Chapter 27

"It's just some turbulence Weiss." Blake tried to soothe her. Those were the last words Weiss could process before everything became noise. The light jostling of the aircraft that had prompted Blake's reassurance was gone, replaced with a roller coaster, a nightmare. Her teeth ached as they clenched, nails stinging as they dug into the armrests.

Was this what her parents felt? Willow and Jacques, did they attempt to rationalize, wave it away, fasten their seatbelts, wait for it to pass? What were their final thoughts? Of home? Their daughters? Each other? Were they aware that they were about to die? Did they hold each other's hands, bracing for impact? Were their deaths instant, or did they suffer? Did one of them die while the other lived long enough for that realization to sink in?

"Pills, fucking forgot my pills!" Weiss groaned. What would happen to her? Would she die? Would Ruby and Blake die? Winter? Would she live, only to watch them die around her? Would she be forced to watch them suffer, bleeding or burning to death? Would their screams haunt her for the rest of her life? Would it even be worth living?

This was her fault. This was her idea. She only wanted to make Ruby happy. Now she would die, they would all die. She had led them to their deaths. Summer would mourn two daughters, and a lover. Who would mourn her? Neon, Neon would mourn, the girl she used, the Faunus she abused. Her father would have been proud. She deserved better, far better than Weiss. She was a coward, an abusive, using coward, and she would die. She would take the women she loved with her, and they would never know the truth.

"Weiss!" Ruby shouted. "It's gonna' be okay!" They deserved better. They deserved to live. She was the guilty one here, not them. Take her, not them, she would gladly suffer. She would endure the flames of whatever hell she fell into, if only they could live and love. They would mourn, Ruby and Blake would cope, Summer would help Winter. They would survive her loss. They would thrive. Her jealousy would never harm them, her selfish desires would follow her to the grave. "Weiss, breathe, it's calming down."

Hands pried Weiss' fingers free of the armrests, lacing them into their own, one larger, one smaller. She did not deserve this. She did not deserve their care, their touch, their love. She craved more than that, but she did not deserve it. Shedidn'tdeservethisShedidn'tdeservethisShedidn'tdeservethisShedidn'tdeservethis-

Her stomach shattered and Weiss lurched forward, the remains of the salad she had as her inflight meal came forth, and the fish Blake shared with her, and the cookie Ruby gave her. Her throat burned, her mouth stung, her hands clenched in a vice-like grip. Blake gathered Weiss' hair in her free hand, holding it securely as Ruby rubbed soothing circles on her back. Seemingly done vomiting, Weiss resumed her sobbing. Winter soon arrived, followed by an attendant.

Weiss felt humiliated. "I'm sorry, I'll be fine, please just don't mind me…"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little angry." Raven admitted. She did not look her best, with somewhat frazzled hair and dark circles around her eyes. Yang's ordeal had obviously been wearing on her. "It's just...when Summer rejected me all those years ago, she said it was because she was straight. Now it seems that's very clearly not the case. It makes me wonder if she was lying or-"

"People change, mom." Yang cut in.

"I know." Raven sighed. "I just wish it didn't hurt so much."

"Yeah, don't we all." Yang shook her head. "You should probably talk to her about it. If you go on just letting it cause tension...please don't end up treating each other like you treat dad and Qrow."

"Ha, nothing would put Summer on their level in my eyes." Raven scoffed.

"I know you're not thrilled about dad hitting me, and that you blame Qrow for making him an alcoholic, but why do you still hate them so much?" Yang asked. "Even I want to forgive dad, and I never held it against Qrow."

"Yang...it's complicated." Raven struggled. "A lot of things happened, lots of bridges were burned."

"Maybe it's time to rebuild them." Yang suggested.

"I don't think I can." Raven shook her head. "Not now. And I certainly can't do it without Summer's blessing."

"I guess I'll have to talk to her about it too." Yang declared.

"Hold on...I thought you hated Tai." Raven noted.

"Yeah, well...a lot's changed in my life." Yang sighed. "I guess I just don't see the point of holding grudges anymore. Life's too short, too fragile. Sure, dad fucked up, big time, but I can tell he's sorry. I'm tired of hurting him."

