Honestly it was hard to believe just how quickly time could move whenever you wanted it to stay still. While she walked towards the library to help everyone study for finals Weiss couldn't help but get nostalgic for the building she had spent the last nine months. Weiss' time at Beacon had been the happiest she had been since she was a child, and how could it not be? She had made friendships that will last a lifetime in team RWBY and JNPR, as only natural given both their proximity and the ever-present danger that seemed to find them at every turn. She just wanted to have a team shopping day in Vale without running into a robbery, or a mugging, or a terrorist cell, or a doomsday plan. WAS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK?!

The fact they all treated her as a normal girl instead of trying to sneak their way into her bank account was… weird, at first. She unfortunately spent the first couple of months waiting for them to drop the act and start asking the Schnee to fund all their endeavors, pay off their loans, and hey certainly she could float them some lien to try that new 5-star restaurant. At the time she decided that she would remain civil, but make sure it was known that she would not let herself be walked all over. If that meant being the Ice Queen then so be it.

She would not be tricked by Ruby's "naivety" or be pressured by the blond party girl to have too many drinks and get her cards stolen. And if tall, blond, and scraggly really thought he could succeed where the men of Atlas failed, he was delusional.

Gods above she was such a bitch back then, she will have to apologize to everyone before summer vacation started.

It was also here at Beacon where she had her first real boyfriend outside of the social elites her father would encourage her to spend time with. And while her relationship with Neptune did not last very long after the dance, Weiss will always cherish the time they spent together and will be forever thankful that things ended amicably. She was even more thankful when the blue-haired teen started sending her pictures he took of Mistral's surrounding nature. Seriously, if Velvet wanted to improve her photography, she should have spent less time with Sun and more time with Neptune. He was truly an artist with a camera.

'That's enough reminiscing for now, I still have to make sure everyone passes these last few tests so we can move up together' Having entered the sizable library Beacon maintained for its students and staff, the white-haired girl made quick work of finding her friends. The librarian had long since abandoned any notion of keeping the two sister teams from pushing two tables together, and as much as she was embarrassed by that fact it did make these large study sessions easier. Taking the last available seat between Pyrrha and Yang, Weiss decided it was time to put a stop to all the nonsense and start… wait. Why was everyone so miserable?

Where there was typically laughter and playful banter there was instead an awkward silence. The piles of books and notes laid out on the tables went ignored as the seven teens seemed completely focused on each other. "I really wish I could help," Jaune said, "but with me coming home for a few months money will be tight as it is." Weiss had never seen the blond goofball look so vulnerable before. Whatever was being discussed before she arrived must have been a heavy topic.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head Jauney, a few months won't kill us." Despite her words even Nora seemed dejected, her smile small and forced. "But you better keep your scroll with you at all times. I refuse to spend my time bored and as leader of Team JNPR it is your responsibility to keep me entertained."

Putting his hand on Nora's, Ren gave his brother-in-arms a softhearted look. "It was incredibly kind of you to even consider it, but please do not worry on our account. We will have a roof over our heads, and since we do not have to worry about traveling anytime soon we can see about getting some small part-time jobs for some spending cash for next year. Who knows, this may be a small blessing in disguise." Another attempt was made at lightening the mood, but it could not penetrate the cloud of negativity hovering above the table.

Wait, WHAT? "Roof over your heads? What is happening?"

Ren just shrugged as he answered, "Well, I know it doesn't come up in conversation often, but Nora and I are technically homeless outside the school year. During the summer we will be staying at a local orphanage that has agreed to house us until our second year starts."

Before she could respond Blake took the opportunity to jump into the conversation. "Well, you guys won't be alone. I'm going to be leasing a small apartment here in Vale for the summer. I saw Tucson's Book Trade had a help wanted sign last time I went, perhaps we can apply together."

This was the first time she had heard of this as well, was she really not paying any attention to her friends? "Are you not going to spend time with your parents? I thought you were doing better now." She regretted it the second the words left her mouth as the small hint of a smile vanished from Blake's face.

