The faint beeping had finally faded into the background, weeks of its constant company numbing her to its presence, counting the beats of her heart, it kept her grounded, a reminder that she was alive, that she survived, but now all it did was remind her that she was stuck here, and it was hurting the ones she loved.
Weiss hadn't come to visit, not since she first awoke, and neither were in any condition to talk. It hurt, not being able to see her former lover, but she didn't fault her, Weiss was rarely an openly emotional person, a side effect of her upbringing.
But the emotions were always there, just buried, building in pressure, and when they burst through, they were wild and passionate, leaving her raw and sensitive. She knew that Weiss was still hurting, and her accident added guilt to her sorrow. And for that, she forgave her absence.
Velvet had come to visit every weekend, the poor girl seemed scared, already nervous given her inexperience, but the accident had occurred so soon after their introduction it left them with hardly any time to bond.
She at first meek and withdrawn, but a gentle hand and some warm words of encouragement had her smiling, laughing, and confessing the true extent of her feelings. She accepted her role in the relationship, and how important it would be in the months to come. They even shared kisses, she tasted of cinnamon.
Yang was the brightest of the bunch, coming often, never for a second faltering in her presence, she appreciated it, enough tears were shed, when Yang was around, it was like nothing happened, chatting over trivial things, bringing magazines and movies to pass the time, she even brought some hand weights with her, expecting her to keep some standard of physical fitness, they arm wrestled often, it warmed her heart, being treated like an equal.
Ruby was a saint as always, she had only known the girl for several months, often finding her in the company of Weiss or Velvet when she paid visits, despite being in IT she was a better maid than any could hope for, waiting on them for the duration of their visits.
Weiss never commented on it, and when the nature of their relationship was revealed it made sense that she enjoyed serving others. This extended to her weekly visits to the hospital, showing up with fresh coffee and glazed donuts, her guilty pleasure. She was her only link to Weiss, and won the hearts of both her and her partner effortlessly. Her visits were the highlight of the week.
Coco, her partner, lover, domme and fiancé, spent all of her free time at the hospital. She did everything within her power to make the hospital room feel homely, bringing sheets, curtains, pictures and an assortment of small things from their apartment.
You wouldn't guess it was a hospital room on first glance, anything to help distract from the situation at hand, if only a little, if only for a while. The accident hit her hardest, despite being uninjured in the crash, seeing her lover go through this struggle was more painful than any wound.
Because she was helpless, she couldn't do anything more than wait and hope, hope that in time and therapy progress would be made, that Pyrrha would be able to get out of her bed, and walk out the door hand in hand with her, that she could wrap her legs around her waist as she carried her to the bedroom, that she could run again.
Coco had returned from her visit disheartened, filling in Pyrrha about Weiss seemingly overworking herself, and being jumpy, taking off her glasses, she took Pyrrha's hand and squeezed, Coco felt more than a little bit of guilt herself.
Causing the rift between Pyrrha and Weiss, even unintentionally, weighed heavily upon her, though she would never show it in front of Weiss, she was a proud and stubborn woman, only Pyrrha got to see her as she truly was.
"Coco, you should pay Velvet a proper visit, I can handle being alone for the night", Pyrrha suggested, squeezing her fiancé's hand, the woman in question bit her lip, uncovered eyes conflicted.
"I shouldn't leave you alone, you deserve a warm bed more than I do", Smiling warmly Pyrrha closed her eyes.
"You've been by my side without fail since the accident, you deserve a break, and need some relief. We've neglected Velvet long enough; I think she's ready for this". She opened her eyes to see Coco's lip trembling, she pulled her gently forward, and wrapped her in a loving embrace.
"I love you Pyrrha", she returned the embrace.
"I love you too Coco".
Coco retreated, keeping a hand on her shoulder, she wiped her eyes and pulled out her glasses again, a knock on the door alerted them both, in the doorway stood Ruby, beaming at them both, a cardboard tray of coffee in one hand, and a paper bag in the other, the warm scents filling the room.
"Hey guys!", Pyrrha smiled at the sight, Coco donned her glasses and strode over to the girl, pulling her into a gentle hug.
"Hey cutey, good to see you, let me take those".
