squeezed them close. In near unison, they rolled their eyes and squirmed away, much to his obvious delight.

"What's up, Winter? Still uptight?"

Winter's brow briefly rose at the question, but then she shared a look with Weiss and scoffed.

"Still haven't learned any manners, I see…"

"I agreed to put a roof over his head, not teach him manners," Weiss pointed out.

"Just calling it like I see it," Whitley quipped before nudging Weiss' side. "You know you're uptight, too."

"You better sleep with one eye open tonight," she warned him, but he just laughed and ruffled her and Winter's hair, earning their protests, before backing towards the door.

"Heading to class now. Later nerds!"

After giving a sloppy salute, Whitley shut the door and whistled on his way to the stairs.

"Arrogant as ever," Winter commented while Weiss shook her head.

"Someone will punch him in the face one day. I just hope I'm there to see it."

While Winter chuckled at the thought, Weiss smiled and knelt down to finish putting on her heels.

"Regardless…" Winter began, waiting for Weiss to stand before continuing. "I know this isn't ideal for you, but it's nice to see him acting like himself again."

"Like a cocky asshole?" Weiss joked before growing more serious. "I know. He needed to get away from them. Dad especially."

"We all did." After gently setting a hand on Weiss' shoulder and offering a small, rueful smile, Winter gestured towards the door. "Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Winter nodded at the lukewarm response and headed into the hall. Weiss locked the door behind them before following her sister downstairs and into the midday Atlas sun.

Weekends in Atlas were anything but peaceful, as wandering tourists descended on the city. The convention only added to the typical fray, as weekend warriors joined the guests rushing, or slowly ambling, towards their destinations.

"How's Robyn?" Weiss asked as she and Winter joined the busy sidewalks.

"She's good. Thinks I work too much."

"You do work too much."

"I know." Winter sighed and moved aside as a skateboarder flew past. "Hopefully, that changes soon. Although, if everything goes as planned, we'll have more work to do."

"But that'll be good work."

"You're right." After a thoughtful pause, Winter smiled. "Thank god for her though. I don't know what I'd do without her."

"I'm glad she's there for you." Noticing Winter's sideways glance, Weiss laughed and shook her head. "Don't even think about it. The last thing I need right now is a relationship."

Winter nodded as they rounded the next corner and walked towards a small shopping center featuring a variety of shops and restaurants. Colorful umbrellas shaded outdoor patios, standing heaters waited to be called into service that evening, and wait staff delivered trays of food to tables.

"Thanks for coming with me," Winter said as they approached a quaint little restaurant with red-and-white-striped umbrellas and wicker furniture. "I know you don't think it'll work, but at this point…anything's worth trying."

"I know."

Weiss might not agree with Winter's methods, but she'd promised to help however she could. If this lunch had a chance of success, no matter how small, she would suffer through it. If work had taught her anything, it was how to force a smile.

"Good morning," one of the servers greeted them, two plates in hand. "Sit wherever you'd like."

While the young woman rushed off to deliver the meals, Weiss followed Winter to one of the open tables. The paper placemats doubled as menus - a strategy Weiss once considered tacky but now understood the merits of. The silverware was real, thankfully, though it was rolled in paper napkins.

"She should be here soon," Winter commented before Weiss checked the time. Nodding, she sat back and looked around the rest of the patio.

The restaurant must have recently opened - the most plausible explanation for the great condition of the thin wicker furniture and vibrantly colored umbrellas. Even the heaters looked new without the dark black tarnish built up through frequent use. The servers wore bright-red collared shirts, making them easy to spot as they carried food out from the indoor dining room.

"Ah."

When Winter suddenly stood, her gaze trained towards the patio entrance, Weiss glanced over her shoulder and stood as well. While Winter walked over to greet their mother, however, Weiss stood back and clasped her hands in front of her.

Willow Schnee still knew how to dress the part of a high-class woman, with her blue vest, white blouse, and blue skirt perfectly fitted, coordinated, and in-season. Her loose white ponytail and the dark circles under her eyes, however, suggested the midmorning hour didn't fit kindly into her schedule.

