Chapter Text
Priyanka gaped in awe at the sight before her.
Sure, she knew that the gems would go all out with the construction of the cathedral for Connie and Steven’s wedding, and she looked over the diagrams of the building’s blueprints and concept artwork, but seeing it all up close and in person was something else entirely. Between the intricate columns that seemed to flow and ripple into vaulted ceilings, and the absolutely massive stained glass murals that adorned the walls, she had a feeling that the Iolites and Bismuths that designed the place had got most of their inspiration from the Sagrada Familia and the Notre Dame. The venue was truly that good. Even the very light that filled the chapel was colored in hues of pink and orange, the late-mid cycle sun filtering through just the right stained glass windows to complete the decor.
“Of course they considered the time that the wedding would be held when they designed the chapel…”, Priyanka muttered under her breath as she broke out of her reverie and started to walk down the aisle to her reserved seat.
“Hmm?”, she heard Doug speak up from her right.
“Nothing.”, she replied, “Everything is just so beautiful.”.
“Isn’t it always?”, Doug laughed.
Priyanka nodded her affirmation as she passed the massive, empty thrones reserved for the rest of the Diamond Authority that took up the backmost portion of the chapel, before reaching the pews designated for the other guests. Priyanka took her seat, watching as other friends and family members trickled in to the cathedral.
“It’s more than beautiful…”, she heard Doug speak up from her right, “It’s perfect…”.
“Yeah…”.
* * *
Connie stared at herself in the massive mirror before her, struggling against the tears of joy that pooled up and obscured her vision. This was real, this was happening, the ornate dress that she wore only solidified the thoughts in her mind - or was it her gem now? Nevertheless, Bismuth and the Iolites had done an amazing job in the crafting of her wedding dress, its luxuriously soft and light material billowing behind her. In a sense, it reminded her of the cape that White Diamond herself wore. That thought alone made her question whether or not she should even be wearing such a material. However, she knew that each of the other Diamonds had approved of everything prior to the rehearsal, meaning that White Diamond herself signed off on the dress that she wore - so of course it was okay - right?? It was all so confusing. So much change had occurred in the last six months.
If Connie was being honest, it took her far longer than she would like to get used to her new body. It was one thing to know that gems did not need to sleep, but it was another thing entirely to experience it firsthand. That being said, the extra time was certainly useful! For starters, it made the re-purposing of her quarters easier to deal with. It was definitely hard to forget her embarrassment when she attempted to return to her quarters, only to find that the room was far too small for her new form. To remedy this, Steven and the rest of the Diamond Authority commissioned their best Bismuths and Iolites to build a new palace immediately next to the Pink palace. Of course, she made sure to provide some input on the architectural stylings and motifs that characterized her palace. Drawing on inspiration from ‘The Unfamiliar Familiar’, she opted for a far more gothic appearance for her palace. With the efforts of the other four Courts behind the operation, the entire palace was completed in a month alone. That was not to say that its construction was rushed, or that its architecture was of lower quality. Steven himself had begrudgingly admitted that her palace was cooler than his, despite that fact that the palaces themselves were effectively identical in construction, consisting of a main tower, topped by an octahedron. That being said, the disparity between the two palaces was made more obvious due to the fact that the two palaces were immediately next to each other. White Diamond herself had recommended that the Pink and Orange palaces were placed immediately next to each-other so that a much larger octahedron for Radiance Stevonnie could be erected above and between the two other octahedrons topping the other towers. Connie had to admit that her Radiance was right, the addition of the third, salmon-colored throne room complimented the other two towers, and made the throne rooms themselves bear a striking resemblance to the old crest of the Diamond Authority of Eras One, Two, and Three. However, the progress with the Orange Palace was not the most interesting development of the past six months.