"That's very mature of you." Raven praised. "Very strong. If only I…" She trailed off, noticing the sound of voices coming down the hallway. "Well, sounds like your girlfriend's back. I'll leave you to it."

"Maybe talk things over with Summer." Yang encouraged.

"I will when I'm ready." Raven promised. "And when she's ready."

"The sooner the better." Yang advised. "I love you."

"Love you." Raven waved as she slipped out of the hospital room, moments before Summer and Pyrrha appeared in the doorway.

"Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone to your romantic lunch." Summer teased. She remained at the door as Pyrrha entered the room carrying a non-descript paper bag.

"Soft pretzels from the airport." Pyrrha revealed, pulling one from the bag and handing it to Yang.

"Beats hospital food." Yang shrugged.

"Enjoy." Summer smiled before walking away. Pyrrha's gaze followed her, a smile on her face.

"Look at those starry eyes." Yang joked. "Should I be worried?"

"Uh...well...I…" Pyrrha stammered.

"Pyrrha, I'm joking." Yang declared. "You okay?"

"I...yes." Pyrrha nodded.

"What's up?" Yang pressed. "I can tell there's something."

Pyrrha sighed and looked at the floor. "Well...I kind of...almost made out with your mom." She admitted.

"Whoa, was not expecting that." Yang perked up. "I need more details! When? Where? How?"

"You see...the night when you had your...fling...Summer and I went out for a walk to…" Pyrrha struggled.

"To escape the noise." Yang finished for her. "Yep, thin walls, I know."

"We got to chatting, and we said some nice things about each other, and I was feeling jealous and pent up…" Pyrrha explained. "We were under the stars, and it was such a romantic scene...I guess we've seen too many crappy movies. We both aborted at the last moment, ended up just hugging. That's all, I swear."

"I put you two through so much." Yang sighed. "I'm really sorry."

"Wha...but I was the one who-" Pyrrha tried to protest.

"I understand." Yang cut her off. "My mom's pretty hot, and she's been really good to you. I was putting pressure on both of you. Don't worry about it. Eat your pretzel before it gets cold."

"Sorry." Pyrrha frowned, taking a small bite of her pretzel.

"Don't apologize." Yang rolled her eyes. "You apologize too much." Pyrrha was about to say something. "And don't apologize for that!"

Pyrrha smiled, managing a chuckle. "I was going to apologize."

Weiss slept through the rest of the flight, exhausted both physically and mentally. She awoke with a jolt when they landed, Ruby and Blake calming her, needlessly of course. Weiss' little meltdown was over, and they did not have to fuss over her anymore. She was still dead tired however, and so allowed them to guide her off the plane, take her luggage, and borderline carry her to the taxi, in which she promptly fell asleep again.

Weiss barely remembered arriving at the Schnee household, or eating the pizza they ordered. She drifted in and out of awareness, even as she showered and fell into bed. The next morning was an early one. They packed the car and drove to the university, arriving by the time they would usually be getting up. Blake accompanied Weiss and Ruby to their room. While they were unpacking, there was a knock at the door.

Ruby got up and answered it. "Oh, hey Neon!" She greeted.

"Hey Ruby, hey Blake, Weissy!" Neon exclaimed. She waved and Blake waved back, but Weiss only rose from her drawers and turned to face Neon when she approached. Even then her smile was tired and half-hearted. Neon met Weiss in a hug, and she nuzzled into her collar. Neon leaned down to whisper. "Coco's with Velvet. We've got the room to ourselves today."

Weiss nodded, pulling back to address Ruby and Blake. "I'll be back later."

"Have fun." Blake smirked.

"Play safe!" Ruby cheered.

Weiss rolled her eyes and began pulling Neon out of the room. "I'll bring her back in one piece!" Neon chuckled. Weiss yanked her out the door and down the hall.

Ruby giggled, closing the door before fixing Blake with a smouldering look. "I wonder if they're as pent up as I am."

Blake rolled her eyes, sitting on Ruby's bed and smirking. "It's been a day, Ruby." She observed.

