Chapter 23

Another day down, another pain in the leg to sleep off. All Ruby had to do was make it through one Ryde home. "Hey Ruby, fun day?" Vulpe asked as Ruby groaned, rubbing her thigh.

"Yeah, real fun." Ruby laughed. "We've got a gala coming up and everyone's under pressure."

"I heard about it, big charity thing huh?" Vulpe inquired.

"Hmm, now that I think about it, no one told me what charity it's for." Ruby admitted. "All the planning I see is food and drink, and security and guest vetting and-"

"The charity in question is the branch of Schnee Faunus Outreach devoted to the welfare of impoverished Faunus across Remnant." Ruby jumped as Penny's voice suddenly sounded in her ear.

"Oh Maidens!" Ruby gasped.

Vulpe glanced back at her with concern. "You alright?"

"Yeah, yeah just...forgot I had my earpiece in and got a call, sorry." Ruby replied. Vulpe waved her off, returning her focus to the traffic as Ruby regained control of her racing heart. "Penny-"

"I apologize for startling you." Penny interrupted. "I just...did not know how to begin."

"It's okay Penny, I'm just a little on edge." Ruby responded. "Are you okay? Did I forget something?"

"Yes, I am well, and no, you did not forget anything." Penny answered.

Ruby furrowed her brow, confused. "Oh, well what did you want?"

"I...have never contacted someone like this, outside of business calls." Penny began slowly. "This is a new experience for me...I apologize Ruby. There is nothing I really needed."

"No, no it's okay Penny, you can talk to me whenever you want." Ruby reassured quickly, recalling Penny's words from Monday. This must have been the important development she had mentioned. "I don't really have much to do after work except...sit around and go to sleep later."

"I know, which is why I wanted to cross this line and offer more advanced companionship." Penny continued cheerfully.

Ruby found herself confused. She knew? "You know?"

"Yes, I have been monitoring you, ensuring your safety." Penny explained.

Monitoring? "What!?" Ruby balked.

"Is that wrong?" Came Penny's innocent response.

"Monitoring me how?" Ruby burst.

"Through your scroll, laptop and earpiece." Penny answered matter-of-factly.

Ruby thought of Blake's potential response to that fact...it would not be pretty. "I thought I turned off my earpiece!"

"You activated power saver mode Ruby." Penny corrected. "As part of the testing process there is no off mode accessible externally."

"This thing has been on for three weeks straight?" Ruby questioned.

"And for several weeks beforehand, yes." Penny confirmed. "I greatly appreciate your diligence in charging it."

"I...well…" A sudden thought occurred to Ruby, a frightened thought. "Penny, have you...been looking through my things?"

"I took the liberty of defragmenting and optimizing your laptop hard drive, and updated your graphical drivers, though there are performance limitations due to the aged nature of the hardware." Penny explained. "I would suggest an upgrade, and would be happy to assist!"

"Penny…" Ruby sighed. She had to remind herself of Penny's unique circumstances. She was not raised like a normal person, or like any person really. She would perceive the world in fundamentally different ways, but even still, this needed to be addressed properly. "Penny, have you been monitoring my files? My browser history? My texts?"

"I have observed the entirety of your data Ruby." Penny declared. "I apologize if this is alarming. I was...curious."

"Penny, this is a massive invasion of my privacy." Ruby groaned. This was such a strange conversation to have. "I have sensitive things in my data, things I don't want people to see."

"I did not intend to invade your privacy Ruby." Penny noted. "I deeply apologize. It...gets lonely for me too."

Now Ruby's heart ached for Penny. She needed to focus lest she lose her fire. "Penny, I understand loneliness, but you need to ask before you do these things. If you wanted to talk to me all you had to do was say so. If you wanted to learn more about me, all you needed to do was ask. If you wanted to help organize my files, I would have at least given you some warnings before allowing you to do so."

"I apologize Ruby, I acted irrationally and without logical consensus...please do not hate me." Penny plead in a smaller voice.

"I don't hate you Penny, I could never hate you, I just…" Ruby sighed long and deep, sinking into her seat. "We need to lay down some ground rules, and talk more about this when I get home, okay?"

"I promise I will make this up to you Ruby." Penny responded. "I meant no offence. As recompense may I fulfill your dream PC build?"

"The build in my browser bookmarks, which you observed?" Ruby could not help but breathe a laugh.

"Precisely!" Penny cheered. "I have access to a sizeable personal stipend for essential upgrades. This stipend has accumulated for several years due to my efficiency, and Ms. Schnee has assured me it shall remain for any personal use required. I would consider it absolutely essential to repair our friendship with the gift of a dream!"