That recognition had to go to the rapidly expanding Orange Court. She already had three colonies to her name. Three! And she hasn’t even been a Diamond for that long! It seemed like ages before Steven could get a colony beyond Earth, and that was only because he had the means to end the resource crisis! Now she could count Mars, Saturn, and Neptune amongst her Court. While Diamonds would normally want their first colonies to be as spread out as far across the galaxy as possible, these colonies were of great importance to the military efforts of the greater Diamond Authority, and as such would be safer deep inside the recognized territory of the Pink Court. Most of these colonies served as simple kindergartens for Quartz soldiers. Given the lack of organic life, a team of Citrines determined that they would be perfect for the more traditional kindergarten systems of Eras One and Two. Connie’s only stipulation in this recommendation was that a gravity well generator would need to be installed in Saturn’s core, to prevent the loss of its many rings. Of course, the Peridots loaned to her Court were all too happy to oblige to Connie’s request, and in doing so, they left Saturn aesthetically identical to how it was prior when viewed from a telescope on Earth. By using a gravity generator, Saturn not only retained its rings, but also its atmosphere. However, the work on Saturn was not what Connie was most proud of, that title was left to what she affectionately referred to as her ‘Crown Jewel” on Mars. As with the other planets, Mars was primarily utilized as a kindergarten, the iron-rich deposits lending itself to the production for exceptionally strong quartz soldiers. However, at the colony’s north pole resided a massive tower, far larger than anything seen on any other colony, even counting Homeworld. In fact, the tower was so large it was visible to gems as far south as 30 degrees north of Mars’ equator. This tower served as the military hub for the entire Diamond Authority, and consisted of floor after floor of training facilities, simulation rooms, and stratagem halls. Her favorite part had to be the observatory. The top floor of the tower consisted of a large glass dome. Unlike traditional glass ceilings, this roof had no panes of glass, or any support system. Instead, the ceiling itself consisted of a single, seamless glass dome, likening the interior to that of a snow-globe. This observatory not only housed observation orbs for every colony under the Diamond Authority, but also every region of space inside the galaxy. However, the collection of observation orbs that it housed was not the tower’s most important feature. The tower itself formed one of the largest, and most intricate defense systems created. One that could ensure that disasters like what happened Concordia would never occur again. It was a modern marvel of what the Ammolites were quickly dubbing ‘Era Four’. If she was being honest with herself, the sheer magnitude of advancements and developments that had occurred left her feeling overwhelmed. It was all so much, and yet she couldn’t get enough! Every measure that she took to make life for the gems better, and cycle-to-cycle existence for the Diamond Authority safer, seemed to make her heart (or her gem?) sing. Finally, she was making a difference in the Diamond Authority! Getting more and more responsibilities and handling the really important stuff that was able to help all of gem-kind!
Of course, she wasn’t going about all of this alone - despite how confident she was in her abilities to do so regardless of help. Not only did she get the council and support of White, Yellow, and Blue Diamond - in addition to the ever present love and support of Steven backing her up, she also had gems under her very own Court! She certainly counted herself fortunate that she had already been accustomed to leading others through her time as Fortitude, otherwise, this change would have been the most surreal of all. She had a Pearl working for her for goodness sakes! And not just any Pearl, oh no. Pearl, the Lustrous-Renegade Pearl had gone with her to an area known as the reef to form a gem specifically to work at her side, one whose traits were designed to compliment her own and be capable of serving as a leader in her stead if she was away on a mission or task.
It was interesting how readily Homeworld and gem-kind seemed to change their opinions on what Pearls were capable of after the attack on Concordia. Certainly, the actions of Pink Pearl, Blue Pearl, and Yellow Pearl were brave and honorable - but it was disappointing that it took Steven, a Diamond, being abducted to accept that Pearls were capable of more than just being some doting servant. It was disappointing that it took a catastrophe for gems to see that these Pearls had worth and value, and shouldn’t be treated as ‘lesser than’, or even like the ‘property’ that they were regarded as throughout Eras One and Two. How did it take so long for gems to see the same worth and potential that they saw in Pearl - the Lustrous Renegade Pearl, in all other Pearls? How many eons did it take for gems to stop treating the Lustrous Renegade Pearl as an exception and not a rule?
A part of her wanted to say that all the calamity, terror, and even the shattering was worth it if Pearls could get the respect they deserved.
But that was neither here nor there.
Where was she?
Oh yes, Pearl! Melo Pearl to be specific. While normal Pearls were traditionally made to be subservient to another, this Pearl in particular was fashioned to be far more independent and capable than other gems from the reef. Her ability to provide council, exact orders and policies, and lead others was incredible, reminding her of herself in a way.
Maybe she could give Melo Pearl some additional tasks?
