Chapter 41

"I'm joking, I'm joking...heh." Weiss tried to play it off. "Look, I got a text from Neon! I'm just going…" She quickly stood, heading for the door, when a small hand gripped her wrist.

"Wait Weiss-" Ruby started.

"Ruby. Let. Go." Weiss demanded, as calmly as possible.

"Nope." Ruby refused.

"Ruby, let go!" Weiss snapped.

"No!" Ruby shouted.

"Ruby...please let go...please…" Weiss begged, her voice shaky and meek, her heart thumping in her chest.

"Weiss?"

"Please…" Weiss whispered, her panic dissolving into dread.

"Ruby." Blake said. Ruby let go and Weiss slumped against the door, hands gripping the handle like a lifeline. She knew there was no savior from this. "Weiss, talk to us. We're your family. You can tell us anything."

Weiss shook her head, leaning against the cold wood as her eyes stung. "I know, you're my family, and I love you. I love you more than anything. And I love you more and more every day…" She felt Ruby's hand on her shoulder, and Blake moved to lean against the door beside her. She tried to meet her gaze, but everything was blurry. "I didn't want this to happen. I didn't want to ruin anything. I tried. Blake, Ruby, I really tried. I...I…" Weiss choked on her words, squeezing her eyes shut and wishing it was all a bad dream, that she had not really been so foolish.

"It's okay Weiss." Blake soothed. "Come, sit down, we should talk about this properly."

It was not okay. It was terrible. She had been doing so well, she was getting better, she was coping. Now everything was going to get complicated and painful. There was no way this could end well for them. Regardless, Weiss allowed Blake and Ruby to pull her towards one of the beds, where she sat with her head bowed. She flinched when they each slipped a hand in her own.

"How long?" Blake asked.

Since I first laid eyes on you.

"Years." Weiss admitted.

"Oh Weiss…" Blake sighed.

I know, I'm pathetic.

"I didn't want to put that on you." Weiss explained. "We were supposed to be your family. We were supposed to support you, to love you unconditionally. You were in a vulnerable state. I could have abused your trust so easily. I couldn't do that to you. You deserved better, and you got better. You met Ruby, and you love each other, and I love that you love each other. Seeing you both happy makes me proud that you've come so far."

"So you've chosen to hide these feelings instead of being honest about them?" Blake pressed. "It's not healthy to keep these things bottled up."

"If I had been honest, what would have happened?" Weiss grimaced. "You love each other, I can't interfere with that. I thought I could handle it."

Blake cupped Weiss' cheek, pulling to meet her gaze. "We could have talked about it, instead of waiting for it to slip out accidentally and send you into a panic."

"Does Neon know?" Ruby asked.

"Yes." Weiss nodded, head bowed once more. "She was the first person I told. I didn't want to hurt her, I didn't want to use her, but she cared for me too much. I-I hoped that with time I would love her like I love you, and then I could move on."

"But that didn't happen." Blake said.

"No." Weiss shook her head. "Every day I fell for you more. Neon knew it, and stayed regardless."

"So what changed?" Ruby asked.

Weiss huffed a defeated breath, slumping even more. "On the trip to Patch, Yang, hah, she saw right through me. And Pyrrha? God I was stupid, I got drunk, and told her everything, and then I kissed her, because it wasn't enough that I was using Neon as a distraction, I had to disrespect everything about our relationship by throwing myself at the next woman who sympathized with me!"

"You kissed Pyrrha?" Blake asked.

"I left a love bite." Weiss mumbled.

"So that's there that came from." Ruby said.

"I'm lucky Pyrrha was so understanding." Weiss sighed. "That woman is an angel...oh God, she probably told Yang...is Yang very possessive?"

"If Yang's angry she isn't showing it." Ruby replied. "She asked about you yesterday."

"She did?" Weiss' brow rose.

"She's worried about you." Ruby noted.

"She should worry about herself." Weiss laughed. "I don't deserve the consideration."

Blake clenched Weiss' hand. "Don't think like that."

"It's true." Weiss persisted.

