Chapter 26

Blake exited Yang's room and approached Weiss in the hallway. Weiss stood, hands clenched in front of her. "How is she?" She asked.

"She's fine, and she wants to see you." Blake replied.

Weiss took a shaky breath. "O-okay." She said.

"She doesn't blame you." Blake encouraged. Weiss just sighed. "Go on then, Yang can always use more hugs."

Weiss walked up to the door and stopped just outside. She took a deep breath and strode in. Yang was lying in bed, looking a bit tense, but she smiled when she spotted Weiss. "Yang, I'm so sorry." Weiss pleaded. She rushed to Yang and embraced her. "If I hadn't kept you out all day-"

"It would have just happened another day." Yang declared. "The way things were going...it was gonna' happen eventually."

"But I should have seen how much you were suffering." Weiss protested, pulling back.

"I've been getting better at hiding the pain." Yang countered. "No one noticed because I didn't want anyone to notice."

"But...I…" Weiss struggled.

Yang rubbed Weiss back. "I don't blame you, no one blames you, and you shouldn't blame yourself." Yang soothed. "This one's on me."

"And the doctor's shitty handwriting." Weiss added.

"Yeah, and the doctor's shitty handwriting." Yang chuckled. "Heard Winter lost her shit."

"Not quite." Weiss corrected. "It's not like she was ranting and raving like a lunatic. But she did get this look on her face...I never want to be on the receiving end of that one."

"Well, that's all behind me now." Yang smiled. "I'm quitting the painkillers, and I'm gonna' get my head on straight."

"What about the pain?" Weiss asked. "It's not just going to go away."

"I'll live with it." Yang shrugged. "Already living with it." She added under her breath. "With everyone's help I'll be able to get through it."

"Just...whatever you...take care of yourself, alright?" Weiss managed.

"You got it." Yang smirked. "You and Blake take care of Ruby for me." Weiss nodded. "And good luck with all that."

"Yeah...I'll need it." Weiss sighed. "But thanks. Whatever happens I'll make sure Ruby's happy. It's the least I can do for you."

"I know you will." Yang declared. She wrapped Weiss in a fresh embrace, one eagerly returned. "You damn bleeding heart you."

Yang spent some time with Weiss, the latter telling stories of Ruby's Atlesian escapades. Yang found Weiss' frustration almost as funny as Ruby's antics. At least being away had not changed Ruby. Soon a commotion in the hallway signaled new arrivals. Ren and Jaune appeared in the doorway, and Weiss excused herself to let them have some time with Yang. "Hey guys...uh...where's Nora?" Yang asked. "I swear I heard her cackling."

"Catching up with the others." Jaune replied. "We figured we should talk to you before the whirlwind got started."

"Not a bad idea." Yang agreed.

"How are you feeling?" Ren asked.

"Been better, obviously." Yang answered. "Head hurts, arm burns, and I feel like I let everyone down. On the plus side, I'm still alive, and I have a chance to make up for my mistakes. I'm gonna' make this right."

"Is there anything we can do?" Jaune asked.

"Not really." Yang shrugged. "Pyrrha will take care of me. We uh...well, we're together now."

"You and Pyrrha?" Jaune queried.

"I kind of feel like an idiot for not seeing it sooner." Yang confirmed. "I have a lot to make up for."

"How did it happen?" Ren asked.

"Things got a little heavy when I was waking up." Yang explained.

"I'm glad she finally told you, even if it was rather unorthodox." Ren smiled.

"Wait...you knew?" Yang asked.

"I did." Ren nodded.

"I guess it makes sense." Yang shrugged. "You do give great advice, almost as good as Nora."

"You take Nora's advice?" Jaune chuckled.

"She can be really profound sometimes." Yang suggested. "She's wise in her own way."

Jaune thought for a moment. "I guess you have a point." He allowed.

"So, how did she react, is she okay?" Yang asked.

"Well...we didn't exactly tell her the whole truth." Jaune explained. "We didn't want her to worry, so we put a positive spin on things."

"What did you tell her?" Yang pressed.

"You had a problem with your medication." Ren replied. "It's the truth, just not the whole truth."

"That's fair, you didn't want to get her worked up, what with her being pregnant and all." Yang sighed. "Can I speak to her...alone?"

"Sure." Ren nodded. "I'll get her."

Ren and Jaune departed. Nora arrived soon after. She looked fit to burst, a wide smile etched onto her face and boundless energy sending her bouncing back and forth on her feet. "You look happy." Yang observed.

"Blake let me touch her ears!" Nora cheered. "They were so soft!"

"That's great Nora." Yang said without enthusiasm.