No, there was no need. After all, she could handle everything on her own, in fact, she could probably be doing even more, come to think of it.
“Your Radiance, are you ready?”, the muffled voice of Melo Pearl came through the door to her room, snapping her from her reverie, and re-focusing her attention on her wedding dress.
Did she look right, was she ready?
She was always ready, she had-
“Yes.”, Connie nodded to herself, “I’m ready.”.
* * *
Steven shifted nervously on his feet as he readied himself to go up to the altar.
“I can’t believe this is happening… Oh gosh, I’m gonna marry Connie!”, Steven muttered to himself, pacing at the edge of the room, “What if Connie changed her mind? Or what if I mess up my vows? Or if Stevonnie doesn’t like their new form? They’ll end up a lot larger with Connie’s gem… What if we trip and fall over? Oh why couldn’t we have fused before today? Why did we have to make it special like Ruby and Sapphire did?”, Steven sighed in exasperation, before resting his head on a pillar.
“Umm, our Steven?”, an unfamiliar voice piped up from immediately above Steven’s head.
“Hmm?’, Steven blinked and took a step back, before realizing that the pillar he rested his head on had a face.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!”, Steven blanched, taking in the sight of the green gem embedded into the pillar.
Their form appeared to consist of a large sphere, that held their face and gem. The sphere itself possessed several tentacle-like appendages that extended downwards from the rest of her body and rested on two hands held upwards. The hands themselves appeared to be a highly stylized pilaster that functioned as a seat for the gem and allowed them to operate what appeared to be a disco-ball, but was actually a decorative light-source used for balls, celebrations, and other special events.
“No offense taken, our Steven. We understand that this must be an emotionally overwhelming time for you.”, the gem replied.
“Wait, we?”, Steven blinked again.
Looking upward still he noticed that there were a few other gems perched on various points of the column. Some held trumpets and woodwinds, others held lyres, harps, and violas, yet each held some form of musical instrument.
“We are Titanite gems, my Steven!”, the larger, disco-ball holding gem smiled back, “I am Titanite 2Y5L, Cut 9IK!”.
“N-nice to meet you, 9IK…”, Steven stammered, still recovering from his nerves.
“I know that gems like us usually don’t speak up at events that we play at, but might I have the permission to provide some council, your Radiance?”, 9IK asked.
“Sure…”, Steven nodded, running a hand through his hair nervously.
“While I am certainly no Clarity or a Peridot, and this is but a simple stone’s logic, but I believe that it should be reiterated that Connie loves you... you know?”.
“There’s no such thing as a simple stone. Every gem has worth and value, 9IK.”, Steven replied, “And yes, I know that Connie loves me as well.”.
“Then, if you love her, and she loves you, then what is there to worry about? Forgive me if I am oversimplifying this human tradition, but is it not just a declaration of love and intent to be with one another? Moreover, if their Radiance Stevonnie is indeed formed from the love that you both share, then shouldn’t they be able to overcome any potential new appearance they possess, and find a way in which to rejoice in the change that your declaration brings?”.
“That makes sense…”, Steven nodded to himself, “Thank you Titanite 9IK, that really helps!”.
“It is my pleasure, my Steven…”, the gem bowed as much as they could, before Steven turned away to face the altar.
“Alright Universe… It’s almost time…”.
* * *
Garnet was worried, and it seemed like she was the only one who saw how bad things were. With the entirety of the Pink Court and Pink Court high council focusing on this wedding, and the rest of the Diamond Authority focusing on building the Orange Court’s military assets, it seemed like no one was paying attention to her Radiance Orange Diamond at all. Sure, she wasn’t serving as her council, so she couldn’t tell her to slow down or take a break, but someone needed to. She may not know the strength and intricacies of a Diamond, but she did know Connie, and at the rate she was working… well -
“Not right now.”, she interrupted her thoughts, “For just one cycle, let’s only think about love… that’s easy enough.”.
