Despite the fears that telling her business partners and trusted co-workers that she would be taking an extended leave from her post at the head of the Schnee Dust company would be the hardest part of all this, Weiss found that to be easy compared to where she was currently.

Today was the day Ruby would be released from the hospital. She had a brand new, artificial hip that would eventually be even sturdier than the one it replaced. For now, Ruby was still very much in recovery and very much in need of help with…well…everything.

Weiss had spent the days Ruby was still laid up learning about all the ins and outs that awaited her in the coming weeks as far as taking care of Ruby's needs. She had eagerly agreed to be the caretaker, despite Yang's teasing and Blake's knowing looks, Weiss saw it as simply being the best partner she could be and Ruby seemed glad that it was her and not Yang or Taiyang or Qrow that had taken on the job.

Still, the nurse that helped teach Weiss about all the things she'd have to do was very detail oriented and there were a lot of details. Most of them Weiss expected – helping Ruby from room to room, from her bed to the living room (Ruby's bed was moved to the bottom floor because Weiss was not walking her up the stairs every night). The ones Weiss was not prepared for were things like helping her dress and bathe.

It wasn't as if Weiss hadn't seen every inch of Ruby before – they dated for years and in that time shared many nights together. Still, it was…awkward and scary and Weiss wasn't entirely sure how she'd react the first time it happened. Still, Ruby seemed comfortable enough with the arrangement and Weiss was determined to be the best partner she could be dammit!

Your breasts will not stop me from doing my job, Ruby Rose!

However, none of the preparation could prepare Weiss for this. It was, without question. Walking into the Patch Supermarket felt like walking into Salem's Underworld.

"Are we just going to stand in the doorway all day, Miss Schnee?"

Weiss glared at Violet beside her and crossed her arms. "Why does this place smell so terrible?" She asked as she watched Violet pull a shopping cart from the rack and push it towards her.

"Because they're constantly wiping the floors down with cheap soap. Plus, you mix together this many people and foods, it's bound to create some kind of an interesting odor."

"It's barbaric," she muttered as she began walking alongside Violet through the store.

"You didn't have to come."

"I did, I need to know how to do this. You'll be heading back for Atlas tomorrow and won't be here to do the shopping. I must learn."

Violet smirked before pulling out her scroll to check the list that had been made for them. Yang had put together the list, including a bunch of Ruby's favorite meals that she was going to teach Weiss to make over the course of the next few days.

"I could always stay a few more days." Weiss heard Violet say as she stared at two cans of condensed milk.

What in the world is condensed milk?

"I'm afraid not," Weiss said before putting the cans in the cart. "I need you back at headquarters to relay things to me and make sure things run smoothly. Besides, you're the only one competent enough with technology to properly put me into the video conferences while I'm here."

As they continued through the store, Weiss found herself standing alone in the cookie aisle. Yang hadn't put them on the list, but Weiss knew Ruby would appreciate some and she wanted to do something nice for her. The problem was, Weiss had far underestimated just how many different types of cookie there were.

The shelves were filled with cookies. They came in different shapes and sizes, flavors and colors. Even when she narrowed it down to chocolate chip there were variations on that. Some of them were thicker and chewy, some were thin and crispy. Even a brand shaped like rectangles that were called "dippers".

"I refuse to by anything referred to as a dipper," she grumbled to herself before reaching out for a brand in a shiny gold package with very little flash on the branding. If anything, they were the most expensive package of chocolate chip cookies in the aisle. "I bet they're the best ones," she again said – hoping nobody would hear her talking to herself.

Violet was off at the deli collecting meat and Weiss had no idea how long that took. Her father used to complain that his meats were always old by the time they were delivered – but he complained about everything.

"Of course that's the brand you'd pick," Weiss nearly screamed as the raspy voice invaded her ears. She jumped and turned, reaching for her rapier that wasn't there and glared as she saw Qrow smirking at her. "Relax, kid. I didn't mean to spook ya."

"You cannot sneak up on someone like that! I could have killed you!"

This made him laugh. It was the first time she could remember hearing him laugh this much. She hated it. "You're tough, but if your sister couldn't finish the job, I don't think you've got a shot."

