First Time at a Second Chance

by The Great Weiss Shark

Working at a café had many perks like free food and coffee, and Ruby honestly loved her job, but it felt lacking. There were days she wanted to give up and stay in bed but something in her gut told her to get up and go. And so she did and now she knows why: a chance meeting with a beautiful stranger and her little patch of spring. GP!Ruby

39. It's Over and Over Again

Chapter Thirty-seven: It's Over and Over Again

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"How have you been sleeping?" Glynda asked, her soft, calming voice cutting through the maddening silence that permeated throughout Weiss' office.

"I haven't had much time to think, let alone sleep," Weiss tiredly replied, more focused on her longwinded document than her weekly online therapy session. She wondered why the pompous idiot that wrote it needed a ten-page document just to tell her they could cut costs down by slashing wages and firing certain "individuals." She wasn't going to do it, of course, it was a stupid power play feeding into the perceived notion she was as money-hungry as Jacques.

"Are the nightmares still bothering you?" Glynda carefully asked. Weiss didn't have to look at the screen to know Glynda's keen eyes were watching her every move.

"Not as much…" Weiss murmured, her brows furrowed together. "Getting Chrys' input definitely helped, so thank you for that advice, but there's still so much to consider."

"Hm, that's understandable," Glynda replied as she scribbled something down on her notebook.

Weiss swallowed the growing lump in her throat and discreetly eyed Glynda.

"How are things with Ruby?" she asked, looking up just in time to catch Weiss.

"They're okay," Weiss replied with a slight blush. "We haven't spoken much these past few days though. I assume she's been busy with school, and I've been busy dealing with the new acquisition… I miss her a lot, but I trust her enough to not let the distance distract me."

"Trust is a good thing, as is communication, but I don't think you should let the current issue linger much longer," Glynda said with a pointed look that made Weiss shrivel on the spot.

Weiss called Glynda the second she got home. She was still shaken up from running that red light and the terrible truth she'd learned that night, but it was the eerie silence of the empty apartment that drove Weiss to the bottle. She poured herself a single shot of whisky to settle her nerves and another to sip on during the rest of her conversation. Weiss wasn't proud of what she did that night, but that little bit of liquid courage, no matter how ill-advised it was, helped her open up instead of compartmentalizing everything into tiny, little boxes like she always did.

"I know…" Weiss replied, biting her bottom lip like a chastised child.

Glynda's serious expression made Weiss sweat and realize how impossibly dry her throat was. There was a decanter filled with her favourite aged whisky on a shelf nearby. The golden amber liquid beckoned for her to come and find solace in its warmth, but the tall water pitcher beside it was far more tempting. She got up and served herself a glass. The first sip felt like the first rainfall in years on her tongue. The cool, crisp taste was so refreshing she downed it all in one go and quickly poured herself another.

"What are your plans then?" Glynda asked.

"I want to talk to her about it and clear the air, but I'm just too stretched thin at the moment," Weiss coolly replied. She idly ran her finger around the rim, her thoughts pulling her every which way without pause or concern.

"Can you tell me a little more?"

"There isn't much I can say other than the fact I'm drowning in paperwork," Weiss said, gesturing to the tall mountain of folders in her "to-do" pile next to her equally mountainous "finished" pile. "I've been working nonstop all week—and I wish that was a hyperbole," Weiss said with a heavy sigh as she got back into her chair. "I've literally been going nonstop. All week. How I haven't gone insane yet, I don't know."

Glynda twirled her pen and nodded in understanding. And if Weiss saw correctly, a small, fleeting sympathetic smile had graced her stoic therapist's lips. Curious, Weiss swirled her glass, the large ice chunk inside clinking against the sides, and took a sip before properly turning to face the other woman on her screen.

"How is Chrys handling this new workload of yours?" Glynda asked without looking up from her notebook.

Weiss leaned back into her chair and tapped her desk twice.

"She's bearing with it," she carefully replied, her eyes scanning Glynda for any signs of admonishment, but the older woman was as patient as ever and waited for Weiss to continue. "She understands that a lot of people are relying on me—she's actually been helping me a lot at home by bringing me coffee and making sure I eat," Weiss said with an airy chuckle. "She's been having a lot of fun making sandwiches."

"Is she turning into a little chef like her mother?" Glynda asked with an easy smile.

"Looks like it," Weiss said. "Though, I hope she learns to make something other than peanut butter sandwiches soon."

