Author's Note: I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After a week and a half of visiting the Takahashi Clan main estate for three days and two nights. And avoiding getting stabbed in his sleep again.

Anthony was now at Costco Wholesale in Woodmore town center Glenarden, MD with Ruby, Yang, Raven, Summer, Nora, Jaune, Ren, Sun, Neptune, Penny, Pyrrha, Emerald, Mercury, and Neo.

The fourteen had never been in a wholesale warehouse before as their jaw dropped at sheer size.

Penny had stars in her eyes, "This is amazing! So much food, so many things. It's so wonderful!"

"It is, isn't it?" Anthony said.

"Can we buy some snacks?!" Ruby asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Now Ruby," Summer started.

"Please?" Yang said.

"Yeah, please?" Nora added, looking at Anthony with pleading eyes.

"Fine. But only one bag each." Anthony said as he passes the electronics area.

And pulling Emerald away, "No Emmy. They're shoplift proof."

"What the fuck do you mean by that?" Emerald asked.

"That means it has sensors attached to them so if someone tries to walk out with something, alarms will sound."

"Oh, come on." Emerald groaned, as they continued their shopping.

"How can you afford all of this stuff?" Mercury asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's classified information," Anthony answered with a smile. "Plus, I'm your landlord that alouds you guys to live at my place rent-free."

"Fair enough." Mercury said as he looked at the clothes aisle.

"Hey, you think I can try those on?"

"Go for it." Anthony said, "Just no funny business. And I'll have my eyes on you."

Mercury smirked, "Don't worry. I won't do anything...yet."

"You're a pervert, Merc." Emerald groaned.

"Thanks."

"I didn't say that was a good thing."

"You didn't have to."

"Emerald watch him." Anthony said to Emerald who nodded, keeping an eye on Mercury.

Anthony then walked up to the freezer and saw a huge pack of frozen meat, "This will be perfect for a barbecue." He said as he opened the door and picked up the frozen twenty-five pounds pack of meat.

"Good thing we didn't bring Blake along. With the fish and all that." Yang said as she sat comfortably in the shopping cart.

"May I ask why you're in the cart again, Yang?" Raven as she pushed said cart with blonde girl sitting in it.

"Because I'm bored." Yang simply answered.

"You could help out."

"Nope."

"Fine." Raven sighed.

"Hey look, there's a bouncy house in a box!" Jaune said as he and Pyrrha saw it.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Jaune." Pyrrha said.

"Relax. It'll be fine."

"Well, okay."

As Pyrrha watched, Jaune took out the box and tried to read them.

"As Anthony said as we entered here. 'You break it. You buy it.'" Ren said as Jaune slowly put the box back.

"Let's see what else they have here." Ren said.

"Look at the cookies and snacks, Ren!" Nora shouted pointing at the area where Ruby and Summer were. Mainly the cookies.

"That's nice, Nora."

"Which one..." Ruby muttered as she and Summer were looking at all the cookies but were three to four days close to their expiration date.

Summer was holding up two sets of cookie boxes. "Which one do you want, sweetie?"

Ruby looked between the two boxes. One was a package of chocolate chip cookies, the other a package of peanut butter cookies. She had to make a tough choice. Both were good for five days and had the best expiration dates. But which one to choose?

"Come on, Ruby, just pick one." Summer said, "We're not going to be here all day."

Ruby nodded, "Okay. I'll pick the... peanut butter cookies."

Summer smiled, "Okay, great!"

The mother and daughter duo went to put cookies in the cart/on top of Yang. Ruby was so excited to try the cookies.

"We got the chips!" Sun announced as he and Neptune brought chips from regular, to BBQ, to sour cream and onion, and even Doritos.

"Great." Anthony said as he took them out and put them into a cart.

"Now, what's next?" Yang asked as she looks around. Then a whole watermelon lands right on her boobs, "Ow! That hurt!"

Neo silently chuckled at what she did.

"Why the hell are you putting a whole watermelon in the cart?" Yang asked the mute petite girl.

Neo only shrugged.

"I don't know how you're carrying a whole watermelon. Especially with your size." Yang commented.

Neo responded with a sign language "Fuck you."

To her surprise, Yang responded back in sign language. "Fuck you too."

Neo was impressed and signed back. "Okay. You can talk with sign language. I guess Oz or Ant taught you, huh." Neo smiles, happy that someone can understand her sign language.

"Hey Rae, can you get the toilet paper while I get the veggies? If they have anything too soft and light. I need to use a whole roll." Anthony said as Raven, and he split up.

