Taiyang sat down heavily on the fallen log and stared off through the woods in the direction of the house. A flutter of wings from behind him announced the arrival of the person he had come here to meet.

"I know that's you, Qrow," he called back over his shoulder. The fluttering of wings turned into the crunch of snow beneath heavy boots as Qrow took on his human form and walked forwards, swinging his legs over the fallen log and taking a seat beside Taiyang, propping Ozpin's cane up against the log as he did so.

"Hey, Tai," he said, pulling out his flask and taking a swig. He offered it to Taiyang, who shook his head. Qrow shrugged and stowed his flask in the pocket of his coast.

"How's Ruby?" Taiyang asked. Qrow smiled.

"She's fine. She and her friends are trying to find a boat to Haven. They were all in one piece last I checked, don't worry. They can take care of themselves."

Taiyang visibly relaxed, though he still wore a pained expression on his face.

"That's...that's good. I wish she wasn't in harm's way, though."

Qrow nodded.

"So do I. But you know we couldn't keep her at home for long."

Taiyang smiled sadly.

"She's too much like her mother."

"Yeah, she is," Qrow said, staring off into the distance.

He blinked and glanced over at Taiyang.

"And how's Yang?"

Taiyang smiled.

"She's...a whole lot better. She's back on her feet, at least."

"She's strong. I knew she'd make it."

Taiyang's only response was a grunt of agreement. Qrow pulled out his flask and took another swig.

"And the other girl?"

Taiyang frowned.

"She's, uh...she's staying with us now."

Qrow smirked and tucked his flask away.

"So I noticed. Didn't want to leave her out in the cold?"

Taiyang glared at Qrow.

"I don't think she's a threat. And Yang trusts her."

Qrow smiled and punched Taiyang's shoulder playfully.

"Yang's got a good heart, like her dad."

Taiyang's expression softened, and he let out a good-natured chuckle.

"She does have a good heart."

His expression quickly sobered.

"I still don't like this idea of yours."

Qrow sighed and put his hand on top of Ozpin's cane.

"Tai, you know that once Yang's on her feet she's going after her friends and her sister. We can't stop her."

Taiyang sighed heavily.

"I...I guess," he said hesitantly. He rubbed at the back of his neck.

"I just...feel so helpless to protect them. I wasn't there for the battle, and Yang lost her arm, Qrow. I can't protect my own kids, Qrow…"

He let out a long, shuddering breath, and when he spoke again his voice was hoarse with emotion.

"I've never been there for them Qrow-"

"Hey," Qrow cut in sternly, "You did your best. You really did, Taiyang."

Taiyang swallowed and looked up at Qrow.

"I just don't know what I'm supposed to do," he said, looking at his former teammate, "This wasn't supposed to happen, Qrow."

"I know, Tai. None of this was. But they chose the life of a Hunter."

"They didn't know what they were getting into!" Tai said angrily.

"Neither did we," Qrow said with a touch of bitterness.

Taiyang composed himself and sat up straight.

"What am I supposed to do, Qrow? I can't just sit here and let Yang leave!"

"All you can make sure she's ready. It's better if she doesn't go it alone. She'll be a lot safer if she's with someone skilled, who knows what the enemy's been planning."

For a moment, Taiyang stared at Qrow curiously.

"You really do sound more like Ozpin," he said, shaking his head.

"Is that a good thing?" Qrow asked, raising an eyebrow. Taiyang gave him a crooked grin.

"Too soon to tell."

Qrow chuckled and reached for his flask, then paused.

"I really do wish it didn't have to be like this."

Taiyang nodded glumly.

"But I'm right, aren't I?" Qrow asked. Taiyang sighed and shook his head.

"Yeah. You're right. Yang's going to leave and I can't stop her," he said, voice heavy with defeat.

Qrow frowned, then stared at the ground, deep in thought..

"How is the girl?" he asked after a moment.

Taiyang bit his lip thoughtfully.

"I think she really has turned over a new leaf. Yang's a good influence on her."

"Well, I didn't think you'd let her stay at the house unless you thought otherwise. She still wearing her disguise?"

Taiyang chuckled.

"Yeah. Fooled me at first, until you tipped me off."

"Aren't you glad I talked you into letting her stay?"

Taiyang was silent for a moment.

"I guess so. For Yang's health, if nothing else."

"What do you think of her?"

Taiyang shrugged his shoulders again.

"She's polite. Shy. She lets her guard down around Yang, though. I think they're growing close."

Qrow cleared his throat.

"You know, Tai, if you really want to help, I know a few missions that I wouldn't trust the kids with. But maybe a skilled Hunter..."

Taiyang raised his head.

"Yeah? Would I be going alone?"

Qrow shook his head.

"Nah, I'd be going with you."

Taiyang smiled.

"Like old times?"

Qrow grinned.

"Sure."

Taiyang pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"And I'd be helping the girls?"

Qrow nodded firmly.

"They'll need someone watching their backs behind the scenes."

Taiyang nodded firmly.

"Alright. I think I can do that."

The two sat in silence again, absorbed with their thoughts. Finally, Taiyang spoke.

"I just want my girls to be safe, Qrow."

Qrow put a comforting hand on Taiyang's shoulder.

"So do I."