Well, that was certainly the wrong thing to say. What was happening today? "While I can call them and talk just fine, I don't think I am emotionally ready to see them in person yet. Maybe next summer but for now, I will just stick with our weekly calls." It was obvious that she was holding back tears, but no one really knew what the right thing to say was.

"I just don't know what to do" This time it was Pyrrha who had spoken up. While everyone else looked sad or tired, the champion looked to be conflicted and guilty. "I don't want to lose any of you, but I want to go home so bad."

That seemed to perk Ruby out of her funk. The tiny reaper tore her eyes away from her hands to look at the champion. "Lose us? Pyrrha what are you talking about, it's just summer vacation. We will see each other again before you know it."

"It's just that every time I get close to people, we inevitably get separated. It's either a holiday, a business opportunity, or even just needing some alone time. And every time it happens, we always lose contact. Every time I think I've made a real friend it's not long before they do not even answer my texts anymore!" She was speaking so fast that it was hard to understand her. It was then everyone remembered that Yang was not the only one in the group that had abandonment issues.

They were not getting any studying done today.

"Pyrrha, we love you too much to ever-" Jaune attempted to console his partner but was immediately cut off when she continues her spiral.

"But I can't just stay here either! I… I just miss home so much. I don't think I can stand being away from my mother this summer. My own bedroom, her home cooked meals, the salty Argus air. I never thought I could miss such little things this badly." Once more the group fell into an uncomfortable silence.

Logically everyone knew that everything would be fine. Ren and Nora would survive even if their situation would not be the most comfortable option. Blake would have to stretch her funds but if she got a job everything would work out. But Pyrrha…

Logic was not always the greatest tool when dealing with emotional problems. They all knew that they would be back together in just a few short months, they would even be on the same teams and very likely even the same dorm rooms. But when you have been left behind and forgotten as much as Pyrrha has, those small gaps in time become oceans of what-ifs. How does this school not have a therapist on staff?

"Wait a minute, did you say Argus?" Jaune's outburst startled the entire table, Yang jumping so high she hit her knees on the table. He had the sense to look guilty as other tables were starting to glare at them. After a few apologetic waves to the room he continued at a much more appropriate volume, "I may not be able to solve all our problems, but it seems like I can fix one. I will be going to Argus for a couple of weeks this summer to visit my sister and her wife." For the first time since Weiss sat down, Jaune's smile managed to pierce the dark cloud that has been hanging over the group. "Looks like you won't be able to escape me this summer Pyre. With your permission I can even give her your number so you two can meet in person. Another friend you just haven't met yet."

The heiress watched silently as the mood slowly turned for the better. While it was obvious there was still hesitation and sadness in the air, one spark of good news had cascaded into a much better outlook on the future. 'Good job Arc, finally putting that mouth of yours to good use" But it wasn't good enough, there was much work to be done.

Weiss excused herself from the table as discreetly as she could, she has a phone call to make.

Their dorm room had become a safe space for the members of Team RWBY. Weiss had long ago lost count of the number of times one of them broke down and cried to their friends in here. Sometimes it was petty, the stress of the ever-growing pile of school work pushing its students to the breaking point. Other times it was serious, such as Blake's past or the sisters' history with their mothers. She did not know what exactly it was, but if she had to pick a single location where she felt absolutely safe, the Beacon dorms would be her first and only choice.

She paced the room with her scroll in hand trying desperately to decide what she was going to say. She wasn't even sure what she expected to happen, but she knew if there was someone who could help her it was Winter. After stalling for a few more minutes, she decided to just bite the bullet and wing it.

One ring, then a second, then a third…

She would never say it out loud, but Weiss always worried Winter would not pick up. No matter how capable she was, a huntress' job always held the possibility of death. When Winter's face filled her screen Weiss' shoulders released a tension she wasn't aware they had. "Hello Winter, it's great to see you again."