Her gaze locked onto Steven as he walked down the aisle, followed by his dad and Blue Diamond. Her gaze shifted off to the side as she watched Blue Diamond take her place at Steven’s side as the Gem (or Diamond) of Honor. Steven seemed quite nervous as he fidgeted with his sleeves, and stepped onto a small platform at the altar, the platform giving out a gentle chime as he stood atop it. Honestly, he seemed just as nervous and excited as Ruby did when she stood at the altar. That being said, this event was considerably bigger for gem-kind than Sapphire and Ruby’s wedding. After all, this was a Diamond marriage, so of course the whole event would be done with as much extravagance as possible. Just a glance around the chapel revealed the lengths that the Diamond Authority went to celebrate this distinctly human ceremony. Iolites from the White Court were sent out to research the chapels and churches across Earth for inspiration in its design. As a result, there was a great deal of stained glass art pieces, arches and archivolts, and columns that reached all the way up to vaulted ceilings. The entire structure seemed like something out of a dream, or a fairytale… it was beyond simple descriptions of beauty… it was perfect.
And yet, what was the cost of perfection?
The memory of her Radiance’s weary form filled her gem, the Diamond of Will insistent that she could do more, even though she clearly needed a break. Perhaps she could convince her Radiance to rest after the wedding, maybe take a well-needed vacation. No, not a vacation, a honeymoon. Right, that would be the best course of action, propose the break as honoring the human tradition, that should work.
Just then, the chapel’s large organ began to play, the sweet melody of that song Connie and Steven composed for each-other so long ago. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Steven tense even more, as if his every muscle stilled.
Ah, here comes the bride.
Walking between Priyanka and Doug, towered her Radiance, looking every bit as nervous and excited as Steven.
With a quick glance back to her parents, Connie joined Steven at the altar, the later rising up to eye level with Connie with the aid of the now floating platform that he stood atop.
Ah right, now it’s her turn to speak.
“Friends, family, gems and humans alike…”, Garnet cleared her throat, ensuring that her voice carried throughout the chapel, “Today we are gathered to bear witness and honor the union of his Radiance Pink Steven Universe, and her Radiance Orange Diamond, Connie Maheswaran! Truly this is a momentous occasion, as this signifies a union between two Diamonds, two great leaders of gem kind. As you all know, I have been with Steven since the millicycle that he was born, and had met Connie shortly after his Radiance himself did. I watched both of them grow into the fine and admirable leaders that they are now, and it is my utmost honor and privilege to officiate this ceremony for the two of them.
So, your Radiances Orange and Pink, Connie and Steven, I know more than most how you have been partners, confidants, and defenders of eachother since long before this cycle - and I know that you aren’t about to stop showing eachother the same love and care anytime soon, so all I ask is that you understand the significance of what it is that you are about to undertake. It may seem to the both of you that you are simply confirming what you already know to be true in your hearts and gems - and in a sense that is indeed true, but marriage is so much bigger, so much more than any non-married individual can fathom. So please take these words to heart and gem in these coming cycles. As in fusion, the one before you is indeed your other half, yet what you make together is so much more. The experience that you bring to those around you and to all of us is so amazing and beautiful, and I am excited to watch as you both continue to grow.”, Garnet paused, watching as Steven and Connie both dried a few stray tears of happiness.
“The bride and groom have prepared vows that they will read to each-other now.”, her voice rang clearly throughout the chapel.
“Steven… I love you so much.”, Connie’s voice was shaky at first, before she seemed to gain confidence and press onward, “Ever since I met you, when you offered to be my first friend, I knew that you were going to be someone that I would want to stick around with for a long time. Sure, at the time, I didn’t know just how far and how crazily wonderful that things would get to be, I never regretted being with you in that bubble. Biscuit… my jam bud, I promise to be with you forever, until the end of time, and I will never… ever… allow anything to get between us. You’re stuck with me, Universe, and I couldn’t be happier.”.
Garnet smiled as Connie finished her vow, her words ringing so honest and true, yet filled with such a surety, that it brought tears to her eyes. Forcing herself to remain composed, she turned to Steven.
“Connie, you mean everything to me…”, Steven’s voice was also shaky with emotion, yet unlike Connie, he did not seem capable of composing himself, “I… I remember when we first met at that beach, I was so nervous, because you’ve always been so amazing, so incredible… I wanted to talk to you, and hoped for the opportunity to be in your life, to be your friend. And then, to my surprise, we turned into something more, turned into something so beautiful I can’t even begin to describe. C-Connie, I love you so much, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life, and so honored that you want to spend your life with me. So I promise to be with you forever, until the end of time, and I will never… ever… say goodbye.”.
