Author's Note: Warning This chapter contains explicit sexual content.

Chapter 23

"Hey Summer...whatcha'...whatcha' doin' there?" A mud spattered and somewhat nervous Yang asked. A similarly muddy Ruby tried to duck behind her sister.

"Bath time." Summer announced. She opened the nozzle, sending a powerful stream of water blasting into Yang. Yang shifted and tried to swing Ruby around into the path of the onrushing water, but Ruby resisted mightily. The sisters screamed as the unrelenting and ice-cold torrent soaked them to the bone. After a few seconds Summer released the trigger and the water stopped flowing. "There, much better." She smirked, dropping the hose and walking away.

"They're insane." Blake, watching from inside, shook her head. She sighed and went back to cleaning up the kitchen.

"They're adorable." Winter declared. She watched for a few more seconds. "Oh, that's a new development."

Blake's ears perked up as Ruby screamed again, accompanied by Yang's cackling. "There's no escape!" Yang laughed.

Blake looked up to see what was happening. Ruby, having shed her wet and dirty clothes right there in the yard, now ran around in her bra and panties as Yang chased her with the hose. After taking a somewhat circuitous route, Ruby rushed for the door. Yang finally eased up, not wanting to soak the inside of the house as Ruby fled. "Oh...hey Blake...hey Winter…" Ruby gasped, struggling to catch her breath. She looked down at her lack of clothing. "I...I should get dressed."

"Take your time…" Blake said, staring.

"Good idea Ruby." Winter said. "You don't want to catch cold."

A scream and giggle from Yang drew everyone's attention back to the window. Summer had retaken the hose to spray Yang again. "How dare you torment Ruby like that!" Summer exclaimed. Yang pushed through the jet of water, struggling with Summer for control of the hose. It was a stalemate and both got soaked in the process.

"Hey...why don't...why don't you kids go...do something?" Winter struggled, staring at the action outside. "I'm just...I'm going to enjoy the show."

"Winter, you're terrible." Blake declared.

Winter did not look away from the increasingly sexy battle. "I am."

The first order of business for the shopping trip was deciding which sort of store to go to. Weiss asked Pyrrha what kind of clothing she already had, and what parts of her wardrobe might be lacking. It was pretty clear that Pyrrha had all the workout and casual clothing she would ever need, but the top end was a little light. She had little in the way of fancier attire, and certainly nothing that would qualify as formal. To correct what Weiss saw as a grave injustice, she directed Pyrrha to an upscale shop that sold brands Winter was invested in.

After picking out some nice ensembles that would cover Pyrrha in most common situations, the pair moved on to look for a proper fancy dress. "Alright Pyrrha, what are you looking for?" Weiss asked. "Style, color, fabric?"

"I have no idea what style or fabric, but I've always been partial to red." Pyrrha replied.

"Hmm...not much to go with." Weiss sighed. "And with red your hair could lose some of its impact...it does bring out your eyes though. Perhaps a tiara could accentuate your hair."

"I think that might be a bit much." Pyrrha resisted. "What about this one?" She grabbed a dress off a nearby rack. It had long sleeves, a high collar, and a rather puffy skirt.

"Not a chance." Weiss shook her head. "You want something that shows off your curves. That will just hide them. Don't you want to impress a certain someone?"

"That's true but...well...I'm lost." Pyrrha decided. "Maybe you should pick out a few options and I'll choose one."

"Easy." Weiss declared. She flitted about from rack to rack, occasionally pulling a garment, usually returning them from whence they came. By the time she was finished she had searched most of the section and returned with a trio of options. "Take your pick."

"I'm not wearing that one." Pyrrha gasped, pointing to a dress with full-length transparent mesh sides. You'd be able to see my underwear!"

"You don't wear any in a dress like this." Weiss explained. "But I suppose it is a bit too risque for you. Yang would probably wear it though."

