Author's Note: This is the season finale folks! There will be more of this fic in the future, but I'll be switching over to Solstice for a while. I hope you'll join me there!

Chapter 78

Zwei, it turned out, was a wonderful alarm. Fiercely territorial, if anything made a decibel of noise near the house, he would hear it, and let everyone know. Deer on the lawn? Bark! Pedestrian walking nearby? Bark! Car pulling up? You bet he'd bark. He would have made for a fearsome guard dog, but for his tiny size and high-pitched barking. He was just too cute to intimidate anyone. While Summer did not appreciate being woken at five in the morning because a bird had landed on the roof, she was grateful for the cue to hide when visitors came calling. Whoever it was, she was not likely to be a welcome sight, and she was tired enough without being worn down by harsh glares.

Winter, to her credit, had followed Summer only to plop Zwei on her bed, closing the door and leaving to greet the arrivals as they came through the door. She could hear several different voices, muffled as they were, then multiple footsteps, growing louder as they came. Zwei barked, waggling his little tail excitedly from his position on the mattress. More muffled voices sounded, one of them Ruby's. Summer's heart pounded in her chest. She hugged a pillow as if trying to suppress its beating, and waited. Someone knocked, Zwei barked.

"Come in." Summer murmured.

The door opened, Zwei jumped off the bed, and started jumping on the jean clad legs of Ruby, who brightened at the presence of the excited puppy. "Hey Zwei!" Ruby chirped, though notably more weakly than usual, closing the door and kneeling down to scruff the pup around the head. Then she sighed and looked up, silver meeting silver, neither particular vibrant under the circumstances. "Mom."

"Ruby." Summer managed to plaster on a smile, weak as it may have been. What was another lie to the pile?

"I talked to Qrow." Ruby shifted to sit against the door, Zwei climbing into her lap.

"Winter...filled me in." Summer responded. "I'm glad you settled things."

"Are you?" Ruby frowned.

Summer shrank inward. "I...never wanted this Ruby."

"What did you want?" Ruby shot back.

"For us to be happy." Summer replied.

"But with Qrow and Tai sad?" Ruby accused. "How long would you have let me live a lie? If Qrow hadn't snapped, how long would he have had to pretend before you stopped torturing him? How long would I wonder why Tai barely speaks to me anymore? How long Summer?" Ruby's voice shook, her face contorting in a desperate bid to hold back angry tears.

Summer hid her own in the pillow, hiding her own failure to do the same. "I don't know...I don't know Ruby...I never knew what to do. I just did and hoped maybe it would work and...I never wanted to hurt anyone, but I did, and I can't change that. I'm sorry Ruby, I'll always be sorry, for everything. I can't say it enough. I don't think I ever will, but I'm sorry." She pleaded, voice half muffled, but more than clear enough for Ruby to be affected.

Ruby rubbed her eyes, looking down. "I know you're sorry, but what you did hurts, a-and I'm not ready to accept an apology. I need time, I don't know how much time, or if there's ever gonna' be enough time. I lost a father because of you, and I want to hate you for that, but hate is wrong. I hate hating, and even though you hurt me, you're still my mom, and I'll always love you...and that hurts more than anything."

Summer did not look up as Ruby stood. She did not look up as Ruby left. She did not look up as the door closed once more. Even when Zwei nuzzled against her skin, her only reaction was to fall to the side, clutching the pillow like a lifeline as she sobbed as silently as possible. Ruby was in enough pain already. She did not need to hear Summer's. That was her burden to bear. Her punishment. Her atonement.

Allowing Ruby time to speak with Summer, Blake and Weiss headed to her room to pack their things. They had not been alone often in the past few days, with no desire to leave Ruby's side, and never being asked to do so. As a result, they never had time to really discuss things in private. Until now. "She seemed too perfect to be true." Weiss said aloud.

Blake stopped to quirk her head. "You expected something like this?"

"No, no far from it." Weiss replied morosely. "I never expected anything close to this...it's just...Summer was perfect Blake, or so she seemed. You can't deny that."

"No, I can't." Blake frowned, ears drooping. It was a blow to be sure. In such a short time, Summer had earned a place in her heart, right beside Winter. To be so readily accepted, even with the threat of her violent past in the air, cared for and loved just as equally as her own flesh and blood, it still made her heart ache. Now the veil had been ripped away, revealing ugly truths, inflicting pain on her family, tearing it asunder. Ruby was in agony, barely holding together. Yang was on edge, anger simmering beneath the surface. Nora already reeked of nerves, and now another layer of fear permeated her scent. Even Pyrrha seemed more frail than usual. The only person who seemed unaffected was Winter, her strength never faltered for a moment. For that, at least, Blake was thankful. "I understand."

"Understand what?" Weiss asked.

"Summer's lies." Blake replied.

"How so?" Weiss pressed.

"Fear makes people do terrible things." Blake answered. "For self preservation more than anything. It doesn't make it right, but it makes it reasonable."

