It's been three days since his niece's first visit to him, and Qrow was getting better. At least in the physical sense. His aura was pretty much all restored and he had been told that they'd be releasing him in a couple of days. That was good news. He hated hospitals, and as if staying cooped up in bed wasn't enough Jimmy and the police visited him often to interview him. He told them nothing. Not only because he was stubborn and disliked Jimmy. He could work with the man and share information with him if needed, but this? This was a special case. His captivity and the events that happened both around and after it affected him and he found himself tongue-tied. Even if he wanted to say anything, he simply couldn't. He knew Jimmy was disappointed...These musings were interrupted by a nurse who came to inform him that Winter was going to visit him. His heartbeat picked up a bit. The young woman only came twice in the last couple of days, and only to pick up Ruby and Yang from their visits, never giving him time to talk to her.

He wanted to thank her for everything she has done and still was doing for his family, and apologise for his previous behaviour. And he secretly wanted to get to know her better. After everything he'd learned about her, she began to intrigue him. As if summoned by his thoughts she came in. She was dressed in her uniform and looked quite serious. He grimaced. Despite everything he still wasn't very fond of that persona.

"Good morning, Qrow" she greeted him just like she had the other day "I hope you're doing alright?"

"I'm fine," he said "they'll release me in a day or two"

He could have sworn he saw a shadow of joy and relief flash in her eyes.

"That's excellent news," she said "I came exactly in this matter. General and the police have of course informed you that you will be staying in Atlas until the trail is over?"

He sighed and nodded. Oh, he knew and he didn't like it in the slightest, but it seemed like he had no choice. He was a valuable witness. He had been with the circus the longest out of all other victims Atlas managed to save. As for criminals, they either weren't keen to talk or like Tyrian, were so unstable that there was a reason to doubt their credibility. And of course, Ozpin had told him to stay too.

"Good" continued Winter meanwhile "as I was saying. I came in that matter. You need a place to stay for that time, and I-well, we 've decided that it would be for the best if you stayed with me in my apartment"

That was unexpected. Qrow blinked a couple of times in astonishment. He had expected them to give him some robot bodyguards and put him up in a hotel room or a safe house.

"No robots to guard me?" he asked before he could stop himself. Winter's brow furrowed, but she kept her composure

"Vytal Tournament is coming up" she explained "and we'll be presenting our newest weapons which means General will be leaving, and since it's such a high profile event we will be sending some Atlesian Knights to aid Vale with security. Many robots are also employed to follow other specialists, and the rest is guarding the city and military property. We are technologically advanced but we're not overflowing with robots. Not to mention all the costs..."

Well, that made sense, he guessed, but there was another question.

"You're not going with Jimmy to help with the Festival?" he asked. She shook her head

"No," she said "as one of the people closest to the General I have to stay in Atlas. I have a lot of work to do. Besides, I'm not big on such events. I can easily watch the fights from my own house while doing paperwork" she paused "and well, since it has been my mission to rescue you, I-we, thought it would make sense to expand that mission a bit, and see the matter to an end"

Qrow had to agree it sounded reasonable, though there still was some doubt in his mind. He could tell Winter wasn't telling him the whole truth, but he decided to let it slip for the time being.

"I see," he said "well...thank, you, I guess"

"You're welcomed" replied Winter "give me a call when they release you and I'll pick you up. Your things will be delivered straight to my apartment from Patch"

He only gave her a nod

"Is that everything?" he asked. Winter's composure wavered a bit, but not in annoyance as it would have in the past, but in something akin to embarrassment or confusion.

"Yes," she said "I just came to inform you about it. We'll see each other in a few days. Goodbye" she added, turning around.

"Goodbye," he said, and like that she was gone leaving him all alone to his thoughts, and he had, even more, to think about, than before. He was going to spend his time in Atlas with Winter. If anyone had told him that during his time as Ozpin's agent he would have groaned, and said he needed a drink, but all of that has changed. Right now he didn't mind as much, at least not for the same reasons he would have in the past. Back then he disliked her, but now he felt embarrassed and unsure. He didn't want to impose on her, she has done so much for him and his family that he didn't even know where to start with paying her back. Not to mention he also had to make up for his previous behaviour. And, he didn't think he'd be a very good flatmate. He was a bad luck charm and a very broken man. In the past he might have been able to make up for the first by being good company, but now? He doubted he could offer anything of value.