Ruby chuckled, unable to keep the grin off her face. She had to be dreaming. The situation was so bizarre, lecturing her virtual friend on an unintended violation of privacy and being offered computer parts as compensation. It was understandable if sad that Penny saw that as the best method of making up for things, but at the same time, it was oddly fitting. In a weird way, perhaps building a computer together would be akin to adopting a dog. Or maybe Ruby was just really, really tired. Oh well. "Alright Penny, I accept."

Ruby was thoroughly exhausted by the time Thursday dawned. Even a full night of deep sleep had not really helped. The week had been trying to be sure, and she saw no reason to expect it to get any easier. As she dragged herself into work, she felt as tired as she normally would on a Friday night following a hectic day of work. Ruby hoped she might get one day of respite before the end of week crunch, but the week's steady ramping up made that look unlikely. It was going to take a lot of strawberry sunrises to drink this one away.

As usual, Ruby was the first to arrive, sitting at her desk and logging into her station as Penny greeted her. A muted response was all she could muster, but Penny seemed understanding enough. She was clearly concerned about Weiss too, but there was little that could be done. The CEO was too quick to dismiss all worries and lock herself in her office. At least Jaune seemed free of serious fatigue when he arrived carrying a brown paper bag, probably a lunch lovingly crafted by Nora.

"What did Nora make for you today?" Ruby asked once Jaune had a chance to sit down and log in.

"She didn't really make lunch today." Jaune replied. "It's just some grilled chicken to heat up in the microwave." He paused for a moment. "Oh, she did make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a snack though."

"A PB&J?" Ruby snickered. "What is she, your mom?"

"Since I got this job she kinda' acts like it sometimes." Jaune shrugged. "I'm not complaining though, it's nice to be taken care of."

"Yeah, I get that." Ruby nodded. "It was embarrassing sometimes, but it was really nice to have my sister help me out back in Patch."

"Ms. Schnee has arrived." Penny warned.

"How is she?" Ruby asked.

"She...does not look enthusiastic." Penny answered after hesitating. Soon the elevator chimed, the doors sliding open to reveal Weiss. Penny's observation had been an understatement. The bags under her eyes had been growing over the preceding days, but now even makeup failed to hide them. Her eyelids drooped as she practically dragged herself across the room.

"Good morning Weiss!" Ruby tried to be cheerful.

"Good morning Ms. Schnee." Jaune added.

"Morning." Weiss mumbled, her voice barely more than a whisper. She stepped up to her office door, leaning against it as she waited for Penny to disengage the locks. With a click the door started to swing open, Weiss tilting at an ever greater angle. As the door swung out of the way, Weiss hit the floor with a dull thump.

Ruby and Jaune stared in shock as Weiss lie on the floor, half in and half out of her office. "Weiss, are you okay?!" Ruby called. Weiss only groaned in response, barely moving.

"Ms. Schnee?" Jaune stood up at his desk, not sure what to do.

"Penny, what's wrong?!" Ruby asked. "Is she okay?!"

"Ms. Schnee is...sleeping." Penny replied.

"Should we...we have to do something." Jaune noted. "I should call an ambulance."

"No!" Ruby exclaimed. "That's not a good idea. Then the news would find out and...it would only cause her more trouble." She crouched by Weiss' side, looking her over. It did appear that she was just sleeping. "Is it safe to move her?"

"It is." Penny confirmed.

"Alright, Jaune, help me out." Ruby instructed. "Let's get her into her chair." She positioned herself by Weiss' head. "I'll get her shoulders-"

"I can carry her myself." Jaune interrupted. "Just hold the doors open." Ruby nodded and did so. Jaune stood beside Weiss and sighed. "Sorry boss, please don't fire me." He crouched down, rolling Weiss over. He then slipped one arm under her shoulders and the other under her knees, lifting her in a bridal carry. With little effort, he walked her over to her desk. Ruby pulled the chair out and Jaune placed their sleeping boss into the seat as gently as possible. Weiss stirred for a moment but said nothing before folding her arms on her desk, laying her head down and falling asleep once more. "Now what?"

"Penny, call Pyrrha." Ruby commanded. "She'll know what to do."

The elevator chimed and from within strode a very agitated Pyrrha. Penny's call had been expected, but the circumstances were not. She had expected some kind of hiccup, a small breakdown perhaps. Ruby would panic, call her, and she could safely handle it without another lost assistant. But that Weiss was so exhausted she passed out mid step called for more drastic measures. It was time she put her foot down, regardless of Weiss' feelings on the matter.

