Chapter 20

While Ruby introduced Yang and Pyrrha to her new friends, Summer slipped away to shower and change into more presentable attire. It was embarrassing, having her first meeting with them while she was sweaty and dressed in such revealing clothing. Sure, if they were anything like the friends Ruby had made in the past, they would forget the whole thing, or at least only look back and laugh on occasion. Still, the Schnee name was famous, and though Summer knew it was irrational, she felt the need to be perfect for them. She put on a nice blouse and styled her hair as best she could in the short time she gave herself, then returned to the lounge.

When Summer arrived Pyrrha was leaning against a wall, covering her face with her hands. Even so, Summer was able to see that she was blushing. "What have you done to poor Pyrrha?" Summer sighed.

"Oh, I was just talking about my relationship with Blake." Ruby replied. "I guess I must have gone into a little too much detail."

"This is probably my fault." Winter suggested. "In our family there are no secrets and no topic is taboo."

"Hmm...I try to keep things that way myself." Summer noted, taking a seat beside Ruby. Ruby leaned against her and Summer wrapped an arm around her daughter. "But that doesn't mean we discuss these things when we have company."

"Sorry Pyrrha." Ruby apologized.

"No, it's alright." Pyrrha shook her head. "I should be used to it by now."

"So, Pyrrha, what's your relation to Ruby?" Winter asked.

"I'm just a friend." Pyrrha replied. "I moved in to help out Summer and Yang."

"You're more than just a friend." Summer declared. "As far as I'm concerned you're my third daughter."

"Given her age, wouldn't she technically be the first?" Yang suggested.

"I suppose so." Summer smirked. "Now I can make good on that threat to write you out of my will!"

"That's it, I'm adding ten push-ups to your next set." Yang countered.

"And you're back in the will." Summer laughed. She turned to the guests. "So, Winter, Weiss, Blake, what brings you to Patch?"

"Ruby told Weiss and Blake she wanted to visit her sister." Winter replied. "How can I say no?"

"What do I owe you?" Summer asked.

"Owe me?" Winter tilted her head in confusion.

"I wouldn't feel right having you spend so much on my daughter." Summer explained. "Please, let me reimburse…"

"Absolutely not." Winter cut her off. "She's family for me too, and besides, I have more money than I know what to do with."

"And she loves to spoil people." Weiss added.

"Seriously, she gets off to this." Blake joked.

"Plus it's not like we're not getting anything out of it." Winter continued. "Patch is beautiful this time of year, and I've never had occasion to visit."

"I'm afraid you'll run out of things to do here rather quickly." Summer warned. "The university is probably bigger than Signal, and that's the biggest city on the island."

"And it can be really boring out here in the sticks." Yang sighed. "You have to drive fifteen minutes just to get a decent burger."

"There are plenty of lovely forest trails though." Pyrrha noted. "You could spend all day just taking in the autumn colors."

"Like I said, boring." Yang laughed.

"Finding a hotel was rather troublesome." Winter admitted. "Nothing I saw online looked particularly appealing. I was hoping you might offer a tip."

"A hotel, around here?" Pyrrha asked. "There are hardly any nearby and the ones we have are...less than luxurious."

"They're dives." Yang added.

"You should just stay here." Summer suggested.

"I wouldn't want to impose." Winter shook her head.

"Nonsense." Summer insisted. "We have plenty of room, and it's the least I can do to thank you for bringing my daughter home to see her family." She thought for a moment. "Let's see...Yang has her room, Winter and Weiss, you can take the master bedroom, Pyrrha can move into the guest room, I'll sleep on the air mattress, and Blake can share with Ruby."

"Well, if you insist…" Winter started.

"I do." Summer confirmed. "Now, allow me to show around."

After some introductions and a home cooked dinner, everyone called it a night. The group that had traveled from Atlas was worn out from their trip, Yang saw no point in staying up if Ruby was going to sleep, and Pyrrha working out a little with Summer knocked them right out. The next day was a Sunday, and Yang, Ruby and Pyrrha decided to take Weiss and Blake into town to show them around. Summer and Winter remained at the house, having decided to let the "kids" have some time to themselves.

Winter asked Summer to show her around the forest in hopes of experiencing some of Patch's natural beauty. Perfect weather further encouraged them to take a relaxing walk through the woods. "Your sisters are lovely." Summer said after the pair had walked for a few minutes.