"Pass." Pyrrha confirmed. She began examining the second. It was lacey and had a subtle floral pattern sewn into it. "I don't think I'm ready for anything strapless." She ran her fingers across it. "And the material feels as rough as it looks."

"Fair enough." Weiss shrugged. "I hope you like this one, or we'll have to try another store."

Weiss handed Pyrrha the final option. It was red like the others, but much different in form. A high, tight collar dropped away into a shoulderless design that featured a large cutout on the chest and a high slit down the side of one leg. Gold embroidery completed the look, lining its every edge. Pyrrha blushed at the sight of it but smiled. She recognized the design. "It's almost Mistrali." Pyrrha observed.

"Yes, it does seem to be inspired by traditional Mistrali styles." Weiss confirmed.

"It has a...boob window?" Pyrrha asked. Weiss nodded. "You mean it's acceptable for me to show them off?"

"Of course it is." Weiss replied.

"It's Mistrali, I'm Mistrali, it lets me show off my best assets…" Pyrrha started but cut herself off. "Are you sure it's not too risque?"

"Do you remember the first dress?" Weiss laughed. "You'll look like a regular prude by comparison."

"Well then, I suppose I'll have to try it on." Pyrrha smiled. She glanced at the price tag. "Wait, no, this is way too expensive. We should find something else."

"No, no, this is perfect." Weiss protested.

"W-Weiss, I can't ask you to buy me this." Pyrrha stammered.

"I insist." Weiss said. "After yesterday it's the least I can do."

"I'm just as much at fault as you are." Pyrrha countered.

"Maybe, but only you are walking around with an embarrassing mark on your neck." Weiss smirked.

"Damnit, I forgot." Pyrrha groaned. "I should have put makeup on it!" She sighed. "Fine, buy me the dress."

Summer was preparing to do the laundry, and only one obstacle remained. Ruby never left her dirty clothes in the laundry room like a normal person, but just scattered the clothes she took off about the floor of her own room. Usually she would bring them to the washing machine if Summer asked, but it was quicker and easier for Summer to do the leg work herself. "Hey Ruby, what clothes do you need…" Summer started as she pushed through the door of Ruby's room.

Summer froze. Before her was Ruby, straddling Blake, both entirely nude but for Ruby's unbuttoned top and the strap-on Blake wore, protruding from between Ruby's legs, rubbing against her core. Blake's hands groped Ruby's breasts, who held them in place even as she stared wide-eyed at her mother. Blake craned her neck to look at what had Ruby so shocked, only to gasp and stammer. "M-Miss R-Rose."

"Hey...mom…" Ruby said. "Maybe knock next time…"

Summer could see everything. Everything. "Nope!" She shouted, slamming the door shut as she backed out. "Nope!" Blake and Ruby could hear her shout again as Summer hurried away.

"Well...uh...what now?" Blake asked.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked. "Keep going."

"How are you so calm?!" Blake exclaimed.

"This isn't the first time I've been interrupted." Ruby laughed. "When I was dating Penny…"

Years Earlier

"Hey Ruby, have you seen my…" Raven started as the opened the door to Ruby's room. Raven froze. Before her Ruby was on all-fours, a ballgag in her mouth and buzzing vibrators in both holes. Beside her Penny stood holding a whip, clad in a leather bodysuit. The trio stared at one another like deer in the headlights. "Uh...you guys have safe words and stuff, right?"

"Mmhmm." Ruby nodded.

"Y-yes Miss Branwen." Penny confirmed.

"Very good." Raven said with an uneasy laugh. "Carry on." She backed out the door, closing it as she did.

Present Day

"I mean, the walls are super thin." Ruby added. "They're going to hear everything anyway."

"That's not exactly an argument in favor of continuing." Blake sighed.

Ruby giggled. "If you're worried about noise I could get out the gag."