"I wanted to dress up like a sexy nurse for you, but Ren wouldn't let me." Nora laughed.

"Nora...could you sit down for a minute?" Yang asked. Her expression was serious, her voice emotionless.

"Oh I...of course." Nora nodded. Her energy melted away and she sat in the chair beside Yang's bed. "What is it?"

"The reason I'm here-" Yang started.

"You had a problem with your meds." Nora cut in.

"Not exactly." Yang sighed. "I...I overdosed on my painkillers."

"Wha...you...how?" Nora gasped.

"I've been hurting...a lot...ever since the accident." Yang admitted. "My arm...the one that isn't there...I can still feel it and...it burns. I've been taking the meds more and more, and I finally took too much. I stopped breathing, my heart almost quit...I almost died."

"Yang I...oh God...I'm…" Nora dissolved into sobs as she embraced Yang, squeezing her tightly.

"I'm sorry Nora." Yang pleaded, returning the embrace.

"W-why didn't you say anything?" Nora asked. "If you were hurting...why didn't you ask for help?"

"I didn't want to worry anyone...well, not more than I already was." Yang replied. "And I figured there wasn't really anything anyone could do. Plus you know how stubborn I can be."

"Yang I...I don't know what I would do if you died." Nora cried. "I love you so much. I want you to be my Best Man. I want you to be my kid's godmother. I want you to be happy."

"I know Nora." Yang declared. "I love you too, and I want those things just as much as you do. I screwed up...bad...but I won't let it happen again."

"If you need anything, anything at all, please come to me." Nora beseeched. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

"Thank you, and I will." Yang nodded. "I promise. I'm turning my life around. I'm going to be fun Auntie Yang for your kid. I owe it to everyone to get better." Yang sighed. "Pyrrha in particular."

"Oh, did she finally confess?" Nora asked.

"She told you too?" Yang sighed exasperatedly.

"No, but it was obvious, wasn't it?" Nora answered. "I mean, she spent every free moment with you the last time you were in the hospital, then she moved in with you. It wasn't hard to figure out how she felt." Nora paused. "You mean you didn't notice?!"

"I guess I didn't see it." Yang groaned. "It must have been torture for her, having to watch me mope and suffer, without me showing any appreciation for her trying to help."

"Yeah, probably." Nora agreed. Yang let out a heavy sigh and lowered her head. "But it's not too late to make up for it. If you're half the lover for her you were for me, it'll be worth it."

"Well, I did lose half of my magic fingers." Yang joked.

"You could always strap a vibrator to your stump." Nora suggested.

"Nora...you're the best, you know that?" Yang smiled.

"I'll always be my best for you." Nora promised. "I know you'll do the same for me and Pyrrha and everyone else. And that's all we can ask for."

"Yeah...yeah, I will." Yang nodded. "Thanks Nora, for everything."

After Nora departed, Yang remained alone for a time. Pyrrha had offered to return to her side but for the moment Yang refused. She had a lot to think about and that was best done alone. The self-imposed isolation was broken as Winter strode in, a look of determination on her face. "Hey Winter." Yang greeted her.

"Hello Yang." Winter responded. "How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts and my arm burns, but the morphine's helping." Yang replied. "So I guess I'm better than I was, but not all the way. I'm hopeful, everything's looking up for me."

"Oh, what brought about this change?" Winter asked.

"Everyone's being really supportive." Yang answered. "You should be really proud of Weiss and Blake, they helped me out, especially Blake."

"You're family, we'll all do everything we can." Winter declared. "How much did Blake tell you?"

"Just that she was an addict." Yang replied. "It really helps to know there's someone who understands what I'm going through, even if it's only just one aspect." Yang smiled. "The others helped too. I feel like I've got my head on straight for the first time in months. I'm gonna' turn things around and recover, and I mean really recover."

"That's wonderful." Winter cheered. "I'll do whatever I can to assist in that recovery."

"What exactly are your plans?" Yang asked.

"I have to take the girls back to Atlas, but I'll be returning." Winter replied. "I've set some plans in motion."

"What about my mom?" Yang pressed. "What's your intention?"

"I intend to take things as far as she wants to." Winter answered. "I would not have let them progress this far if that were not the case. If she wants it to just be a holiday romance, I'll be disappointed, but that won't change how I treat any of you. If she wants to take things farther, I'm more than willing."

"Have you talked to her about it?" Yang asked.

"No." Winter admitted. "I will when she's ready, but now's not the time."

"That's my fault, isn't it?" Yang sighed. "If it wasn't for this mess you'd have been able to focus on yourselves."

