*Taiyang

Monday

Pop

I pour two glasses of wine and grab a can of dog food and a can opener from the pantry and sit it on the floor. I wet my hands and run them through my hair, trying to look presentable. I pick up the glasses of wine and head to the living room, where Ms. Yenkin is waiting for me. She is the tailor who agreed to make some last-minute adjustments to Jada and Jaden's clothes. I hand her a glass of wine and turn on some music. I walk back to the couch, swaying to the rhythm. Ms. Yenkin blushes like a teenager on her first date. She is adorable.

Beep Beep Beep

My scroll interrupts our moment. I apologize and check the caller ID. PJ, it's my kids. I hold up a finger to Ms. Yenkin and answer the call. On the screen, I see two teens in an alley."How's my little prince and princess doing?"

"Right..right. what were you guys doing for her mom to come up?" I question "alright don't tell me. My Little dragon has a temper and her mom is a sore subject…I'm sure you guys can make it up after a good fight…yea" looking back to my guest I whisper one minute before walking into the kitchen.

"Princess I agree communication is important. Yes Jadan is right fighting is a type of communication.

…

An hour later I walk out of the kitchen and find my living room empty. The only sign of Ms. Yenkin's presence is a card under an empty wine glass with a lipstick kiss on it.

*Taiyang

Tuesday

Pulling the coq au vin out of the oven, I look at my family's secret recipe passed down for generations. Sautéed onions and garlic in bacon grease, chicken cooked in wine, while slowly adding vegetables. Then, to top it off, mushrooms sautéed in butter are added at the end. As the rich aroma of wine and herbs hits me, I can't help but grin with pride and anticipation.

I set the pot on the table and light the candles. I serve first, then myself. "You cooked, I could have at least served the dishes," she says with a seductive smile. "No, I insist. You work hard delivering mail all day. Now, this dish, coq au vin, has been a family recipe for generations," I say with a devilish smile. She takes a bite and her face lights up.I smile and pour us some wine.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Enjoying the food?" I ask with a smirk. She blushes and wipes her mouth. "I had no idea you were such a good chef. I guess you're more than just a handsome face," she says, eyeing me. I flick my hair dramatically. "I'm good at everything I do," I joke. "I'd love to see what else you're good at lat-"

Beep Beep Beep

"Hold that thought," I say as I take out my scroll. Ozpin...he can wait till tomorrow. I put the phone down on the table and lean forward. "Sorry about that, it was nothing impor-"

Beep Beep Beep

I reach to mute my scroll and see that it's my baby Ruby calling now. "Sorry, one minute," I say, answering the phone and walking into the living room. "Ozpin, why do...She did what? Put her on right now." I pace back and forth as I listen to my little one explain herself. I stop as I see a picture of Summer on the entertainment stand. I walk over to it while Ruby talks and pick up the picture, staring at her. Ozpin takes back the phone and tells me the situation.

The room feels smaller as I feel a tug on my pants. Zwei leads me to the couch and I realize Ozpin is waiting for my response. "Ruby is just like her mom, Summer. She can't help but save the day," I say with a forced cheer, noticing the echo from being on speaker. "Ruby, you're a genius and you'll be a great huntress. They're lucky to have you."

I hang up the scroll and look at Summer, then place the picture back down. I rub Zwei on the head and go back to the table, only to find gone."pspsps" I turn around and see her sitting on the stairs, with her dress off her shoulders, barely held up by her crossed arms. "You thought I would eat and dash?" she says with a smile. Zwei bumps the back of my leg and I fake a smile. "Wouldn't even dream of it," I say smoothly.

…

*Taiyang

Wednesday

I slam into the Beowulf and tackle it to the ground. I quickly disable its limbs with crushing blows and then pop its skull before rolling onto my feet. I still have too much energy, so I start a second lap around the village, looking for something to hit.

"That last one looked personal," Qrow says from behind me.

"How long have you been following me?" I snap, turning around.

Qrow raises his hands and backs away. "Look, I saw you running ten minutes ago and followed to see if you were going to put a bun in the baker's wife's oven," he says with a grin.

"I wouldn't do that," I say exasperatedly.

"Well, how about we hit the bar and get some drinks?" he says, laughing. I feel the tension leave my body and shrug.

"Alright, but let me make a call first."

"Yang wouldn't want you cramping her style and Ruby would start thinking you need to check on her," he says, eyeing me skeptically.

"I have other people I call that aren't you and my children," I say with a hint of hurt.

"I know you don't call back those women who throw themselves at you, so who are you calling?" he says, walking to the bar.

"My adopted children," I say with a grin, following him as he laughs.