The warm smile that spread across the older woman's face managed to set her even more at ease. "And you as well Weiss. I was not expecting a call from you for another few days, did something come up?" Observant as always. She never could slip anything past her.

"As a matter of fact, something has. Several somethings in fact, none of them good news either. It had completely escaped my mind that two of my friends are homeless, another refuses to go home and is now spending what little savings she has to her name to keep some crummy apartment, and yet another who does not have any issues with shelter but has more than her fair share of emotional problems that I fear will eat her alive before we see each other next year."

For her part, Winter looked a little shocked at the sudden tirade from her little sister. "That is indeed troubling news. And with only two months to find a solution, it will not be easy. Have you thought over your options?" Of course she has, but the specialist needed more information before she could give any real advice.

"I have several, but I know they won't accept anything I offer." As close as they had become, the gap in wealth was still an awkward subject for their group. While Weiss has no issue paying for everything nowadays, her friends insisted on paying their 'fair share.' "I could buy Blake an entire apartment complex here in Vale, but that would just start an argument between us that I would much rather avoid. I could discreetly pay her rent for her, maybe disguise it as some student program she didn't know about, but she would sniff that out in a heartbeat. Again, I could literally buy Ren and Nora their own house not just for this summer but for them to keep, but that would create an incredibly unpleasant power dynamic between us with them always wanting to 'pay me back'. And Pyrrha… well actually she should hopefully be fine when Arc visits her in Argus." With a very unladylike groan the white-haired girl fell onto her bed and just stared at the bedframe suspended above her for a moment. "What is the point of being rich if you cannot use it to help your friends?"

"That does seem to be a difficult situation to be in. Unfortunately, I cannot say I have ever found myself in a similar set of circumstances. What are their current-wait a moment. Did you say something about Argus?"

After taking a second to process the déjà vu Weiss hesitantly answered, "Yes? Pyrrha lives there with her mother, and Jaune will be there this summer as well to visit some relatives of his. Though I am not sure how he intends to do that, I missed this part of the conversation but apparently even his family is in the middle of a financial struggle." Yet another friend she didn't know how to help. "Why do you ask? I have never really heard much about Argus, is it important?"

"It is not that the city itself is overly important, but I believe it holds the solution to your problem." Weiss couldn't see what she was doing on her scroll, but after only a moment she was being shown pictures of an impressive house on the beachfront. Nowhere near as large as the Schnee Mansion, but definitely more than most people could ever afford. Yet at the same time, it looked homey. The blue was darker and warmer than the shade of her Atlas home, the walls while not in disrepair were not pristine to the point of appearing artificial, and the rooms all looked lived in. Blankets, books, some inexpensive paintings, it all looked lovely. "This, my dear sister, is my vacation home. It is where I go to think or be by myself. And in some years' time, I wish to make it my retirement home."

"It's beautiful." It really was, even to someone so used to luxury the house was simply breathtaking. "But I don't understand why you're showing me this now"

"Is it not obvious little snowflake? I am giving it to you to use for the summer with all of your friends" It was rare to see her smile this brightly, the younger sister made a mental note to ask about her retirement plans more often. "This house is right on the edge of Argus, close enough to be part of the city and have easy access to shopping, but far enough to escape the city noise and for you to have as much fun with your friends as you please. Within reason of course." The specialist suddenly remembered that she was referring to eight young teens who could just barely be considered adults. "I believe this will solve all your problems, your two displaced friends will have a stable roof over their heads for the summer, your teammate will not run through her entire savings account renting out a shack, Miss. Nikos will not have to deal with her issues alone as you will all be but a 10-minute walk away, and Mr. Arc will not have to add to his family's financial strain. Have I missed anything?"

She knew before she even made the call, she could always count on Winter. "I believe that is everything. Oh I just can't wait to tell everyone. There is so much planning to do, we have to pack, we have to get travel dates sorted, oh we will have to call Ruby's father, thank you Winter, I love you so much"

"Now hold on there just a minute. I may be fully prepared to do this for you but it does not come without some restrictions" The older sibling waited a moment to make sure she had her full attention. "Rule number one. You can only do this if you can find an adult chaperone. I trust you, and I trust that your friends are at least somewhat mature. But I am not so naïve as to have two teams of rowdy hunters in my home unsupervised. Do you think you can do that?"