"Pyrrha." Jaune greeted, standing at his desk.

"Is she still asleep?" Pyrrha queried, approaching the door.

Jaune shrugged, lightly knocking on the office door twice. A moment later it clicked open, Ruby peeking out. "Pyrrha." She smiled. "She's still asleep. Do you want me to do anything?"

"No, thank you Ruby, you've done well." Pyrrha praised. "Just give us some time alone. This won't take long." She stood aside for Ruby to obey.

"Has this happened before?" Ruby asked as Pyrrha entered the office in her place.

"Almost." Was Pyrrha's simple answer. "Don't worry Ruby, I can handle it." She added with a smile before letting the door click shut.

Turning around, she could not help but sigh at the sight. Familiar ivory locks cascaded across the desk, hiding Weiss' face from view. It had been some time since she last saw her friend so restful, let alone peaceful. Weiss was ever the fitful sleeper, and Pyrrha knew that if she brushed back her hair she would witness furrowed brows and a tight grimace. And so she did, circling the desk to lean over her friend, gently hooking several fingers beneath the curtain and drawing it back behind her ear. Pyrrha frowned at the bags beneath Weiss' eyes.

"Weiss." Pyrrha whispered gently into her ear. Weiss stirred, scowling in her sleep. Kneeling down, Pyrrha tried again. "Weiss, sweetie, wake up." Weiss groaned in protest, arms tightening around her face. Pyrrha smiled fondly, laying a hand on her back. "It's time to go home Weiss."

"I don't wanna' go…" Weiss whined sleepily.

Pyrrha sighed. "I'm sorry sweetie, but you have to, you need rest."

"I can rest here, with you…" Weiss' words sent a pang through Pyrrha's heart, both of longing and frustration.

"Weiss-" Pyrrha started.

"Pleeeeeease-" Weiss implored with a drawn out whine.

Pyrrha scoffed. Weiss was only ever attached to her sleep when it meant leaving them. "Weiss, you're at work." Pyrrha firmly reminded. "You cannot sleep here. I'm taking you home."

"Huh?" Weiss' head shot upward, eyes blinking blearily as she took in her surroundings, then Pyrrha. "Oh."

"Can you stand?" Pyrrha asked.

"I-I'm fine Pyr-" Weiss started.

"Do not lie to me Weiss Schnee." Pyrrha admonished. Weiss flinched, looking down until a gentle hand cupped her cheek, directing tired blue into vibrant green. "You are exhausted, you are drained, you are coming home to rest and recuperate." Pyrrha instructed, loud and clear. "Your choice is to walk with dignity or be carried like a child. You know I will!" Pyrrha added with a raised finger, stopping the CEO from retorting, her mouth clipping shut.

Weiss swallowed, and what little fight was left in her evaporated with a slump. She nodded in defeat. "Okay...to my place then...it's safer there."

Pyrrha fixed Weiss with a raised brow. Her place? The only people to ever visit her place were Coco and Velvet, and even they were no longer permitted. "You're sure?" Pyrrha questioned.

Weiss nodded, slowly pushing herself to her feet. "Will Ren come?" She murmured, accepting Pyrrha's arm to lean on.

"He will." Pyrrha confirmed. "I'll have him pack. Would you like him to bring anything specific?"

"No, just…" Weiss lay her head on Pyrrha's shoulder with a tired sigh. "I want him with us."

"He will be, we both will, always Weiss." Pyrrha soothed, running her hand through Weiss' hair.

"I'm sorry." Weiss whispered.

"It's okay Weiss." Pyrrha responded.

"It-" Weiss started.

"Weiss, we will talk later." Pyrrha interrupted before she could continue.

Weiss shrunk slightly in her grip. "Okay."

"We will talk about everything Weiss, and we will listen, but first we need to focus." Pyrrha noted. "You need rest, and I promise not to leave your side."

"I know." Weiss nodded, taking a deep breath and standing straight. "I'm ready."

Pyrrha smiled. "Then let us depart."

With Weiss' absence, Ruby and Jaune were left alone to their own devices, alone to face a rather awkward realization - they were currently redundant. Ruby's entire job was to do what Weiss needed, when Weiss needed it. Jaune's job was to...reinforce current security measures? Their positions were not exactly essential, and now they were essentially pointless. Pyrrha and Weiss had neglected to leave them any further instruction, though Penny assured them contingencies were in place. That left them with nothing to do but socialize...and hope the company did not suddenly come crashing down on their heads.

"Car-living isn't as bad as it sounds." Jaune shrugged. "I mean, I didn't really have rent except for gas. I was basically camping all the time."