Ruby pushed off the door and jumped Blake, pinning her to the bed and trailing kisses along her throat. "God yes it has!" Ruby growled.

Blake chuckled, flipping them over easily, causing Ruby to yelp and giggle. "I guess we should make up for lost time." Blake purred, leaning down for a kiss.

Neon skipped along, half dragging Weiss with her. She barely waited for Weiss to close the door behind them before pouncing, drawing her into a slow passionate kiss. It was at first reciprocated, thin arms wrapping around Neon's waist, clutching at her shirt tightly, shaking. "Weiss?" Neon whispered, pulling back.

Weiss' eyes were shut, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her lip quivered as she bowed her head. "I...I'm sorry." She croaked, leaning against Neon's collar, clutching her even more tightly.

Neon began running her fingers soothingly through Weiss' hair. "It's okay Weiss-" She whispered.

"No, it's not okay!" Weiss snapped, warbly but incensed. "I can't do this to you anymore Neon! It's not fair!"

Neon continued to soothe Weiss, who sniffled into her shirt. She allowed the Faunus to guide her to the bed, sitting down and pulling her back into a hug. "Is this it?" Neon asked. Weiss did not respond, but tightened her grip and tried to bury her face deeper in Neon's collar. Neon smiled sadly, pecking Weiss on the temple. "It's okay."

Weiss pulled away, looking up through bleary eyes. "I'm sorry Neon." She whimpered.

Neon's smile did not falter, even as tears welled in her eyes. She reached up to brush Weiss' hair behind her ears and cupped her face. Weiss could not help but close her eyes as she nuzzled into Neon's touch. "Are you sure?" Neon asked.

Weiss nodded, reaching up to lay her own hand on Neon's. "When I was in Patch, I got drunk and...I did something very inappropriate with a...kindred spirit." She confessed.

"You met someone else?" Neon perked up.

"No." Weiss shook her head, looking even more downcast. "Pyrrha is a lovely woman, but she isn't Ruby, she isn't Blake. I just...we had a moment, and we'd been drinking, and I misread her actions and I just…" She took a shaky breath, wiping the tears from her eyes and looking away. "I wanted to feel good. I missed you Neon, I really did...but for the wrong reasons. I can't keep using you Neon. You deserve better."

Neon gently pulled Weiss' gaze back to her, wiping what tears had been missed, leaning their foreheads together. "It's okay Weiss, I knew this wouldn't last forever." Neon declared. Weiss felt something brush against her free hand, and opened it to receive Neon's tail, which curled through her fingers. For a moment, everything faded for Weiss. It was just another day for them, holding each other, caring for each other. "When you told me, I could have ended things-"

"You should have." Weiss cut in.

"Then what would you have done?" Neon pressed. "You needed an outlet, you needed a distraction, and I was willing." She kissed away a teardrop on Weiss' cheek, then curled her tail further around Weiss' hand. "I enjoy what we have Weiss. I enjoy being with you. I knew eventually I wouldn't be enough, eventually something would happen, you would break things off or you would try to force yourself to love me-"

"You deserve it Neon, you deserve my love-" Weiss started.

"And so do they, but you can't force love." Neon stopped her. "You can't help it, you don't love me in that way-"

"M-Maybe I could." Weiss struggled. "Maybe if we work at it I'll stop feeling this way. I don't have the right to love them like I do. It's not fair on them, it's not fair on you."

"Weiss." Neon gripped her chin gently, pulling her into a soft, loving kiss. Weiss' eyes fluttered shut, and she could not help but whimper as Neon pulled away. "It's not fair for me to force you to love me any more than you do, not when your love for them is so much stronger. Tell me you don't think of them when we kiss." Weiss flinched, her lip trembling, but she swallowed the sob that attempted to escape and cast her gaze down. "It's okay Weiss."

"Why can't you just yell at me, like a normal person?" Weiss asked.

"Because we're hardly normal people Weiss." Neon replied. "This isn't a normal situation, and only a complete asshole would yell at you when you've done nothing wrong."