The middle child took a moment to think about it. It was already a given that Pyrrha's mother would be there, as well as Jaune's older sister who was apparently old enough to marry. And if all else failed she might be able to snag Klein from Atlas. "I believe that we can find someone with ease, dear sister." Weiss couldn't stop bouncing on her spot in the bed. She was just so excited.

"I thought as much. On to rule number two. You leave the house cleaner than you found it. You know how I get." A small giggle and a nod in the affirmative later she continued. "And finally, one request. Weiss, please invite your brother."

Weiss was shocked. Of all the things Winter could have requested of her, she never would have guessed asking her to spend time with Whitley to be what she landed on. "But Whitley hates me. Even if I did ask him, I do not think he would agree to come. Especially since he will not have any friends of his own there." Suddenly, even after being given the gift of a lifeline for all her friends, Weiss couldn't help but feel betrayed. "And since when do you care about our brother anyway?"

As soon as she said that she hated herself for it, if she could change any one thing about herself it would be her short temper. Why did she always hurt those closest to her? For her part Winter didn't look hurt or taken back at all, the perfect picture of composure. "I know Weiss but lately I have been thinking. I ran to Ironwood and the military to escape our father and his cruelty. After you were old enough I immediately started helping you train so that you could also escape, but to an entirely different Kingdom. But we both forgot about Whitley. We never helped him fight, we never eased his burdens, all we ever did was ignore him and focused on ourselves and our pain." They both took a minute to think quietly to themselves. It was the truth, no matter how painful or how bad a light it painted them in it was the undeniable truth. Nothing would ever change that. "I fear I may be too far gone to ever rekindle our relationship, but you may be able to save yours. So please Weiss, invite your brother. Save him, and save your relationship with what little family you still have."

The Beacon dorm's common room was a large area meant to hold several teams at once at any given time. An open kitchen to one end, a full washer and dryer set up on the opposite side, and between laid an assortment of large couches, chairs, and coffee tables. A cursory glance could tell anyone that not only were all the equipment and furniture there well used, but it had been constantly replaced as needed by different sets. None of the couches matched, the tables looked to be from three different time periods and she was certain that one washing machine in particular was possessed by a Geist. But overall, the area was homey and a great place to study or talk.

But today it was a place of chaos and confusion.

In retrospect, she probably should not have sent the words 'emergency meeting' to everyone. After Team RWBY had fully gathered into the common room it had taken Weiss a bit of time to convince her team that there was not any danger. It didn't help that she refused to tell them why she had called the meeting until the others arrived, leaving them completely in the dark. What could she say? She hated repeating herself. She had finally gotten them to settle down when they heard the telltale sound of running coming down the hallway, followed by the door swinging open so hard that she was afraid it may have swung off its hinges.

"Is someone missing again?"

"Are the White Fang attacking?"

"Does someone need healing?" Jaune was the final one to yell, his eyes franticly searching all of them for any kind of injury. She really should not have used the phrase 'emergency meeting.'

"Everyone calm down! No one is under attack, everyone is fine, I just needed to get all of you hear quickly. I am sorry for panicking everyone but I need you all to calm down!" It took admittedly longer for everyone to settle this time around, the panic of JNPR reigniting the worry of her own team. Once she managed to get everyone into a good enough condition to listen to her she cleared her throat to start, "So, I called you all here today to make you all an offer. Of course, you do not have to make a decision today, but I will need an answer before the month ends. I can handle travel arrangements, a simple affair but one I would rather oversee myself to make sure there are no unexpected issues. I will also hand out a list of things that must be packed for both travel and personal safety. For example we can't be in the sun all day if we all forget our sunscreen. Furthermore-"

Ruby slowly raised her hand to get her partner's attention, "Um Weiss?"