"Only Weiss is my sister." Winter corrected. "Blake is more of a daughter to me. Though I suppose Weiss is like a daughter to me too. But thank you, I tried to raise them well."

"So you did raise them?" Summer asked.

"Mhm." Winter nodded. "Our parents, Weiss and mine, died when she was young. Blake came to us not long after, and I've done my best since then."

"That's...wow Winter, you've done very well." Summer praised.

"Thank you Summer, as have you." Winter smiled. "I have not had the pleasure to get to know Yang, but Ruby had been nothing but angelic. You must be very proud of her."

"I am, she's so much smarter than I was at her age." Summer laughed. "I wish I had the drive to go as far as I'm sure she will."

"It takes great drive to raise a child, let alone two." Winter noted. "Don't sell yourself short. You're a strong woman, beautiful too. Everything Ruby is today started with you."

At a loss, Summer stared wide-eyed at Winter. Winter returned a gentle smile. Summer felt her face flush and turned away, smiling shyly. "Thank you Winter, you are very kind." Summer managed. "You're beautiful too, you know?"

Winter's smile grew. "Not as lovely as you." Summer felt as though she would explode.

"Welcome to our main street!" Yang exclaimed as the group walked past the row of shops that lined the road. "If you can't find it here...order it online."

"You'll be ordering online a lot." Ruby joked.

"Even in the city, Weiss finds herself ordering online most of the time." Blake noted.

"It's a matter of convenience Blake." Weiss explained. "I dislike public transport and do not wish to bother Winter whenever I want something."

"You could always get your license." Blake suggested.

"You know I'm not comfortable behind the wheel." Weiss countered, looking embarrassed.

"Because your feet can't reach the pedals?" Yang smirked. Blake and Ruby burst into laughter as Weiss glared at Yang who smiled innocently. "Don't laugh Rubes, you're barely an inch taller."

"That's because I'm younger." Ruby protested. "You're a big blonde tree."

"If I'm a tree you're a stump." Yang chuckled. She gestured toward her own stump. "Hah, maybe I should wrap this in red and start talking to it. 'Hey Rubes, now you can never leave, never ever, muahahahah.'"

"Blaaaake, Yang's calling me short." Ruby whined.

"She's your big sister, she gets to do that." Blake noted.

"Traitor!" Ruby accused with faux indignation. "Does my love mean nothing to you?"

Blake looped her arm around Ruby, pulling her close. "Your love means everything to me." She declared.

Ruby could not form a response, staring into Blake's eyes. Pyrrha looked on with amusement. They failed to notice as Yang and Weiss moved on. Glancing back, Weiss scoffed and Yang smiled fondly. "They always like that?" Yang asked.

"Sometimes worse." Weiss replied.

"Hah, good, and what about you?" Yang asked. "Heard you've got a special someone of your own."

"Not precisely." Weiss sighed. "Neon is a dear friend, and I enjoy my time with her. But we are not in an exclusive relationship."

"A friend so dear you beat down a man three times your mass to defend her?" Yang pressed.

"Without hesitation." Weiss confirmed.

"I'm glad you have Ruby's back then." Yang laughed.

"To the best of my ability." Weiss frowned. She was reminded of the recent incident, but plastered on a weak smile to hide her feelings of guilt.

Yang noticed Weiss' shift in mood and moved a little closer. "Tell me about Neon." Yang requested. "Rubes doesn't know her very well." Weiss' smile became genuine.

"Blake, may I ask you a question?" Pyrrha asked as Yang and Weiss walked off. "If it's too personal I'll understand."

"Of course Pyrrha." Blake replied.

"Your bow, does it ever get uncomfortable?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yes." Blake nodded. "In the heat it can be stifling, so I usually go with a hat during the summer. If I tie it wrong the pressure makes my ears ache, and if I wear it all day they end up very stiff."

"But I get to massage them when she takes it off." Ruby cheered.

"You make it worth the effort." Blake smiled.

"Aw, you flirt you." Ruby giggled.

Blake leaned over and pecked Ruby on the cheek. She turned to Pyrrha. "You're wondering why, right?" Blake asked.

"I don't wish to pry." Pyrrha said.

"You're far too kind to pry Pyrrha." Blake encouraged. "I realize that anti-Faunus prejudice is increasingly rare, particularly in rural areas such as Patch. Unfortunately, Atlas has a history of institutional racism, and it may never fade."

"Which is a fair point, however Patch has always been rather inclusive." Pyrrha noted. "Everyone knows everyone, and several families of Faunus have lived here for generations."