"I've done everything wrong Neon." Weiss sighed.

"Bullcrap." Neon countered. "You fell for your adopted sister, who is one of the hottest women I've ever seen, and her cute as fuck girlfriend, who is also your roommate. That's a shitty situation for anyone, but instead of risking your relationship with them, you kept it secret, buried it deep down in this guilty heart of yours, and you told me everything. You never once lied to me, you beat yourself up over it, hell, you're still beating yourself up over it, only this time I can't kiss you to make it better." Despite her declaration, Neon planted a kiss on Weiss' cheek, the opposite this time, yet another tear disappearing. "You've only ever done what's best, for everyone except yourself. If you had your way, you'd hide under your desk and only come out for class and for health reasons. You do this so much, the only time something good happens is when someone else pushes you over an edge. Weiss, you need to be selfish for a change."

"But I have been." Weiss protested.

"Kicking and screaming, in short bursts." Neon managed a chuckle. Weiss mumbled something inaudible in response, burying her face in Neon's shoulder once again. Neon returned to stroking her hair. Eventually, Weiss' heartbeat calmed and the tears stopped. Neon felt comfortable continuing. "How do you want to handle this?"

Weiss did not respond at first, tensing before sighing as she pulled away, letting Neon's tail slip from her fingers and putting distance between them. She looked so tired. "I will...I will focus on my studies, and give everyone space." Weiss finally declared. "I'll say we didn't work out. Feel free to tell them what you wish...blame me Neon, this is my fault. Even if you lie, blame me."

"Weiss...the truth will come out eventually." Neon warned.

"Hopefully by that time I will be in a better place to handle it." Weiss sighed. "But until then, thank you Neon, for everything. I could never have asked for a better friend, a more trustworthy confidant."

Neon shifted closer once more, this time holding a hand out for Weiss to take, which she did. "I'll always cherish what we had Weiss." Neon smiled. "And I'll always be here for you, no matter what." With that Neon leaned in and kissed Weiss once more, shorter but no less sweet. Weiss did not pull away, and shed no more tears, allowing Neon to pull her into strong arms for a final embrace. She would allow herself that much, for Neon's sake.

Weiss left Neon's room to wander for a time. She was well aware that Blake and Ruby would be taking advantage of their privacy, and she felt no desire to inflict an interruption, let alone thrust her emotional baggage upon them. She half expected to run into Cinder again. It would be fitting, the perfect gut punch to go with the day she was having, a cherry on the proverbial cupcake. Perhaps a cupcake would not be such a bad idea at a time like this.

Making her way to the campus cafe, Weiss perused the stock. If the barista noticed her puffy and glazed eyes, she was polite enough not to mention them, instead smiling kindly and accepting payment for the order. Weiss had settled on an iced, chocolate chip muffin - more appropriate than a cupcake for the early hour, though unfortunately it lacked a cherry - and a cup of chamomile tea. Tea had always calmed her in the past, though she was certain it would only have minimal effect now given the circumstances.

Students began to swarm the store, a common morning ritual for both the overworked and over-partied. Normally Weiss would have departed, the noise and crowding irritating her, but this morning she made an exception. Some company was better than none, and the volume helped to drown out her thoughts. She had never been one for sweets, except those Ruby practically jammed down her throat, but the muffin was doing wonders for her mood. Still warm in the center, freshly iced, the chocolate chips melting in her mouth along with the dissolving icing, washed down with piping hot tea. A snapshot of her right then and there would have made it seem the perfect morning. If only.

Weiss spent an hour at the cafe, enjoying the many distractions at hand. She drew out her time browsing the news on her scroll. Storm forecasts, a new restaurant opening near the school, a plane crash - in Atlas no less, of course it was in Atlas - that she quickly scrolled past, a wrap-up for a recent tech expo. Ruby might have been interested in that last one, though her video game console seemed to see little use, likely because of both her and Blake's constant presence.

With her mind drawn to them, Weiss sighed, sending Blake and Ruby a text message to make sure they were done and decent. Taking her plate back to the barista, she paused, looking at the display once more. "Can I take another order to go, please?"