Glynda laughed along with Weiss and said, "That sounds like you have some grocery shopping to do."

"It's on my list."

"Speaking of Chrys," Glynda said, "has there been any pressure about her future lately?"

Weiss tapped her desk again and said, "Thankfully, no. Her relatives have been radio silent since we made the move, but I should probably thank Maman for that. I'm sure she's taking the brunt of their entitled bullshit."

"I must say, I'm quite happy to see both you and Amélia taking such a hands-off approach with her," Glynda said, adjusting her glasses. "I've had clients with a similar background insist that their children follow a predetermined path and disregard their desires."

"How do the children react?"

Glynda smiled knowingly at Weiss. "You already know the answer."

"Right." Weiss' eyes darkened as she thought of how Jacques controlled her life, leaving little room for Weiss to discover anything outside of the aquarium he built for her. "I refuse to force Chrys to do something she doesn't want. I've worked too damn hard and sacrificed so much to just make her live the way I did. I want her to be free. I want her to choose."

Glynda nodded in approval, and after asking a few more rudimentary questions to check on Weiss' current state of being, the session began in earnest. They'd been working on Weiss' many, many, many childhood traumas with a focus on her lingering resentments. Their last two sessions made her unpack the source of her, to put it delicately, lifelong "food aversions." Coco had helped mitigate the disorder by setting Weiss on a food plan and working with her tastes, but now that she was gone, Weiss had fallen off the track and Chrys was beginning to notice. Ruby was too polite to openly ask, but based on how often she brought Weiss light snacks throughout the day and shared a mostly eaten meal with her, she knew without a doubt that Ruby was aware.

Glynda was in top form as always though. She was kind and understanding, but her words were sharp and truthful, hitting Weiss hard like a wave crashing into a stubborn rock. Glynda also didn't give Weiss any room to escape or form excuses. She also made Weiss face things head-on making the moment she realized the hypocrisy of her actions all the worse. She had gotten angry at Ruby for keeping a secret while she herself made Ruby sit through the same silent torture Coco had to endure. This wasn't right. And it certainly wasn't fair—to either of them. She knew that and she planned to rectify it soon.

"I think you've made some wonderful progress, Weiss," Glynda said encouragingly.

Weiss snapped her attention back to Glynda, answering her positively but stumbling over her words, unable to recall most of the conversation. Glynda seemed to understand though and gently encouraged Weiss to continue speaking.

"I-I… I don't know. I think I just got better at hiding it," Weiss said, embarrassed by her lack of focus.

"What makes you say that?" Glynda asked.

"Ruby eats like she has a black hole in her stomach, and I think it's adorable, but I hate how I can't bring myself to finish the meals we have together during our dates," Weiss confessed with a self-loathing grimace. "She usually asks if she can finish it for me, and I always say yes because I'd rather not let the food go to waste, but I'm starting to feel like I'm using her as a human garbage disposal."

"Has Ruby complained or shown any signs of discomfort?"

"No, she's fairly happy to eat anything I offer."

Glynda nodded and scribbled something down, her smile hard to ignore. Weiss furrowed her brows together with worry, wondering if she'd said anything worthy of such a pleasing smile.

"Other than the 'mild' lack of communication here, I don't think there's anything particularly wrong," Glynda said as she wrote. "You two have a system that works, and it isn't like you're giving her the entire meal—just the portion you would've brought home otherwise." Weiss nodded. "Don't feel guilty. And if you really want to try and make things seem 'fair,' then steal something off of her plate. Sharing is caring, after all."

Weiss swirled what remained of her water as she carefully mulled over Glynda's words. It was amusing to think that Glynda would choose an agreement Weiss and Ruby already had to compare the broader issue to. But giving her girlfriend a few pickles couldn't equate to giving her more than half of a meal. Weiss' frown deepened as she thought of the last time she sat down with Ruby for dinner. What happened to that steak and the meal Yang set aside for Chrys? Did Ruby finish it for them?

"Weiss? You're drifting, can you hear me?" Glynda gently called. "Weiss?"

Blinking back to reality, Weiss gave Glynda an apologetic smile and said, "I understand what you're trying to say, but I'm still worried… I'm trying to be better, for me, for Chrys, and for Ruby, but I keep repeating the same mistakes."

