Chapter 52

Raven rolled her car to a stop in front of Summer's house. She was still not convinced that she would be staying long, despite Winter's insistence. It would get her through the night at least though. Probably. She got out of the car and walked to the front door. She had a key, but before she could even begin searching for it, the door swung open. "Oh, it's you." Yang glared at her.

"Hey Yang." Raven greeted.

"I thought it was Summer." Yang noted. "You were the last person I was expecting."

"Yeah…" Raven sighed.

"What are you even doing here?" Yang asked.

"Glynda kicked me out." Raven replied.

"Well shit." Yang shook her head. "Still, Summer's not gonna' want you here any more than Glynda-"

"Winter said I should stay here, just until I get things figured out." Raven cut in.

"Winter did?" Yang asked.

Raven hummed in confirmation. "I stopped at the hospital first. Summer was really, really pissed, but Winter seemed almost happy to see me."

"She must have been high." Yang scoffed.

"I thought so too." Raven noted. "She told me she was thinking clearly, and she seemed all there."

"Does Summer know?" Yang pressed.

"I doubt it." Raven admitted.

"She's gonna' flip her shit." Yang warned.

"Probably." Raven agreed. "Not like I have anywhere else to go though."

"I guess." Yang shrugged. "If Winter can forgive you...well I guess I can too. You are my mom and all."

"Thanks." Raven managed a smile. "Could you at least punch me though? I feel like I deserve it." She paused. "Wait, not in the face, and not with the robot arm."

"You got it mom." Yang smirked. She punched Raven straight in the gut. "Good?"

Raven doubled over. "Did you always hit that hard?"

"It's been too long since we've sparred." Yang chuckled. "You're going soft."

"Tell that to Winter." Raven smirked. "Oh, uh...could you do me a favor?"

"Depends on the favor." Yang replied.

Raven fumbled with her keys before holding one out. "Could you and Pyrrha return my car to Glynda? I don't want to piss her off...more."

"Pyrrha, we're going for a drive." Yang called back into the house. "Grab your keys." She turned back to Raven. "We're going to return the car and you're going to finance a night on the town, right?"

Raven rolled her eyes. "Sure thing sweetie." She grabbed a few bills from her wallet and handed them over.

Yang and Pyrrha helped Raven unload her bags and move them inside before leaving, Yang behind the wheel of Glynda's car, Pyrrha driving her own. Raven flopped onto the couch and turned on the television. She could sit in silence, going over the night's events in her mind until it drove her mad, and that was probably what she deserved, but Raven decided the dressing down she was sure to get from Summer would be punishment enough. Until then, she would try to enjoy herself. Well, at least distract herself.

Summer arrived home with Winter in tow. She was glad to be out of the hospital and back at the house, but something was not quite right. Pyrrha's car was not in the drive, indicating she and Yang were probably not home, but the lights inside were on and the television was loud enough to be heard outside. Pyrrha and Yang never turned the volume up so high. Summer opened the door to find a trio of large suitcases on the floor nearby, and all became clear. "Raven." Summer growled.

"Hu-wha?" Raven sat up on the couch, roused from her slumber.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?!" Summer demanded.

Raven, still dazed, could not form a coherent response. Winter picked up the slack. "I invited her to stay here."

"You what?!" Summer shouted. "Why?! Raven, take your shit and get out, now!"

"Raven, stay right there." Winter countermanded the order. "And Summer, calm down. Take a seat, let's talk this out."

Winter put her healthy arm around Summer's shoulders and guided her to the couch across from Raven. Summer swore under her breath. "First she gives you daily beatings to satisfy her petty jealousy, then she breaks your arm-"

"And she's very sorry for both." Winter cut in. "I'm not blameless in all this. I did antagonize her a bit."

"You didn't antagonize-" Raven started.

"Raven, not now." Winter advised. "Summer, I offered to let Raven stay here until she gets her situation sorted out. She doesn't want to be a freeloader, so she's agreed to work as our maid...at least when she's not at her regular job. Isn't that right Raven?" Raven nodded.

"You offered her a place in my home without asking me?" Summer grumbled.

"I guess I was already starting to think of it as our home." Winter smirked. "Plus my father always taught me it was easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

"So you're manipulating me?" Summer pressed.