"Yes, Ruby?"

"I think you forget to tell us what the offer was."

The pale girl went silent as her face slowly started to turn red. She had called this meeting before thinking about how to approach the conversation and had decided to wing it and started talking. The wrong move, apparently. "Yes, well, it seems that I have. Thank you Ruby." A small round of chuckling from the group passed by before she decided to start again. "Earlier today I learned that most of my friends will be experiencing financial and/or emotional hardship this summer. I believe I have the solu-"

"Let me stop you right there Weiss." Nora was quick to interject thinking she knew where this was going. "Look, Ren and I will be fine. You don't need to rent us an apartment or anything. I was just exaggerating how bored I would be, it's part of my charm." Her tone was gentle and persuasive, but it didn't take much to see beyond the façade. She hated the position they were in.

"Actually, my first thought was to buy you a house. But that is not what I am offering. I understand that would put too awkward a strain on our friendship, and I would rather not lose it to something avoidable. No, my solution comes by way of my sister, Winter. She has agreed to let me and all my friends use her summer home in Argus. We will all be together and safe, and we will get to enjoy our vacation at the beach in a city we, well most of us, have never been to."

Weiss closed her eyes as she waited for their responses so as to not stare at anyone and pressure them. Slowly she started to hear everyone's excited chatter pick up in pace. "Oh my gods Argus? During beach season?! Ren, we have to go. We didn't promise anything to Little Treasures Orphanage already did we?"

Ren's smile was almost imperceivable but was there non the less. "Well, I will have to make a couple of calls, but it shouldn't be a problem." Standing up to face Weiss proper he gave her a small bow, "Thank you for this opportunity, we are very grateful."

The white-haired girl rolled her eyes and pushed him by his shoulders until he was standing straight, "Enough of that Ren. If you want to thank me you can do so by enjoying your summer with us"

After a nod from the ninja of JNPR she turned to her own ninja. "I will only accept under one condition." The entire room's attention was drawn to the faunus, each one trying to figure out what she would ask for before he said it. "I want my own room. I love you girls but I cannot do another three months of shared space without cutting one of you."

"Well that's ominous." The blond brawler snickered from her spot on the couch. "But I would be willing to sleep on the couch or share a room with Ruby if it meant you came with us. Won't be a party without the whole gang there."

"I am sure there will be plenty of room regardless. So I will mark you down as a 'yes' then. What about you Pyrrha?"

The genuine joy on the redhead's face was enough to melt even the Ice Queen's heart, "I shall see you all plenty this summer, but as I said in the library I will be staying with my mother."

All eyes turned to Jaune, who was beaming at the idea of all his friends being taken care of. Even if it wasn't by his own doing, he was happy to know that everyone would be safe. When he finally noticed everyone watching him the smile never left his face, "Well, I'm gonna have to find a way to hide the photo albums when I visit later, but this summer's trip to Saphron's is going to be better than I imagined!"

For the first time since the meeting started Weiss felt disappointed. Everything was going so well, but why couldn't Jaune make it? It was Ren who asked in her stead, "Visit, are you not coming with us?"

"Yea Fearless Leader, how are you going to lead us from another continent?"

Jaune looked incredulously at his teammates, "I… wasn't invited?"

Oh this absolute dunce, "Oh course your invited Arc! I said ALL of my friends! Why wouldn't you think you were invited?" The nerve of some people, its like they live in a completely different reality sometimes.

The knight suddenly looked incredibly nervous, "Oh well you see," his eyes darted around looking for some excuse, "I thought it was an all-girls trip. Yea."

Quickly realizing his error, his eyes along with everyone else's slowly turned to Ren. The pink-eyed boy for his part merely replied, "Be that as it may, I still think you should join us."

The laughter that flowed from the group was contagious, even Jaune joined in on his own ridicule. Watching everyone smile and laugh was enough for Weiss, and she left the room silently to inform Winter and start preparations for the trip all the while thinking to herself.

'This is going to be the best summer ever'