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razorblade180 · 2 years ago

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Recovery

[Post Twin Snowflakes Finale]

About three months after the blizzard crisis in Atlas, life had gotten back on track for the citizens of Atlas. School was back in session, buildings completely repaired, and new ways of life had begun to feel normal for the heroes most involved with the Shiva catastrophe. However, a new predicament poked its head out at the worst of times. A challenge Summer had not prepared for; common sickness.

“ACHOOOO!” Sneezed the sniffling girl who laid on the couch under covers. “I think I’m actually dying this time guys. Nick, I’m sorry for everything.”

The elder twin blinked slowly as he looked down at his sister. “ It’s the common cold. Shut up.” He dropped a box of tissues on her lap.

“There’s nothing common about this cold. I swear this is somehow Shiva’s last laugh.”

Her dramatic antics were ignored by her brother as he walked over to their family. He had gotten really good at that. Then again, they were dealing with a slight issue. All of them were dressed elegantly for a gala event in honor of Atlas’s restoration. Normally they wouldn’t all entertain something like this, the gathering doubled as an award ceremony. With how many of them contributed in Atlas’s time of need, attendance was all but mandatory as well as a smart way to show things are in fact going smoothly. Naturally, Summer didn’t receive an invitation for any noteworthy contribution but was invited out of principle. Now she couldn’t even show up at all!

“Nick, why are you even going?” Summer groaned. “You’re not getting an award. As far as the public is concerned, there was no grand life or death battle. You were in the hospital.”

“That’s exactly why I’m going. This event is televised and since school and other activities are just starting again it’s not like anyone really knows how well I’m doing these days. I wouldn’t be surprised if people thought I was dying if I didn't show myself tonight.”

Summer pouted. “Hmm, kinda sounds like you don’t want to hang out with me?”

“That too. Being sick sucks.”

Well at least he was honest with her. Summer looked at Valerie getting dolled up by her parents while Winter straightened Sparrow’s tie.

“And why is he going exactly?”

“I still miss him.” Winter said bluntly, reaching for Qrow’s arm. “Miss this idiot too.”

“We love you too.” They said in perfect unison.

Summer looked at Ruby helping Ruth put on her sparkly shoes while Whitley fixed Ruby’s hair. No point or desire to nag the new family. Summer was more jealous how Ruth looked excited about the whole thing. Galas are kinda slow for the most part but watching Ruth get excited made Summer wish she was going.

Weiss came by and gave her daughter an extra pillow. “How are you holding up?”

“My bones ache…”

“Sounds about right. It’s been so long since you’ve been sick that I didn’t realize it was possible.”

“You and I both. Look, I know it’s actually not that big of a deal illness wise, but I’m seriously going to be left here watching you guys on tv?” Summer pouted.

Jaune kinda laughed to himself. Looks like Summer was just as needy as Weiss whenever she got sick. “We will try to be back as soon as possible.” He said with a smile. “Besides, you won’t be completely alone.”

As he said that, a knock came from the front door. Ruby dashed over to open it and let her fellow teammates in.

“Look who finally showed up!” Ruby teased.

Yang flicked her sister’s forehead “Hey! We don’t control the weather. We flew as quickly as possible. Well, most of us.”

Penny came darting in all dolled up for the event. “I didn’t want to ruin the dress.” She said, quickly hugging everyone before speeding towards the living room to see Summer. “Salutations!”

“Well, well, well.” Summer squinted. “If it isn’t my doctor who left me to wolves! I presume the other runaway has joined you?”

Oscar came walking in casually. “Yep. Good to see you Summer. It’s been awhile.”

“Didn’t have to be. Can you imagine my surprise when I came home asking if your flight landed, just to be told you didn’t get off!?”

“Hehehe…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I did, technically. I had to get clothes.”

“Blake me.” Penny said. “I was concerned that the altitude might harm Veronica’s ears, considering they were still injured at the time. I wasn’t about to leave Oscar so I asked him to make a round trip.”

“A round tr- ya stayed!”

“Well we weren’t expecting Veronica to ask for therapy and further medical attention! Also it’s not like we don’t video call you for your scheduled appointments.”

