Yang x Summer (Nocturnal emissions)

Yang's deepest desires manifested to the surface of her subconscious one pivotal night during her recovery from the trauma that came with the fall of Beacon. Yang was returned back to a time when the world was a simpler place. When she had no responsibilities, no chip on her shoulder and no severed limbs. Back to the good old days with Summer and Taiying.

The familiar smell of strawberry waffles lingered in her mind. Yang approached the kitchen stove with Summer appearing larger than life from her childhood perspective. But then her perspective began to change- Yang grew taller, shifting into her young adult self. Summer maintained her rosy glow just like she remembered, though it was strange to see how short she was (only about a few inches taller than Ruby since the last time Yang saw her leave for Mistral).

Her state was preserved perfectly. The details and texture of her skirt remained intact despite the difference in perspective. Yang approached slowly from behind and called to her.

"Mom," Yang called.

"Hello sweetheart! How's my little ball of sunshine today?" Summer said cheerfully, speaking to Yang as if she were a child.

"Little?" Yang replied.

"Oh I forgot, you are a big girl now! I am so happy to see you," Summer answered happily.

"I am... happy to see you too," Yang says, welling up with tears.

Yang fights back the tears in her eyes, thinking about what she has desperately wanted to say to Summer. Her **** came so abruptly after announcing she was going out on a mission. After just over three weeks of not hearing back from Summer, her corpse was brought to the island of Patch- by whom Yang still does not know. Her father became reclusive thereafter, never talking about the circumstances of her ****.

Yang approaches closer to peer over Summer's head at the waffles they have prepared. Yang wraps her arms around Summer's waist and holds her tightly, squeezing Summer as if she were life itself- almost like if she let go, Yang would lose a part of herself.

"Oh Yang, what has gotten into you? If you keep snuggling up to me I can't finish breakfast!" Summer sighs jokingly.

"I'm sorry mom. I just love you so much," Yang replies sorrowfully. These are only words she can find to express her grief.

"Is something wrong darling?" Summer asks obliviously. It becomes clear to Yang that this perfect memory of Summer has no knowledge of her grim future.

"No... everything is just right. I just never got to say how much you mean to me," Yang answers. The last she wants is to taint the memory of Summer with her present woes.

"You don't need to honey," Summer remarks.

Like a bolt of lightning, Yang is struck with sudden realization that the Summer she remembers would never want Yang to mourn for her. Her love and affection was so pure that she never needed a reminder that she was loved. Everything she did was for others- perhaps this was her greatest weakness. Summer never had time for herself because she poured everything into helping others. If she were just a little bit more selfish, like Raven, Summer may still be alive...

Yang loosens her grip however this reunion is not enough to fill a void in her soul. There is so much more she wants to say. Summer turns to Yang and takes a good look at her. Summer’s silver eyes reflect the sunlight and are utterly captivating. Summer runs her hand across Yang’s face. Her smile could light the darkest corners of the world.

Just seeing her makes the world seem like not such a bad place. Yang does not know to cry or smile while the moment lasts. But then Summer kisses her on the cheek suddenly. Yang flinches as she thought they were going to kiss her on the lips.

Why would she even think of that? This was her super mom, not some stranger. Yang is left confused about her feelings. Meanwhile, Summer turns and scoops the waffles onto a plate.

"We have some gardening to do once you are done eating breakfast. Meet me outside when you are ready!" Summer says before putting the plate on waffles in Yang’s hands.

Yang watches her head out the door towards their garden. She is not hungry, though Yang feels an unease in her stomach. Something isn’t right about her feelings for Summer...