"Okay." Raven said, then noticed a huge package of ten rolls of toilet paper, "How about this?"

"Perfect." Anthony said as Raven grabs three packs and puts it in a cart.

As everyone gathered what they needed. Anthony looked around, "Okay. Everyone's here, and we're not missing anything."

"What about cereal and ramen noodles?" Penny said.

"...Fuck." Anthony said as he heads to the aisles with Penny.

"You forgot about the cereal and noodles, didn't you?" Emerald asked, a little miffed.

"Maybe." Anthony deadpanned.

As they got the cereal, and noodles, Ruby made sure to grab the large pickle jar and Nora grabs the buttermilk pancake mix.

As went their way to the cashier, an employee was giving out free samples of meatballs, and the group couldn't help but go for it.

"Mmmm. Meatball." Yang said.

"They taste pretty good." Summer said.

"I love it." Penny said.

"This is the best meatball I've ever tasted." Mercury said.

Anthony chuckled remembering a certain Italian sailor that took him to visit his mother's house. And she made the best meatballs he's ever tasted.

"I agree." Anthony said.

After their small meal. Anthony paid for the groceries. They got ice cream, left, and returned home.

"So how much did we spend?" Yang asked still eating her ice-cream.

"'We'? I was the one paying for the shit." Anthony said with a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry. So how much did YOU spend?" Yang said.

"Around $723." Anthony replied.

"WHAT?!" The group shouted in shock.

"How the hell are you able to afford this?! I thought you were just an average person!" Mercury shouted.

"1) You guys lived here long enough to know I'm not an average person. 2) I bought all this for both myself and you guys." Anthony spoke looking at the group, who nodded in agreement.

Kali came up to the group first, "Your back! How was the trip? Did you-"

"Fish. Salmon. Premium." Summer deadpans as Kali took it and headed to the kitchen skipping in glee.

"Well anyway, I'm gonna go and take a nap for thirty minutes then play video games." Anthony said as he retreats to his mancave.

Summer and Raven notice that Willow reading dating tips for 40+ women on Anthony's personal laptop.

The two women glances at each other before going to the widowed Schnee.

Raven was the first to respond, "So... Willow. You seem rather engrossed with what you're reading. Anything you'd like to tell us?"

Willow looks up, "Huh? Oh. No. I was just curious about dating."

"Trying to ask Anthony out?" Summer said to her with a grin.

"What?! No. Of course not. I'm just trying to see how things are in the modern day. I haven't dated since...I married Jacques..."

"Really? Cause it seems you're trying to find the best ways to date Anthony. And not someone else."

"What? No. I just...want to keep my options open."

"So, you're going to try and date Anthony."

"I never said that."

"You implied it." Raven said with a cheeky smirk.

"I-I did not!"

"Sure."

"I did not!"

"Then what is this?"

Willow tried to grab the laptop, but the two mothers moved it away from her.

"Give it back."

"Not until you tell us the truth."

"Fine. I am attracted to Anthony and want advice from the internet."

"Knew it." Raven said.

"I just...don't know how to tell him." She looks at the two, "How did you two won Taiyang?"

Both opened their mouths, thought about it, then closed it. Willow looked towards Salem for advice, and she shook her head, "My love life led to us being here in the first place. Ask your daughters."

Salem pointed at Winter and Weiss. Both eating a grilled cheese sandwich.

"I'm not talking to a child."

"Hey!" Both Schnees said.

"They don't understand." Willow said.

"You're right. They don't understand. And you don't understand that Anthony is different from Jacques or any other man you have met and be infatuated with." Salem spoke.

"I-I didn't say-"

"You didn't have to, Schnee." The former Grimm Queen continued, "He is not like Jacques. Not like a CEO of a company. Not a businessman. Not a politician. Not a rich, stuck-up, egotistical man. He is more than that. More than a friend. More than a landlord. He is a man who has experienced many things. A man who has seen the dark side of humanity and has come out stronger than ever. A man who cares for others and not just his own gain. A man who will stand by you and your daughters. A man who will fight for what's right and what is wrong. A man who will protect those who cannot defend themselves. A man who is willing to die for what he believes in. A man who would sacrifice his own life for his friends and family. A man who is willing to give the shirt off his back for others. A man who is willing to change the world for the better. That man is Anthony."