Summer puffed her cheeks out. She wasn’t actually upset at anyone. It was just so unbelievable that within the hour of her telling Veronica to seek professional help, the girl pouched both therapist and doctor from under Summer’s nose.

“Speaking of the thief, how is she?”

An extra pair of footsteps came walking up from behind the couch. “The thief can hear you.”

Summer looked up to the faunus girl staring down at her. Veronica gave a rigid wave then walked over to the other couch to lay on it. Unlike the others, Veronica was dressed in her normal clothes.

“That’s a little casual for a gala, don’t you think?”

“Yeah. Good thing I’m not going?”

“Excuse me?” Summer said quickly, looking at Weiss.

“Veronica volunteered to look after you while we’re out. Hopefully this event won’t drag out.”

Penny did a quick scan of Summer’s vitals. “Hmm, even if it does she’ll be fine. It’s a little funny how your slight fever is the normal temperature of a person. You have nothing to worry about. It’s accumulating by the looks of it.”

“Cool.” Summer said not really concerned about that at all as she looked at Veronica. “You volunteered?” She didn’t get a verbal answer. Only a thumbs up.

Weiss gave Summer a kiss in the head and proceeded to leave along with everyone else. “Veronica, call if you need anything.”

“Yes ma’am.” As everyone left, Nick turned towards her to give a smile and wave as he exited. Such a little gesture brought a small smile to Veronica’s face. She put her attention on Summer and stood up. “Need anything?”

“Yeah, an answer. Why aren’t you going with them? If I got an invite then you had to.”

“I did, but it was customary.”

“What? But…you helped dozens. You’re not getting an award?”

“Nope. It’s not like dust infused clothes didn’t exist before I made more, or as if people really knew I was making more. I stayed in my little workshop so often. Even I don’t know if everything I made actually functioned as intended; nor would people tell the difference if they were layered up. Aside from the things I made for our family, that is. My crowning moments are in the final fight which as far as the public is aware, never happened.”

“That’s…I’m sorry to hear that. You worked so hard.”

“Eh. Can’t say I care too much. Not like I wanted to give a speech or anything. The crowd wouldn’t take too kindly to that anyways if you ask me.”

“Still…” Summer frowned, “You deserve recognition.”

Veronica went silent for a moment. All she could do was shrug, choosing not to think about it too much. It is what it is after all.

“How are your ears?” Summer asked, noticing them. They looked as perky as they were before instead of tapped down.

“I’m not deaf, so that’s swell. Last thing I need to be is a faunus that can’t hear or see well. Enough about me though. You don’t even sound like you should be talking. Do I need to grab a pitcher, meds, or-”

“ARF!!” Came a high pitched cry from the main hall that made Veronica jump.

What came next was the pitter patter of tiny paws on tile that made its way onto carpet. From around the couch, a tiny Dalmatian puppy with perfect spots under his eyes came waddling towards Veronica with a wagging tail

It let out its tiny yet mighty bark again. “ARF!” He nibbled on the tip of Veronica’s worn sneakers.

“N-No.” Summer stuttered, patting the couch cushion to gain its attention. “Dunce, leave her alone. I’m sorry, again.”

“You named them Dunce?”

“Our old dog was named Dolt. I don’t see the problem. Oscar suggested a therapy animal and I chose this little menace. Dunce! I need you to be smart for three seconds and come to mama.”

“It’s fine.” Veronica bent over and picked up the little guy. “Hey Dunce. Smelled a cat did ya? Good thing I don’t spook like my mom.” Veronica watched as his tiny tongue licked her nose before the puppy yawned. “Me too.”

Summer was a little bit shocked seeing Veronica react so casually. Now that she was thinking about it, Veronica overall appeared…low on energy compared to her typical attitude. Her tone was laxed and her gaze held a neutrality to them, but it didn’t feel natural.

“Are you…on antidepressants?” Summer hesitated to say. Veronica raised a brow at the question. Suddenly there was a bit more light behind Veronica’s eyes, but only a bit.