"No, it's your doctor's fault." Winter countered. "I've never seen such abysmal penmanship. On the plus side, I saw to it that there will not be a repeat, for you or anyone else."

"You got him fired?" Yang gasped.

"Oh, no, of course not." Winter laughed. "I'm angry with him, sure, but that would be a bit much. I've simply made a donation to the hospital so they can update their prescription system, make it all digital. This way they won't have to rely on handwritten scripts."

"That's...you're really something." Yang smiled and shook her head.

"Thank you." Winter grinned. "Well then, is there anything I can get you?"

"Not really...are you leaving?" Yang asked.

"There are a few things I must take care of before our departure tomorrow." Winter declared. "But like I said, I won't be gone long. I promise, I will be returning, as soon as circumstances allow."

"I look forward to it." Yang smirked. "But I bet Summer's even more eager."

Ruby lie sleeping, tucked up under Yang's stump, face buried in her shoulder. The hospital staff had not been thrilled about the idea of a guest sharing a bed with a patient, but Ruby was not to be denied, and she had been there all night. Yang dozed peacefully, gently rubbing circles on Ruby's back as Pyrrha sat reading a magazine nearby. A knock on the door interrupted them. Pyrrha and Yang looked up to see Blake standing in the doorway.

"Good morning, how are you feeling?" Blake asked.

"Better." Yang replied. "Thanks Blake, what are you up to?"

"I'm here to say goodbye, and get Ruby." Blake answered.

"She's been asleep all morning." Pyrrha noted.

"Sure she has." Blake smirked.

"Ruby, you snore." Yang observed. Ruby did not respond at first, then buried her face deeply in Yang shoulder. Yang chuckled and patted her on the back. "Come on Ruby, it's time to go."

"Nnn." Ruby groaned.

Blake suddenly looked worried, stepping forward. "Ruby?"

Ruby shuddered, then hiccoughed, shaking. She wrapped her arms tighter around Yang and sobbed. "Ruby, hey, come on." Yang soothed, her own voice shaky. Her guilt returned in full force as she wrapped Ruby in a tender but firm embrace. "It's alright, I'm gonna' be okay."

"Idunwannago…" Ruby whined.

"I know, I don't want you to go either, but you gotta'." Yang encouraged. "You've gotta' go to school and achieve your dreams, okay?"

"My dreams...this has been a nightmare Yang!" Ruby exclaimed. "I almost lost you again, and I know it was an accident, but w-what if something else happens? What if I don't see you again?"

"I'm not gonna' let anything happen Ruby, a-and now I've got Pyrrha to help me." Yang assured her. "I'm not gonna' fuck up anymore. I'm gonna' do better."

Ruby pulled away, straddling Yang's legs as she made a poor attempt to glare at her. "Promise me you'll still be here when I get back." Ruby demanded.

"I promise Ruby." Yang smiled. "I won't disappoint you, not again."

"You didn't disappoint me, you scared me Yang." Ruby sighed. "You're my big sister, and I love you, and I couldn't handle losing you. Dad's gone and I can barely talk to Qrow. If I lost you...I don't wanna' think about it. I hate thinking about it."

Ruby sniffled, wiping her eyes. Yang reached for the box of tissues on the table beside her bed, pulling one out. Ignoring Ruby's reaching hand, she began directly dabbing at her tears. "I promise Ruby." Yang declared. "I won't leave you, not now, not ever." Yang crumpled the tissue, tossing it onto the table before holding her hand out to Ruby, her pinky extended. "Pinky swear." Ruby scoffed but smiled, linking her own pinky with Yang's. "I'd do a double pinky, but well, you know."

Ruby giggled, shaking her head. She collapsed back onto Yang, hugging her as tightly as possible. Yang hugged back with equal enthusiasm. "I love you Yang." Ruby declared.

"I love you too Rubes." Yang smiled. "Make me proud."

"I will, I promise." Ruby nodded.

"Good, now get going." Yang ordered. "Give Winter and Weiss a big hug and kiss for me." Yang gave Ruby another squeeze and pecked her on the forehead. Ruby reluctantly pulled away, slipping off the bed and stretching. She turned to Pyrrha and hugged her as well.

"I'll take care of her." Pyrrha promised. "Don't you worry."

"I know, you always have." Ruby smiled. 'Thanks Pyrrha."

"Quit hogging my girlfriend." Yang joked. "Yours is right there."

"Shh, she forgot I existed for a while." Blake laughed.

"I think we all did." Yang smirked.

"She'll get me for the rest of the day." Ruby countered. "Let me hug my new sister."

"Oh stop." Pyrrha chuckled.

"I'm thinking a fall wedding." Yang joked.