The house was nearly empty. Pyrrha had work as usual and Ren had invited Yang, Ruby, Weiss and Blake to spend the day watching movies with Nora. Ren had work and Jaune had to leave for the day, and neither wanted to leave Nora alone. Blake had been hesitant to go, her first impression of Nora a poor one. Nora's obsession with her ears made Blake uncomfortable. It was only when Ruby reframed it - Nora was just like Ruby but entirely without self-control - that Blake was able to get past her initial distaste.

Summer heard a door open and close, then the sound of zombie-like shambling in the direction of the bathroom. With everyone else out of the house it could only be Winter. Grinning, Summer poured another cup of coffee - cream with three sugars - and smeared jam on two scones, placing them on the table before returning to her own coffee. Summer heard the toilet flush, followed by more shuffling as Winter staggered into the lounge, stubbing her toe on the table leg before sitting down to to clutch her foot and whine woefully.

Summer stifled a laugh and rubbed Winter's back soothingly. "Morning Summer." Winter groaned.

"Good morning Winter." Summer responded. "The scones and coffee are yours."

Winter looked up from her aching toe. The table that had so recently assaulted her now held a coffee mug and plate. Blinking blearily, she reached for the cup and breathed its aroma, taking a sip before sighing and relaxing back into the couch with a peaceful expression on her face. Even dead on her feet, Winter managed to look beautiful. "You're an angel Summer." Winter declared. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"I just try to be my best when I can." Summer smiled, looking down.

"Too modest for your own good." Winter chuckled, laying her hand on Summer's leg.

Summer flinched, meeting Winter's gaze, Winter smiling back warmly. Summer found herself staring, even as Winter continued to drink her coffee. Summer finally shook herself out of the trance. "T-the girls have eaten me out...I mean the pantry, uh, and fridge needs restocking" Summer struggled. "I need to go shopping, do you want to come with me?"

Winter giggled. "Sure, I need to get out of the house or I'll just fall asleep again." She agreed.

"What did you get up to yesterday that made you so tired?" Summer asked.

"According to Weiss I seem to sleep in once a week." Winter replied. "She believes it's my body's way of compensating for the late nights and early mornings. When I sleep I do so quite heavily. I once awoke with a drawn-on mustache and monocle. The girls' pokerfaces were impeccable."

"Oh God, when did you notice?" Summer laughed.

"Upon being video-called by my dear friend James Ironwood, a former general of the Atlesian military." Winter replied. Summer laughed harder. "I grounded them for a week and they still refused to rat on one another."

"Ruby and Yang would give each other up instantly." Summer noted.

"No honor among thieves." Winter scoffed.

"I taught them that honesty is preferable to secrecy." Summer explained. "I think I taught them a little too well to be honest."

"I like it." Winter approved. "Blake grew to be naturally open and honest with me, but Weiss is very self-conscious. She trusts me, but she prefers to keep things to herself unless directly confronted."

"She seems like a lovely, polite - if meek - girl." Summer praised.

"Weiss isn't normally meek." Winter observed. "She's been a tad quiet as of late. I feel that something is on her mind, but I trust Ruby and Blake will help if it's serious."

"They're beautiful together." Summer smiled.

"They truly are." Winter said with a contented sigh. "I'm so proud of Blake, she's come so far."

"Blake and I spoke yesterday, properly." Summer declared. "I asked her about before she came to you."

"Oh, and what did she say?" Winter asked.

"That she...made mistakes...I didn't press." Summer replied. "But she showed me a scar." She shook her head. "Winter, is she okay?"

"I think she's as okay as she can be, Summer." Winter sighed.

"I know people...close friends...who have tough pasts." Summer declared. "She has my support. You all have my support, no matter what."

Winter slipped her hand into Summer's, squeezing it. "Your support means everything to me Summer."

Summer and Winter walked through the supermarket. Winter had not been to one in quite some time, usually doing her shopping online, so it was a unique experience. They discussed and joked about some of the products as they made their way through the aisles, occasionally tossing some products into the trolley. Winter was having a good time, but felt the need to address a serious issue.

"So...Blake tells me you walked in on some...activities." Winter struggled.