'But I'd have to try' he told himself 'and hey, I might get to know her better'

Winter walked briskly down the hospital corridor. She didn't plan to leave Qrow in such a hurry but she already started slipping. She almost told him it was her idea to let him stay with her. The rest was true, though again not entirely. It was true that she had asked for him to stay with her because it was her mission, but the reason wasn't cold as pragmatic, as she would have liked to pretend. It was far more personal. She wanted Qrow to stay with her because she simply got emotionally involved in the case and with his family. She knew Ruby and Yang trusted her and would worry less if Qrow stayed with her. It would be easier for them to visit him too. And, well...she wanted to guard him, and she wanted to get to know him on a more personal level.

In the past, she had hated him, believed him to be a rough and uncouth drunk, but ever since she got thrown in with his family she learned more about him and that changed her opinion. He was a good man, flawed but kind, and protective. She respected him, especially after she'd learned that despite being born into a tribe of bandits he had left them the first chance he got to become a protector instead of a killer. That was impressive. The tribe was all he had ever known, and yet he changed sides. It had been in that moment that she realised they might have something in common. Because hasn't she done the same when she joined the military? Wasn't that an escape from toxic, controlling environment that told her not to care about anything but the good name of her family, no matter who got hurt in the process? It was a similarity she couldn't brush away. It was far too personal and was one of the reasons-besides her love for Qrow's little family- that she was so determined to find him.

She let out a sigh, she only wished she'd found him earlier. When Tai was still alive when the girls weren't so broken! And she would have if Raven Branwen helped them out and just created the darn portal. But of course Ms Taught and Strong had to refuse because of some bullshit reasons. Winter got the dislike for the Schnee family, she really did she also got the dislike for her position. Raven was a bandit, of course, she'd hate the authorities that stood for law and order and defended people from the likes of her. But here was the thing. This was about Qrow, her TWIN BROTHER, the single closest person to her. Winter knew about Raven's semblance it's been on record and Tai told her how it worked as well. If Raven had a portal for Qrow it meant she had to care about him on some level. And yet, she refused. Winter shivered at the memory.

My brother made his choice by siding with Ozpin and his little circle. He got himself into this mess, and I'm not getting him out of it. the cruel words echoed in her mind. She shook her head. She didn't want to dwell on it. It had no point, and she was a pragmatic woman. She should focus on her job, and on putting Qrow's things in her flat, and she should probably buy some food too. She was used to eating in the military canteen or out. She wasn't the best of cooks, she could only make the simplest of dishes and thus kept only most basic ingredients. Now, however, she was about to have a flatmate, someone who would most defiantly want something more than a salad or a sandwich, and they really couldn't eat ONLY take-away ALL the time. She reached out for her scroll and added grocery shopping to her schedule.

Two days have passed and Qrow has finally been released from the hospital. He had many feelings about this. First of all, he was relieved to finally be out of the bed, with no monitors beeping, no smells, no needles and no doctors prodding him. But at the same time, he felt incredibly nervous. It was his first real day of freedom, after all, real freedom. He was going out to the city of Atlas on his own two legs. There was no cage waiting for him, no chains and no abuse. It almost felt surreal, and he didn't know how he would be able to cope. it's been such a long time, after all. And there was also the fact of the trail and having to stand there, in front of all those people and recall everything that happened to him, AND moving in with Winter for that time.

While he could put the last one away for a while, since the trail wasn't happening for a bit, Winter was coming for him today. He still felt awkward about it and didn't know how to approach it. What would they be talking about? How should he act around her? He knew he should apologise and thank her, but how? When should he say it, so it would sound natural and genuine? Should he start with it as soon as they meet? In the car? When they got to her flat? During dinner?

"Qrow, are you alright?" Winter's voice broke his chain of thoughts, causing him to look up. She was standing right before him, in her uniform. Again. He felt a pang of regret. While she did look good in it, he found out he much preferred her in casual clothing, but he pushed that thought away. He also realised she was waiting for his answer. And that she was watching him with concern in her eyes. That caused his cheeks to flare up a bit, and his embarrassment to strengthen.

"Yeah" he answered at long last, summoning all of his old confident persona he could "just got lost in my thoughts a bit"

Winter nodded seemingly satisfied with the answer.