"I sure am." Winter chuckled. "Daddy taught me well. Now, Raven, I'm sure you have something to say to Summer, and Summer, please allow Raven to speak. You can curse her out afterwards if you want."

"You're treating me like a child." Summer complained.

"I'm treating you both like children." Winter nodded. "Now it's Raven's turn to speak."

"Summer, I'm so, so sorry." Raven begged with tears in her eyes. "I fucked up bad, I know I did. I'm not right in the head. I'm irritable and jealous and stupid, and I was frustrated with my own failings, and I took it out on Winter, even though she's an honest to God, fuckin' angel. I acted like a little kid throwing a tantrum, and I hurt everyone around me, even though you and everyone else have only ever been kind and supportive. I don't deserve your forgiveness, and I certainly don't deserve your friendship, but please, I just...please…"

"Summer?" Winter asked.

Summer mumbled inaudibly for a few seconds. "Winter, you forgive her?" Summer asked.

Winter nodded. "I just want us all to be friends."

"Damnit." Summer sighed. She stood and slapped Raven across the face with all her might. Then, while Raven was still reeling, Summer leaned down and wrapped her in an embrace. "Apology accepted...I guess."

"Thank you, thank you so much." Raven sobbed. "Just give me the chance to make this up to you. I promise you won't regret it."

"Time will tell." Summer grumbled. She pulled away from the hug to look Raven in the eyes. "This is your last chance. Don't waste it."

Raven nodded. "I won't."

"See, wasn't that cathartic?" Winter interrupted.

"Winter, why do you even care if we reconcile?" Summer asked.

"Sum, I've seen too many friendships broken up by stupid bullshit." Winter explained. "Business deals, social status, politics, all kinds of upper class nonsense. Your friendship is a beautiful thing, and I'd hate to see it end because of me."

"Win, this isn't your fault." Raven protested. "Not at all."

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't." Winter shrugged. "I want to see both of you happy all the same."

"I don't feel very happy." Summer noted.

"Give it time." Winter smiled. "So, Summer, can Raven stay here for a while?"

Summer heaved a heavy sigh. "Fine."

"I guess I'll move my bags...the guest room right?" Raven asked.

"That's the weight room now." Winter said. "Ruby's room is vacant though, if you don't mind it."

"Sounds good." Raven agreed.

A devilish grin spread across Summer's face. "Enjoy listening to Yang and Pyrrha. The walls are thin."

Pyrrha waited at the end of the driveway as Yang pulled the car in. She got out and hurried to the door. It was already late, and if she and Pyrrha were going to go out for a few drinks, they would need to hurry. Yang knocked on the door, and it was just a few seconds before it opened. "I told you not to...you're not Raven." Glynda grumbled, wobbling before bracing herself on the doorframe. The wine glass in her hand explained her lack of balance. "Yang, what are you doing here? Did Raven send you to beg for her?"

"No, she wanted me to return the car." Yang replied. She held out the key and Glynda took it, tossing it onto a nearby table. It slid across and onto the floor. "Are you okay?"

"What do you think?" Glynda scoffed. "Raven...she brought this on herself. I'm tired of being runner up! I've given her everything I can...why doesn't she love me as much as I love her?!"

"Uh-" Yang struggled.

"All Summer ever did is reject her, and all I ever did was patch her up when she skinned her knees worshipping her." Glynda waved her glass for emphasis, spilling some of the contents. "I want to spend the rest of my life with her and she wants to spend it chasing after Summer like a puppy begging for scraps!"

"Glyn-" Yang tried to interrupt.

"Is it because I'm older?" Glynda continued. "What's five years? We're in our forties, it shouldn't matter, and I try to take care of my appearance and dress nicely, and Raven says I look amazing but it's hard to feel amazing when she turns right around and looks at Summer like the sun shines from her tits...heh...sun...Summer...shining...oh God, now I'm thinking about her ass…"

"Glynda!" Yang cut in.

Glynda jolted. "Huhwha...sorry I just...forget I said anything. Thanks for bringing it back."

"No problem." Yang responded. "Um...take care of yourself, alright?"

"I'll be fine." Glynda waved her off, nearly falling over in the process. "Seeya' tomorrow."

Yang hesitated but walked away, Glynda closing the door behind her. She made her way down the driveway to the street, where she slid into the passenger's seat of Pyrrha's car. "Fuck me, that was uncomfortable."