"You think what Summer did was reasonable?" Weiss balked, scowling in disapproval. "Lying to the man she loved, to both her daughters, and Raven?"

"Yes, I do." Blake zipped up the bag she had packed, turning to Weiss, stone faced. "Summer is not a cruel person, just a coward. I understand cowardice Weiss. It's our most simple, instinctual urge, to flinch, to flee from pain, to protect ourselves at the expense of others, or even at the expense of our own interests." Blake lay a hand over her breast, the scar beneath seemed to tingle, and Weiss' expression softened. "I sympathize with Summer, because I understand her, because she understood me. I owe her that much."

Weiss frowned, laying a hand over Blake's as she approached, slipping their fingers together. "You're not a coward Blake, you never were." She craned up to plant a kiss on Blake's lips, gentle and loving. "You're one of the strongest, bravest people I've ever met, and I love you."

Blake merely smiled sadly, bumping her forehead against Weiss'. "Strength is earned from weakness Weiss. Bravery comes from cowardice. I am who I am today because I had the courage to swallow my fears. How sad do you think it is that Summer never could?"

The door opened, and the couple turned to see Ruby, bleary eyed and trembling. With a smile, they both held out their hands, pulling Ruby into a warm embrace as she sobbed.

The ride to the airport was a lot smoother than the ride from it had been. Weiss was already heavily medicated in anticipation of the flight, but the roads were clear despite the snow, and there was no drama as Yang drove the car containing Pyrrha, Ruby, Weiss and Blake. Winter followed with Summer in her rental. It was a quick ride, ending with Yang dropping the others off in front of the terminal before she went to park the car. Winter took Summer to return the rental, meeting up with the others just as Yang was arriving.

Summer was greeted with another icy reception, only Pyrrha not pretending she did not exist. Winter knew the situation was unlikely to improve, but before she could suggest it, Summer sighed and headed toward the security checkpoint. The airport was rarely busy, and there was no need to head through so soon before the flight - in fact the others would remain outside, chatting for as long as possible - but it was the best method for Summer to separate herself. Arrangements had to be made for Zwei anyway. He would not get to fly first class with the rest of the group, but the airline had a reputation for taking very good care of pets.

"I wish you guys could stay longer." Yang sighed.

"Me too, but the semester starts next week." Ruby agreed.

"We'll get to come back for Equinox." Blake suggested.

"But that's three months away!" Ruby complained.

"It'll be here before you know it." Pyrrha encouraged.

"Yeah, and you'll have your girlfriends to keep you occupied in the meantime." Yang added. "And I'm sure you'll spend some time getting to know your dad."

"Speaking of Qrow, where is he?" Weiss asked.

"He had to check out of his hotel, return his rental, stuff like that." Ruby replied.

"I don't want you to go!" Yang whined, grabbing Ruby and pulling her into a crushing hug. Ruby flailed about in an attempt to escape.

"Yang, you're smothering her." Weiss admonished.

"But I love her so much." Yang released Ruby, who struggled to catch her breath.

"We'll take good care of her." Blake promised.

"Just...call, like, everyday." Yang requested.

"I will." Ruby promised. "I'll video chat with you and everything."

"I'm just worried about you, ya'know?" Yang insisted.

"Worried about me?" Ruby smirked. "What about you? Don't go throwing any wild parties now that you've got the house to yourself."

"I'm sure Pyrrha'll keep me on a short leash." Yang rolled her eyes.

"Literally I hope." Ruby joked.

"Ruby!" Pyrrha blushed brightly.

"What?" Ruby shrugged. "You're the one who wanted to know about the riding crop, and the-"

"That is confidential information, Ruby Rose." Pyrrha covered Ruby's mouth with her hand.

"No one can date Yang for long without picking up a few kinks." Qrow grinned, walking up to the group. He carried plastic grocery bags in both hands.

"What's in the bags?" Blake asked.

"Snacks for the flight." Qrow replied. He held one of the bags open, revealing an array of candies and assorted sugary treats.

"You know, you get a real meal in first class." Weiss observed.

"But do they serve chocolate bars?" Qrow countered, gesturing toward one of the packages.

"He makes a good point." Blake noted.

"I suppose." Weiss allowed. She paused. "Did you get any chocolate covered marshmallows?"

"Sure did Princess." Qrow confirmed.

"Did you get me chocolate chip cookies?" Ruby asked excitedly. "Or chocolate covered strawberries?"

"What kind of unc...father would I be if I didn't?" Qrow responded.

"Sweet!" Ruby cheered.

Summer stared out the window at the white and blue jet that would soon carry her to Atlas. It looked so much larger than she had expected. Then again, she had never really been close to an airliner. Her only previous trips to the airport had been to see Ruby off. The jetway leading to the aircraft seemed to her a portal to a very uncertain future. It was a future that would take her away from everywhere and everyone she had known. One thing it could not separate her from was the lie, that horrible lie that had driven everyone away and destroyed the life she had built.

"What's on your mind?" Winter asked from the seat beside Summer. The newspaper she had been reading was folded in her lap.