Salem's words rang out through the room and into Willow's mind. She knew the former Grimm Queen was right. Anthony was a man unlike any other she had met before. He was different. Better. A man she could trust and rely on. A man who would protect and defend her. A man to whom she was truly attracted.

"You're right." Willow said.

Salem had her hands on her hips with a smirk. "Of course, I'm right."

"Not all the time!" Ozpin shouted as he, Qrow, Ironwood, and Roman were playing cards. Until Salem threw a baseball at Ozpin's head, "OW!"

"But seriously, if you want to know how to catch him, ask a woman around his age." Summer said, "Someone like Cinder or maybe Harriet."

"Yes, that's a good idea." Willow said as she took a glass of Pepsi.

"Don't worry, Ms. Schnee. I'm sure Anthony will make you happy." Ironwood said while he played and smiled at Qrow, Roman, and Ozpin as he put down his cards, "I won."

"Dammit, Jimbo!" Qrow and Ozpin cursed.

"Nope. I won." Roman smugly said as he put down his cards, "Royal flush, gentlemen."

"Dammit, Torchwick!" The two cursed again.

Ironwood was surprised, "How the hell did you win?!"

Roman only smirked, "I guess it's just my lucky day." Cards came out his sleeve, "You didn't see anything."

"That's cheating!" Qrow and Ironwood yelled.

"All's fair in love and war." Roman replied.

"'love and war' my ass!"

"Whatever."

"What happened?" Cinder asked as she entered the room with Harriet not far behind.

"Right on cue that's what happened." Raven said and points to Willow, "You two are around the same age as Anthony, right? Right. Got any dating tips for her?"

"Dating tips? I was single since my first year in Atlas Academy." Harriet said.

"I'm the one who needs dating tips as well. Most I get attracted to either leave or die. Mostly the former. Plus, I'm a bad influence." Cinder said admitting her flaws in both relationships Status and relationship advice.

Glynda came in and looked at the laptop, "If you're looking for advice then don't look at me. I have high standards."

Salem and Raven raised an eyebrow at her. Summer deadpans at her, "And what standards does Anthony have?"

Glynda blushes and looks away like a tsundere, "T-that's none of your business!"

"I have a feeling Anthony will ask someone to marry him before we do." Salem commented.

"Really? That soon? Well, I mean he's a great guy and all but marriage?" Willow said and her imagination began to run wild with her and Anthony getting married, having kids if she's lucky, and spending the rest of their lives together.

"You really think he's going to marry us?" Raven asked granny Salem.

"No." Salem said, "I think he's going to ask someone else that's not us."

Willow paled as her imagination began to change into Anthony proposing to someone else. She felt like she was going to be sick.

"Are you okay, Mother?" Winter asked her mother.

"I'm fine." Willow said with an eye twitch, "Not like there's another pretty and young woman after Anthony's heart that's not us."

The rest of the older woman were now looking at Neo and Emerald. The former eating some ice-cream from Costco.

Emerald had a poker face, "He's not marrying me. I see him as an older brother."

"That's good. But why?" Glynda asked.

"Because...more like look at my past and see what I mean. Probably in alternative timeline I might end up as Oscar's Goodwitch." Emerald said as Glynda gave her a glare.

"And what's THAT supposed to mean? I'm not old. I'm the most youthful out of all of us." Glynda said.

"And yet, you're the oldest." Cinder said as Glynda gave her a glare, and Cinder only shrugged.

"Have tried asking him?" Harriet asked.

Willow gives her a look, "Do I look like I have confidence in my social skills?"

"Fair point." Harriet admitted, "Still. Just try and ask him out."

"How about we make him ask you out." Glynda suggested.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because that would be stupid."

"Oh, please."

"I said no!"

"Just ask him out."

"And I'm saying no."

"Just ask him out."

Qrow knocked on Anthony's mancave door and he answered with bloodshot eyes and a Franchi SPAS-12 shotgun. "I was still napping. What is it?"

"Willow wants to go on a date with you." Qrow bluntly said causing said woman to jaw drop in shock and hair fritz.

"Oh. Okay. Next Saturday evening." Anthony answered and closed the door.

The women were in shock at how easy that was.

"It was that easy?" Summer said, "How?"

"Well, at least she got a date with him." Harriet said.

"She was supposed to be the one asking him out!" Glynda exclaimed, "Now she has to wait until the weekend."

"Which is enough time to prepare." Weiss said as she finished her grilled cheese sandwich.

"For her outfit. Make-up, and everything else." Winter said.