"Pyrrha's got a point Blake." Ruby agreed. "You don't have to worry about prejudice here."

Blake looked around the street, noting the mixture of humans and Faunus. "It's always been an added layer of security...sort of a safety blanket too, I guess." Blake explained. "Like carrying a can of pepper spray, or having a condom in your wallet. It makes me feel safer, knowing that wherever I am, or whoever is around me, no one will see me as a Faunus, but first and foremost a person."

"I understand." Pyrrha said. "No one wishes to be judged unfairly. I can't promise it will never occur here, only that if it did, you will not stand alone."

Blake turned to Pyrrha who met her gaze with a kind and supportive smile. "You are a profound person, Pyrrha." Blake smiled back.

"Ahah, I guess Ren rubbed off on me." Pyrrha giggled.

"In more ways that one." Ruby smirked.

"Ruby!" Pyrrha gasped, blushing.

Ruby chuckled as Blake rolled her eyes. "Maybe...maybe there's no better place and time." Blake said.

"Yeah?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah." Blake confirmed. She reached up, gently undoing her bow and pulling it free. She shook her ears and flicked them, stretching them to and fro. She looked down at the ribbon in her hand before kneeling in front of Ruby. "Take care of this for me." Blake gently wrapped the ribbon around Ruby's neck, tying a bow in a similar style to the one she wore. Ruby beamed at Blake before leaping into her arms and hugging her tightly. She squealed as Blake stood, taking her upward. Ruby wrapped her legs around Blake's midsection, clinging tightly as she giggled. "We should probably catch up. I don't know how well Weiss will play with Yang."

Pyrrha nodded her agreement. "Yes, let's."

"...so she made this bracelet." Weiss explained. "Apparently it's traditional to give them to mates, but that practice has fallen out of favor. Instead they denote close bonds of kinship. With her scent infused in it, any Faunus I meet will know I'm a friend of their kind." Weiss allowed Yang to handle her wrist, showing off the woven band.

"It's beautiful." Yang declared. "Kinda' makes me jealous humans can't do stuff like that."

"It makes me regret not asking Blake about Faunus culture." Weiss sighed. "We talked about their history, their struggles, but never their traditions. I think, for better or worse, I've come to view her as human. Or, rather, no different than I, and it caused me to fail her in that regard."

"You didn't fail her, it probably just never came up." Yang encouraged. "If it really bothers you, it's never too late to ask. She might even appreciate having something new to talk about."

"You may be right." Weiss nodded. "Thanks Yang. Sometimes I find myself fearing the worst."

"Happens to the best of us." Yang shrugged. "So, Neon, a hyperactive, excitable, adorable cat Faunus? Sounds familiar."

"You know another?" Weiss asked.

"Well, I know a very excitable, adorable little girl, and I know of a cat Faunus." Yang smirked. "Put them together and…" She glanced behind them, drawing Weiss' gaze to Blake and Ruby who were chatting with Pyrrha. "A pretty good combination if you ask me."

"Hmm...if only…" Weiss mumbled.

Yang laid her hand on Weiss' shoulder, squeezing gently. "Whatever goes on, good luck." She smiled.

"Thank you Yang." Weiss smiled back. "You're not half bad...for a big blond tree."

"For a stump you're pretty cute." Yang laughed. "Under different circumstances I would make a pass at you."

"O-oh?" Weiss gasped. "I'm not too...short for you?"

"Being tall is overrated Weiss." Yang smirked. "My balance is shit right now. Goddamn, constantly leaning forward and to the left."

Weiss giggled as Yang stumbled on purpose, bumping into her. She pushed Yang back up, wrapping her arm around Yang's. "You just use it as an excuse to lean on pretty girls." Weiss accused.

"Guilty." Yang admitted.

"Brute." Weiss scoffed.

"Midget." Yang teased.

"Oaf." Weiss jabbed.

"Snowflake." Yang mocked.

"Bimbo." Weiss derided.

"Hey, I resent that!" Yang protested. "A bimbo is dumb. I know exactly what I'm doing. That makes me a harlot."

"You're impossible." Weiss laughed.

"And you love it." Yang countered.

"You keep telling yourself that." Weiss smirked.

With a giggle and a squeak from the smaller girl, Blake carried Ruby up to Yang. "Special delivery!" Blake announced.