"But how did you shower?" Ruby wondered.

"Gym showers." Jaune answered. "My membership wasn't that expensive and it helped keep me fit anyway."

"And what did Nora think?" Ruby asked.

"She was pretty chill about it." Jaune replied. "Said it would be fun to be able to drive everywhere and just curl up to sleep."

"Didn't she have a license?" Ruby questioned.

"Nope." Jaune shook his head. "And we don't have a car anymore. I sold it for the down payment on our new apartment."

"So you Ryde here?" Ruby inquired.

"Uh, I don't have a bike." Jaune answered.

Ruby quirked her brow. "Huh? No, I mean Ryde, the taxi service."

"Oh, no." Jaune responded. "I take public transportation and stuff. It's cheaper."

"I usually take the subway here and a Ryde home." Ruby explained. "I'd ride a bike, but I can't really do that anymore. It makes my leg hurt too much." She lightly pet the limb, on the knee. Thankfully it was not aching too badly that day...yet.

Jaune glanced down briefly. "Your leg is still hurt?" Ruby had told him about the injury before, but he had assumed all was now well.

"It was pretty bad, the doctors did what they could, but it's still not great." Ruby replied.

"That sucks." Jaune observed. "I don't think I could deal with that."

"It's rough for sure." Ruby laughed. "I'm slowly dying on the inside."

"I think they have pills for that." Jaune snorted.

"Knowing my luck, they wouldn't affect me." Ruby shrugged. "Stupid opioid resistance…"

"So you're in pain right now?" Jaune asked.

"A little." Ruby admitted. "It comes and goes, but I'm fine, been dealing with it for years, and I'm still going."

Jaune glanced at the security screens, brow arching. "Velvet and Coco are coming." He noted, sitting straighter in his chair.

Ruby stood as the elevator chimed. "Velvet, Coco." She called as the Faunus exited, closely followed by her companion.

"Ruby, Jaune." Velvet forced a smile. It seemed more tired than usual. "Busy day, huh?"

"Is Weiss okay?" Ruby asked, concern clear in her voice and expression.

"Pyrrha told me she'll be fine once she's had some rest." Velvet replied. "She probably won't be in tomorrow though."

"Oh…" Ruby trailed off.

"Don't worry, the SDC won't implode if Weiss misses a day of work." Velvet assured her. "There are contingencies in place. She'll probably still video conference in for meetings, and I'll act as her proxy on site."

"Velvet gets to be the big boss for a day." Coco grinned. "Now's my chance to sleep my way to the top."

"Anyway, this isn't the first time, so I know what I'm getting into." Velvet continued.

"It's not the first time?" Ruby was taken aback. "This has happened before?"

"Not this exactly." Velvet explained. "Weiss has missed the odd day of work. Once she was sick with a stomach bug-"

"I wouldn't expect something like that to keep her away." Jaune interjected.

"It doesn't matter how strong willed you are if you can't go five minutes without vomiting." Velvet noted. "She also missed a day for a minor family emergency, something with her mother. It turned out to be no big deal, but she wanted to be there just in case." She paused. "The point is, everything's going to be fine."

"Who are you trying to convince Babe?" Coco asked with a hint of concern.

"Fridays are hell here." Velvet sighed. "I'm going to need a good long rest after tomorrow."

"I can give you a good long-" Coco started with a smirk.

"Coco." Velvet admonished.

"I was gonna' say massage." Coco shrugged.

"Sure you were." Velvet rolled her eyes. She approached the door to Weiss' office. "Penny, if you'd be so kind." She waited a moment for the door to click, then reached for the knob.

"Wait a minute." Ruby called. Velvet turned to face her. "What about us?"

"Yeah, without Weiss here, I'm pretty sure I don't have anything to do...not that I ever really have anything to do." Jaune groaned.

"Hmm...well…" Velvet thought for a moment. "Ruby, you'll still have to come in. Your workload will probably be a little lighter, but I might need you. As for you Jaune...I guess you could take the day off. Don't worry about losing pay, you'll be compensated normally."

Jaune looked to Ruby, then back to Velvet. "Nah, I'll come in. I'm sure Ruby could use a hand, and since Weiss won't be here, I'll actually be able to lend one."

"What I could really use is a leg, but I'll take any help I can get." Ruby chuckled.

"Alright then, I'll see you both tomorrow." Velvet opened the door to Weiss' office.

"Ooh, can I sit in the boss' chair?!" Coco exclaimed before gasping. "Can we bang in the boss' chair?!

Velvet breathed a heavy sigh. "Gods help me."