"Good morning," Winter greeted her with a quick hug.

"Good morning," their mom replied, patting Winter's arm before turning to Weiss. "I didn't know you'd be here," she said, her head tilting to one side as she smiled and held out her arms. "It's good to see you, sweetie."

After glancing at Winter, Weiss forced a smile and obliged the request. "Good to see you too, Mom," she said, holding her breath to avoid the smell of alcohol and turning away from the redness in light blue eyes. Retreating to her seat as soon as the hug ended, she focused on unfolding the scratchy paper napkin while her mom sat across from her.

"How are you? How's Whitley?"

"We're fine. Thanks."

Winter shot Weiss a disapproving look for the short answers, but Weiss ignored it and carefully smoothed the napkin across her lap.

"How's school going?" their mom continued. "And how's he adjusting to everything? It must've been a big change..."

"He's adjusting just fine."

Her mother's brow furrowed this time, but she didn't press the subject. Instead, she fiddled with her napkin and turned to Winter.

"How're you, sweetie? How's Robyn?"

"We're both good," Winter replied in a cordial tone. "Robyn has some big projects coming up, so we've been busy."

"Good. It's good to keep busy. Life gets a little tedious otherwise."

Weiss frowned at her hands when her mother laughed lightly, but their waiter saved her from having to respond.

"Sorry for the wait," he greeted them with a small, friendly smile. "Can I get you something to drink?"

He turned to Weiss first, so she said, "Water, please," before nodding to Winter. Taking the nonverbal cue, he looked at Winter, who said, "Same for me."

"What about you, ma'am?" he asked their mother last, the tip of his pen pressed to his notepad as he waited for the answer.

"Can I have a mimosa?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. The bar isn't open yet."

"When will it open?" she asked while Weiss clenched her jaw and stared at her menu.

"We're still waiting for our permit to be approved." He pointed to a yellow notice posted on the door before smiling again. "Should be any day now."

"Oh, I see. I'll...have a sparkling water then."

"Great. I'll bring those right out."

As he hurried inside, likely breathing a sigh of relief that he'd avoided a lambasting for something beyond his control, Willow curled and uncurled her hands in her napkin. Before the silence became uncomfortable, she forced a smile.

"So, what have you girls been up to? Anything new and exciting?"

"We're still trying to sort out the company," Winter explained.

"Oh, that nightmare." Weiss frowned at the response, but her mother waved one hand and chuckled. "I don't see why you even bother."

"Because Grandfather poured his heart and soul into that company. He'd be sick if he knew what Dad did to it."

"We think it's worth it," Winter answered more succinctly, silently motioning for Weiss to calm down. "But we're hoping you can help us with something."

Willow glanced at Weiss first, hazy eyes revealing sluggishness in a once-sharp mind, before hesitantly asking, "What is it?" That was all the permission Winter needed to fall into her business mode - perfect posture and confident mannerisms meant to lead a boardroom.

"We're submitting our case to the court soon," she said while pulling out the file she'd carried here. "If we want an ironclad case, Dad needs to resign. We're hoping you can convince him that it's in everyone's best interest; all he needs to do is sign this."

When Winter slid a single piece of paper across the table, their mother picked it up and blinked once to focus on the words. Her brow knit together and her mouth turned with a frown, but her gaze flitted to Weiss several times before she set the page down.

"I'll try," she said, though certainty was the furthest thing from her posture.

"That's all we're asking," Winter assured her. "It will make a substantial difference. Otherwise...we still have a chance, but it'll be difficult."

"I'll do my best for you two. You know that, right?"

Weiss flashed a quick smile before looking away, leaving Winter to say, "Of course we do." A strained silence followed, but Willow eventually straightened her posture and looked around the table.

"Is that why you wanted to see me?"

Hearing the tinge of disappointment in their mother's tone, Weiss immediately shook her head but stopped short of lying. "Of course not," Winter lied for her. "We wanted to catch up. It's been a while since the three of us got together."

"It has been," Willow agreed before turning to Weiss with a hopeful expression. "How have you been, Weiss? How's work and...just...how are you?"