Garnet nodded as Steven finished his vows, his words were so inundated with emotion, that they moved the entire audience to tears.
“Then without further ado, let us bring forth the rings!”, Garnet nodded, her gaze now on Amethyst and Pearl as they took eachother’s hands and fused into Opal.
Certainly, a fusion that was not involving the wedding couple themselves was odd, but Steven and Connie were insistent that each of Steven’s moms (and Connie’s in-law’s to be) had some sort of role in the ceremony. Between Garnet officiating, Amethyst and Pearl bearing the rings as Opal, and Blue Diamond serving as the Gem or Maid of Honor, everyone was able to play an important part in the cycle’s ceremony.
Garnet watched as Steven and Connie slid the rings onto one another, Connie’s ring appearing more akin to a bracelet to Steven than anything to be worn around a finger, given the sheer size of her digits. She waited for the two to finish exchanging rings before clearing her throat and turning to Connie.
“Do you, Connie Maheswaren, our Fortitude, your Radiance Orange Diamond, take Steven Quartz Cutie Pie DeMayo Diamond Universe, his Radiance Pink Steven, for your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this cycle forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until shattering do you part?”.
“I do.”, Connie replied without hesitation.
“And do you Steven Quartz Cutie Pie DeMayo Diamond Universe, your Radiance Pink Steven, take Connie Maheswaren, our Fortitude, her Radiance Orange Diamond, to be your lawful wedded wife?”, Garnet spoke, turning to Steven, “To have and to hold from this cycle forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until shattering do you part?”.
“I do.”, Steven’s eyes welled up with even more tears.
“Then, by the powers vested in me by the rest of the Diamond Authority, I- I now announce you husband and wife!”, Garnet choked up, shedding a few more tears of her own, “You may now kiss!”.
At that, the two young Diamonds kissed, a brilliant light washing over the cathedral hall.
Stevonnie’s bright laughter filled the cathedral as they spun around, hugging themselves with an expression of pure joy alight on their face. They staggered slightly, catching themselves as they grew accustomed to their larger form, nearly tripping over the coat-tails of their now fused formal-wear, the pieces coming together to form a long, salmon-colored tuxedo dress.
“This…”, Garnet thought, “This is truly an experience to behold, and I cannot wait to see what they do…”.
* * *
Bismuth smiled as she watched Stevonnie toss their bouquet into the air. Sure, she could have joined the crowd of wedding hopefuls, but to be honest, there was only one gem that caught her gaze, and it seemed like she was out of her league. Pearl told her that she was planning on making some big changes to her cycle-to-cycle roles, and there was really only one thing that could mean. She could’ve possibly convinced herself to muster up the courage to ask Pearl out - especially when Pearl herself served as a high council member of the Pink Court, but now… Well, she could easily find joy in watching Lapis take to the skies to catch the bouquet, and land with a dramatic flourish. The gems in the crowd laughed, herself included, as Peridot squawked in protest and began to ramble that Lapis cheated. A few whoops of encouragement and laughter followed as Lapis silenced Peridot’s ramblings by kissing her on the lips, forcibly halting the gem’s protests, and causing a heavily blushing Moonstone to form.
So much was changing in the galaxy, that was for certain. Stars knew what the enemy who orchestrated the attack on Concordia was scheming, and yet her Fortitude, her Radiance Orange Diamond was supposedly elected to serve as a response to this threat? It was all so gem-boggling. Bismuth watched, enraptured as the newlywed Diamond fusion danced with a human in a father-family dance. Their Radiance, Pink-Orange Stevonnie gave a short speech before cutting an impossibly large cake. Plates were passed around, with some gems eagerly digging in to the human delicacy, with others politely abstaining.
Blue Diamond stood and cleared her throat, giving a speech both as the ‘best gem’ and as a mother. The audience stared on awe as she waxed poetic about Steven and Connie’s relationship and how much she admired and respected Stevonnie. Garnet, Pearl, Amethyst, Greg, Priyanka and Doug followed suit and gave separate parent speeches.
It was Era Four now.
There was so much change.
So much was different.