Weiss sighed, her heart racing in her chest and decided not to test that theory today. Ruby would be upset if she dropped her Uncle in the middle of the grocery store. "Why are you stalking me?"

"Stalking? I'm here to help. You're not the only one who wants to see Ruby back on her feet." He then lifted up that flask he always carried around and twisted the top off. Weiss was strongly considering throwing the package of cookies at him. "Also she doesn't like that brand."

She looked down at her golden bag of cookies and then back up at him. "They're the most expensive ones."

"Expensive doesn't mean better, snowflake."

"Don't call me that," she spat.

He took a drink and put his flask away. "She likes the soft ones. Big brown box at the top. Comes with two packs of twenty-four. Your expensive ones only have eighteen and cost almost twice as much." He was so smug. As if his knowledge of Ruby's cookie preferences somehow gave him the high ground in this ridiculous situation.

Frustrated, Weiss tossed the expensive bag of cookies in his direction and let him catch them. She then turned to find the others and sure enough there was a brown box on the very top shelf.

Weiss picked it up and put it in the cart, not even bothering to check the price, she grabbed a second for good measure and tossed it in as well. "There, now she can have her soft cookies and you can leave me alone."

"Actually," Qrow walked over to the cart and pulled the milk out she'd chosen. "I'm gonna go replace this with real milk."

"Fat free is better for you!"

Qrow continued to walk away from her. "Unclench, Schnee – you'll have more fun."

Weiss was fuming as she watched him walk away. Sure, it would be nice to make sure Ruby had the right cookies and maybe she was a bit off on the fat free milk, but did he really have to be a part of this? Did he have to be here at all – she could take care of Ruby just fine on her—

"Ms. Schnee?" As another voice snuck up on her, Weiss couldn't contain her startled shout.

Shopping was a disaster but Weiss felt well enough having completed the task and checking everything off the list as she and Violet returned to Ruby's home. Qrow had followed them the rest of the way through the market, making smart ass remarks that drove Weiss crazy and made Violet chuckle. Weiss knew she was wound up and she knew that Qrow had Ruby's best interest at heart, but Weiss was merely trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle for Ruby. She wanted all of this to be perfect and that included the foods she brought into the house.

Still, Qrow managed to pack their cart full of junk and spend more of Ruby's money. Ruby had insisted that she pay for these things and Weiss wasn't going to deny her that. Still, she was certain that Ruby did not need a giant box filled with various flavored chips and a twelve pack of bright orange soda.

Thankfully, Qrow did not come back to Ruby's home with them. He had…something to do – Weiss hadn't listened nor cared, she was just glad to be rid of him.

As they pulled up to Ruby's home, Yang and Blake's car was still parked which meant that they were still rearranging. Weiss stepped out as it stopped, again hit with the sweltering heat and wiped the sweat from her brow. She was not used to having to wear so few layers. No jacket, no tights, even her boots were too hot. Instead it was a pair of something called "sandals" she'd borrowed from Ruby and the only sundress Blake had that would fit her.

Her clothes and a few other belongings would be sent this way soon enough, probably in the next two days – for now the only thing she had on that was her own was her underwear.

Just as she started for the door, she was met with Violet thrusting a handful of shopping bags in her direction.

"Do you…need me to get the door?"

Violet sighed. "These are for you," she held them out again.

Weiss eyed the bags like they might set her on fire. "Uhm…"

"Miss Schnee."

With a glare, Weiss took the bags and felt her arms constrict under the weight. "What in the—what's in here?"

Violet didn't answer, instead taking her own handful of bags and marching up the steps to the front door. She knocked with her foot and Weiss stood waiting and wondering why they didn't call ahead of time. The whole process of shopping seemed so inefficient and off the cuff – the entire time they were driving home Weiss couldn't help but feel like they'd forgotten multiple things.

When the door opened, Yang stood with a grin on her face as she eyed Weiss up and down. "Hey Weiss – you're sweating like a boarbatusk in the slaughterhouse."

"What a horrendous image," Weiss chided but couldn't even muster much anger in her voice. She stomped towards the door and quickly unloaded her bags onto Yang. "Here, you're half metal, you carry these."