"It's not Weiss." Ruby countered. "Look at me." Weiss reluctantly met Ruby's gaze, sympathetic, concerned. "We love you." Weiss felt a lump build in her throat. "We care for you."

Why did Ruby have to look like a kicked puppy?

"We want you to be happy." Ruby added.

I can't be happy without you.

"So believe me when I say you deserve to be cared for, to be worried about." Ruby insisted. "Neon worries for you, Yang worries for you, and we worry for you. If we had known you had feelings for us, we wouldn't have let you suffer like this. Weiss, you can trust us. You're family."

And now I'm crying again.

"That's not the kind of family I want with you Ruby." Weiss wept. "Every time I see you together, all I can think about is what could have been. What if I was selfish with Blake? What if I wasn't such a coward and a bitch, and I comforted you myself?" She rubbed away her tears furiously. "I feel so jealous and I hate myself for it. What we have should be enough, that I can be around you, that I can be part of your lives, but I crave so much more, and it isn't fair, not on me, not on you." Weiss buried her face in her hands, sniffling.

Ruby was lost on a reaction. She wanted nothing more than to wrap Weiss in her arms until she had no more tears to shed, but this was not a simple problem, and such a simple solution would not work. Ruby met Blake's gaze, a determined glint in her eyes.

"Why isn't it fair?" Blake asked.

Weiss turned back to Blake, confused. "Because you have each other. It's selfish to want to take that away."

"Why would that mean taking anything away?" Blake pressed. "You didn't think at any point that maybe, just maybe we would understand?" A soft smile passed over Ruby's face. Blake's eyes flickered between Weiss and Ruby, silently asking permission. Ruby nodded. "You think maybe we could love you too?" Weiss was speechless. She could only gape in shock as Ruby and Blake wrapped her in a warm embrace.

"Weiss, it's okay." Ruby declared.

"How?" Weiss demanded. "Why?"

"You're family Weiss." Ruby answered. "You think just because we mean something more when we say we love you everything will fall apart?"

"But...you...I…" Weiss struggled as the reality of the situation dawned on her, that seemingly her fears and worries were irrational...that she had been hurting herself, hurting Neon, for naught. Even as the warmth of the embrace soothed her heart, the remaining guilt made it burn. Overwhelmed, Weiss could not help but break. "I'm sorry." Nuzzling into Blake's shoulder, Weiss gently shook.

Blake recalled the last time they were in this position, Weiss having just ended her relationship with Neon. At the time Blake believed Weiss was blaming herself for not being good enough, her self esteem issues rearing their ugly head for the nth time. But no, their breakup had been an admission of defeat, that her unrequited feeling would not fade, and that she could no longer use Neon to distract from it. Her guilt was too strong. It must have been torture to be treated with such care by them, that they were so close, yet so far from what she desired. If Blake had had any idea what Weiss had felt for her all these years, she would never have hesitated to reciprocate, and Weiss knew that. But now? Circumstances were different now, and had to be addressed.

"Weiss?" Blake said gently. Weiss hummed, small and unsteady. Her shaking had stopped and now she just silently sat, enjoying the comforting warmth to the best of her ability. "Ruby and I need to talk for a minute. We'll be just outside, is that okay?"

"Yeah, okay." Weiss nodded. With another squeeze, Blake withdrew. Ruby held on for a little longer before following. Blake shrugged on her yukata, and the pair stepped out of the room and into the hall.

Upon entering the hallway and closing the door, Blake leaned against the wall, letting out a deep, shaky breath. "Ruby-" She started.

"Do you love her?" Ruby cut in. She took Blake's hands in her own, fixing her with a gently smile.

"Of course I love her Ruby." Blake replied. "She's my sister-"

"Like she loves us Blake." Ruby cut her off.

Of course, how could she not? Weiss had saved Blake, given her a second chance at life. Weiss had seen her through withdrawals, countless nightmares, fits of anxiety and post-traumatic stress, caring for her with endless patience, loving her deeply, this entire time. How could she not have fallen for her? "I do." Blake nodded.