Why, why… wh-
The din of chatter dying down and the sound of a spoon gently clinking against an empty champagne flute interrupted her thoughts.
“I have an announcement that I would like to share with everyone as well!”, Pearl smiled standing up from the table lightly tapping her glass.
Bismuth watched as Stevonnie smiled at Pearl, an unspoken conversation occurring between the two.
“I recognize that Era Four has brought with it many changes, and that there are many challenges that await us in the future. However, as their Radiance just said, we are all capable of rising to meet that adversity. It is for this reason that I am excited to announce my return to the White Court!”.
Her eyes drew to White Diamond, who smiled as cheers and applause rang out from the guests.
Even Pearl is returning to her old Radiance…
What was that human saying?
The more things change??
“That is right.”, White Diamond nodded, “I first discussed Pearl’s rejoining of the White Court in the cycles immediately before Era 3, however, she wished to remain in the Pink Court for a time while his Radiance grew his Court and ended the resource crisis. With those hardships now behind us, Pearl had asked if she could rejoin my Court. For those of you who were formed before the Authority, and those that existed in the early cycles of Era One, you already know of the prowess and skill that she possesses.”, White Diamond’s gaze fell on Chrysoberyl as she spoke those words, “And even though she never truly lost the title when she was transferred to the Pink Court and the events of Eras Two and Three ensued, I do believe that her status and skill should be recognized once more upon her return to her original Court. Gems of all Five Courts, it is for this reason I am happy to welcome back into the White Court Pearl 000-00-001, the Lustrous Pearl!”.
“Thank you my Diamond.”, Pearl smiled back, bowing in the Diamond salute, “It is an honor to be back.”.
“Pearl, it was a joy and a privilege to have you in my high council.”, Stevonnie spoke up, “May you find success in your return to White Diamond’s side.”.
“Thank you, your Radiance.”, Pearl smiled back, before sitting down.
“Esteemed guests and fellow Diamonds!”, Blue Diamond stood up, an excited smile on her face, “It is with great joy that I would like to unveil the first human member of the Blue Court...”.
So much was changing…
Too much?
No, not enough…
Not the right things…
How is it that so much could change? And yet those blasted Morganites be so stuck in their own ways, not realizing that gems needed to be protected differently, that gems needed to fight differently to keep up?
As the speeches ended and the dance floor was re-opened, Bismuth stood up and made her way to the open bar.
“Another champagne please…”, she gave the Peridot behind the bar a tired glace.
The green gem paused, tilting her head in confusion.
“You know that ethyl alcohol doesn’t really do anything to gems right? I mean it tastes good, but it doesn’t have the same effects that it does on humans, even if we try and manifest the necessary endocrine system components.”, the green gem spoke up.
“Great…”, Bismuth slouched into her stool.
“No need to fret though! Peridot Facet 3 3F9L Cut 3IB is at your service!”, the gem bartender beamed, “I used to be a Kindergarten operator back in Era Two, but then I just became obsessed with human culture. They have all of these distributors of flora and fauna for their consumption, but then there’s a whole other classification of establishments whose sole purpose is the distribution of solvents and solutions of varying toxicities! For a species that is 60% water, one would think that they consume water constantly, and avoid substances that dehydrate them. However, these ‘beverages’ don’t hydrate their user, in fact they perform the opposite effect and pull water out of their cells! These ‘cocktails’ serve no hydration-based purpose, it just makes them feel bad! I found the concept so fascinating that I designed elixirs based off of human drinks that achieve the same effects in gems!”.
“Alright…”, Bismuth nodded, slightly intrigued, “What would you recommend?”.
“I’ve got just the thing for a Bismuth gem such as yourself!”, 3IB excitedly grabbed a series of bottles from the shelf behind her, and began mixing ingredients.
Bismuth sighed, turning her gaze back to the dance floor, watching Pearl and Stevonnie dancing on stage.
“Alright Biz, what’s got your gem down?”, High Captain Jasper spoke up from her left, a large, conical glass in her hand.
“Oh nothing, J. Just the usual upper crust stuff.”, she sighed as the Peridot set a short cylindrical glass next to her.
Eyeing the deep brown liquid, she hesitantly took a sip. Sweet and sour flavors exploded to life across her palate, notes of cherry and oak were tempered by a bright, burning sensation that ran down her throat.