"A gift!" Yang cheered. "Blakey, you shouldn't have, and with such a lovely bow! Keep giving me gifts like this and people are gonna' talk." Weiss released her arm, allowing Yang to hook it around Ruby's waist. As Blake let go, Yang hoisted the giggling Ruby under her arm. "God, you're getting heavy sis. What has she been feeding you?"

"Seafood!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Lovely." Yang smiled. "Come on, the ice cream shop is up ahead. I'll race ya'!"

Yang dropped Ruby, who barely managed to stay on her feet with the help of a hand on the ground. She chased after Yang, laughing and yelling at her for cheating. Weiss, Blake and Pyrrha were left to chuckle at them. Weiss turned to Blake, looking at her exposed ears. "Trying a new look?" Weiss asked.

"Do you like it?" Blake asked.

"It's beautiful." Weiss replied.

"Good, maybe I'll think about keeping it." Blake declared.

"We should catch up to them before they devour the store." Pyrrha suggested.

"Ugh, she's going to be bouncing off the walls all day." Weiss groaned.

"You know you love it." Blake teased.

Weiss laughed. "Quiet you."

Summer and Winter returned to the backyard after taking a long and circuitous walk through the forest. The sun was just beginning to set, and the others would soon be returning. "That was lovely, Summer." Winter smiled. "The forests in Atlas are so bleak this time of year."

Summer walked up to a big tree near the house. The leaves were turning, and slowly a collection of those that had fallen piled up beneath. For some reason she could not quite explain, Summer badly wanted to impress Winter. Sure, she had quite enjoyed the scenery and conversation, but Summer wanted to make sure. "Winter…" Summer called.

"What is it Summer?" Winter asked, stepping up beside her.

"I'm gonna' climb it." Summer declared.

"Oh, are you now?" Winter asked skeptically.

"Yeah." Summer confirmed. "Used to do this all the time when I was younger."

"Define younger." Winter pressed.

"Uh...twelve?" Summer shrugged.

"Summer…" Winter sighed.

"I've been working out!" Summer said as she flexed, though the coat she wore entirely hid her biceps. "I should be able to do it."

"Alright, alright." Winter relented. "Just be careful. I'm not strong enough to catch you."

"Hah!" Summer scoffed. "You won't have to catch me...hopefully." She stepped up to the trunk, and started by searching for a foothold. She began climbing, grasping at knotted wood and slowly but steadily pulling herself upward. The pushups had certainly strengthened her upper body, and Pyrrha and Yang had started working on her legs recently, much to her agony. Summer groaned as she half pulled, half swung herself up onto one of the tree's limbs. She straddled the branch, one that had been a meter over her head when she started, and raised her hands in triumph. "I did it!"

"Yes you did." Winter clapped daintily, smiling up at Summer who grinned before pushing herself to stand. "Be careful!"

"I sucked at the gym, but I've always been great at balancing." Summer bragged. She walked along the limb, the wood bowing slightly under her weight. Otherwise it was thick and sturdy.

Until it snapped.

The girls came back from their day out, carrying a few odds and ends they had purchased. Ruby bounced into the lounge only to freeze, causing Weiss to bump into her. "What the?!" Weiss complained, nearly dropping her bags.

Ruby stared straight ahead. Summer was sitting on the couch in front of her, looking like a deer in the headlights. Her face sported several scratches and scrapes, and she held an icepack to her brow. "Hey Ruby, how was your day?" Summer smiled shamefully.

"Mom, did you fight Winter?" Ruby gasped.

Winter entered the room with a bowl of chips in one hand and a box of adhesive bandages in the other. "No, she fought a tree." Winter smirked.

"And lost." Summer grumbled.

Winter sat the bowl on the table before sitting beside Summer, who turned to face her. She picked up a cloth and a bottle of antiseptic. Blake, Weiss, Yang and Pyrrha walked over, looking on with concern. "You fought valiantly." Winter soothed. "Now hold still dear." Winter gently dabbed at Summer's minor scrapes.

"Like mother like daughter." Weiss scoffed, shaking her head.

"I look like a domestic violence PSA." Summer groaned.

"You look like a survivor." Winter encouraged. "Move the pack."

Summer let the pack fall, revealing a jagged, bloody and painful looking gash through her left eyebrow. "Oh God Summer!" Yang gasped.

"I know, I know." Summer sighed. "It's gonna' scar, isn't it?"

"Chicks dig scars." Blake declared.

"Uh, do they?" Summer asked.

"Yeah!" Ruby cheered.

"Huh…" Summer chuckled. "Cool."