Taking possession of the goods Coco sat them on Pyrrha's bedside table, Ruby skipped over to the bed and wrapped her arms around Pyrrha.
"I've missed you!", Pyrrha chuckled, rubbing her back gently she planted a kiss on the top of her head.
"I missed you too Ruby, how have you been?", pulling away Ruby sat on the edge of the bed.
"Great, it's a bit weird with Yang away, but I'm sure I'll get used to it".
Coco handed one of the coffee's to Pyrrha, then opened the bag, filling the room with the strong, sweet scent of freshly glazed donuts.
"I had best be going then, I have a bed to fill", Coco winked at Pyrrha, not that you could tell through the glasses, but Pyrrha smiled warmly all the same, Ruby jumped off the bed.
"Wait just a minute, I have someone I want you to meet!", She rushed out the door, a moment later she walked back through, followed by a tall, pale girl with long black hair, a black bow perched atop her head, she stood awkwardly behind Ruby, hands clasped together.
"Hi, I'm Blake".
Pyrrha smiled warmly and waved, Coco grinned.
"Well hello there, finally out and about, Yang's picture doesn't do you justice", Blushing at that, Blake forced a smile.
"Thankyou, Coco is it?", Coco circled the bed, she held a hand towards the Faunus, who shook it gently.
"Coco Adel, I'm sorry but I can't stay and chat, I have a lonely Bunny to ravish, it was good to meet you finally, and don't worry Pyrrha won't bite, unless you order her too".
Pyrrha Rolled her eyes, Ruby giggled.
"Shoo you", flashing a smug grin she moved back to her fiancé and planted a chaste kiss on her lips, leaning towards her ear she whispered.
"Any requests?", Pyrrha pulled her into her arms.
"I want to see you both smiling", returning the embrace, Coco chuckled.
"I think I can do that, goodnight hon, I love you", Pyrrha pecked her lips.
"Love you too sweetheart".
Ruby hugged Coco, who planting a kiss on her cheek, she flashed a grin at Blake, then playfully swatted her rear as she left the room, drawing a gasp from the Faunus, Ruby and Pyrrha shared a giggle at that, Blake shot them a scowl, hard to take seriously with the rosy tint of her face, Pyrrha took the bag from the bedside table, tearing it so the contents were revealed to Blake, the strong scent wafting over her.
"Please, sit with us Blake, I've been looking forward to meeting you", Blake shuffled over to the bed, and took a seat on the chair Coco had previously occupied.
"I'm sorry it took so long, I'm not a very social person".
Pyrrha placed her coffee on the table and offered her hand to Blake, the Faunus held it gently,
"I understand Blake, Yang talks about you often, she'll be overjoyed to hear of our meeting", Blake felt some of her nervousness fade away.
"I had some bad experiences growing up, I try to put them behind me, but being around people is still difficult", Blake trailed off, Pyrrha smiled warmly.
"Take your time Blake, forcing your way through trauma is never healthy". Blake felt a wave of affection for the woman, she smiled back.
"I take it, between Yang and Ruby you know why I'm here?", Pyrrha inquired.
"I didn't want to pry, something about an accident, and therapy?", Blake replied.
Pyrrha let go of her hand and took hold of her blanket, pulling it aside to reveal one of her legs, several large, jagged scars marred the surface of her thigh and calf, as well as some smaller, neater ones, evidence of surgery.
"We were involved in a pile up, Coco was in the driver's seat. she got away with a broken collarbone thank the gods, but my legs were crushed, took three surgeries to get them back in order".
Blake covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a gasp, she looked to Ruby, a sad smile on her face, Pyrrha continued.
"Apparently there is nothing physically wrong with my legs, my spine is fine, there's no brain damage, I just, can't move, which is why I'm here still".
Her smile had faded by the time she finished, Ruby placed a gentle kiss on her hand, Pyrrha's smile returned at that, gazing at Ruby with affection.
Blake composed herself, taking Pyrrha's hand again.
"So, it's psychological?", Blake guessed, Pyrrha nodded.
"It's the only logical answer, Weiss, bless her heart, has been having every psychologist and physiotherapist she can find to try and help me", Pyrrha's eyes filled with tears, but her smile remained steady.
"I've made no progress, but her efforts mean the world to me nonetheless", Blake furrowed her brow.
