Chapter 30

Raven and Glynda pulled up to their house to find a familiar car out front. It was no surprise when they found Summer waiting on the couch inside. She had a key, and was welcome there whenever, but it was unlike her to visit unannounced. An overnight duffle sat on the couch beside her, a bag of Mistrali takeout on the coffee table in front of her. When the homeowners entered, Summer sat up straight, folded her hands in her lap, and smiled.

"Alright, what's going on?" Glynda asked.

"Oh, I just thought we girls could have a sleepover." Summer replied.

"Yang's bangin' Pyrrha, isn't she?" Raven asked.

"She sure is." Summer gritted her teeth. "And the walls are so thin."

"You better strap in." Raven warned. "Living together's gonna' make 'em twice as bad as Yang and Nora."

"I know." Summer sighed. "But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

"Is Pyrrha as loud as Nora?" Raven asked with a smirk.

"Not yet." Summer grumbled.

Yang may not have wanted Pyrrha to feel obligated, but she did indeed return the favor. It was a little awkward, being her first time with a woman, but Yang coached and reassured her. With the score even, they decided to share a shower. Yang put that on hold, deciding a few toys would spice things up. With a little help from Pyrrha, she wrapped a towel tightly around herself, then slipped out of the bathroom for the short jump to her own bedroom.

Yang emerged into an unusual silence. At this hour, Summer was normally lounging on the couch, watching this or that television program, the volume rather loud. Not tonight. Instead of heading straight for her room, Yang headed the other direction down the hall, and peeked into the living room. No Summer. Yang knew all too well just how thin the house's walls were, and was also aware of Summer's routine of fleeing when her daughters got amorous. The question was, had Summer just gone for a walk or was she gone for the night? Yang stepped up to the window and pushed the blinds aside. Summer's car was not in the driveway.

Yang grabbed her implements of carnal pleasure and coaxed Pyrrha out of the bathroom. After proving that Summer was indeed gone, Pyrrha agreed to Yang's proposal, and the pair set about enjoying themselves all around the house. The couch, the kitchen and Yang's bedroom were all stops on the way to the originally planned shared shower. By the time the pair reached said shower they certainly needed it.

Though exhausted, after donning her underwear, Pyrrha set about thoroughly cleaning up. She was not about to be so inconsiderate, and did not want to have any embarrassing conversations with Summer. Yang helped as best she could, but became antsy when Pyrrha began scrubbing the kitchen table obsessively. Before they had utilized it, Pyrrha had indicated her hesitation, and now it seemed regret was driving her mad. She insisted she could still see her butt print on the wood, though Yang saw nothing but the natural grain. Eventually Pyrrha was satisfied - or gave up, Yang did not really care - and the pair headed to Yang's room to go to sleep for the night.

Yang had not bothered to dress following the pair's sexual adventure. She glanced at the sweats she had been wearing to bed since Pyrrha had joined her in it. "Hey Pyr, since we're...you know...familiar, mind if I sleep nude?" Yang asked.

"Oh...um...sure." Pyrrha agreed. "Did you usually?"

"Yeah, always, since I was like fourteen." Yang nodded. Pyrrha rummaged through her things, looking for a fresh set of her own pajamas. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for clothes to sleep in." Pyrrha replied.

"You know, you can sleep nude too." Yang suggested.

"I...I never thought about it." Pyrrha stammered.

"It's super comfortable." Yang encouraged. "Totally liberating."

"Won't I be cold?" Pyrrha pressed.

"Not with me beside you." Yang winked.

"I'm not sure I'm totally comfortable…" Pyrrha sighed.

"At least let the girls free." Yang requested. "I can't believe you sleep with a bra on."

"Well...alright." Pyrrha relented. She unclasped her bra and tossed it aside, leaving her panties on. With a final momentary hesitation, she slipped under the covers, joining Yang. They lie face-to-face. "I suppose it's just a Mistrali thing. Ren always slept fully clothed too."

"Speaking of Ren, what was your first time like, your real one?" Yang asked.

"Tonight was no less real." Pyrrha smiled. Yang rolled her eyes. "Well, it was a lot different. I was very nervous, already 18 years old with no experience. I knew Ren and Nora had been...active...for some time before their temporary split. We dated for a few weeks, and there were times when we came close, but I always backed out. Ren never pressed, but I felt guilty. He was always so understanding, and I was making him wait out of stupid irrational fear. I decided it was going to happen and I told him so. We got a room at a motel, not the greatest place but it was clean at least. He took it really slow, and he was so considerate and gentle. At first I was still nervous, and it hurt for a while, but once we got going I sort of lost myself. I can't imagine a better experience for my first." Pyrrha paused. "How about you?"