Ruby merely smiled. "Then I can love her too."

"Wha-Ruby-" Blake struggled.

"I know, I know, it's kinda' outta' nowhere, but it's Weiss, Blake." Ruby declared. "I love her already and she's been putting herself through all of this pain because she was afraid we'd reject her. The least we can do is try, Blake. And I'm willing if you are."

"Ruby, this is a big decision to make so hastily." Blake warned.

Ruby moved closer, leaning into Blake and sharing her warmth, calming her agitated mate. "But is it really though? We wake up every day with Weiss on our minds. We worry for her happiness, we worry for her safety, we hurt when she hurts, we smile when she smiles, we're barely a step away from sharing with her what we share with each other. I think we should take that step. Coco and Velvet open their hearts to others, Ren and Nora opened their hearts to Jaune, we can do the same Blake, we can make it work."

Neither could help but tear up. It seemed today was another one of those days, but at least this one would have a happier tone. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Blake chuckled.

"Once or twice." Ruby grinned, standing on her toes to peck Blake on the lips.

"I love you so fucking much Ruby Rose." Blake declared. "I can never say it enough."

Ruby giggled. "I'm flattered, but there's someone else that needs loving right now."

Blake took a shaky breath, glancing at the door. "You really want this?" She asked. Ruby hummed and nodded. "We're really doing this?" Ruby laughed, nodding faster. Blake could not help but laugh along with her.

"You should be the first to kiss her." Ruby advised.

"Why?" Blake asked. "You've got the tasty lip gloss."

"She fell for you first." Ruby countered. "I think she's been waiting long enough Blakey. Besides, it's hot to watch girls kiss."

"You're terrible." Blake rolled her eyes.

"You love it." Ruby noted.

"So does Weiss apparently." Blake smirked.

"Even in love, she chooses to suffer." Ruby joked.

"Well, let's go ease that suffering." Blake suggested. "If only a little."

"Yes, let's."

After the door closed, Weiss let out the breath she was holding, falling back onto the mattress and attempting to gain control of her labored breathing. This was it, the intermission before the end. Either her feelings would be accepted, or they would be rejected, and despite her hope for the best, even should they accept her, Weiss had a lot for which to atone. It was unfair of her to put them in this situation, but it was even more unfair that she had not trusted them to understand. One bad decision after another...it made Weiss worry for her future. Would she be cut out for business if this was the judgement she provided?

Regardless, it would not do to face fate in this state. Looking in the mirror, Weiss was thankful she had not applied eye shadow today. Her tear tracks wiped off easily, but her puffy eyes would not fade for some time. She reapplied her lip balm, telling herself it was just to pass some time. Best case scenario, perhaps Ruby would appreciate the strawberry. Weiss had to cling to slim hopes, otherwise she might break down again. For all her resilience, once broken her composure was fragile. As cathartic as her confession had been, she was left drained. Tonight would be an early one for certain.

A gentle knock rang out. Weiss could not help but flinch. Checking her hair one last time and attempting to school her expression, she turned from the mirror and clasped her hands. "Come in." The door opened and Ruby walked in, Blake following and closing it behind her. They smiled softly and Weiss felt her heart leap. Linking their hands, they approached Weiss, reaching out to slide their free hands into hers, unclasping them, drawing her into the circle. She could feel their hearts beating.

"Is this what you want?" Blake asked. Weiss bit her lip, nodding, glancing between amber and silver, each equally soft with affection. Still, a part of her cried out in fear, that now would be the cruelest moment to wake up, to glance over at her sleeping loves as the reality set in, that it was all a dream, all a terrible nightmare. But she did not wake up, instead watching their smiles grow. "Both of us, at the same time?"

Weiss felt her face heat up. When Blake put it that was it was a tad scandalous, though no matter how they sliced it, she was in love with two women, and it was hard not to make it sound like such. "Yes, both of you." They were all grinning like idiots now. If this was a dream, Weiss would rather die deceived than wake from the lie.

"Then we should make it official." Blake suggested.

Official...oh...oh now Blake's blushing, and Ruby...Blake's leaning in.