"They were about to use a strap-on." Summer groaned.

"So I was told." Winter sighed. "I apologize. I thought I taught Blake better than to be so indiscreet."

"No, no, it's not her fault." Summer shook her head. "I didn't knock. I have no issue with them doing...that. Ruby...well, if her relationship with Penny is any indication, she has a high libido. Blake looked terrified."

"She was and still is." Winter confirmed. "Hence her scarcity this morning."

"It's been a long time since Ruby or Yang have been in a relationship." Summer explained. "I haven't had to knock. I just wish I could get that image out of my head." She made groping motions with her hands, looking disturbed.

"Well, I spotted a bottle of wine in the pantry." Winter joked. "Alcohol is always good for erasing memories."

"Weiss and Pyrrha drank it." Summer sighed.

"She what?!" Winter shouted. "I am so sorry Summer."

"It's fine, it's fine!" Summer exclaimed. "I'm not really supposed to drink wine anyway, what with my diet and all."

"What about vodka?" Winter asked.

"I've never had vodka before." Summer replied.

Winter grinned.

"I think the burn's gone away." Summer slurred after downing another shot. She and Winter each held a shot glass, their tools for progressively emptying the bottle of vodka on the table. They had already nearly completed the task.

"That means it's working." Winter smiled. She was doing a somewhat better job of holding her alcohol.

"What is this shit?!" Summer exclaimed, suddenly turning her attention to the television blaring away in front of them. "This isn't TV, it's garbage! Fricken crime investigations and soaps! Why are all the cartoons on in the morning? Adults watch 'em too!"

"What about other channels?" Winter suggested.

"Barely any, we get crap TV out here." Summer complained.

"You don't have cable?" Winter asked.

"Nah, costs too much and only I used it." Summer replied, wobbling slightly. "The girls use the internet, Cineflix or sommen' like that. I dunno', I suck at this sort of stuff, can barely work a scroll. I miss buttons."

"Buttons?" Winter asked.

"Yeah, stuff you can feel, that clicks when you press it." Summer reminisced. "Much more satisfying than this glass touch crap. It feels all weird, like stepping on a step that isn't there." She paused and gasped. "Oh God...I'm...Winter, it's happened. I'm reminiscing about the good ol' days. I-I'm getting old!"

"Summer…" Winter sighed.

Summer looked at her hands. "I don't know when it happened Winter." She whined, her voice small and meek. "I-I was young, and in love, and Yang was great and Ruby is beautiful and I was married...a-and it all went to shit. We fucked up, I fucked up, a-and now I'm getting old. Yang's hurt, Ruby's off to college, and it's all I can do to keep going day to day. I...I dun' wanna' be old Winter." Winter shifted to wrap an arm around Summer's shoulders. Summer leaned in, dropping her shot glass and grasping Winter's hand instead. Summer sniffled, laying against Winter who gently rubbed her arm. "I'm lonely Win."

"I know Sum." Winter declared.

"I don't wanna' be old and lonely." Summer sighed.

"You don't have to be." Winter suggested.

"But I'm scared." Summer resisted.

"Of what?" Winter asked.

"Being sure." Summer replied.

"Of what?" Winter pressed.

"What to do." Summer answered.

"What do you want to do?" Winter asked.

"I...wanna' kiss you." Summer replied.

"And what makes you unsure of that?" Winter inquired.

"Raven...when I didn't return her love...I-I thought it was because she was a woman." Summer explained. "I thought I was straight...but you came along...and I'm not sure anymore."

"People change Summer." Winter observed.

"Change shouldn't hurt." Summer said.

"Sometimes it can't be avoided." Winter noted.

"That sucks." Summer groaned.

"Yes, it does." Winter chuckled.

"Does...it bother you?" Summer asked.

"What?" Winter asked.

"That I'm older." Summer clarified. "I'm forty Winter, like fifteen years older than you."