"Of course," she said "I guess it's understandable after everything that's happened. Anyway, your things are already at my place" she informed him "and we'll be going there right away. Follow me"

He did and soon enough they were in her car. It was a nice one, even he had to admit that. With white leather seats, and it smelled nice. Of perfume and something else, he couldn't quite put his hand on. Winter was a very good driver and the ride to her house was smooth and quick, which made it much less awkward than he'd initially expected. They got out, and he looked around. Winter lived in a better part of the city, but not in the suburbs. The houses were modern, cubic and clean, with glass balconies. It was elegant but also very cold. He felt out of place for more than one reason. Winter opened the gate with her electronic card and they walked up the stairs, where she used it again. It seemed like Atlas really took it's security measures seriously in every aspect.

"This is my home," said Winter as she switched the lights on in the small hallway "you can leave your jacket here," she said, opening a built-in wardrobe "and please take off your shoes. I'll give you some slippers"

He rolled his eyes a bit, but nodded, following her instructions as she took off her military coat and passed him a pair of rather comfortable looking shoes.

"Here is the living room, and kitchen," she said as they passed into another area. It was a rather spacious room, with living space on the left and compact kitchen on the right. The floor was mostly made of white tiles, except under the glass coffee table, which stood on a white rug, and the walls were light grey. The furnishings were pretty simple, aside from the glass coffee table there was a white love-seat, a round armchair with a narrow book stand by its side, a TV screen on the wall and a DVD stand underneath. Winter made her way towards the kitchen.

"The fridge is full," she said "the clutter is here," she said opening a small drawer near the sink "the bin is under the sink. The plates and bowls are here" she opened the top cupboard "and the mugs and glasses are right next to them, with all the teas and coffee. The spices are in the top drawer on the left, and all the robots like mixers and blenders are on the bottom shelf next to the oven. You are free to use them if you need them"

"Thanks," he said, and Winter nodded moving on.

"Bathroom," she said opening the door on the right side of the small corridor they've entered. It was rather small in size, but the large white tiles and bright lights made it seem bigger. On the left, there was a bath, and on the right, there was a white cupboard, with a small washing machine attached to it. The towels hung on the heater right above it. Aside from that, there was a laundry bin, and a sink with a large mirror. "the toilet is right next to it" explained Winter, closing the bathroom and pointing at the door on the left.

He gave her a nod, and they moved to the door on the opposite side of the hallway, letting him in as she switched the lights on. His room was simple, with grey walls and wooden floor. There was a bed in the right corner, with a nightstand, a chair and wardrobe. On the wall opposite of the door, there was a window, which he was glad for. Even before he'd been held captive he hated windowless, small spaces.

"My bedroom is at the end of the corridor" continued Winter "if you want or need anything, don't hesitate to knock"

"Thanks" he repeated "you're very kind, Winter"

A small smile appeared on her face, and she nodded

"Anyway," she said "I'll leave you to it. I'm sure you want to freshen up and rest"

With that she turned around and closed the door behind her, leaving him alone. Qrow stood there for a moment, before sitting down on the bed. It was alright, neither too soft nor too hard. And the sheets were warm too. He walked up to the window. It was looking out onto the wall of the house opposite to it. Good. He won't have people potentially looking in, or street lights shining right at him. It will be quiet and peaceful, which was exactly what he needed.

He sighed and looked at the time on the new scroll, that Winter brought him from Oz. It was only eight pm, but he felt tired. It would be a good idea to take Winter's advice. Get cleaned up and go to sleep. Well, he probably should eat something too. He only had a sandwich at the hospital cafeteria today.

At first, he thought that now that he was free he'll just eat, but after few days at the hospital, he found it was difficult. There seemed to be this block in his mind, a little voice telling him that he doesn't deserve it, that he should somehow earn the meal because otherwise he was cheating all those hard working people, or he simply forgot until one of the nurses reminded him. But maybe now it will be different, he would be able to make his own food, in a regular kitchen at home. It will be like in the old days with his nieces. He felt a sharp stab of pain at the thought, as once again he was hit with the realisation that Tai was gone. It was still hard to believe, especially in another kingdom. Being so far from Patch it was all too easy to think that he was still there, at home tending to the flowers in his garden, or cleaning his weapons.

