Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Peridot sat on the couch of the apartment, giving some use to their Light Booster while she waited for Lapis to exit the bathroom, the gem promised her to go get some ice cream after her shift. She laid her head on the couch and groaned. —Come on, when is she going to come out…? —The green gem thought to herself.

Eventually, Lapis came out of the bathroom, towel around her body, while she dried her hair with a smaller one.

Peridot gave her girlfriend the side eye. “I still don’t understand why you have to do that , you know.” She sighed “Can’t we just go already?”

“Job makes me get all messy and tired… And I want to look pretty for our date .” Lapis stuck her tongue out. “You know I’ve been wanting to go out together for a while now.”

“It’s just the two of us going to get some… Flavored Iced Cream , why is that so important?” Peridot raised an eyebrow, she had yet to understand what going out on a date really meant.

Lapis groaned. “It is not just ice cream, hmph.” She entered her room, closing the door after her. 

“... Ok.” Peridot shrugged her shoulders and laid back on the couch, there was still some time to recharge until her Lazuli was coming out.

It took ten minutes for Lapis to finish changing, but once she was ready, she stepped out of the room and walked closer to Peridot. She was wearing a white off shoulder shirt along with a dark blue, knee-long skirt; small golden earrings in the shape of a water droplet, and some royal purple eyeshadow.

“Hey Lazuli… Are you ready n—?”Peridot turned around on the couch, freezing in place when she saw Lapis.

Lapis blushed when she noticed Peridot’s reaction. “Is… Is it too much?... Diamonds, I should have known, I—” Her hands began shaking as her vision went blurry, suddenly, she felt her lover’s hands, caressing her wrists softly.

Peridot got up from the couch and walked closer to her, taking the Harvester’s wire off her body. “It’s okay Lapis, you look… Radiant .” Peridot’s voice was soft, full of kindness. “I love how that gold looks on you…”

Lapis' cheeks got even darker—Damn… now she wanted to kiss her— But she kept it to herself, she didn’t want to repeat what happened last time. But before the tall gem could see it coming, The gem kissed her hands softly, the feeling of Peridot’s lips against her fingers sent shivers down her spine—This time it was her turn to be shocked.

“Now, two can play this game, my friend. And I won’t let you be the only one that gets to go fancy.” Peridot’s snarky voice came back with a smirk, and then she walked into the bedroom. When she came back, she was wearing that yellow dress she used during Garnet’s wedding.

“Ohh, I see you kept that .” Lapis giggled as  she noticed her outfit.

Peridot put her hands on her hips, smiling smugly. “What can I say, Yellow looks great on me.”

Lapis walked closer to Peridot, patting the top of her hair,and then she lifted the gem on her arms, facing her. “Of course it does, My little clod.” She smiled, giving Peridot a deep, cold kiss.

The two gems were walking down the street, holding hands under the golden light of the evening—Her hands are usually colder…— Peridot thought to herself. Hands swinging with each step, Lapis gave her a soft smile, which made her cheeks heat up.

Peridot breathed slowly. “So… Lazuli?”

“Yeah?”

“This… iced cream you wanted us to get, what does it look like?” Peridot raised an eyebrow.

“Oh Peri… It’s called ice cream .” The taller gem chuckled. “And, to be honest… I have no idea.”

“... What?” Peridot stopped walking, standing still with a poker face. “What do you mean you have no idea?”

“I mean that I don’t know what it looks like… Or how it tastes like…” Lapis shrugged her shoulders. “Marie told me it can be in many shapes and flavors, but…”

“You haven’t even tried it first?” Peridot raised an eyebrow under her visor.

“Well… No.” The gem snickered “We usually don’t eat, that’s Amy’s thing, but… My coworkers told me the one they have where we are going is great, So I thought… If we’re already acting like humans, why don’t we also get some human food?” Lapis shrugged her shoulders. “And maybe I want to try it out with you…” She muttered to herself.

“Amy…? Oh yes, Amethyst.” Peridot rolled her eyes. “You’ve got a point I guess.”

“The Ice Queen’s Manor” was a fresh, 90’s style diner, decorated with golden lamps with red crystals resembling ruby gems, the surfaces of the room painted with soft shades of blue and white, resembling the texture of Ice and snow.

At each of the place’s sides, there was a row of comfy booths, with couches of soft, blue velvet and tables of pale blue, reminiscent of ice. They took a seat and found the menu in front of them, the flier shared the same aesthetic as the rest of the diner.