“I mean…I was for a bit, but not anymore. They…they kinda made me worse.” Veronica said in a disheartening voice. “Uh, does he have a cage I put him in? Dogs can catch human diseases y’know?”

“Yeah.” Summer pointed towards the main entryway. “Cage is outside the kitchen door.”

“Is that hygienic?”

“It’s not in the kitchen or right next to it. Keqing it there makes it easy to put him inside when we have to. He listens to microwave beeps more than me.”

Veronica snickered then left to put him away. Summer couldn’t help but feel the awkwardness between them. Maybe it was all in her sick brain, but Veronica’s words felt rather dry. The typical wittiness and snap back wasn’t there. Almost as if her mind was somewhere else. The girl in question came back in with bottles of water and two extra covers. One was draped over Summer.

“Oh. Th-Thank you?”

“I could tell you were shivering.” Veronica used the second cover on herself and turned on the tv. “Ceremony won’t start for a while. Not that it’s gonna be interesting. You should get some rest while you can though.”

“Okay…” Summer said meekly, resting her head. She couldn’t take her eyes off of Veronica. Somehow she looked more tired. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Jet lag. Menagerie isn’t exactly the closest spot to Atlas.”

“That makes sense. Although, if you had no real interest in the gala then why come all the way here in the first place?”

“It’s not Menagerie.” Veronica laid her head down and put her arm over her eyes to block out light. “Sorry, but I need a bit of rest myself. Don’t worry though. I sleep lightly.”

Now she was even apologizing. Something definitely changed over the months. Well…a lot has actually changed. Could it be that Veronica was forcing herself to help as a way of trying to make things better between them? Summer remembered their final conversation. It was messy and complicated, but it wasn’t as if Summer came off as resentful. Maybe Oscar had spoken to Veronica in one of their sessions recently and it really hit home so now she’s contemplating? Whatever it was, Summer didn’t have the energy or intention to force a conversation. Veronica was right about her being tired. The two girls shut their eyes and let rest settle in.

xxxxxx

It was about an hour or so before Summer woke up again. As her vision cleared, she saw Veronica sitting in the corner of the other couch watching tv. Summer looked down to find her water bottle and noticed that beside it was cough syrup and a melted ice pouch.

“Your fever broke in your sleep.” Veronica said casually. “Do you remember waking up to take that medicine?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“I thought as much. Anyways, how you feein?”

“Actually…pretty good.” Summer sat up. Her body still had a little fatigue but there was no headache or sore throat. “Sorry if I woke you.”

“I’m here to take care of you. Besides, I got decent rest I suppose.”

Summer wasn’t too convinced about that. Veronica did appear to have a bit more energy but her overall demeanor and even her slouching posture told a different story. There had to be a way to break the ice. Fortunately, Veronica also had things to say.

“How’s school? It’s back in session right?”

Summer nodded. “We actually did a bunch of online classes not long after you left, but a month ago the entire school was up and running again. Normally I’d be pissed but it looks like summer vacation will happen. They’re even considering extending it since some students were trapped in Atlas.

“You guys have already made up for four months worth of work?”

“Atlas has problems. Education isn’t one of them. Especially in a combat school. Not to brag but we’re kinda awesome.”

“I know four of you are, but I never got that impression from your peers.”

Summer blinked twice. If she wasn’t mistaken, Veronica called her awesome. Sure, she mentioned Val, Nick, and Eliza, but she included Summer among them.

Veronica noticed the silence. “Something wrong?”

“N-No! Just uhh…” Summer trailed off. “Anyways, I’m more surprised the field is repaired. You all really set it ablaze.”

“That’s putting it mildly. I set off an inferno that could’ve killed us.”

“Abou that…has that shaken you up or anything?”

“Huh? Not particularly? Sure it was scary but so were a lot of things. Why?”

“Just asking.” So that wasn’t what was bothering her. Perhaps Summer went about this the wrong way? Veronica could be feeling general unease? “Speaking of summer vacation, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

“I’m all ears.” Veronica wiggled both pairs of them.

“I was hoping you could help me with a swimsuit?”

Now that was a question Veronica hadn’t expected. She gave full attention to Summer. “Why me of all people?”