"Does that mean I can't wear black?" Blake asked.

"Oh yeah, we're gonna' get you in some orange." Yang grinned. "How's that kitty cat?"

"I will claw you." Blake warned.

"Keep it in the bedroom." Yang scoffed.

"Is that a proposition?" Blake smirked.

"Blake!" Pyrrha gasped. Ruby, Blake and Yang shared a laugh. Pyrrha sighed, shaking her head. "Go on, get out of here, before this turns into a...thing."

"Foursome Pyrrha." Ruby giggled. "Word of the day is foursome."

"I can't hear you!" Pyrrha plugged her ears with her fingers.

Ruby chuckled, then turned to hug Yang again. "Bye sis, take care." She cheered.

"Promise." Yang nodded.

Ruby reluctantly pulled away, joining Blake and taking her hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you." Blake smiled.

"See you next time kitten." Yang waved.

Blake scoffed, halfheartedly glaring at Yang before turning to leave. Ruby managed a final wave before being pulled out of view. "I'm going to see them off." Pyrrha noted. "I'll be back soon."

Yang nodded and Pyrrha soon disappeared out of the room as well. Yang was barely able to hold it together long enough before a sob escaped her throat.

Winter and Summer took a stroll through some airport shops, chatting with one another. Blake and Ruby were in the midst of one of their painfully cute moments. Weiss sighed as she looked on. If only she had someone. "Hey Weiss, you alright?" Pyrrha asked.

"What do you think?" Weiss mumbled.

"I'm sorry." Pyrrha apologized, not sure for what she was apologizing.

"I...I hear you and Yang…" Weiss trailed off.

"Yeah...the confession wasn't exactly intentional, but I'm glad it happened." Pyrrha smiled. "Now I don't have to bottle things up or distance myself anymore."

"I'm happy for you." Weiss forced a smile. "Jealous, but happy."

"I...don't know what to say Weiss." Pyrrha admitted. "I want things to work out for you, but not at the expense of what they have."

"I know...I feel the same." Weiss sighed. "I just...I wish things could be different. I wish I could really love Neon."

"What are you going to do?" Pyrrha asked.

"I don't know." Weiss shook her head. "We can't keep going on like this...but I don't know what to do."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." Pyrrha encouraged. "If you need advice, don't be afraid to call."

"It's hard...you know?" Weiss asked. "Everyone around me has someone, even you and Winter now. I thought maybe I had someone, but then...making a pass at you, it showed me how I really see Neon. She's interchangeable. It's so disrespectful to her."

"Weiss...you can't be so hard on yourself." Pyrrha advised. "This isn't easy. You're doing your best, and I'm sure you don't really think Neon is so easily replaced. You do love her, even if you're not in love with her."

"Maybe, but it's really neither here nor there." Weiss declared. "The way I'm using her is wrong. What I did to you was wrong. The way I look at Ruby and Blake is wrong."

Pyrrha grabbed Weiss by the shoulders. "Weiss, look at me." She demanded. Weiss met her gaze with teary eyes. "It's not wrong. You've done nothing wrong. You're not a bad person. And I don't know how, but I'm sure everything's going to work out for you."

"Pyrrha, I want to believe in that." Weiss lowered her gaze. "I want to believe in me. Thank you for all your help, but I'm afraid I don't."

"Weiss…" Pyrrha sighed.

"Go back to Yang." Weiss commanded. "Make her happy. As for me...I appreciate your kind words, but you've done all you can."

Summer and Winter walked a short distance from the other girls, browsing one of the airport shops. The past few days had been taxing, but with Winter's unwavering support, Summer had wanted for nothing. Winter covered the hospital bills, waited on Summer hand and foot in her panic, and not once did she complain, even as a joke. Even now Winter held her hand reassuringly, squeezing it on occasion and offering kind smiles. It would all be coming to an end though, as the group's departure drew near.

"I'll miss you." Summer sighed.

"I'll miss you too Summer, but I'll be back." Winter promised.

"When?" Summer asked.

"As soon as I am able." Winter replied. "There are a few things I must take care of."

"What kind of things?" Summer inquired.

"Boring things." Winter laughed. "Stocks, business, shady dealings, you know, rich person stuff." Summer giggled but clutched Winter's hand in both her own. They stopped, turning to face one another. "You can contact me anytime, no matter what. I'll always make time for you."

"I-I will." Summer struggled. "Winter I...I…" Summer leaned in, catching Winter's lips with her own. They held the kiss for some time before breaking away. Summer lay her head on Winter's shoulder and they wrapped each other in a tender embrace.