"Weiss, you have done an exemplary job with your recovery," Glynda said. "You need to take more credit—be proud of yourself."

"I don't think I can…"

"When we first started, you were actively avoiding meals and counting every calorie you could. You spoke about yourself like you were in a constant battle against yourself, and I could tell there was so much more you wanted to say, but you refused to open up and spoke to me like you were interviewing me for a position in your company." Glynda took her glasses off and hooked its arm on the collar of her blouse, notebook closed and forgotten. She smiled warmly at Weiss and said, "Look at yourself now, Weiss. Really look at yourself."

"I…" Weiss felt her left eye twitch.

"You've accepted my help and actively worked to get better. You fought for your life and along the way you found love again. You also started mending the relationship you have with your daughter—a feat you didn't think was even possible!" Glynda said emphatically.

Weiss absentmindedly rubbed the apex of her scar as she half-listened to Glynda's empowering speech. As lovely of a sentiment as it was, Weiss had heard it all before from different people, in different ways, and in different languages, but it all translated into the same buzzing white noise that got drowned out by her self-doubts. She knew she was amazing. She knew she was strong. And she knew she was loved. But despite all of that, Weiss couldn't hide or pretend that a piece of her was still within his grasp.

"You've been with Ruby for half a year now, I think she deserves to know—"

"She knows," Weiss snapped, interrupting Glynda before the conversation steered into dangerous territory. Glynda was mildly taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure and prodded Weiss for more information. "We don't discuss it because she knows how uncomfortable I get when we talk about my past."

"Just because she understands doesn't mean you can keep quiet," Glynda carefully replied, her words linking back to the night Weiss called her in tears. "A relationship can't progress when both people keep dancing around each other."

"I know…" Weiss murmured, embarrassed by her outburst. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, Glynda."

"It's okay, I understand there's a lot going on in your mind, but as long as you remember that I am on your side, whatever happens will always be forgiven," Glynda replied as she eased back into her chair.

"Thank you," Weiss said, smiling at her therapist gratefully. "I know I need to speak to Ruby, and I fully intend to when my schedule lets up."

"When will that be?" Glynda asked.

"Soon," Weiss replied.

Glynda nodded and glanced down at her watch. "Our time is almost up. Is there anything brief you'd like to discuss?"

"No, not exactly," Weiss said, getting up to refill her glass. "I feel like we're not making much progress though…"

"How so?"

"Our sessions always end right when it feels like we're onto something," Weiss replied, turning around to face her monitor.

"Therapy isn't a fast process," Glynda said wisely. "It takes a lot of time to chip away at the walls and make our way to the next obstacle. And you may feel like we aren't progressing, but I can assure you that we are. You're still taking your medications, correct?"

"Yes, but the sleep aids are starting to lose effect," Weiss said with a heavy sigh.

Glynda quirked an eyebrow. "You haven't used those in months."

"I know," Weiss sighed. "Sleeping next to Ruby has been the best remedy for my insomnia, but thanks to my genius idea… ughhh."

"I'm glad you've found her," Glynda chuckled.

"I am too."

"I hope you clear the air before our next session," Glynda said. "I'd like to pick up where we left off."

"I'll try my best," Weiss promised, getting back to her desk.

"Take care, Weiss."

"You too, Glynda."

Glynda ended the video call, leaving Weiss alone with her thoughts. She glanced down at the time and saw that she had five minutes until Ciel called in to check on her, meaning she had four to get herself together.

Peeep.

"Mrs. Adel?"

Weiss blinked in confusion before answering her intercom. "Yes?"

"I apologize for the early interruption, but there's a Mr. Qrow Branwen asking to see you," Ciel said. "Do you know him?"

"We're acquainted; he's Ruby and Yang's uncle," Weiss explained. "How long has he been down there?"

"Thirty minutes."

Weiss took a second to think and look through her schedule. She had some time before lunch and her next appointment, so she said, "Have Neptune escort him upstairs."

"Are you sure, ma'am?"

"I'm sure," Weiss said.

"Understood."

Weiss tidied up her desk to look more presentable and made sure any loose documents were put back into their respective folders or locked away in her desk. The last thing she wanted was for a detective to see something he shouldn't. Neptune arrived with Qrow not long after and, like a dutiful assistant, he asked Weiss if she needed anything before he left.