"Was she drunk?" Pyrrha asked. "She looked it."

"She was smashed." Yang confirmed. "She seems really depressed, and I can't tell where the alcohol stops and her actual emotions begin."

"This is really bad, isn't it?" Pyrrha sighed.

"Yeah, yeah it is." Yang nodded grimly. "I have a feeling this is going to get worse before it gets better."

Raven got little sleep, but in the morning she got up, completed her morning routine, and headed to work anyway. Yang and Pyrrha tried to encourage her on the ride over, and it worked, a little. Whether they believed it or not, they assured Raven that the worst was over, and that soon she would be able to convince Glynda to take her back. Raven almost dared to hope. While Pyrrha and Yang headed to the gym proper, Raven unlocked her dojo and headed inside. There was still some dried blood on the mat, and the spilled contents of her desk were scattered across the floor. She set about cleaning up, readying for the class that would start in about an hour.

Shortly before Raven's first class was scheduled to start, the bell on the door chimed. Raven interrupted her warm-up to look, hoping against hope it was Glynda. It was not. Pyrrha stood just inside the door as it closed behind her, hands clasped in front of her, eyes downcast. "I'm fired, aren't I?" Raven asked.

"Well...not exactly." Pyrrha replied. "Glynda told me to inform that you're being suspended without pay, pending her final decision."

"So she might be firing me?" Raven asked. Pyrrha nodded. "That's even worse!"

"I know, and I'm sorry." Pyrrha made herself as small as possible.

"No, it's not your fault." Raven shook her head. "And stop looking so scared, I'm not going to shoot the messenger." She made her way to the desk and collected a few personal items. "What's going to happen with my classes?"

"Yang's going to be the new striking coach." Pyrrha replied. "I'll teach grappling."

"What do you know about jiu jitsu?" Raven scoffed. She took a deep breath. "Sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"It's alright, you're on edge and concerned about your students." Pyrrha waved her off. "I'm not entirely convinced this is wise either. My father is a black belt in Pankration, and he taught me for years, but I don't have a formal rank or anything."

"I'm sure you'll do fine." Raven encouraged. "I should...probably get going. My class rolls are in the notebook there, if you have any questions, give me a call."

"Raven I'm...I'm really sorry." Pyrrha struggled.

"Don't worry about it kid." Raven slapped her on the back. "I brought this on myself." She continued through the door and walked to the corner. She had shared a ride with Yang and Pyrrha, and was not going to be inconsiderate by taking the car. She slid her scroll out of her pocket and dialed Summer.

The call was answered after a single ring. "Raven?" Winter asked quietly. "What is it?"

"Winter?" Raven responded. "Where's Summer?"

"She's still asleep." Winter whispered. "What do you need?"

"Glynda fired me...sort of, I need a ride." Raven replied.

"Oh, I'll come right away." Winter said. "Do you mind if we make a stop or two?"

"You're doing me a favor, it's only fair." Raven agreed. "You need to pick up some groceries or something?"

There was a momentary pause before Winter replied. "No, I had something more interesting in mind."

The first day of standing in for Raven had been rough for Yang and Pyrrha. In their capacity as personal trainers, both had experience as instructors, but neither had taught martial arts and devising the best way how was proving difficult. Further, their fighting styles were very different from what Raven had taught. Pankration shared some elements with jiu jitsu, but had very different aims and focuses. Yang had elements of muay thai mixed in with her kickboxing, but lacked the focus on standing grapples and unconventional strikes. Yang and Pyrrha needed to get used to teaching, and the students needed to get used to their techniques. It was going to take time.

When the pair arrived home that night, they were not feeling great about the situation. It was not what they had signed up for, and the circumstances surrounding the change only made it more unpalatable. It was late and the pair were looking forward to getting some rest. They were not prepared for what they found. When the two walked in, Summer and Winter were lounging on the couch, but that was not the interesting bit. Raven was there too, dressed in a tailored tuxedo, hair in a neat ponytail, delivering a pair of wine glasses on a tray to the relaxing couple.

"What the actual fuck?" Yang asked.

"Oh, welcome home guys." Summer greeted.

"Come on over, take a seat." Winter called. "Help us break in our new maid." Glancing at one another, Yang and Pyrrha hesitated.