"I'll be back." Winter repeated. "You can gather your thoughts, and we can talk about us then." Summer nodded, squeezing Winter tighter. "Is there anything else I can do? Anything at all?"

"No, you've already done so much." Summer replied. "I couldn't ask for anything else, and I can't thank you enough."

"I don't want your thanks." Winter declared. "I want you to be happy. I want you all to be happy."

Summer pulled back to cup Winter's face. "You have made me very happy Winter, and for that I am thankful." She smiled.

"The original accident, I read the report." Winter said. "What happened is grounds for a suit. I know very good lawyers Summer."

Summer pecked Winter on the lips. "I have my own lawyer handling it." She shook her head. "It hasn't gone to court yet but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. Winter, you've done enough. Any more and I'll feel like I'm taking advantage of you."

"You could never take advantage of me." Winter declared.

"Hah, is that a challenge?" Summer laughed.

"Maybe." Winter smirked. "Make a request, no matter what, I'll grant it." Summer grinned, then leered. She leaned in to whisper in Winter's ear. The indecent proposal made Winter gasp in faux scandal. "Miss Rose!" Summer giggled, Winter joining her. A boarding announcement blared over the PA system. Winter tapped Summer's back. "Time to go."

"Hmm, fine." Summer sighed.

"Go hug your daughter already." Winter suggested.

"Fine." Summer huffed.

Winter chuckled and stood a few steps back as Summer approached Ruby, who detached from Blake and rushed into her arms. "I'll miss you!" Ruby exclaimed.

"I'll miss you too sweetie." Summer smiled. "Enjoy yourself, be safe."

"I promise." Ruby declared.

"Good girl." Summer chuckled. "I love you."

"I love you too mom." Ruby said with teary eyes.

Summer released Ruby and turned to Blake, wrapping her in an embrace of her own. "Thank you for being there for Ruby." Summer said. "Thank you so much."

"Thank you for accepting me." Blake said.

"I look forward to having you over again." Summer declared. She turned to Winter and Weiss, who were waiting patiently. Weiss was surprised as Summer wrapped her in a hug as well. "I'm sorry we didn't really get to know each other. I know you've been a good friend to Ruby, that you're the reason she met Blake. As far as I'm concerned, you're just as responsible for her happiness as she is. Thank you."

Weiss slowly returned the embrace, hiding her face in Summer's shoulder. "I'll always do my utmost for Ruby, Miss Rose." Weiss promised.

"That's Summer to you." She chuckled. "Weiss, next time you come to visit, we're going to spend some time together. Okay?"

"Of course." Weiss nodded with a plastered on smile. "Thank you for having us."

"Any time." Summer smiled.

The boarding announcement was repeated over the PA. The girls grasped their carry-on bags. Ruby hugged Pyrrha, then the groups separated. "See you soon Summer." Winter smiled.

"Fly safe?" Summer wished her well.

"You sound like Weiss with my driving." Winter chuckled. With a final round of smiles and waves, Winter led Blake, Weiss and Ruby into the tunnel and toward the plane.

"They're truly lovely people." Pyrrha declared.

"Yeah, they are." Summer smiled.

"We should pick up something for Yang." Pyrrha suggested. "I get the impression that hospital food isn't very palatable."

"If it hasn't improved since I was pregnant, I can attest to that." Summer confirmed.

"Remind me to never get injured." Pyrrha chuckled.

"Most of them are accidental." Summer noted.

"I guess I'm never leaving the house again." Pyrrha joked. "Or my bedroom. Or my bed."

"I'm sure you'll rarely leave the bedroom anyway." Summer smirked.

"Summer, not you too!" Pyrrha gasped.

"Muahahaha." Summer laughed.

"Everyone is corrupt." Pyrrha wailed. "Everyone is Yang."

"I thought I took after Ruby?" Summer asked.

"Oh wow, what did you and Winter get up to?" Pyrrha asked.

"N-nothing like that...really." Summer stammered, blushing furiously.

"Oh Summer." Pyrrha giggled.

"Shut up." Summer scowled.

"You shut up." Pyrrha countered.

"Shut up times a thousand!" Summer exclaimed.

"I was a math major." Pyrrha warned. "Do you really want to get into this?"

"You dropped math for business administration Pyrrha." Summer reminded her.

"I could have done it!" Pyrrha protested.

"Sure." Summer teased.

"I'm smart!" Pyrrha declared. "I could have done it! I just wanted to do admin more!"

"Boring…" Summer taunted.

"You're mean." Pyrrha pouted.

"You love it." Summer laughed.

"Shut up." Pyrrha sulked.

Summer giggled. "You shut up."

End Season 1