“What do you mean why?” Summer pulled the covers halfway up her face. “You look good in everything and know fashion. I wanna look hot.” She muttered.

Veronica felt a flutter in her chest. “Oh, thanks.” She wasn’t expecting such a brutally honest response. “I’ve actually never made a swimsuit before. Not that I couldn’t learn to work with the fabric but it would take time. Can’t guarantee it would hold up against something professional.”

“That’s alright. I more so wanted to pick your brain than have you suddenly make me one for scratch.”

“I can do that. Are you well enough to stand?”

“I am.”

“If you go change into a sports bra and some shorts then I can give my thoughts now.”

Summer squinted. “What makes you think I own sports bras?”

“Because you’re the same girl who walked around in oversized school uniforms and would get away with sweatpants any chance possible.” Veronica said bluntly. Maybe a little too blunt. Summer started to pout. “Shit, I uuh didn’t mean for that to sound-”

Summer stood up and left the covers on the couch to reveal she was already in shorts. The girl huffed while removing her oversized Pumpkin Pete’s t-shirt to show Veronica her black sports bra.

Veronica threw her hands up in disbelief. “So you were just being difficult?”

“Nobody likes being called out so accurately.” Summer crossed her arms defensively. “Let’s make this quick. I’m still cold.”

Veronica got on her feet and got to inspecting. First thing she immediately noticed Summer’s skin in general looked healthier than last time. Not to mention she sounded better internally as well.

“You’ve been eating healthier.”

Summer’s eyes went wide. “You can tell at a glance? I mean it’s not as difficult considering Shiva is gone. I don’t have to worry about making her more capable. I’ve even stuck to the diary suggestions you gave me.”

“You don’t have to follow that. You do realize that, right?”

“I know, but I kinda like it now.”

“Whatever floats your boat I guess.” Veronica looked at several scars imprinted on Summer’s body. It was obvious this desire of hers had more to deal with self confidence than basic attractiveness.

Though her body wasn’t flawless, most of Summer’s scars had healed remarkably well over time; many had faded and naturally gotten smaller as the girl grew up from the accident that was more than a decade ago by now. There were a couple under her right rib cage and left thigh that noticeably had heavier scar tissue but that was fine. Veronica looked at Summer’s face again. Even the slight scar across her cheek and chin were difficult to notice. Her arms obviously had a couple scars from punctures, but once again, they healed pretty well.

“Did you have any ideas in mind? High waisted, strapless, over the shoulder, or basic?”

Summer shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s why I’m asking you. I want to try being more comfortable with myself but any time I go shopping…it all becomes a chore.” She sighed.

“Well since you’re asking me, go with a one piece.” Veronica watched Summer try to stop her face from scrunching up. “What?”

“Isn’t that a little…I don’t know, childish?”

“Only if you’re thinking about a school’s one piece, maybe. Summer, you do know you can’t really pull off what I would pick for myself, right?”

“Yes Veronica. I’m painfully aware of that.” It was hard not to sound jealous. Belladonna and Xiao Long genetics are the ultimate slap in the face in this specific case. “The hell is your dairy diet?”

“Stop crying over nonexistent spilled milk. You are also the daughter of a very beautiful woman who I highly doubt has ever looked ugly. Weiss Schnee might be the definition of beauty.”

“I think you’re underselling how gorgeous your parents are.”

“Oh I’m fully aware people drool over my parents. One more than the other at times. Doesn’t change what I said. Showing more skin doesn’t automatically make you feel more attractive or give off the perception you’re aiming for. You have to learn to work with what you have instead of what you wish for.”

“And what would that be?” Summer asked earnestly, receiving a tap on the leg with Veronica’s

“Like I said, you’re your mother’s daughter. Short torso, but long elegant legs. A one piece Will compliment that while also covering a few scars because let’s be honest, that’s what’s bugging you. Take it a step at a time. Hell, pick a one piece that shows a little of your back if you think that’s manageable. Alternatively, high waisted bottoms are a bikini top that’s more like a crop top or vest. You can feel hot and be modest.