Yang laughed. "Aww, did you two have fun at the store?"

Violet answered as she followed Yang inside. "It was…an adventure. We ran into your uncle."

"Oh boy," Blake chimed in and Weiss glanced over to see her making Ruby's bed that had been moved downstairs.

Yang was pulling items out of the bags and setting them up in the kitchen while Violet went out to bring in the last few bags. Weiss, exhausted from the trip, made to sit down on the couch but stopped herself when she realized what was missing.

"Where's Ruby?" She asked, trying not to sound too desperate and failing. After all, it had been almost two hours since she'd seen her and that was, apparently, too much to handle.

Blake pointed down the hall. "In the bathtub."

"So soon after surgery?" Violet asked as she came back inside.

"Yeah, with aura as strong as hers and the boosters she got from the doctors – the scarring has all but healed. There's no risk of infection. It's all the interior stuff that's healing now and that takes time. So she can soak in the bath, she just can't get out of it." Yang answered and finished putting away the groceries into various places around the kitchen. "I'm making noodles for dinner tonight, Weiss – you're gonna watch and learn, okay? They're one of Ruby's favorites."

Weiss sighed. "Very well," she then decided to wait before resting. "I um…has anyone checked on her in a while?" Weiss asked – again failing to sound casual.

"I was just about to," Yang said. "Do you want to?" She asked with a raise of her brow.

Weiss felt her face heat up. "I…well not if she's indecent. That wouldn't be right of me."

Yang shrugged. "The tub is filled with bubbles. Plus it's not like you haven't seen—"

"Stop!" Weiss cut her off with a raise of her hand. "Do not finish that sentence." Weiss needed to see Ruby – the only person she didn't currently want to throttle in this town. "I'll go check on her."

She was thankful for no teasing remarks as she moved down the hallway to the left of the stairs and made her to the bathroom door.

Taking a breath, she braced for the fact that Ruby was on the other side of the door with not a single strip of clothing on.

You're her caretaker, Weiss. It is a role you requested. If you cannot do this, then you are not fit for the job.

Summoning up her courage as she would a giant armored knight, Weiss steadied herself and knocked softly on the door.

She heard the sloshing of water and waited for a response. "Yang?"

"It's me," Weiss answered. "I—I was just going to check on you. See if you were ready to get out?"

There was a long pause and Weiss suddenly realized that Ruby was probably having the same kind of internal crisis that she was. It was awkward – they were once lovers and now it had come to this. Perhaps this was a mistake. Maybe it was too much for either of them to overcome.

Maybe –

"You can come in," Ruby said and Weiss took a deep breath.

Or maybe not.

Opening the door, she peeked inside and saw Ruby with bubbles all around her and an arm crossed over her chest for good measure. Her hair was still fairly dry, mostly because she couldn't slide under the water. She looked well enough though, she hadn't hurt herself – Weiss counted that as a victory.

"How is it?"

Ruby shrugged. "I never really liked baths, especially with all the bubbles and smells and stuff. Sitting still, even in water, was kinda boring."

Weiss furrowed her brow. "You never complained when we'd—" she stopped herself as her face burned hot and saw Ruby's grin widen. "Perhaps not the best topic of conversation." Weiss sighed.

"It's fine,"

"Is it?" Weiss was genuinely curious. "I—I wanted to be here and to help you through all this but perhaps our past relationship is too much for all of…" she gestured at Ruby. "This."

"Weiss," Ruby smiled that one smile that always took away Weiss' anxiety. She had a tendency to over think and lose herself in the fear of failure and disappointment and doubt. Ruby was always so good at making her feel better. This smile, that tone she spoke with – that was her haven. "It's a little strange, but…I trust you and I know you told me to stop thanking you, but I do appreciate what you're doing for me and I—I know your intentions are good."

Weiss lowered her head, unable to properly take any sort of praise. Something that, thankfully, Ruby had learned to accept years earlier.