"I was just thinking about...everything." Summer sighed. "You know, I've never flown before. I've barely been away from Patch. Now I'm about to get on a plane to another continent with the woman I love. I should be excited, but I'm just...afraid. I'm not afraid of flying or being away from home, I'm afraid of the future. I'm afraid I'll never be able to talk to my daughters without them glaring at me like I'm some kind of monster. I deserve it, for what I did, but…"

"It will work out." Winter declared. "I promise. It'll be hard, and take time, but it will. They're angry at you, but deep down, they do still love you. You raised them, you cared for them, you molded them into the wonderful people they are today. They won't forget all that. They will forgive you."

"I don't deserve their forgiveness." Summer slumped.

"You keep saying that, but that doesn't make it true." Winter countered. "Everyone deserves a second chance."

"I feel like I'm on about my ninth chance, and I've blown all of them so far." Summer groaned.

"Even if that's true, I won't let you blow this one." Winter reassured her. "No come on, think about the fun things in your future."

"Like what?" Summer asked.

"Like the shopping trip I'm going to take you on when we get to Atlas." Winter replied.

"What for?" Summer asked. "I have plenty of clothes."

"But not the right clothes." Winter noted. "A winter on Patch is like a mild Atlesian autumn."

"I hate the cold." Summer complained.

"Then you're going to the wrong place." Winter chuckled. "But don't worry, the house has a wonderful heating system. And if all else fails, I can think of a few ways to generate some heat."

"Winter...I'm not really in the mood for flirting." Summer sighed.

"I know, sorry, just trying to lighten the mood." Winter apologized.

"It's alright." Summer shook her head. "I know I'm just...I've made so many mistakes. I don't want to drag anyone else down, least of all you."

"Everything will be fine." Winter insisted, slipping her hand into Summer's and squeezing. "Have some faith."

Summer frowned, but returned the pressure. "That's about all I have left."

"It's a shame we'll miss the birth." Ruby sighed. "I wonder what Nora's gonna' name the kid."

"Last I heard, she and Ren had a list of a dozen names." Yang noted. "Which is way down from where they were."

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Weiss asked.

"A girl, why?" Pyrrha inquired.

"Well, I may not be present, but I'll have to send along some gifts for the baby shower." Weiss replied.

"Baby shower?" Yang tilted her head. "I don't think we have one planned."

"You must have a baby shower." Weiss insisted.

"I'll talk to Nora about it." Yang shrugged. "They've kind of been behind on the planning for...well...everything. They haven't even decided when to have their wedding."

"They'll probably have their wedding on the spur of the moment one day." Pyrrha chuckled.

"You're joking, but you're probably not wrong." Yang noted. "Imagine how disappointed Jaune will be when he sees all his planning go to waste."

A message came over the PA system, the initial boarding call for a flight. "That's us." Blake observed. "We should get going." The plane would likely not leave the gate for almost an hour, but the girls had yet to go through security. Qrow had already gone ahead.

"Oh, well...huh." Ruby frowned. "Is it time already?" She seemed unsure of what to do.

"Come on everyone, group hug." Yang beckoned, pulling in Weiss and Ruby on either side of her. Pyrrha stepped in beside Weiss and Blake beside Ruby, closing the circle and pulling all five together. "I'm gonna' miss all you guys."

"And Weiss is gonna' miss being squeezed between Yang and Pyrrha." Blake teased.

"I'm not even going to deny it." Weiss sighed. "Until next time."

"See ya's." Blake waved.

"Have a smooth trip." Pyrrha smiled.

"Uh...you guys go on ahead, I'll catch up." Ruby suggested. Blake and Weiss looked confused. "I just wanna' talk to Yang quick. I'll be right there."

"Alright." Blake nodded. She gave Weiss a tug and they headed for the security checkpoint.

"Pyrrha, can you give us a minute?" Yang requested.

"Of course." Pyrrha agreed. There was really nowhere to go. The group had been standing in the middle of the terminal, so privacy was not really in the cards. She just stepped back a bit, waiting beside the door a few meters away.

"I'm really gonna' miss you." Ruby sniffled, tears welling in her eyes. She stepped up and hugged Yang with all her might.

"Yeah...me too." Yang managed.

"I'm not okay Yang." Ruby admitted. "I don't wanna' go. I don't wanna' deal with this without you."

"I know Rubes." Yang rubbed Ruby's back, beginning to shed tears of her own. "But I'll always be here for you. If you ever need to talk, just give me a call, no matter the time."

"Alright." Ruby nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too, sis." Yang declared.

The pair separated, and Ruby wiped her tears with her sleeve. She hurried off after Weiss and Blake, leaving Yang standing there, tears trickling down her face. Yang took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with her left hand. She turned and walked toward Pyrrha, who met her with a gentle embrace. "It's hard, I know, but she'll be fine." Pyrrha encouraged. "I'm sure of it."

Yang sighed. "She's not okay, I'm not okay...nothing's okay."