Summer listened to every word. Veronica had gotten so caught up in her craft that she was speaking normally again. Not only that, but what she said felt more than personal advice. It was clear Veronica pulled from personal experience. A mixture of care and stern lecturing. For some reason, that made Summer smile.

It didn’t go unnoticed. “What’s with the grin?”

“I’m relieved. The awkward tension isn’t as bad as earlier. Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it all in mind.”

Again with the compliments. Veronica wasn’t sure she would get used to them. She walked back to her seat. “You can put back on your shirt now before you catch another cold.”

“That would suck.” Summer returned to her comfy clothes and blankets. “Gotta admit I’m a little surprised you’ve never worked with swimsuits. Haven’t covered it in fashion class yet?”

Awkwardness came back again. Veronica turned her gaze towards the tv to see the countless citizens in extraordinary outfits as ceremonies took place. She rested her head in her left hand.

“Veronica?”

“Don’t know. I never went back.” Her ears dropped down.

Summer’s heart sunk, her body leaning back in shock. “Never went back? What do you mean you never went back?”

“I missed a lot when I left the first time. Granted it wasn’t anything I couldn’t make up with effort and my talent, but I didn’t really have one of those. Regular school is hard enough, now I had to fight in order to keep a spot nobody wanted me in to start with. Between my terrible record with fights and whatever bull shit they came up with, I didn’t have the energy. I’ve barely been going to school at all actually.”

“But…you love making designs.”

“I also loved gymnastics and a bunch of other things. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not like I’ve given up on it. At this point it makes more sense to finish school and then go to design school somewhere far from home. Coco Axel herself thinks I have talent and recommended a few schools, so it’s a win.”

Veronica turned to Summer to smile at her humble brag but saw the girl frowning. A twinge of pain hit her chest and the smile she tried to wear didn’t show up.

Summer spoke with genuine concern. “Why don’t I think you believe that?”

“I mean…” Veronica clenched the bottom of her skirt as she held her head down. “I’d be lying if I said I’m not a little disappointed in myself. By all rights, this plan is more favorable than things have been; yet it feels like I broke a promise to myself. As if they won by kicking me out.” Her voice trembled.

“I-”

“Can we please not talk about this?” She said quickly.

There it was, the frailty from before. Summer took a breath before speaking calmly. “Are you forcing yourself to interact with me because not doing so feels like running away?”

Veronica raised her head with urgency. “No, that’s not…” she sighed, feeling exhausted. “I don’t know why I’m doing what I am anymore. I only know doing nothing isn’t going to fix anything.”

“What are you trying to fix?”

“….Everything?” Tears spilled over that Veronica quickly wiped away. “Myself.”

“I can’t really speak much on school since I don’t have room to talk about the best way to handle it, but don’t think you have to force these things. Especially between us. It’s like you said about my swimsuit. Go at your own pace.”

“If I don’t push myself then I don’t want to move. I know that healing isn’t this linear process but these setbacks and plateaus keep…scaring me. I know I don’t deserve pity for a lot of things I’ve done but these lows are so-”

“Who told you that?” Summer asked sternly, spooking herself a little. “Who said you don’t deserve pity or empathy? I most certainly didn’t and I know nobody who has your best interest said that. Vee, in case you haven’t noticed, not once since you’ve been here have I done something fucked up like guilt trip you or come off as passive aggressive. So you showed up today because you feel guilty? Half the things I’ve done for my family had personal guilt attached to it. That’s all the proof you need that you’re holding yourself accountable and have compassion, but don’t think you have to act on every urge. I see that you’re trying. You got a therapist immediately after I told you.

“I thought you were upset over that?”

“Not literally! I was just being bratty because I’m not fan of sharing. I’m not actually mad you took my advice to get therapy from the person you trust. Cut me a little slack.” Summer gave Veronica a gentle smile. “Have any interesting breakthroughs you’re comfortable with sharing? Oscar has a way of making people cry.”

Veronica wiped her face again. “I don’t know if I can really call them breakthroughs. They’ve been things I pretty much knew about myself but never wanted to admit verbally. Apparently I have a fairly decent understanding of myself. It’s putting in the work positively that sucks.”