Her intentions were good. She had no thoughts of taking advantage of this new position in Ruby's life. That didn't mean it was always going to be easy. She was still, and would probably forever be attracted to Ruby. The feelings, all of them, were still there – but Weiss knew she could overcome them. She had to because it wasn't about her right now. Perhaps, if she and Ruby continued to rebuild their friendship, she could take a leap if she felt like there might be somewhere to land.

It seemed impossible right now, but that would be okay if she could at least help Ruby rebuild her own life.

That started with this – making moments like this one comfortable and easy by simply doing her job.

"Would you like for me to wash your hair?" Weiss asked with a quirked brow and felt a wave of relief when Ruby nodded.

"There's more of it than when you last did this."

"So I've noticed." Weiss said as she rolled up the sleeves on her white, button down shirt and positioned herself behind the bathtub and sat down on a laundry hamper. Reaching to the sink, she grabbed a cup and placed it beside her before helping Ruby to sit up as best she could. "Does this hurt?"

Ruby shook her head. "It's fine – pain medication is still working pretty well. I haven't cut my hair in months. Not since my last trip to Beacon when Yang took up her new job."

"You know, I've heard Blake talk about that, but we both know how biased she is. What is Yang like as a teacher?"

"Honestly?"

"No, lie to me," Weiss returned quickly – hoping for a laugh that she was generously given.

"And you call me a pest."

"I learned it from you, dolt."

Ruby picked up a handful of bubbles. "You know, I have a lot of ammunition and you're wearing a white shirt. We could make this really awkward."

Weiss leaned back. "Ruby Rose, I will drown you."

"Pfft, and waste all that money on my new hip. Please, you never waste money."

Weiss dunked the cup in the water and started to pour it over Ruby's hair. "I do too, I bought Yang that stupid jet propelled flying baking sheet."

"The hover board was amazing, Weiss! She just didn't take care of it!"

Weiss rolled her eyes, remembering the sight of Yang flying that death trap right into a wall, nearly killing poor Blake and completely destroying it. "It was a pile of junk." She couldn't stop the smile that spread all the way down to the warmth in her chest as she continued to rinse Ruby's hair. "You didn't answer my question. How is your sister as a teacher?"

"Just like she was as a student. Fun, she goofs off too much and makes stupid jokes – but when there's work to be done – she does it and she's really good. Oobleck, Peach – they all rave about how good she is and how much her students adore her."

"Huh," Weiss started to pour shampoo into her palm and graciously run it through Ruby's hair. She'd missed this hair a lot – it used to be one of her favorite things in the world. She'd spend almost every morning running her fingers through Ruby's hair – just trying to forget about how broken their world was. To be here again, even as just friends, felt like home. "Well I'm happy for her. I was surprised when Blake told me she'd given up hunting." Ruby nodded but didn't respond and Weiss put two and two together. "I take it you were as well?"

Ruby's shoulders slumped a bit. "Yeah, I just…always imagined we'd all be huntresses, you know? Team RWBY, killing monsters until we were too old to get out of bed without walkers." She sighed. "Then Blake stopped and you…left and when Yang quit I just…wasn't really ready for that."

Guilt hit Weiss as she slowed her washing and tried to think of what to say. She really didn't have any good response – after all, she ran away when all of this started to go south after the war. The distance between here and Atlas was a great cover so she didn't have to see team RWBY completely fall apart.

"I'm sorry, Ruby." Weiss said. It was all she could.

Ruby, to her credit, nodded and shrugged. "It's old news now and we're all here for a few days until Yang and Blake go back to Vale. Then we'll be redoing all this wedding stuff in a few weeks when I'll be able to walk a little. Even if I can't dance." She sounded a bit more upbeat and Weiss was glad for that.

"You can, I taught you!" Weiss refocused on her task, which at this point was just playing with Ruby's hair.

"I don't think I remember the dance you taught me, Weiss. It's been years and none of the Grimm I've fought have felt like dancing with me."

Weiss rolled her eyes. "I'll re-teach you then. It'll be good balance practice. When you're ready." Though she nodded, Weiss heard Ruby sigh and didn't even need to ask to know why. "You will be ready before you know it, you know that right?"

"Yeah, it's just hard to tell when I can't even get myself in and out of the bathtub. I—I never wanted to be a burden."