"You really think she can pull off a date?" Cinder asked, "I mean, look at her. No offense. But she doesn't look the type."

"Oh, please." Summer scoffed, "I'm sure she can do it."

"You sure? Cause she does seem a bit...out of her element." Kali said.

"What was that?" Willow asked as she was drinking her soda.

"Nothing!"

"You should really be more confident in yourself, Ms. Schnee." Penny said. "Plus, if he said the weekend, it would probably be a dinner date at restaurant, and he'll have time to reserve a seat."

"Good point, Penny."

"Okay. Let's plan the dating outfit and appearance." Winter said.

"You really think a date can go well for me?" Willow asked.

"Yeah. I'm sure he's gonna love you." Summer said with a smile.

"And if he doesn't. I can always date him." Raven said as she cracked her knuckles and a sinister smirk.

"But which mother would you have to face? We haven't known/seen his mother. But Ms. Takahashi?" Salem said as if by instinct all the women looked at the door expecting the short Japanese woman to enter. Thankfully, she didn't.

"Who said I wouldn't use the backdoor~" Tomoe asked scaring the shit out of everyone.

Raven clutched her beating heart, "How did you-!?"

"Silence." Tomoe simply said as she took a piece of chocolate, "Anyway, you need help with clothes and such. Just ask me. Or the fashion experts. I'm sure they'll help."

"You think I'll look good in a kimono?" Willow asked.

"Sure. Why not?"

"Okay, let's see." Ruby said.

"I'm gonna go and read a book." Salem said.

"I'm playing Mario Kart." Summer said as she took a game console.

"Same here." Yang said.

"Well. At least it's something." Cinder said.

"Yeah." Kali said.

"Maybe I should get a book on how to flirt." Willow said as Tomoe shook her head.

"I'm sure Anthony would be the one flirting. And when a Towson flirts, get ready for some puns." Tomoe said.

"Puns?"

"Puns."

Willow wasn't sure what to think of puns. But she's going to try her best on her date with Anthony.

As the days passed, the house was abuzz with preparations for Willow's upcoming date with Anthony. Every woman pitched in to help, offering advice, selecting outfits, and trying to boost Willow's confidence. They wanted to ensure she was ready for her first real date in years.

Saturday Evening

Willow stood in front of her mirror, nervously adjusting her black dress. It was a beautiful rich garment that complemented her eyes, hair, and curves. Her daughters, Winter, and Weiss were there to assist her.

"You look beautiful, Mother," Winter said with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Winter," Willow replied, though her nerves were still palpable. "I just hope he thinks so too."

Weiss added, "He will, Mom. Anthony is a good guy. He'll see how amazing you are."

Meanwhile, in the mancave, Anthony was getting ready as well. He chose USMC Dress Blues.

As he checked his reflection, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. It had been a long time since he'd gone on a proper date, and the fact that it was with Willow made it all the more significant.

The Date

Anthony arrived at Willow's door, taking a deep breath before knocking. When the door opened, he was greeted by the sight of Willow, looking stunning in her dress. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

"Wow, Willow, you look absolutely beautiful," he finally managed to say.

Willow blushed slightly, a smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Anthony. You look very handsome yourself in your Marine Corps Dress Blues."

"Shall we?" Anthony extended his arm, and Willow took it, feeling a little more at ease. "I called in a friend(Mafia) of mine that owns this charming Italian restaurant in downtown Washington D.C., known for its ambiance and exquisite cuisine." He opened the door as three blacked out SUVs waited for them.

"Oh my. Is this another from your friend?" Willow asked.

"More like from the USMC itself." He said as he opened the door for her, "And my former CO who is the President of the United States."

As the blacked-out SUVs rolled into the bustling heart of Washington D.C., Willow's nerves began to settle. The interior of the vehicle was luxurious, with soft leather seats and ambient lighting that cast a warm glow. Anthony's presence next to her, calm and composed, was reassuring.

"Isn't it a bit too much?" Willow asked, gesturing to the convoy and the grandeur of the setup.

Anthony chuckled. "Maybe a little, but I wanted tonight to be special. You deserve it."

The SUVs pulled up in front of an elegant Italian restaurant, its entrance illuminated by soft lights. The doorman greeted them warmly and held the door open as they stepped out. The restaurant had a vintage charm, with exposed brick walls, classic Italian decor, and the enticing aroma of authentic cuisine wafting through the air.