"I'm fine, Neptune, thank you," Weiss said as she got up to greet her guest. "Qrow, it's lovely to see you," she said when Neptune left and the door to her office closed. "I apologize for making you wait so long."

"Yeah, nice to see you too. And don't worry, it's my fault for dropping in unannounced," Qrow replied rather sheepishly. He glanced around the office, his eyes wide at the grandeur. "Wow…"

Weiss smiled at him and asked, "Would you like any refreshments? Coffee, tea, soda? I usually keep a couple cans of Nuka Cola here for Ruby."

"No, I'm good," Qrow said as he adjusted his tie. He was dressed rather nicely in a crisp dark blue suit and matching pressed pants. His hair was also combed and done up neatly letting Weiss see his unobstructed. "You got some real swish digs here, Atlas. Love the fish. He got a name?"

"Thank you, and yes he does. It's Monsieur Bulle, or… Mr. Bubbles," Weiss said with a shy blush.

"That's… certainly a name." Qrow moseyed over to Monsieur Bulle and bent down to his eye level. "How'd he get it?"

"My wife lacked imagination. I'm just happy she didn't name our daughter after a colour," Weiss groaned.

"Doesn't your name mean 'white'?"

"Unfortunately."

"That's not too bad" Qrow snorted.

"I suppose I should be thankful I was named White and not Yellow like my distant uncle Gelb. Anyway, please, have a seat." Weiss gestured towards the coach on instinct but quickly pivoted around to the chairs in front of her desk when she recalled what happened the last time Ruby was in her office.

Qrow looked back at the couch curiously but took the offered seat without a fuss. "Thanks."

"So what can I do for you this fine afternoon, Mr. Branwen?" Weiss asked as she rounded her desk to get some more water.

"Uh, well," Qrow nervously rubbed his hands together and bowed his head, "I wanted to apologize for what happened a few weeks back."

"Oh?"

Qrow nodded. "I had no idea, I'm sorry."

"For what?" Weiss asked, sitting down.

"Ruby was trying to shut me up, but I kept pushing and revealed something I shouldn't have," Qrow explained. "I waited for you to come by to try and apologize, but you didn't…" Weiss took a sip of water to buy herself a few precious seconds to think. "Ruby's been real patient, telling me things are okay and that you just need a bit of time to think, but I'm runnin' outta time here. I got a new case I gotta head out for and I just couldn't leave with things the way they are."

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you with Vale PD?"

"No… well, I was. I'm a private detective now. Got my own place and everything," Qrow said proudly.

Weiss tapped her desk twice. "May I ask why you left?"

"I joined because I wanted to help people, but I ended doing more harm than anything," Qrow answered with a disillusioned grin. "I followed orders even when I knew in my gut it was wrong. They had me do some awful shit… but I couldn't just quit. I had two kids to take care of."

"I see," Weiss murmured thoughtfully. "If that's the case, then why try and get Ruby to do the same?"

"I don't want that for her," Qrow said. "I never wanted that for her."

"Huh?"

"The job sucks, but she's idolized me for as long as I can remember… and, well, I guess I glamorized the job too much when she was a kid." Qrow sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, head hung low. "The only reason I'm supporting her with this is because I know she doesn't want to stay. She wants to join my agency after getting a little work experience, do the whole father-daughter fighting crime schtick."

"Do you really solve crimes?" Weiss asked with a playful but sceptical look.

"Sometimes, but only small things. I've mostly been getting infidelity cases," Qrow answered.

Weiss carefully took this new information in and digested it carefully. Qrow had shined a bright light on the mystery surrounding Ruby's choices. But joining the force only to leave it for a private office didn't matter in the grand scheme of things because it still left Weiss' biggest question unanswered.

"Is it safe?" she asked, looking Qrow dead in the eye.

"I won't lie, I've had a few close calls, but what job doesn't?" Qrow chuckled. "Well, maybe yours. Must be real nice being at the top, eh?"

Weiss shrugged. "I've had to deal with a few minor threats, but those were mostly from disgruntled White Fang members who refuse to see me as anything more than Jacques Schnee's disgraced daughter."

"Wha—oh… the yellow thing makes a lot of sense now. Yikes." Qrow pursed his lips and rubbed the stubble on his chin. "Er, does Ruby know?" he asked like it was a hushed secret. "I promise I won't tell if she doesn't. I've learned my lesson."