"You're not a burden, Ruby."

"Just because my teammates are amazing doesn't make me feel like less of a burden. I—I appreciate that you're all so willing to help but it's hard. I feel like all I've ever been was something for the three of you – for everyone – to stress about."

It wasn't entirely untrue. Weiss knew how much she worried about Ruby all throughout the war and even before that. Yang was no different and even Blake had taken up a protective big sister role with their leader. Ruby was special and everyone who knew her, knew that. She was to be protected at all costs because they all cared about her and needed her.

Still, it wasn't as if Ruby was ever a burden – nor that she didn't take care of them.

"Do you remember when I broke my hand?"

Ruby stiffened at the mention and Weiss felt a bit appreciative that the memory still carried as much weight as it did. "Of course I do."

Suddenly it was turned around on her and Weiss wished she hadn't brought it up at all. Hearing the way Ruby spoke and the tremor in her voice, Weiss remembered how strong their relationship truly was. How much they loved each other then.

Still, she had a point to prove and she was going to prove it. "I remember being unable to use Myrtenaster for weeks after that. My hand was shattered and the bones were healing and I remember feeling pretty useless." Ruby shifted a bit uncomfortably beneath her and Weiss merely continued to wash her hair. "I also remember you taking so much time out of your busy schedule as a leader and a soldier to sit with me and help me train with my right hand so I could at least be useful in the sparring lessons."

"It wasn't that big of a deal."

"Ruby," Weiss felt like smacking the girl upside the head for being so bad at taking compliments. "You taught me how to write so I could do paperwork. You would literally let me poke you with a stick so I could work on my aim with my weapon. You sat with me during every physical therapy and recovery session I had for weeks while my hand healed and not one time did you complain."

Ruby shrugged. "Why would I complain? I…I loved spending time with you."

Nope, I'm going to move past that because we are not doing this right now.

"My point is that you were not a burden. You were…are our leader. You're our friend and you've taken care of us just as much as we take care of you." Again, Ruby was terrible at hearing things like this and Weiss saw the tightness in Ruby's back as she tensed up. The only thing Weiss heard was a very soft thank you that made her heart leap in her chest. She swallowed the lump in her throat – proud of the fact that she'd made Ruby at least feel like this wasn't something they were all dreading – and stood up. "I'll go get your sister to help you out."

Ruby glanced back at her, those big, beautiful eyes looking a bit confused. "You know, Yang and Blake leave in a few days and we'll have to do this eventually."

Weiss was using all of her energy to continue to stare at Ruby's eyes and nowhere near the fading bubbles in the tub. "Ruby…it's…been a while."

"Weiss, you're my friend and I know we have history but…I trust you and I don't want this to be awkward. You've seen my bits before – "

"Ruby, I'm begging you, don't call them bits."

This earned her a smile. "Fine, you've seen me…naked before and it's not like you're going to be ogling me or anything, right?"

"Of course not!" Weiss said haughtily, crossing her arms in disgust at the mere suggestion that she would ogle anyone.

I have far too much self control for that. She thought, trying to convince herself.

"See," Ruby again smiled and Weiss really wished she'd stop doing that. "So just…help me out of the tub?"

Weiss would never openly admit defeat, but Ruby was right. Soon enough it would just be the two of them and there'd be no other options for helping Ruby with these things. It was time to be the responsible caretaker she'd set out to be and push aside the fact that the woman she'd dreamt about for years was naked and wet.

Stop it, Weiss.

Kneeling down, she reached into the warm water and found purchase with a hand at Ruby's side. With the towel draped over her neck, Ruby wrapped an arm around her and together they rose up very slowly. Ruby was slippery and her balance was a bit off. Weiss felt her grip loosen a bit and repositioned her hand for better stability.

However, as she grabbed onto Ruby's side, the once firm part of Ruby's body was now pliant and soft.

"Uh…Weiss," Ruby laughed nervously. "You're kinda grabbing my boob."

Kneeling back down, Weiss sat Ruby back into the tub ad rose to her feet with a face so red it would match the color of Ruby's cloak. "I'll go get your sister." She raced out of the bathroom before Ruby could even protest.