“Oh wow, what… What is this?”, she asked, staring back at 3IB in surprise.
“I call it the Homeworld Facet 1, as it’s basically a sweet and sour version of a drink named after a famous city here on Earth!”.
“Well, it’s really good. You did an amazing job.”.
“Thank you ma’am!”.
“Alright 7XR, cut the schist.”, Jasper sighed, eyeing her again, “We both know that look isn’t cause of upper crust stuff.”.
“It isn’t.”, Bismuth admitted, taking another sip of her drink, “I mean, it is in a way but just…”.
“Just?”.
“You ever feel like someone is woefully out of your league, and you know that you could have done something before, but now it’s too late?”.
Bismuth pretended to ignore how Jasper followed her gaze to Pearl, the flicker of realization sparking to life in her eyes as the teal and orange gem made the connection.
“I get why you think it’s too late, but it isn’t Biz. She’s the same Pearl as before, no amount of changing titles or Diamond allegiances is going to change that.”.
Bismuth’s gaze fell from Pearl back to her drink.
“I - I mean…”, she began.
Another sigh.
“It can’t actually be that easy.”.
“And what?”, Jasper raised an eyebrow at her, “You scared she’s gonna say no? It’ll either work out or it doesn’t, so quit mulling over it and just ask her already! Otherwise you really will lose your chance.”.
Bismuth blinked as Jasper’s blunt words resonated in her gem.
“You’re right…”, Bismuth found the words falling from her mouth, “Should… should I ask now? Or would that be considered rude?”.
“Stars if I know.”, Jasper’s chuckle was deep and bass-filled as she rose her glass to her lips and turned to the gem behind the bar.
“Hey Peridot… I got a question for ya.”.
“Yes ma’am?”.
“So my rebellious, pebble-gemmed friend over here is head of R&D of the Pink Court, and even though she’s tinkering away in a big old tower, she wants to go and make somethin’ entirely new with the Lustrous Pearl if you get what I mean.”.
“I see.”, 3IB nodded, “While it is not my field of expertise, the likely product of a fusion between a Bismuth and a Pearl would likely be a Baroque Metallic Rainbow Pear-”.
Bismuth choked on her drink, blushing a deep purple, while Jasper’s laugh cut the Peridot off before she could embarrass Bismuth any further.
“Putting the cargo trailer in front of the skiff there, 3IB. While that’s cool and all, what I’m asking is whether or not Bismuth should ask Pearl out while at a Diamonds’ wedding.”.
“Ah, a societal rules question… I’m sorry, I’m no Rubellite… but my gem’s telling me no. It just seems rude in a way. You know?”, 3IB fumbled.
“No need to apologize 3IB.”, Bismuth smiled as she finished her drink, “That makes sense, I’ll ask her next cycle… maybe catch her while she’s on her way to her Radiance White.”.
“Catch her when she’s off-guard and focused on another task… smart.”, Jasper nodded approvingly.
“Anyway, it was good talking to you J.”, Bismuth stretched as she got out of her stool, before turning and nodding to the Peridot behind the bar, “You too, thanks for the drink and advice.”.
With a grin, she crossed the room and took the time to thank their Radiance for inviting her and congratulating them on their marriage, before heading back to her office, forgoing the warp pad for a short walk in the cool, night air.
If she could be brave enough to ask Pearl out, perhaps she could get the Morganites to change as well? It was a new Era after all, there was new opportunities appearing every cycle. In fac-
“Ah, hello there!”, an unfamiliar gem with purple, flowing robes appeared behind her, getting her attention.
“Hello, um it’s nice to mee-”, Bismuth began.
“That was some party back there right? Two Diamonds celebrating the human tradition of marriage, how crazy is that?”, the gem cut her off.
“I know right? It seems like things are changing all the time! Now if only we could keep up!”, Bismuth laughed, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly, turning away from the new gem and back to face the road, “So what Court are you a part of?”.
Pain erupted just below her gem as the tip of a blade pushed its way clean through her torso. The light of the surrounding city-scape glinted off of the edge that protruded from her abdomen.
“Me? I’m part of something far bigger than a Court.”, the gem smirked.
The sight of the purple gem twisting the blade caught her eye…
…and then everything went dark.