"Oh, mine was a whole different story." Yang chuckled. "I was thirteen, and I was kind of dating this guy in my class. It was one of those kid relationships where we had no idea what we were doing. Anyway, we decided to do it, but didn't really have a place, and definitely not enough money to rent a room. So he went to the store and got some condoms, I got an old blanket from home, and we met up in the woods."

"In the woods?" Pyrrha gasped. "Really?"

"Yeah...and it gets better, or worse." Yang shook her head. "Well, we got everything ready, got naked...he had no idea what he was doing, I even had to help him with the condom. He went in, a bit too fast for my liking, he got scared, and it was over in a flash. I spent the next half hour calming him down while he had a panic attack. We had more condoms, so we decided to give it another shot, but it didn't last much longer, and I left feeling pretty unsatisfied. If I remember right we broke up the next day."

"That's...that's kind of sad." Pyrrha frowned. "It should have been special…"

"It can't be for all of us." Yang shrugged. "It's not like it ruined my view of sex or anything. Everything worked out fine." She reached for Pyrrha under the covers, sliding her hand down to the hem of her panties. "So, would you like to hear about my first time with a girl?" Yang purred. "Now that was special…"

"Go to bed Yang." Pyrrha commanded sternly.

Yang sighed. "Oh fine...there's always tomorrow."

Summer arrived home at dawn. She slipped into the house as quietly as possible, so as not to wake the sleeping lovers. She noted that the place smelled strongly of lemon, and she knew why. The thought made her shudder. She tossed her bag on the floor beside the door and headed to the kitchen. The lemon smell was even stronger. She started brewing a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. She had dealt with her daughters' sex lives before, but she never quite got used to it. Some day she would have to invest in some soundproofing, or maybe some fancy noise canceling headphones. Earplugs at least.

Just as the coffee finished and Summer started pouring it into her mug, the sound of soft footsteps announced Pyrrha's approach. Pyrrha froze at the spot where the hallway met the main room, looking at Summer like a deer in the headlights. She was very glad she had decided to throw a shirt on. Awkward as the situation already was, bumping into Summer while topless would have been too much. "H-hey...Summer…" Pyrrha struggled. "Spend the night at Raven's?"

"Yep." Summer nodded. "Want a cup of coffee?"

"Uh...sure." Pyrrha replied. As Summer started pouring her a cup, she sat at the kitchen table, staring at it.

Summer clearly noticed her preoccupation. "You know, the wood grain only looks like a butt print." She teased.

"I...we...I'm sorry." Pyrrha stammered.

"Don't worry about it." Summer chuckled. "Just uh...try to keep your voice down next time."

"Yes ma'am." Pyrrha hung her head.

"If you can't, you could always borrow Ruby's ball gag." Summer suggested. Pyrrha's head shot up and she met Summer's gaze wide-eyed. "Now I know why Yang loves teasing you. You are so easy."

"So this is what a scholarship gets you these days." Qrow thought aloud. He leant against his rental car, looking up at the main building of Atlas Academy. It was all modern, white rendered exterior and gleaming windows, looking more like an office building than a school, with only the odd groups of students milling about to detract from that image. He was in the city of Atlas for business reasons, a meeting with a major tech company, and a job interview. While he enjoyed his job in Vacuo, the pay could have been better, and he missed his nieces. If he landed the new job, he would be able to visit Ruby more often, as was his current intention.

Qrow followed the main path, or so he thought, trying to locate something to point him in the right direction. Stopping in place, he grunted in frustration. "Where the fuck even is the reception? Everything looks the same. Is this the side or the front of the place? Is that a front door or an emergency exit? Everything's so fancy it runs together."

"If you'd open your eyes, there is a map on the noticeboard." A snippy voice suddenly jabbed him from behind.

Qrow spun around to find a short, ivory-haired girl fixating him with a dismissive glare. She pointed at a noticeboard he had somehow missed. He recognized the girl, Ruby's roommate, White or something. Just his luck, he wouldn't need the noticeboard after all. "Pardon an old drunk like me." Qrow smirked. "Eyes aren't what they used to be."

"You're inebriated on campus grounds?" Weiss raised an eyebrow at him.