"Work is awful, and life could be better." Catching Winter's stern look, Weiss sighed and added, "But I'm fine, I guess. I saw Ruby the other day; she's in town for a little while."

Ruby was the only topic Weiss could think of that didn't deal with her personally, but she regretted bringing it up when Winter and Willow's brows rose in unison.

"Ruby Rose?" Willow clarified. "Isn't she an actress now?"

"Yes, she is."

"Good for her. I always wondered what she'd end up doing. She always seems a little…aimless."

"Well, she's doing just fine." Hearing her terse tone, Weiss took a deep breath and continued in a calmer voice. "She's better than fine, actually - she's successful and happy."

"And I'm happy for her," Willow replied before picking up the glass of sparkling water their waiter placed in front of her. "Thank you," she murmured as he left glasses of still water in front of Winter and Weiss.

"Are you ready to order?" he asked.

"We need a few minutes," Winter told him, prompting Weiss' soft sigh as he nodded and hurried away. "You didn't tell me you saw Ruby," Winter added, her curious gaze making Weiss shrug and rearrange her silverware.

"Only for a few minutes. She was busy."

"What's she in town for?"

"The convention this weekend."

"Are you going to see her before she leaves?"

"Maybe. She's not here for long, so I don't know."

Weiss waved off the topic, feeling less comfortable the more Winter pried. Unfortunately, no one offered a subject change.

"I'm sure she'll make time for you, sweetie." The comment drew Weiss' gaze to her mother, who offered a small smile. "That girl loved being around you."

No matter how encouraging the comment was intended to be, Weiss' heart clenched and her brow furrowed. Rather than respond, she looked down and drew invisible circles around her order, silently praying that their waiter saved her from the conversation.

"Your father and I always thought you two would start dating," her mother continued, still fiddling with her silverware. "Though I suppose it's good you didn't. She was a great friend, but you didn't have much in common."

"Do you and Dad have much in common?"

Weiss wished she could take back the question as soon as it slipped through her lips, but her mother's brow had already knit together.

"Well, not so much anymore, but we were compatible in other ways. My family knew his, and we both had the same expectations to uphold." After taking a sip of her sparkling water, she waved one hand. "You'll understand one day. Relationships aren't always about who you like most."

The remark struck an unpleasant chord in Weiss, who glanced at Winter, earning a subtle shake of the head, before scoffing.

"Gee. Thanks, Mom. I'll look forward to the day I marry someone I don't even like. Then I can also spend all day drinking rather than talk to my cheating partner."

Winter sighed and shook her head, but Willow stared at Weiss.

"Is that what you think of me?" she asked, her voice soft and eyes filled with surprise.

"Let's talk about something else," Winter interrupted, but Willow shook her head.

"You think I wanted this? Your father wasn't always the way he is now; things were alright in the beginning. And when they got worse...I had three little kids. I had to make sacrifices."

"And we appreciate it," Weiss replied. "But we're grown up now. Why are you still making sacrifices?"

Willow opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. And the longer she sat there, gaping as if she'd never considered the question, the more Weiss' patience dwindled.

"Nevermind," she muttered before standing up. "I'll be right back."

She didn't wait for permission, and she didn't look back as she strode into the restaurant. Inside, she found empty tables and their waiter chatting with one of the other servers, but she headed straight to the restroom. After the door swung shut behind her, she set her hands on the counter, closed her eyes, and sighed.

A knot had formed in the pit of her stomach, but frustration quickly joined the sting of disappointing Winter. Winter should have known better than to drag her along. Even if this was for the better of their future, it didn't help her stress or relationship with her mother.

Did no one else see the irony of what happened? Her parents thought Ruby was so simple, so unworthy of being associated with a Schnee. They judged her because her family didn't belong to a country club or receive invitations to Atlas' extravagant fundraisers. Now, she commanded huge audiences, seven-figure movie deals, and millions of adoring fans while the Schnee name was only useful as a punchline.