"Weiss Schnee? Ruby's Weiss?", Pyrrha nodded, Ruby pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes, earning a thanks and a peck on the cheek.
"Weiss is one of my oldest friends, I love her almost as much as I love Coco".
Blake saw a flash of guilt in the redheads eyes, Pyrrha turned her attention to Ruby.
"Coco said she visited today, but she didn't see you", Ruby giggled, then flashed a devilish grin.
"She didn't see me, but I heard her, she almost interrupted our private time", Pyrrha raised her brow, then matched her grin.
"Under the desk?", Pyrrha assumed.
"Coco accidentally fulfilled one of my greatest fantasies", Ruby said with a dreamy look on her face, Pyrrha chuckled.
"I'm sure Velvet will clue her in, that desk is amazing, did you know Weiss had it specifically designed to accommodate me?", Ruby's jaw dropped.
"No way? I thought it was weirdly big under there!", both girls started laughing at that, Blake sat dumbfounded, and more than a little confused.
"Wait, what? I'm a little confused, about several things" Blake exclaimed, The girls stifled their laughter and turned their attention toward her.
"Coco mentioned ravishing a bunny, then you mentioned Velvet, I thought you were engaged?", Pyrrha closed her eyes and nodded,
"Coco and I are in a polyamorous relationship, Velvet is our lover", a little surprised by the revelation, Blake pressed forward.
"And Weiss? Her desk was made to fit you?".
"Weiss, Coco and I were lovers for a time, but with the growing pressures of the SDC, some issues came to light and we separated.", Pyrrha sighed, looking crestfallen.
"It wasn't pleasant for us, but we hold no ill will toward each other, it hit Weiss hardest however, I would prefer not to go into detail", Pyrrha gave a weak smile, Ruby rubbed her arm soothingly, planting another kiss on her hand, Blake felt more than a little guilty.
"I apologize for prying, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories", Pyrrha smiled warmly again, placing her hand on her shoulder.
"There's nothing to apologize for, you were curious", Pyrrha soothed.
"I read a lot of romance novels, they rarely deal with polyamory, and when they do it's usually hedonistic or barely there, usually causing conflict". Blake trailed off, realising her words may be taken harshly.
"Relationships are fickle things, most prefer monogamy because it's simple, comfortable, safer and accepted, it's what they know, and it feels right. But I've always been comfortable with sharing my love, exploring, experimenting and being free with my affections", Pyrrha smiled, briefly lost in memory.
"That's not to say I'll sleep with anyone, but I don't close myself off to new experiences, they gave me some of my most cherished memories with Weiss, led me to Coco, and Velvet, and though our separation was painful, it drew Weiss to Ruby, who has become one of my most treasured friends, and is helping Weiss in a way I simply couldn't".
Pyrrha's smile had grown, her eyes teary, she looked at Ruby lovingly who blushed, a rarity for the girl. Blake found herself smiling, her books never spoke of personal beliefs and open love so much as lust and overzealous desires, but hearing Pyrrha speak openly, with such conviction had struck a chord within her, she was reminded of some of Yang's words the night before she left.
"Don't ever be afraid to try something new, or someone new, you won't hurt me, nothing you can do would hurt me, no more than seeing you lonely and in pain. Ruby will be there for you every step of the way, as will our friends when you meet them. They are the most loving, caring people I have ever met. They will treat you like family if you allow them, they will show you the same love we do, without condition".
Blake stood, pulling the sheet back over Pyrrha's exposed leg she sat by her side, mirroring Ruby.
"Thankyou for being so open with me Pyrrha, I'll admit I was nervous to meet you, but true to Yang and Ruby's words, you've treated me like family, and I'm grateful for that, and I truly hope you recover soon, I would love to have you over for tea sometime", Pyrrha released Ruby's hand and clasped it over Blake's.
"You make Yang happy, you make Ruby happy, and for that, you are family to me. When I recover, I'll gladly take you up on your offer, more motivation to improve is always welcome", they sat smiling at each other at that, until a digital camera sound snapped them out of it, looking to the source they saw Ruby, grinning, scroll in hand.
"Yang is gonna go nuts seeing this!"
Thankyou for reading, feedback fuels me!