“Gotta admit that makes me a little jealous. That man sometimes peels back a layer I didn’t know existed.”

“Heh, well, I guess the closest thing to that is despite my low tolerance and expectations for people, I persist in being close to see if I’ll be proven wrong.” She sniffed. “It’s a big reason why I like Nick. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

Summer can understand that. All of their family is kind and caring but people like her brother and Penny aren’t related to Veronica. She’s so used to being written off by others that she expects it’ll come eventually. However, the truth is that’s not gonna happen with those two. Even in Veronica’s ugliest moments, they never thought less of her or believed she couldn’t be better. Now that Summer thought of it, Veronica most likely thought similarly about this situation.

Summer reached out her hand. “Not to change topics so suddenly, but I’m still cold.”

“Oh, okay.” Veronica removed her own blanket. She wasn’t actually that cold anymore anyways. She walked over to Summer to give her the extra layer but was caught by surprise when Summer grabbed her by the wrist. “What are - ahh!” A firm tug sent Veronica falling forward.

Summer caught the girl in her arms and fell back gently onto the couch with Veronica ensnared. They landed on their sides and Summer kept the girls face close to her chest. “Aah~That’s better.” She didn’t push her luck by rubbing her head.

Veronica squirmed and grunted. “Grr, Summer! I’m not in the mood for-”

“Then use your semblance or punch me in the face to escape. I’m not letting go of you.”

Veronica’s tail swayed back and forth as she tried wiggling side to side before giving up, her body going limp. She wasn’t going to punch a sick person.

“No semblance?”

“…I’m too exhausted to deal with falling.”

“Guess you’re stuck then.” Summer didn’t really believe that was the full reason, she let Veronica get away with it.

Silence built between them for at least a minute as the sound of a clock ticked and the sound from tv not being watched played in the background.

“Why are you doing this?” Veronica finally asked.

“You’re warm and I’m cold. Chalk it up to fulfilling your duties as my temporary keeper.”

“….Why are you really doing this?” Veronica sunk into the embrace.

“….Not sure. Maybe this is my version of tough love? I don’t like seeing you so down on yourself and walking on eggshells around me. Can’t tell if I’m concerned or if it ticks me off.”

“Beats me.” She said dryly.

“Back to what you said, I can empathize a little. There were many times I felt like I was giving every reason for people to let go to the waste side. Even so, my family never let go. I felt like dead weight and yet they still chose to hang on to me. I never really understood why, but maybe there isn’t much to understand?”

“It’s love. The type that feels unconditional and dangerous for everyone involved. Especially the person who doesn’t believe they deserve it.”

Summer felt Veronica tense up. “Not that I’m giving you my blessing or anything like that, but take it from me, Nick does whatever the fuck he wants. His answer to participating less in contests and overseeing school affairs was to get a part time job for crying out loud.” She snickered, “He’s so bad saying no he literally had to give himself an excuse to deny people.”

“Does he work at the cafe he likes so much?”

“Could you smell it on him? Heh, it’s not a terrible scent by any means but man is it a lot to deal with. Anyways, don’t be afraid to be real with him. And if you feel too reliant, bring it up. You could also make my day and fall for someone else.”

“No offense, but do you even know what it’s like to fall for someone? You kinda bask in the limelight.”

“Nope.” Summer said without a second thought. “I’ve been attracted to people but generally all guys I’ve met look disappointed and mundane.”

“Do you think that has something to do with the fact people like Oscar, your father, and Nick set the bar high by sticking by you through medical, physical, and emotional crises? How can any normal guy treat you that tenderly?”

Summer felt like her entire world hit pause. Now she knew for sure Veronica did sessions with Oscar, because not only was that delivery so blunt, the monotone nature of it hit her in the face. That had never crossed her mind!

“Let’s keep the focus on you okay?” Summer said, not wanting to acknowledge that new box of horror right now. “I asked earlier but I’ll ask again. How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

Veronica felt her own heart beating faster. Despite her deep breaths, it wouldn’t calm down. “…It’s not jet lag.” She said on the verge of tears. “I’m so tired all the time. I can sleep for hours and gain little rest. I feel like a bundle of nerves because I don’t know if I’m angry with myself or everyone else. I…I am so lost in it all. I don’t know if I’m doing anything right anymore. Maybe I never was. It feels even shitty to complain like this to you about my problems when yours actually tried to kill you.”