Weiss let out a breathy chuckle, amused by the subtle childishness in Qrow's gruff personality. She could see where Ruby got her playfulness from and it warmed Weiss' heart to see how close they were first hand.

"I've told her the basics and the general dangers of being involved with me, but I will say that I'm much safer here than I ever was in Atlas," she answered, steepling her fingers. She took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, her cheeks flushed with colour. "I also have a surprisingly robust Faunus following here. I'm flattered and extremely humbled by their vocal support, but a good deed here and there cannot erase what my—what Jacques did."

"I see…" Qrow murmured.

"And if anyone does try, and believe me they have, well," Weiss smiled, "you've seen my security detail."

"That one guy was massive…"

"He's also got a killer sweet tooth and a gentle heart," Weiss said. "And Fox? The blind man beside him? He's like a human lie detector. If he didn't believe you were Ruby's uncle, he wouldn't have let you stay as long as you did."

"Wow," Qrow smirked. "What about the two outside?"

"Them? They're harmless for the most part," Weiss chuckled. "But Ciel will cut a bitch if it affects her job security."

"What? That little thing?"

Weiss casually nodded and said, "She's absolutely vicious. If I don't stay on my toes, she will take my job."

When Weiss was given her first major position she was allowed to choose her own assistant. There had been several prospective hires all with the same clean look, shiny degrees, and polished resumes. It was honestly difficult to tell them apart on paper but in person? The first three people were so arrogant, Weiss stopped paying attention halfway through their longwinded introduction. She had barely been able to introduce herself before the tirade of accomplishments, false flattery, and grandiose ideas began pouring in. It was good to be ambitious, Weiss respected that, but hopes and dreams weren't going to be able to keep up with her. She was aiming for the top. She needed someone smart, cutthroat but trustworthy, and above all else, not afraid to view past her. Ciel was everything Weiss wanted and more all wrapped up in one neat, little OCD package.

"What about the flamboyant one?" Qrow asked with a scared look and a tremble in his voice. "Should I be worried? Because he was eyeing me a lot on the way up here…"

"Don't worry about it," Weiss laughed. "He's just being cautious… or he might just think you're cute. It's fifty-fifty."

"If you say so," Qrow whimpered like an old beaten down dog, unable to keep up with Weiss' wild world.

"I promise you Neptune is harmless," Weiss insisted. "He also absolutely loves Ruby."

Qrow smiled at Weiss and said, "Everybody loves Ruby."

Weiss nodded in agreement.

"Hey, since we're getting to know each other, can I ask you something kinda personal?" Qrow asked after a moment of silence. He looked at Weiss solemnly and waited for permission.

Weiss leaned back into her chair, her chin resting comfortably in her palm, and said, "I'll answer if I can."

"What happened to the guy?"

"Oh…" Weiss tapped her desk twice and gritted her teeth. "He pled not guilty and claimed it was self-defence."

"What?"

"He managed to push his court dates back according to my mother-in-law, but our lawyers are doing everything they can to ensure this bastard rots in jail."

Qrow rubbed his chin, brows furrowed in deep thought. "Do you think there's any chance he'll get away with it?"

"Not a chance in hell!" Weiss snorted out with a cynical laugh. "He murdered my wife because he thought she was having an affair with his girlfriend—who was trying desperately to leave him. He only learned who Nicole was during the pre-trial, but apparently, he laughed and called it a 'win for the Faunus.' "

Qrow clasped his hands together, lips pursed tight. "Why?" he asked like there was any real mystery left in the story.

"He was a member of the White Fang. I was a Schnee. You put the pieces together," Weiss answered coldly.

"Right…" he grumbled.

Weiss rubbed her scar and sighed. "We needed security for her funeral because angry Faunus and Faunus rights activists kept trying to sneak in to take pictures of me at my lowest…"

"I'm sorry that happened," Qrow said.

"The tabloids had a field day that day," Weiss muttered, her lip curled up in disgust. "I shielded Chrys as best as I could, but her face ended up on as many front pages as I did."

"Does Ruby know?"

"She doesn't," Weiss confessed with a light smile. "A quick search online and you'll find links to news articles and blogs written by ignorant keyboard warriors and incensed journalists trying to make a quick buck by jumping on the bandwagon. I'm sure her friends did as much research on me as they could after Ruby introduced us, but she never personally pried into my past without my consent."

"Will you ever tell her?" Qrow asked.

