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One year.
It’s been one whole year to the day, since the true start of Era 3. (One whole year since that fateful confrontation in White’s head, the single soured aspect of that momentous occasion they yearn to forget.)
Stevonnie’s not too sure whose idea it was anymore— whether it was Steven who first suggested the idea of an annual ball, or if it was Blue, truly leaning into the celebratory aspects of Earth culture— but in any case, this anniversary is the first such event of its kind. Gems don’t typically operate on a short, solar-determined time scale, after all. Acknowledging their lack of need to sleep, they don’t pay any heed to the day-night cycles on their planet. They don’t catalogue seasons, or celebrate birthdays, or mark harvests. Thus, the concept of an anniversary is a rather novel one to them.
Regardless, it at least seems to be a concept they’ve taken to with gusto.
They swear the whole planet’s population has shown up in the central square this evening, happily milling about, catching up with old friends, and making new ones. Every once in a while they’ll spot a brave fusion in the crowd, many of their forms still marked with clear hesitation as they offer periodic side glances towards the diamonds posted at the edges of the square, but here and existing nonetheless. For on this night, pearls break old societal taboos to speak directly to their former commanding agates... working class gems openly mingle with the aristocracy... there are no strict protocols or orders to follow... and most radical of all, one of the diamonds is themself a fusion.
They can’t help but beam as they spot their favorite Amethyst amidst the party-goers, seemingly making some new connections with some Homeworld quartzes, and eagerly stride towards her.
“Hey, ‘Vonnie!” she greets, eyes lightening up. A mischievous look coating her features, she shapeshifts herself taller and throws her arms around the carnelian and jasper standing beside her, pulling their grinning faces closer. “Ya’ wanna be on dance patrol with me? Because my new friends here could really learn how to boogie!”
“Yeah!” they exclaim with a laugh, grabbing a stray scrunchie from the pocket of Connie’s bomber jacket and tying their hair up. “I’m down. That sounds great!”