Chapter Text
They are coming, finally. They'll get to know Blue Diamond's court better. Their diamond, Yellow, told them that today they'd have to make a presentation together with Blue's Moonstones.
Sunstone wants to hide it, it's not very suitable right now, but he's excited. Nervous, anxious... he never had the chance to speak to said gems yet. Unlike gems like him, Moonstones are... reserved. Quiet, and subtle. Although from what he has heard, their acts are wonderful. Dramatic and sentimental. Something that is typical of Blue Diamond's subordinates.
He would like the play to be with Sunstones and Moonstones together, but... what the Diamonds want is for them to present separately. First them, then the others.
Still, Sunstone maintains a slight smile, when the thing is he internally might explode from-... Explode. No, no, that would be terrible. Oh stars, the disgusting feeling of regenerating his appearance, and the boring time it would take for him to look as perfect as his Diamond wants.
He gently shakes his head, staring at the giant doors where Blue and his court will enter through. He stands firm, hands clasped, the sunbeam-like spikes on his head almost glowing.
And then, Yellow's pearl announces that Blue and his gems are there.
The doors open, revealing the tall and elegant Blue Diamond. She enters, walking delicately across the large hall, and takes a seat next to Yellow. Followed by her, her court gems enter, Rubies, her Pearl, her Sapphire, followed by- ugh... a Holly Blue Agate. And finally, her Moonstones.
Sunstone straightens even more, and watches very carefully. He can't help but think of the resemblance between his own gem type and Moonstones. Their faces, some of their clothes... as if they were made for-
Clap, clap, clap!
Yellow Diamond attracts the attention of all the Gems, and in sync they make the traditional sign of respect to their Diamonds.
After many words to which Sunstone pays no attention, due to his fervent interest in the blue-hued gems, Blue Diamond announces that they can go to the rehearsal rooms where they will take a limited time to decide and practice their act.
Calmly and in order, Sunstones and Moonstones leave the room.
They walk side by side, the Sunstones in front leading the way for the Moonstones. Sunstone remains silent, but he cannot help but divert his gaze with considerable concealment towards the gem next to him. Will they want to talk to him? Will they be kind? Could they become friends?
Sunstone almost stumbles when that Moonstone looks back at him, although their face is still facing forward.
And they smile at him.
They smile, and Sunstone feels something wrong with himself. Something in his chest makes him want to jump with excitement, because...
How can there be someone with such a comforting and kind smile?
Sure, the rest of the Moonstones look nice, but... Sunstone feels like this one is... different.
He maintains his smile when they noticed him, narrowing his eyes with a little embarrassment, and looks forward, seeing that they're already arriving at the rehearsal rooms.
The yellow and blue gems are gathered, chatting, practicing, laughing... it's really nice. Although, some remain quiet, shy.
Sunstone has kept practicing with the group closest to him, but his attention is not yet fully directed towards the play.
He's been watching that Moonstone the whole time. He appreciates their movements full of grace and stillness. They seem to be rehearsing one of the scenes, their expressions are serene and soft.
But maybe he's been staring too much, and maybe everyone will notice, and think he's crazy. That he is... defective-
The Moonstone turns away for a moment after seeming satisfied with a scene. Their gaze was going to move past him, but it stopped, now looking at him curiously. They smile again and tilt their head to the side.
Sunstone might faint.
He must stay calm, he must look... normal. Like the others.
He takes a deep breath, and gently waves at them, showing an embarrassed smile.
Moonstone waves back, before slowly approaching him.
Self-control is hard.
"Hello." Greets the blue-hued gem. And his voice... his voice is... so soft, and calm.
Sunstone freezes, his hands coming together in a nervous gesture. He doesn't respond immediately and Moonstone thinks something is wrong.
“Uhm... Are you... okay-?”
“Perfectly! Marvelous! Yes! And you?!“ Sunstone answers in a voice perhaps way too loud and way too fast. Moonstone smiles curiously, raising an eyebrow. Then (and Sunstone was unprepared), Moonstone laughs. A small, faint laugh leaves his mouth, as he covers it with the back of his hand.
That sound, his careful manner, the way his face lights up when he laughs. Sunstone is mesmerized by looking at him, his irises shining with utmost fascination.
What is... this thing he's feeling?
And why does he feel so... good?
Moonstone stops laughing, but he retains his soft, kind smile. He puts a hand on his chest in an apologetic gesture. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make fun. It's just... You're funny! In a good way.” He tells him calmly. "I like that."
"I like that. I like that. I like that."
Sunstone feels the urge to scream and jump, because... those three words made his entire being go crazy. He smiles back happily and makes funny, theatrical gestures with his hands. “Well, you see! I am an entertainment gem! So…” he bows to his opponent, then straightens up and laughs softly with a slightly ashamed expression. “It's... nice to meet you, Moonstone!” He says tilting his head towards him politely.
Moonstone laughs once more, bowing to him as well, both now laughing at their own gestures.
“But, seriously, my apologies for… that. I-It's just... great to finally meet Moonstones! And- I guess I'm excited and nervous, and-... Ahahah- I'm talking too much now, oh no-”
"It's okay." Moonstone interrupts. “It doesn't bother me. It's... nice to have someone who's so lively to talk to, actually. Usually my conversations are only with the other Moonstones, and…” He turns to look at his companions, calm, speaking quietly, some not even talking, focused on their rehearsals. Sunstone looks in the same direction, blinking softly. “Yeah... it's not that fun. Just… common.” His gaze returns to Sunstone as he shrugs, brushing it off by smiling.
Sunstone lets out a small "Oh," clasping his hands and looking down for a moment. “I... I think I know how that feels. I-I mean- yes, my companions can be like me too, and it's fun to talk or hang out, but- it's not- sometimes it's like-”
“As… if… something is missing?” Moonstone tells him, trying to guess what he wanted to explain. For some reason, he felt the urge to do so. As if he already knew what he was thinking.
"Yes! Exactly!" Sunstone answers, his face showing a happy and amazed expression.
They both remain silent. Not an uncomfortable one, luckily. They look at each other, smiling softly and making nervous little movements. It seems as if they are newly created gems, beginning to understand their purpose and their surroundings.
Then, Sunstone thinks about something for a few seconds, and finally dares to say it. After all... What could happen for something so small?
“Would you- uh- would you like to... go outside? Like... Like to be your guide to know a little more around here! Well, only if- if you're already okay with what you rehearsed. I can wait!" Sunstone's voice is once again nervous, and fast, the bells on his clothing echoing as he moves his hands frantically. “W-What- uh... What do you say?”
Moonstone raises his eyebrows and blinks, considering the idea. Soon, a smile slips across his lips, and he nods vigorously.
"Yeah!- I mean… I would love to.” He responds, clasping his hands on his chest. To Sunstone, Moonstone's eyes seem to shine brighter than the stars.
Sunstone gives him a big smile. Jumping slightly in his place, he takes his hand and walks quickly towards the exit of the room, fortunately without attracting the attention of the other gems.
Moonstone is somewhat stunned by the sudden action, but soon follows suit, laughing playfully.
The two gems leave the room, holding hands, and walking through the hallways, their laughter echoing against the walls.
And it feels right.
Like a half meeting another.