"Y-yeah, we…" Weiss stammered. She abandoned her words and met Blake in a slow, gentle kiss. A kiss for all it's significance could have been explosive, could have been passionate and violent, but instead was small and simple. It was perfect.

"I love you." Blake murmured, bumping their noses together.

Weiss could not swallow the lump in her throat before it escaped. "I love you too." She whimpered. Blake hummed, continuing to nuzzle her newfound mate, nudging her cheek until she faced Ruby, dreamy in her gaze.

"You're so cute together." Ruby smiled. Weiss giggled as Blake landed a gentle kiss on her throat, but her breath hitched when a soft rumbling filled her ears. Blake had not purred for Weiss in...she could not remember how long. She had almost forgotten how wonderful the sound was. So distracted by its soothing rhythm, Weiss was barely aware of Ruby's increasing proximity. "You know, we could push the beds together now."

"F-for warmth?" Weiss stumbled.

Ruby and Blake chuckled as the former leaned in. "Sure, warmth." Ruby's lips made contact and Weiss begged whatever deities that may or may not exist, that if she were dreaming, she could never wake up.

Life without this is not worth living.

It was a little cold to be out grilling. The trees had long ago taken on their autumn color, and since lost it as their leaves shriveled and fell. The Winter season would be arriving soon, and it was already nearly cold enough for snow. Still Summer stood over the backyard grill, wrapped in a puffy jacket, tending to the steaks as they sizzled. She could not help but feel a little crazy doing this, but Yang had made a specific request for dinner, something she seldom did. Summer knew why - Yang's new arm. For months she had been forced to avoid the foods she was now unable to cut herself, but with her new prosthetic the limitation was lifted.

Summer put the finishing touches on the steaks, plating them along with baked potatoes and assorted vegetables. She put the plates on a tray and delivered them to the table, where Winter, Pyrrha and Yang waited. Yang slipped her lighter into her pocket. Its distinctive clink-scrape-whoosh-clink had become a near constant in the house. It had taken a few days, but Yang managed to master its use, mostly - she still occasionally fumbled it. Yang played with the lighter so much Pyrrha felt compelled to ban it from the bedroom. Still, it was good to see Yang getting used to her new arm. Soon the sling would come off and with it some of the limiters, but there was a more immediate challenge now.

Yang picked up a fork with her left hand and the knife with her prosthetic. She plunged the fork into the steak and adjusted her grip on the knife. Sliding the knife between the fork's tongs, Yang pressed down and pulled back to make a cut. Clink. "Damnit." Yang grumbled as the knife slid from her grasp. She picked it up once more, made sure her artificial fingers were properly arranged, then tried to cut again. Clink. The knife slipped from her fingers. Yang groaned and tried again, only for a third repeat. "Damnit!"

"Yang, please calm down." Summer requested.

"It's just...God this is annoying." Yang complained. "I can't grip it right." She flexed the prosthetic hand, trying to diagnose the problem.

"Maybe you should hold the fork with your right for now." Pyrrha suggested. "Maybe once the limiters are off-"

"I don't want to wait for the limiters to come off." Yang cut in. "I want to be ready once they're off. Besides, the hand isn't supposed to be limited. That's not the problem. The fingers are just too slippery."

"Ah, of course." Winter said. "Yang, have you tried the glove?"

"Uh, no." Yang replied.

"Right!" Pyrrha cheered. "You're supposed to wear it when you need more grip. You should try it."

"But won't it mess with my sense of touch?" Yang asked. "It's already not great."

"It's a trade-off." Winter declared. "You have to decide which is more important for the situation. I'd say you need grip now, not feeling."

"Eh, I'll give it a shot." Yang decided. She retreated to her room for a few moments, returning with her prosthetic hand ensconced in its leather glove. She took up the knife and attempted to cut. It was sloppy and shaky, but the utensil did not slip. It took Yang a few tries to get the pressure right, and a few more to master controlling the knife, but she was doing it. Yang picked up a piece of steak with her fork and popped it in her mouth. "It's good. I really missed this."