Weiss hummed in thought and said, "Maybe one day, once I've had more time to heal and process… because if she's as serious about me as she says she is, then we'll definitely need to have this discussion."

"Ruby's made of sterner stuff than people give her credit for," Qrow said with an encouraging smile. "She'll be able to take whatever you throw at her."

"I'm certain she will," Weiss smiled back.

They spent a little time talking about Ruby and swapping a few harmless stories like how Ruby used to dream about finding and rescuing a princess as a kid. She even paraded around the house wearing a small pot like a helmet while swinging around a sword her babysitter made out of cardboard. Weiss was practically tickled pink when Qrow said she matched the description of Ruby's perfect princess. Weiss, in turn, told Qrow about her first date with Ruby and how fascinated she was by the boats docked in the marina. They had plans to rent a small boat and go sailing during a summer weekend, but what Ruby didn't know was that Weiss just bought a new Yacht. She wanted to surprise Ruby and Chrys, so Weiss made Qrow swear to secrecy and cemented the deal with one of Ruby's patented pinky promises.

An hour had flown by in an instant and it was only thanks to a message from Ciel reminding her about lunch that Weiss had even noticed the time. Qrow caught on quickly, but instead of feeling rushed, he hunkered down.

"Can I ask you one last thing before I go?" Qrow asked, his tired eyes begging Weiss to say yes. "I know you're busy, but I promise this'll be it."

Unable to refute hew new friend's request, Weiss nodded. Qrow lit up with relief, but that soon faded away when the anxiety set in. He wrung his hands together, looking more nervous now than when he asked about Coco.

"You don't have to be nervous," Weiss said with an airy chuckle. "Whatever you need to ask, I'll answer—unless it's about my sex life, then we might have an issue."

"Wha—huh?" Qrow gapped like a fish out of water.

"I know what happened after I left that," Weiss slyly grinned. "But if you're curious enough to agonize over it, I don't mind answering."

"No! Nope! I'm good. I do not need to know," Qrow exclaimed with a deep blush, unable to look Weiss in the eye.

"Well then," Weiss chuckled, "ask away."

Qrow groaned out loud and rubbed the back of his head, still conflicted over his question.

"I know I already asked you this, but what exactly are your plans for Ruby?" Qrow asked. "Your answer last time was perfect, but it was too perfect. Everything about you is perfect."

Weiss blinked in confusion. "Isn't that… a good thing?"

"Yeah, it is. But there's gotta be some sorta catch here, Atlas. There's always a catch," Qrow said, narrowing his eyes. "You are literally everything me and Tai could've hoped for Ruby. You're beautiful, kind, successful, and you treat Ruby like royalty. Hell, you put with her rambling and insecurities."

"Again, I don't see what the issue is here?" Weiss said. "I treat Ruby the way she treats me. And on the outside, I know it might seem a little unfair, or that there's a power balance in play because of my wealth and position, but I assure you, I would never assert any control over her or demand something she can't give."

"Ugh, shit. That isn't what I was trying to get at," Qrow said in frustration.

"Then what exactly are you trying to say?" Weiss asked.

"I'm sorry if I sound paranoid as hell… but Tai might be her father, but Ruby is my daughter and I don't want to see her get hurt." Qrow hung his head and sighed. "You snuck up on me, and I guess I'm just not as prepared as I thought I was."

Weiss opened her mouth to answer, but no words came out.

"I know you guys just started dating, and I'm happy she's happy, but I'm scared, Weiss. My little girl's growing up and I can't protect her from the world anymore..." Qrow looked at the photographs on Weiss' desk and the pictures scrolling languidly on her computer monitors. A small, nearly imperceptible frown tugged at his lips as more and more pictures of Weiss' happy family scrolled by. He looked back to Weiss, his frown more sad than angry. "Sorry."

"It's okay Qrow, I understand. And no, there aren't any 'hidden catches' with our relationship," Weiss smiled as she tapped a key on her keyboard to get out of the screensaver. Her wallpaper was a picture she took of Chrys and Ruby making funny faces in front of Monsieur Bulle. Qrow instantly lit up and grinned at Weiss. "I love her, plain and simple. She deserves the world and I am prepared to give it to her, but Ruby is as excitable as a puppy," Weiss said, playing it cool. "And since this is her first relationship, I am worried she's pushing herself to give more than she should. Yang once called me 'hard mode,' and it's stuck with me like a nagging thought."