Grinning, Qrow slipped a flask from his pocket, uncapping it and taking a swig. "I might be."

If it were possible for Weiss' glare to get any colder, it dropped a few degrees. "I suggest you leave. Alcoholic beverages are against the rules, as is public intoxication."

"And miss out on visiting my favorite niece?" Qrow asked. "Hell no. I promised Ruby I'd drop by when I could."

Weiss' gaze softened at that. Obviously Ruby had already wormed her way into this one's heart. He could almost see the smile fighting her frown. "Qrow?" She asked.

"That's me." Qrow confirmed.

Weiss rolled her eyes, sighing and muttering under her breath, then smirked. "Very well Mister Branwen, I am Weiss, Ruby's roommate." She introduced herself. She pulled out her scroll, tapping away for a few moments before turning on her heel. "Come on then. I hope you can manage stairs." Scoffing, Qrow followed.

"Ruby, where's my bra?" Blake asked.

"Uhh…" Ruby hesitated. She held up the remains of the undergarment, the clasp loops bent and broken.

"Going commando then." Blake sighed. "Open the window Ruby." Ruby hastily dressed in her pajamas, then slid the dorm window open, hopefully airing out the scent of their recent activities. Hearing a knock at the door, she froze, looking down at the bra in her hand. She threw it under the bed and did a final sweep of the room. Blake smoothed the covers on the bed, running a hand through her slightly messy hair. "I think that's everything."

There was another knock, and Ruby rushed to answer it, flinging the door open. "Hey kiddo." Qrow smiled.

"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby cheered. She leapt into his arms as he laughed and spun her around. "Oh, I missed you I missed you I missed you so much! Didya' miss me?"

"Nope." Qrow replied.

"Aw." Ruby pouted.

Qrow chuckled, ruffling Ruby's hair before strolling into the room. Catching sight of Blake, he smirked. "Don't mind me, I only look like I smell bad."

"Fortunately." Weiss rolled her eyes. Qrow dropped Ruby on her bed and took a seat as Weiss closed the door. "I found him complaining about the architecture near the entrance."

"I still get confused sometimes." Ruby admitted.

"Only when one of us isn't holding your hand." Blake chuckled. "Hello Qrow, I'm Blake."

"Yeah, I saw the pictures." Qrow nodded. "Not bad Rubes, she only kinda' looks like Raven."

"Shut up." Ruby smacked Qrow on the shoulder. "You're just jealous cuz' you can't get some."

Qrow scoffed, pulling out his flask and taking a sip before jabbing it towards Ruby. "I can get some whenever I want." He protested. "I just choose not to."

Ruby rolled her eyes and snatched the flask, taking a deep swig. Blake did a double take. "Ruby Rose!" Weiss gasped.

"Ah, that hits the spot." Ruby grinned.

"Puts the lead in your pencil." Qrow said.

"The wind in my sails." Ruby added.

"The-" Qrow started.

"You just gave an underage girl alcohol!" Weiss shouted. "What is wrong with you?"

"I think I'm in trouble." Qrow leaned over, stage whispering to Ruby.

"Blakey, want some?" Ruby offered, holding out the flask with a wink.

Blake smirked, accepting and taking a swig. As the liquid touched her tongue her eyes bulged. She could not help but laugh, almost coughing it up. "Soft drink?"

"Strawberry!" Ruby exclaimed.

"What?" Weiss demanded. Taking back the flask, Ruby passed it to Weiss, who gingerly grabbed it. She held her nose above the opening and took a sniff. "You carry a flask of strawberry soft drink, and you call yourself a drunk?"

"Running joke, and coping mechanism." Qrow chuckled. He took the flask from Weiss, thumbing the engraving on its surface. "When I quit I kept reaching for it, made me want to drink again. Rubes suggested keeping it full of juice or somethin'. Worked like charm. Still does."

Weiss nodded, closing her eyes, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I see, I apologize Mr. Branwen." She sighed. "I assumed the worst. Congratulations on your sobriety."

"No problem, just screwin' with you." Qrow waved her off. "And call me Qrow, I'm not old or married enough to be 'mister.'"

"Very well Qrow." Weiss nodded again. She turned to pick up her bag. "I will take my leave. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"Where are you going?" Ruby asked.

"The cafe." Weiss replied. Before anyone could object, she quickly left.

Qrow looked between Ruby and Blake, confused. "Is she always that prickly?" He asked.

"Sometimes, but moreso lately than usual." Blake answered.