After inspecting the menu, in search of their preferred flavor, Lapis ended up choosing Matcha, meanwhile her gemfriend decided to take a simple, vanilla one.

“It really tastes good…” Lapis said, licking some cream off her cone.

“Really…? Mine feels a bit like nothing…”

“Wanna share? Here, try a bit of mine.” Lapis moved her hand closer, letting Peri reach the cream, whose face contorted when the matcha flavor went down her throat.

“Yeah… No, I think these “Ice Cream” things aren’t really made for me.” She frowned, licking some more vanilla cream from her own. “So… What was the use of this?”

Lapis raised an eyebrow at the comment. “What do you mean?”

“This whole dating thing… I still have no clue what this whole thing is about.” Peridot laid her chin on the table as she finished her ice cream. Looking at her partner.

“Come on Peri, just the two of us, having some fun… Is there something wrong with that?” Lapis frowned.

Peridot sighed, looking away. “Of course not, I just wanna know what’s so special about this … Because you really made it sound important to you.”

Lapis sighed, putting her elbows on the table, her head between her fists now. She looked down at her friend, a little smile curling her lips. “Remember when I told you about the human way of love? The day I gave you my first kiss?.”

It happened a couple of months ago by now, yet, the feeling of that kiss was still imprinted into her mind. “Y-yeah… What about it?” Peridot blushed slightly, warmth spreading through her cheeks once again.

“That day I said I wanted us to be more than friends, right? Well… Humans tend to go on dates with their partners, as a way to make some nice memories.” Lapis crossed her arms on the table now, laying her head on them, her eyes stuck on her lover’s. “I know we don’t eat, but… As I said earlier, I thought it could be fun for us to come get some ice cream… ‘cause humans also tend to use these kinds of places for their dates. So I wanted to experience it with you. I’m sorry if you didn’t enjoy it.”

Peridot smiled. “Oh no… Of course I like it, it's just the ice cream, but… it feels nice to spend time with you, you’ve been working so hard… We barely have time to be together.”

“I know… But hey, Christmas is coming soon, the boss told us she is closing the caffe during the holidays, to spend some time with her family, so now we’ll have plenty of time… Also, remember the New Year’s party that Steven and the gems are throwing.”

Peridot opened her eyes wide. “Oh right, the party… I wonder what they’re up to, must be something big to make Steven hype it up like that.”

“Well, I may know a bit...” Lapis giggled as the conversation became lighter. “Either way I’m sure it will be fun .”

Peridot lifted her head on her left fist, with a wide grin. “Oh yeah? And how’s that?”

Lapis snickered, getting off the table and leaning on her seat. “Oops… Sorry, That’s a surprise, Peri.” She then booped the gem’s nose.

Peridot scoffed and looked away. “Yeah, whatevs…” She smiled and stretched her arms in front of her. “I think it’s time for us to go.”

“Of course, I just gotta go pay. Stay right here.” Lapis nodded and got up calmly, walking towards the bar.

Once they were done, the gems came out of the ice cream parlor, launching themselves in the dimly lit streets of the city on their way home, holding hands once again.

Chapter Text

The sun shone bright up in the blue sky, washing over Peridot’s body as she sat on the balcony’s railing, trying to stay as still as possible since Lapis asked her to be the model for her next painting.

“So… How’s it going?” Her eyes stuck on the tall gem behind the canvas. “Does it look good?”

Lapis giggled while she moved her hands, using her hydrokinesis to splash watercolor-full water into the white fabric. “Of course it does, you always look good.”

The comment made Peridot blush slightly, rolling her eyes. “You’re such a clod…” She groaned softly. “I’m talking about the painting.”

“Maybe… But I am your clod.” Lapis snickered. “But yeah, the painting is looking great.”

“You’re going to show me when it’s done, right?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, of course.” Lapis nodded, focused on spraying the paint nicely.

The green gem shut her mouth and sat still again, letting her girlfriend focus on her work. An hour later, it was done, so Lapis turned it around, revealing the image of Peridot, wearing her yellow sun dress.

In the painting she was sitting on a beautiful marble railing, covered in small patches of green leaves and daisies, with a beautiful orange evening sky in the background.

Peridot’s eyes ran over the painting, drinking on every little detail, from the cloth of her dress to the sharp fangs inside her mouth. her body warming up under the beauty of the work.