"'Hard mode'?" Qrow laughed, but after a second thought, nodded along and said, "Okay, I see it. Yeah, you are pretty high up there on the difficulty scale. Not a bad thing though. Gotta respect a lady like that."

Weiss softly laughed along with him, sporting a healthy blush. "Thank you."

"No problem…" Qrow murmured, eyes gazing softly at Weiss' screen. "Is your kid's really okay with Ruby around?"

"It took a little work getting to this point, but they're about as close as close can be without Ruby overtaking Nicole's role in Chrys' life."

"Ruby's always been good with kids," Qrow chuckled.

"Mm," Weiss nodded with a faint blush.

"Anyway, that's all I've got and I think I've taken up enough of your time, I'll get out of your hair for real now," Qrow said as he got up to leave. Weiss followed him, but before he got too close to the door, she stopped him. "Something up, Atlas?"

"Um, have you spoken to Ruby recently? She hasn't responded to my messages or calls in a while," Weiss said with a nervous expression. "I think I might've officially pushed my luck with her patience…"

Qrow looked down at her confused. "Ruby? Mad at you? No. She's been down with a serious cold. Kid's barely been able to get outta bed without puking. I doubt she'd be conscious enough to text or call."

"What?" Weiss blinked.

"Did she not tell you?"

"No."

"Ah!" Qrow clamped a hand over his mouth and sunk into shoulders. "I did it again…" he muttered guiltily. "Shit."

"It's fine, Qrow," Weiss sighed. "I should probably go and check on her though."

"I can take you there if you'd like?" Qrow offered.

"No, it's okay, I still need to do some things before I can go," Weiss said, grateful for the offer.

"How will you get into her apartment?"

"Yang's working in the cafeteria today, so I'll just bribe her and borrow her keys."

"Hah! Spoken like a true head honcho!" Qrow laughed. "But, okay, I hear ya. If everything's all settled, I guess I'll see ya when I see ya."

"It was a pleasure seeing you again, Qrow," Weiss said, offering her hand.

"Likewise, Atlas," Qrow replied, pulling Weiss into his arms instead.

"And, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like a redo of that dinner," Weiss said as she returned the hug.

"Yeah, we'll get the whole gang together, and maybe that Blake person Yang keeps crying on about," Qrow said with a hearty laugh.

"It'd be nice to meet her, yes," Weiss said as she followed Qrow out the door. She waited until he was in the elevator to ask Ciel to clear her afternoon.

"But, Ma'am, you have some important meetings coming up after your lunch break," Ciel said with Weiss' schedule up on her second monitor. "I think I can shuffle a few things, but not without good reason."

"Say it's a family emergency and be done with it," Weiss said, smiling at her frustrated assistant.

"Everything okay?" Neptune asked.

"Ruby's got a nasty cold, I'm going to go check on her," Weiss answered.

"Ah, hope she feels better," Neptune said with a kind smile. "We'll take care of things here, darling."

"Finish your tasks for the day and head home early," Weiss instructed as she headed back into her office. "We've been working far too hard lately."

"Understood," both Ciel and Neptune replied.

After closing the door behind her, Weiss took a moment to breathe and calm herself before moving towards her desk. She knelt down at the bottom drawer and reached for the handle, but she noticed her hands were shaking like she was scared of what laid inside. In some way she was scared. But fear could no longer control her, and she was running out of time, so she willed herself to push through. Inside the drawer was her purse, some snacks she kept stocked for Chrys and Ruby that somehow always disappear whenever Ciel got stressed, and a small stack of well-used books with deep creases on all the seams and dog-eared pages.

Weiss lifted the topmost book, a leather journal with the Adel family symbol embossed on the cover, and set it on her lap. She traced over the familiar symbol and thought of all the times she tried to sneak a peek at its contents only to have its owner yank it away and hold it high above her head. Coco would always put up a playful fight that always lead to Weiss chasing her around the house until they were both out of breath and exhausted from laughter. Coco would always hand the journal over as a peace offering, and to get out of cleaning the mess they made, but Weiss always declined. She knew deep down inside that whatever Coco wrote down in her journal was never meant for her eyes.

A faint melancholic smile ghosted across Weiss' lips. The book was hers now, but she still couldn't open it.

"Oh, Nicole, I hope you don't mind," she murmured as she idly toyed with the leather strap keeping the journal closed.