“…..So are yours. They pushed you.”

The words echoed in Veronica’s head. “Ah…I guess I never looked at it like that. Ya know…I would always get so angry hearing someone said ending your life is the easy way out. There’s nothing easy about letting all hope inside you fade and believing nothing gets better. It’s pure torture.”

“What does not giving up mean then?”

“That’s not easy either. It takes pure strength to hold onto hope for a better day.”

“If that’s the case, Veronica, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever known.”

Summer gently combed through the girl’s hair with her fingers. So much has happened in so little time. Perhaps everything was leading to this moment? Then again, it was nice to think they both reached this point by never giving up instead of believing in something as mysterious as destiny. All Summer knew for sure is whenever she thought about Veronica recently, she only wanted good things to happen to her and for them to talk. Not only about big and serious things, but the silly little topics that no normal person would get hung up on. Not everything in life can be mended and things that are might not be quite the same. Even so, Summer knew in her heart there was one thing she could- no, that she did mend and wanted to share.

“Veronica…?” She said softly.

“Hmmm?” The girl hummed, barely mustering the energy.

“….I forgive you.”

Three words. That’s all it took to undo some of the immense pressure that weighed heavily on Veronica. She couldn’t even question if it was said out of pity or earnestly. The simple fact that she hears what she never believed would undid the rest of her composure. Her arms wrapped around Summer to hold on gently.

No more words were exchanged. Summer continued to play with Veronica’s hair and keep her close as the girl cried into her chest, her body trembling. Summer never found herself as particularly kind in comparison to others she knew. However, right now she couldn’t believe her brother might’ve been right. After all her protests and feelings of disbelief towards her own qualities, here she was, holding on. Maybe there truly was something everyone saw in her and Veronica that the two of them had yet to notice at the time? Summer had to admit that now she wanted to see it too.

xxxxx

Night settled in and the esteemed guests had returned to the manor exhausted. Not so much though that Weiss did them all a favor by having a human-sized Gigas carry the awards and baggage.

“Is it too much to ask for those things to be fun and brief?” Sparrow sighed.

“Yes.” Everyone said.

Ruby held a passed out Ruth in her arms. “One of us had a blast. Out like a light.

Weiss smiled. “Then it’s worth it in the end. You two and Whitley could’ve gone straight home if you wanted to.”

“Nah, Ruth likes Veronica. I was thinking we all might crash here for tonight? There’s definitely enough rooms.”

Nora’s eyes lit up. “Then in the morning we get treated to the most wonderful breakfast by Ruby, Ren, Jaune, Winter, and Yang!”

Sparrow clapped. “Amazing idea.”

Blake however took slight offense. “Are you saying the other half of us spouses are the inferior cooks?”

Weiss, Whitley, and Qrow looked at Blake. “That’s because we are.”

“My cooking is great!”

Yang patted her back. “It is, but let’s be honest. My breakfast brings your parents over.”

While Valerie was busy getting distracted by Dunce’s adorableness, Nick followed Oscar and Penny to the living room to hopefully find it in one piece. Immediately as they walked in they came back out waving everyone over silently but frantically. The curious bunch made their way over.

Everyone had to restrain their gasps before smiling. This sure wasn’t expected. Both girls were completely knocked out on one sofa holding one another. Empty water bottles were everywhere and there were a couple empty snack bowls as well. Summer looked rather pleased in her slumber while Veronica was in a deep sleep. A soft purring could be heard coming from her as she leaned into Summer’s embrace.

No one had the heart to wake them. As they left, Weiss turned off the tv, Yang and Blake grabbed the trash, and Jaune put a cover over them that had fallen off. Nick however, grabbed something a bit more memorable; a quick photo to show them later if the need arises. Would they threaten his life? It was possible. Would that make him any less correct? Absolutely not.

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