"Thirteen, and no, it doesn't bother me." Winter replied. She slipped her hand from Summer's to cup her cheek. Summer met her gaze. "You are a beautiful woman Summer. Your age doesn't matter to me, you matter to me. If I felt it was an issue, I wouldn't allow this to happen. I would never harm you like that."

"You really mean that…" Summer sniffled, her voice wobbling, her eyes tearing.

Winter moved her other hand to cup the other side of Summer's face. "Completely and utterly Summer Rose." She declared.

Summer stifled a sob. "S-sorry, it's just...I...k-kiss me?" She struggled. Winter smiled, leaning in and placing a chaste kiss on Summer's lips. Summer flinched forward, mashing their lips together. Winter started back, chuckling, as Summer flushed and giggled. "Oops."

"Try again?" Winter offered.

"Please." Summer beseeched. They closed the distance, slower this time, and shared a longer kiss, then another, then another. Winter broke the kiss, leaving Summer breathless and clutching at her shirt, tugging her back. Grinning, Winter shifted to kneel on the couch. Grabbing Summer's legs, Winter pulled up, eliciting a yelp. Summer's head shifted to the armrest, and Winter adjusted her position to kneel with one knee between Summer's legs. "W-whoa…"

"Am I going too fast?" Winter asked.

"No, no, please don't stop!" Summer exclaimed. Summer tugged Winter back down to kiss her, her hands returning to Winter's hips. Winter started trailing kisses along Summer's cheek, pausing to suckle on her earlobe, coaxing a gentle moan from her, before trailing down to her pulse point, then her collar bone.

"Summer, you can touch me." Winter declared.

"I-I...I don't know how." Summer stammered.

Winter ceased her ministrations, looking Summer in the eyes. "Where do you want to touch?" She asked. Summer grew even more flustered. "Don't think, just do." Summer's trembling hands slowly made their way up Winter's body, settling on her breasts. Winter closed her eyes and grinned, leaning back to allow Summer to better grope them. "Don't be shy, you can play."

Summer giggled and squeezed gently, causing Winter's breath to hitch. Summer realized Winter was not wearing a bra, and she was quickly able to find the slight bump of her nipple beneath the fabric of her shirt. She rubbed it, sending a shudder through Winter's body. Winter reached for the hem of her shirt, and Summer retracted her hands. Summer watched wide-eyed as Winter pulled the garment off and discarded it, baring herself.

"Wow." Summer gasped. Winter descended again, attacking Summer's lips with her own. Summer was painfully aware of how warm their bodies were, how fast her heart was beating, how Winter's breasts felt against her still clothed chest, how Winter's knee felt between her legs. Summer bucked against it instinctively, the friction sending a jolt through her body, coaxing a whimper from her mouth. Winter pressed closer, her knee and breasts burning Summer on contact. "S-shirt, Winter."

Pulling back, Winter grasped the hem of Summer's shirt and yanked it upward. Summer barely had time to lift her arms, and soon the garment joined Winter's, both half-hanging from the coffee table. Winter stared at Summer's chest with a look of hunger. "Gorgeous." She declared. Winter bent to plant a kiss on Summer's lips, trailing down her chest before reaching her right nipple. "Absolutely beautiful."

Winter gave it a long lick. Summer moaned, wrapping her arms around Winter's neck as she began to suckle and nibble upon the sensitive nub. Summer bucked and grinded against Winter's knee as Winter lavished attention on her body, her mouth leaving one nipple to treat the next, hands roaming across her skin, nails trailing past her ribs, running through her hair. Summer could take no more. "Winter please."

Winter snapped up. Worried, she disengaged, looking up at Summer. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"Hah, I'm f-fine." Summer stammered. "Just melting...please help." Summer grinded against Winter's knee for emphasis.

"You're sure?" Winter asked.

Summer cupped Winter's face, pulling her in for another kiss. "Definitely." Summer confirmed.

"Then perhaps we should move to the bedroom." Winter suggested.

Summer nodded. "Yeah, yeah, that's a good idea."