"Weiss is going through some stuff right now." Ruby explained. "I thought maybe that would cheer her up."

"I should follow her." Blake suggested. "She'll appreciate the company."

"Bring me back a cupcake?" Ruby requested.

"Of course." Blake agreed. "Bye Qrow, it was nice meeting you."

"Likewise." Qrow waved. "Sorry for scaring off your sister."

"She needs to be out more anyway." Blake shrugged. "You two enjoy yourselves. Try not to destroy the room." She ruffled Ruby's hair, pecking her on the forehead.

"What do you think we're gonna' get up to?" Ruby asked.

"With the stories you've told me, I'm prepared for the worst Ruby Rose." Blake smirked. With a final nod to Qrow, she headed out after Weiss, leaving Ruby alone with her uncle.

"I like this one." Qrow declared. "Tall, dark and confident, like Rave, but so far, far less of a bitch."

"Be nice to your sister." Ruby thwapped Qrow with a pillow.

"Tell her that." Qrow scoffed.

"I have, multiple times." Ruby noted. "Why does it always come back to Raven?"

"Something, something, Oedipus complex." Qrow teased.

"She's technically not even my stepmom." Ruby thwapped Qrow again.

"Eh, tomatos potatos." Qrow shrugged. A third thwap was delivered. "Anyway, what's up with the snowcone?" A fourth.

"Long story." Ruby sighed. "Weiss had a benefits relationship, things got serious and they broke it off. They've been kinda' taking it hard. Weiss doesn't go out much anymore."

"Damn, didn't take her for the casual type." Qrow shook his head. He shifted to properly lay on the bed. Ruby lay back on his stomach, hugging a pillow to her chest.

"She's not so bad, once you get used to her." Ruby assured him. "She can be sweet...it's just like squeezing water from a stone sometimes."

"So...Glynda?" Qrow suggested.

"I guess, they'd probably get along." Ruby allowed.

"Hmm, how have you been holding up?" Qrow asked.

"Good." Ruby replied. "Workload isn't so bad, Yang calls everyday, and Blake and I are going strong. She's been really good to me Qrow, Weiss and Winter too."

"Good, good, was worrying the fuck out of me, you being here by yourself." Qrow admitted.

"I was fine...well...I wasn't really in a good place when I got here, but Blake and Weiss helped me so everything's okay!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Yeah, well, still." Qrow said. "Just wish you had family to count on...it's actually why I'm here."

"Hmm?" Ruby asked.

"Got an interview at this place, Ironworks." Qrow explained. "They do military exoskeletons and heavy duty prosthetics, you know, sci-fi stuff. And if I get the job I'll be moving here."

Ruby jumped up, bouncing on the bed and excitedly hugging Qrow. "That's awesome!" She cheered. "We can see each other more often! What about dad? Will he come too?"

Qrow sighed. "I don't think so kiddo."

"Oh...why?" Ruby frowned.

Qrow gritted his teeth. Ruby's voice was barely more than a whisper and the disappointment was evident. He hated hearing that. "Tai's come a long way, he's got himself a good job in Vacuo, he's making enough to fend for himself." Qrow said. "I've...I've asked him Ruby."

Ruby slumped on Qrow's chest, sighing and nodding. "I hate this."

"I know." Qrow declared.

"It's stupid." Ruby complained.

"It is." Qrow confirmed.

"I just...wanna' be close to my dad again." Ruby groaned.

"Me too kiddo...maybe someday." Qrow encouraged. "I'll kick his ass into gear and get him to visit sometime."

"What about Solstice?" Ruby asked.

"Hmm?" Qrow did not understand.

Ruby pushed herself up, looking determined. "You convince dad, and I'll convince mom, and we can have a big family celebration, like we used to. You can make chili again!"

"I...Rubes…" Qrow struggled. He looked at Ruby's bright, excited eyes, sighing, grinning. He could never say no to that face. "Alright, fine, I'll try. I can't promise it'll work, but I'll give it a shot."

"Yes!" Ruby cheered. "Thanks Uncle Qrow!" She jumped on him again, and he laughed breathlessly, winded by the force.

"One condition though." Qrow noted.

"What?" Ruby asked. Qrow swung his pillow, knocking Ruby off the bed. She yelped, then laughed. "No fair!"

"Life isn't fair." Qrow smirked. "You gonna' lay there and bitch, or get up and do somethin' about it?"

Qrow threw the pillow in Ruby's face, sending her flailing. "Oh, you're gonna' get it now!"