Yet those were the days Weiss missed incredibly. So, while Ruby was in town, why wouldn't Weiss see her? They could reminisce on better times and laugh about the experiences they'd shared. Weiss could imagine that fortune still ran in her family and be grateful that Ruby had found success on her own. Then Ruby could return to her life in Vale, leaving Weiss with at least one more good memory to hold on to.

After glancing in the bathroom mirror, confirming all of the stall doors hung slightly ajar, she pulled out her phone. Ruby's contact information practically jumped onto the screen, and she dialed before talking herself out of it. She planned her inevitable message while the phone rang but stood up straighter when the call connected on the second ring.

"Weiss?" Music and people talking could be heard in the background, but Ruby's light, chipper voice came through clear as day. "Oh my god, you actually called! I thought for sure I'd have to call you. How are you? You doing ok?"

Smiling at Ruby's familiar cadence, excitement and caring rolled into one, Weiss twisted the end of her braid around one finger.

"I'm fine, Ruby. I just...wanted to see if your offer still stood."

"Dinner? Absolutely! Where do you want to go? We can go anywhere you want! I can pick you - are you still living at Schnee Manor or did you get a mansion of your own? Maybe you bought the whole street and named it after yourself?"

"'Weiss Way' does have a nice ring to it…" Weiss mused, her smile widening when Ruby's giggle filtered through the phone.

"Why stop there? Buy the whole town and rename everything. Weiss Way, Weiss Boulevard - with a Weiss statue in the middle of Weiss Square, right across from Weiss Gardens!"

Even though Weiss had never felt further from that big house on the hill, she leaned against the countertop and smiled at Ruby's giggles.

"Weissville, population one," she replied.

"You mean three! I'd live there. And Yang has to go anywhere I go, so…"

"Oh, she'd love that," Weiss said, this time joining in Ruby's laughter. "At least we'll know who's vandalizing the statue."

"Good thing the Weiss Hall of Justice is ready to hand out her punishment."

"A life sentence in Weiss Penitentiary?"

"Where she can only eat your favorite meals, watch your favorite movies, and listen to your favorite songs!"

Ruby dissolved into giggles at her sister's imaginary plight, and Weiss chuckled at the absurdity of it all. As their laughter trailed off, however, the conversation lulled for several seconds before Ruby cleared her throat.

"So, uh, dinner? I'll pick you up?"

"I'll meet you there," Weiss replied before racking her brain for restaurants downtown. "Why don't we go to Celi's? It's around the corner from the convention center; you can just meet me there once you're done."

"I say I'll go anywhere and you choose Celi's?" Ruby asked before chuckling. "Now that you mention it...I'd kill for some of their ravioli."

"Keep the murder to a minimum until I decide who's annoyed me most." Ruby's laughter drew another smile from Weiss, burgeoning her certainty as she added, "Are you free tonight? We could meet around seven."

"For you, I'm literally free whenever."

"Then seven must be perfect for you," Weiss teased before adding, "I'll see you tonight then."

"I'll be there. Oh, and Weiss?" Just before hanging up, Weiss returned the phone to her ear so Ruby could say, "Thanks for calling. You just made my day."

The sincere words brought to mind an earnest silver gaze and endearing, grateful smile that Weiss hadn't seen in a long time. She smiled at it now though, knowing she would be sitting across from that beautiful, sweet presence in the not-so-distant future.

"You made mine too, Ruby," she admitted. "See you soon."

After Ruby's quick, "See you!" in response, Weiss ended the call and stared at the screen until the restroom door opened. As a middle-aged woman walked inside, Weiss politely averted her gaze and returned to the restaurant.

Her heartbeat had quickened during the call, but it settled into a comfortable rhythm as she walked onto the patio. Her mother and Winter were exchanging polite conversation, which she would have to join in for the rest of lunch, but now she had something to look forward to.

Her reality might be at that table, balancing her relationship with her mother and sister with her hope of reclaiming a fragment of the past, but for one evening she could pretend otherwise. To say she was looking forward to it was an understatement; she needed the reprieve more than anything right now. Leave it to Ruby to drop in out of the blue and provide it.