“Wow… You’re really good at this, Lazuli.” Peridot chuckled. “It’s amazing, really.”

“Come on, it’s not that great, but… Thanks Peri.” Lapis crossed her arms, blushing slightly.

Peridot shook her head. “Are you kidding? This is the best painting I’ve ever seen.” Her eyes stuck on the piece. “Well… Maybe I’ve not seen many, but this is still great.” A smile grew on her lips.

Peridot sat on the center of the bed, staring at her partner’s work, now hung on the wall, towering over their bed, next to her was Lapis, moving her legs slowly as she laid on her chest, the gem’s head on top of her crossed arms.

“Is this the one?” Peridot’s eyes moved down, away from the painting and into Lapis’ gaze. She gave her blue love a smile.

Lapis raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on her lips. “The one? What do you mean?”

“The one you were painting, the day you asked me out…”

“Oh… Not really.” Lapis giggled. “But it’s something I’ve been wanting to do too.” Her voice softened. “To show you how much I love you, Peridot.”

Peridot laid on the bed, her back against the soft fabric and her face parallel to Lapis’. “Aww…” She stared at her lover’s eyes. “I love you too, Lazuli.”

Lapis’ hands moved to Peridot’s cheeks, caressing the light that was her form softly, running her fingers on her lips and booping her pointy nose. “You know… Is Sunday and we still have some more free time…” Lapis voice slowing down. “I was wondering, maybe we could, you know… Bring Aventurine out for a walk…”

“Oh, I…”

“Just the two of us, alone together…” Her hands brushing Peridot’s hair.

“Lazuli, I…”

Lapis’ hand now took Peridot’s, intertwining their fingers. “Are you up to it?”

“Lazuli!” Peridot finally took her attention. “I… I’m sorry, but… We’re not doing it …” Her voice was shaky.

Lapis frowned. “What? Why not?” Her breath hitching on her throat. “I… I thought you said…”

Peridot rolled away, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Look… I know what I said that time, and how much you enjoyed what happened , and how happy you were with how our fusion went, but…” She sighed,taking her visor off when small tears began to form on the corners of her eyes. “I can’t do it again , I’m sorry.”

“Oh Peri...” Lapis crawled next to her, sitting over her knees on the edge. “It’s okay, we don’t have to do it if you’re uncomfortable.” Lapis chuckled softly, her hand meeting Peridot’s again. “you’re my girlfriend, it would be an asshole move from me to force you.”

“You sure?” Peridot’s cheeks warmed up as she wiped away her tears, looking at her gemfriend. “I don’t want to stop us from fusing if that’s what you want either…”

Lapis let out a relieved sigh. “Of course, Peridot, don’t worry…” She looked at her lover’s face, soaked in tears. “Do you… Wanna talk about it ?”

Peridot curled into a ball, covering herself with her legs, her arms crossed on top. “I don’t know…” She sighed softly. “It’s just that, I know you always tell me I’m not weak , and that I shouldn’t say such things about myself. But… When we were down there, when we fused, I felt so powerful , so strong … I wasn’t even tired anymore.” Her fingers sunk in her elbows. “so… when we unfused, I realized again how weak I really am , and it hurts…”

Lapis didn’t say anything, she just nodded while her hand caressed Peridot’s back softly.

“I don’t want to depend on you… I want to be strong by myself.” Peridot pressed her forehead against her knees. “I know you finally found your safe place in fusion, but… I don’t think I’m ready to feel like that again.” Peridot cried, hidden behind her legs. “I’m sorry Lazuli.”

Lapis shook her head, her hand still running up and down Peridot’s back. “No need to be, it’s not the fusion that makes me love you, you are. So… If you don’t feel like fusing, that’s okay. I’ll love you no matter what.” She patted the green gem’s spiky hair softly, giving her a warm smile. “And, just so you know… You are already being quite strong to talk about how you feel like this. I know you can do whatever you want, Peri.”

“Thanks Lazuli…” Peridot giggled, wiping her remaining tears away as she moved her legs away, leaning against Lapis’ body in a tight hug.

“No problem, Peri…” Lapis caressed the gem’s left cheek softly, putting her left arm around the gem’s body.

Then, Lapis laid her back against the bed, with Peridot slightly on top of her, The gem’s head against her chest as she hugged her, drifting into a soft, peaceful slumber.