"I'd rather you refer to me as a butler." Raven noted. "Emphasis on butt."

"You're really more of a boob-ler." Yang joked. "I can get onboard with this." She walked over and flopped down on the couch opposite Summer and Winter. A still unsure Pyrrha sat beside her.

"Go ahead, put in an order." Winter encouraged.

"I could go for a glass of wine." Yang requested. "You want one Pyr?"

"Uh...sure." Pyrrha replied.

"You two have work tomorrow." Raven noted. "You shouldn't be drinking."

"Oh, it's just one glass." Winter scoffed.

"Mom, are you trying to be a good influence?" Yang asked with faux shock.

"I always try to be a good influence." Raven answered.

"Really?" Yang chuckled. "Remember when I was thirteen and I asked you about sex? You just asked me if I knew how to do it and told me to make sure the guy used a condom."

"Eh, trying and succeeding aren't the same thing." Raven shrugged.

"Fair point." Yang allowed. "I turned out alright anyway."

"Questionable." Pyrrha teased.

"Luckily I had Summer to pick up my slack." Raven reminisced. "She flipped when I told her about our little birds and bees talk."

"Oh, you did fine with Yang." Summer stated. "Nobody's perfect."

"You two are pretty perfect." Raven praised Summer and Winter.

"I've made more than my share of mistakes." Summer sighed, slumping.

"We all have." Winter encouraged. "No reason to dwell on it."

"And some of our mistakes turned out pretty good." Raven smirked. "Yang, you're the best mistake a girl could ask for."

"And you're the best sort of mom ever." Yang countered.

"Bit of a lousy butler though." Winter chuckled.

"I'm learning." Raven huffed. "At least I look damn good."

"All yours Pyrrha!" Yang called as she crossed the hall, wrapped in a towel and nothing else. She had just finished her shower and headed to her room to continue with her hair care routine. There was plenty of blow drying and brushing to do, and by the time she was done Pyrrha would be just about finished with her shower. Then the pair could go to bed. Drinking with Summer and Winter while Raven waited on them - poorly - had been entertaining, but the day had been an exhausting one and both were more than ready to go to sleep.

Yang set about tending to her hair, and sure enough, as she was finishing up, Pyrrha entered the room wrapped in a towel of her own. Pyrrha quickly slipped on a pair of panties before sitting on the edge of the bed. "What a day…" She complained.

"Yeah it was a rough one." Yang agreed. "Hopefully Glynda will come to her senses sooner than later." She stood at the bedside table and began the process of detaching her prosthetic.

Pyrrha turned to Yang and frowned. "When you couldn't wear it to sleep, you were dying to. Now that you can, you don't."

"What can I say?" Yang shrugged. "I'm a creature of habit. Shower, hair, arm, sleep. Besides, it'll probably be uncomfortable."

"That's what the sleeve is for." Pyrrha noted. "And you'll never know if you don't try."

"Well, I guess I can give it a shot." Yang refastened the arm and started digging around its case for the soft cloth sleeve. "When will I charge it though?"

"That's what the extra battery is for." Pyrrha replied. "When you sleep with it, you're supposed to alternate the battery every day. If you read the manual you'd know that."

"You know it so I don't have to." Yang smirked. She slid the sleeve over the arm, covering it from where it joined her stump to just above the wrist. She grabbed the glove and slid it over the hand.

"Now put it in 'Sleep' mode." Pyrrha instructed.

Yang picked up her scroll, opening the control app. "What does that do?"

"It raises the threshold for activation and slows movement speed." Pyrrha explained. "That way you're not wildly flailing in your sleep."

"I am a violent sleeper." Yang chuckled. She slipped into bed, pulling the covers over herself and Pyrrha before rolling into her side to face her. "I could probably get used to this."

"Just give it a few days and I'm sure it'll feel totally-Yang!" Pyrrha exclaimed as Yang's prosthetic made contact with her panties.

"Sorry Pyr, this thing has a mind of it's own." Yang grinned.

"That joke only works the first time." Pyrrha grumbled, pushing the arm away. "It stopped being funny weeks ago."

"Stopped being funny and started being sexy?" Yang pressed.

"Go to bed Yang." Pyrrha commanded.

Yang sighed. "Yes ma'am."