Qrow shook his head, blinking away tears. Despite what Winter had told him he still felt guilty, for not being there to prevent it or being there for his nieces. After his sister had left and later when Summer died, he'd promised himself he won't run, that he will put all his fears aside and be there for his family, that he won't lose another teammate, that he won't leave Yang like her mother had done. He had broken this promise. His teammate was dead, and his nieces had to fend for themselves for almost a year! Yang even though she had to take a job in a shady nightclub! And it was all his fault. If only he hadn't been so careless! He had gone to that meeting with Leo, without Harbinger, like an idiot! So when his enemies appeared, and Leo showed his true colours, by revealing he had been working with the damn people trafficking gang, Qrow had been left with only his fists to defend himself. Which could have worked if there were only one or two people, but with Leo, Mercury and Hazel all together? There was no way he could have won. Especially since Hazel was huge, twice Qrow's size at least. The man's base strength was immense all on its own, but with the additional help of dust infused into his body, it upped this strength to crazy levels! The fight had been painfully short and the next thing Qrow knew, he was up chained up in the cage, with Cinder explaining about the aura controlling chip in his writs. Qrow shivered at the memory, and quickly pushed it to the back of his mind. He did not want to think about it! It was over and he was free. Cinder and her cronies were under lock and key and they weren't getting out.

He ran his hand down his face. He should really take that shower. He went to the wardrobe and picked up the sponge bag, and a combo of red shorts and black t-shirt and headed for the shower. It indeed helped with relaxing his muscles and reminded him once more that he was safe, and everything was going to be alright. As he returned to his room, his eyes fell on Winter's door. He wondered if he should wish her goodnight. Was she accustomed to that? Did Schnees do that? Did Military? Well, he owed her some sort of acknowledgement and gratitude, and if they were to live together and get along, he had to start somewhere, right? He took a deep breath and changed his course. He knocked on the white wood twice.

"Come on in," said Winter. He pushed the door opened. Her room was spacious and surprisingly cosy, it had white walls and a light cream carpet. In the middle of the room stood a queen size upholstered bed, with a large beautiful painting of the Atlesian Academy above it. Everything was bathed in a soft, warm light. Winter was sitting by a white desk, working on her computer. She was dressed in a steel coloured pyjamas, consisting of long pants and t-shirt. Her hair was out of the restrictive bun and tossed across her shoulder. She looked absolutely beautiful and so relaxed and domestic! When she heard him come in she lifted her eyes at him.

"Oh, Qrow," she said, spinning in her chair to face him "do you need something?"

He felt his cheeks heat up, and he massaged the back of his neck.

"N-no," he said "I just wanted to wish you goodnight before I headed to bed. And well" he paused, trying to gather his thoughts and form a coherent sentence "I wanted to apologise to you and thank you for everything. All these years ago...I've made a mistake. When I first saw you, I took you for a stuck-up rich girl who got her job because of daddy. I let my prejudice against Atlesian politics and military blind me, and I've judged you before I even knew you. We'd met in professional circumstances, with your boss and thousands of other people there. I made up my mind based on your public image, and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry."

Winter nodded, in acknowledgement of his apology.

"Which sorta brings me to the second part," he said "Ruby and Yang have told me everything...how you never gave up and kept looking for me. About all you've done for them after Tai..." he paused and swallowed the gulp that formed in his throat "you've been there for them when their family couldn't or wouldn't be. You've talked Yang out of hanging out with criminals and then used your influence and connections to let her and Ruby stay together, and set them up with trustworthy people, in one of the safest places on Remnant. It's exactly what people in positions of power should do, use it to aid those in need. You've behaved not only like a true huntress but a true friend too. You could have just made sure they've been put in the same foster home, but you chose a place you knew would put their father at peace. And you provided for them and trained them" he took a deep breath "and then you kept looking for me and you saved my life, even when it put you at risk. And you gave me your broach. If you've done only that I would've been grateful forever but helping out my family" tears appeared in his eyes, and he found it difficult to speak "it's just...so much, and I don't know how to thank you"

He paused for breath, sniffling and whipping his eyes with his sleeves.

"So," he said, after a while when he finally regained his composure "if there is anything you want or need, anything you just need to ask and I'm your man"

"Thank you" replied Winter "but there is really no reason for it. I didn't do any of it to score favours or paybacks"

"I know," he said quickly "but I insist. I'm here for you, Winter"

Winter smiled and nodded

"I'll keep that in mind, then," she said.

Her words were followed by a moment of slightly awkward silence before Qrow spoke again.

"Well," he said, glancing at the clock, "I think I'll be off then. It's kinda late, and I'm sure you have to up early for Jimmy" he turned around, but stopped by the door "Goodnight, Winter" he said softly.

"Goodnight, Qrow" she repeated. He sent her a small smile, one that he used a lot back in the days when his nieces were little and closed the door behind him.