A well-dressed maître d' escorted them to a private table, secluded from the main dining area. The table was adorned with a crisp white tablecloth, a candle flickering in the center, and a bouquet of fresh flowers adding a touch of romance. Soft, classical music played in the background, creating a perfect ambiance.

Anthony pulled out Willow's chair for her before taking his seat. "I hope you like Italian food."

"I love it," Willow replied, smiling. "This place is wonderful."

A waiter arrived with a bottle of fine red wine, pouring them each a glass. As they sipped their wine, Anthony and Willow began to relax and enjoy each other's company. They talked about their lives, their interests, and shared stories that brought laughter and a sense of connection.

The first course arrived, a delightful antipasto platter with a variety of Italian delicacies.

They savored each bite, the flavors rich and satisfying. Anthony made a few puns about the food, earning a few giggles from Willow, which helped lighten the mood even more.

"You know," Anthony said between bites, "I'm really glad we could do this. It's been a while since I've had a night like this."

"Me too," Willow agreed. "I've been so focused on other things that I forgot what it's like to just enjoy a nice evening out."

The main course followed – Anthony had chosen a classic osso buco, while Willow opted for a seafood risotto.

The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by compliments about the food and the restaurant. It was clear that Anthony's friend had outdone himself, ensuring their dining experience was exceptional.

As the evening progressed, Willow found herself feeling more at ease. Anthony's charm and genuine interest in her made her feel special and appreciated. They shared dessert – a decadent tiramisu – and finished their wine, the night winding down in a pleasant, relaxed manner.

After dinner, they took a stroll through the nearby park. The night air was cool, and the city lights reflected off the Potomac River, creating a picturesque scene.

Anthony offered his arm, and Willow took it, feeling a warmth in her heart that she hadn't felt in a long time.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Anthony," Willow said softly, looking up at him.

"I'm glad," Anthony replied, his eyes meeting hers. "I did too. We should do this more often."

Willow smiled, feeling a sense of hope and excitement about the future. As they walked back to the waiting SUVs, she realized that this date was more than just a pleasant evening – it was the beginning of something new and promising.

Back at home, the others eagerly awaited Willow's return, curious about how the date had gone. When she walked in with a radiant smile, they knew it had been a success. Willow felt a sense of contentment and gratitude, knowing she had friends who cared about her happiness.

As she settled into bed that night, Willow's thoughts were filled with the memories of the evening. She felt a renewed sense of confidence and excitement about the possibilities ahead, and most importantly, she felt a deepening affection for Anthony.

The date had been a turning point, and as she drifted off to sleep, Willow couldn't help but look forward to what the future might hold.

However, Willow couldn't sleep and decided to enter Anthony's mancave and saw him spread out on his bed sleeping. He woke from Willow's noise and instinctively reached under his pillow for his Beretta M9.

But realized it was Willow, "Couldn't sleep?"

Willow hesitated in the doorway, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity. "No, I couldn't," she admitted softly. "I just... couldn't stop thinking about tonight."

Anthony relaxed, sliding the Beretta back under his pillow. He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "It was a good night, wasn't it?"

"It was," Willow agreed, stepping further into the room. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I wanted to thank you again for everything. It was wonderful, and I really enjoyed spending time with you."

Anthony smiled warmly, patting the spot next to him on the bed. "I'm glad to hear that. Come, sit. We can talk if you want."

Willow hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting beside him. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow around them. It felt cozy and safe, a stark contrast to her earlier nerves.

"You know, you're not the only one who had trouble sleeping," Anthony admitted. "I kept thinking about tonight too. About you."

Willow looked at him, surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah," he said, leaning back against the headboard. "It's been a long time since I've felt this... connected to someone. You're special, Willow. I want you to know that."

Her heart swelled at his words. "Anthony, I... I feel the same way. You've been so kind and understanding, and I feel like I can be myself around you."

Anthony reached out and gently took her hand in his. "I'm glad you feel that way. Because I care about you, Willow. And I want to see where this can go."

Willow's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She squeezed his hand, feeling a sense of hope and warmth. "I want that too, Anthony. More than anything."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. Then, Anthony shifted slightly, making more room on the bed. "Why don't you stay here for the night? I promise, no funny business. Just... company."

Willow smiled, feeling a sense of relief and comfort. "I'd like that."

She lay down beside him, and Anthony pulled a blanket over them. The room was filled with a peaceful silence, the kind that only comes from a deep sense of understanding and connection. As they drifted off to sleep, holding hands, both felt a sense of contentment and anticipation for what the future might hold.