Chapter Text

The place was packed, boxes of different sizes and a variety of sound and lightning equipment surrounding the stage at the northern end of the room, along with long, empty tables on each side. In the center of the room there was a considerably large dance floor, still turned off. And, walking to the west side of the room, you could find the stairs to the hotel, where all the rooms were.

Lastly, in the southern end of the room, the corners were covered in a set of booths, with comfortable, dark couches. And tables matching those large ones around the dance floor, yet in a smaller size.

A gem kicked the entrance door open, groaning as she left the boxes next to the rest, walking to the tall gem in the leather jacket with stars made of glitter, sitting at the edge of the stage. “Damn P… Do we really need all this stuff?” Amethyst stretched her arms and sat next to the other gem.

“Of course we do. Connie was very clear about how a party like this works.” Pearl clicked her tongue, rubbing the tip of her pen against her chin. “And Steven seemed really interested in throwing this New Year’s Party. It seems they want to go all out with this one.”

Amethyst took a look at the room, stretched her arms again, rolled her eyes, and got up. “Well, Then we should get to it. The faster it’s done, the sooner we’ll be partying hard...” She giggled. “Man… I’m dying to see how this goes.” The gem snickered as she left the hall, leaving Pearl to take some more notes.

Once everything was inside the room, the moment of the unpacking began. Pearl, along with Connie, gave the orders, whereas Amethyst, Bismuth and Greg got every decoration set up and every machine ready for the show.

On the other side of the room, Steven walked closer to the tallest of the gems, Garnet, who was leaning against the wall, deep in thought. “Hi Garnet.” The boy waved his hand. “Is everything alright?”

“Of course.” The fusion chuckled softly and smiled, looking down at Steven. “How about you?”

“Everything’s looking great.” Steven gave her a proud smile. “Connie is making sure everything works just fine. How about you? Did you make sure everyone received their invitation?”

“Yeah.” Garnet nodded, crossing her arms. “Trust me, everyone is invited.” She adjusted her visor with a smug smile. “And ready to party .”

“That’s great, thanks, Garnet.” The boy beamed joyfully. “Everything's set then, I’ll see you around later.” Steven waved to her as he walked away again, leaving Garnet thinking to herself again.

An hour later, the room was finally ready, decorated with posters, garlands, and glitter. Shining under a soft purple hue thanks to the mix of the room’s lights and the one coming from the festoon lights hanging from side to side of the hall. Now every piece of equipment needed for the show was already plugged in, ready for the party.

Steven stood next to Pearl, waving at the guests as the people began to enter the hall. While Pearl marked every person on the list.

The firsts to come were “The Cool Kids” , along with Sadie, their band “Sadie Killer and The Suspects” was going to be the one playing during the party. Then more of Beach City’s inhabitants started to come: Ronaldo, Kiki… Even Lars came to the party, followed by the rest of the “Off Colors” .

Pearl took a look at the list again, her face contorting into a small frown, there were… Certain faces that were missing in the room.

Peridot paced from side to side in front of the bathroom’s door, dressed in her yellow sundress once again. “Come on, Lazuli, we’re gonna be late…” She knocked on the door nervously. “Why do you even need that much time in there anyway?”

“It feels good, okay?” Lapis' voice pierced through the sound of the shower, inside the room. “Calm down… I’m sure we’ll get there in time…”

“O-okay… Just, hurry up, please.” Peridot sat on the couch, trying to compose herself—Why was she so nervous anyway, it was just a Party, right?— She breathed in, thinking to herself.

The party’s ambience was already setting in, the band started playing on the stage, and the dance floor was now turned on, filling the room with even more purple color. Then, Steven noticed something missing, he walked across the people, searching for Pearl, when Connie walked up to him upon seeing him from afar, holding a half-empty plastic cup of juicy, alcohol-free punch. “Is something wrong, Steven? You look distressed…”

“Oh no, nothing wrong… I just can’t find Lapis and Peridot.” Steven rubbed his neck with his hand. “Did you see them?”

Connie shook her head. “Well, now that you say it… No, I haven't seen them either.” The girl rubbed her chin with her fingers. “They live here in the city, right? I’m sure they’re just late, I don’t think you should worry about that.”

He sighed softly. “Maybe you’re right, Connie, I just hope they’re doing fine.” Steven gave her a soft smile.

But, in the corner of the room, Pearl could be seen talking with Bismuth and Garnet, saying something as she pointed at the notepad with the list, with a small frown still in her face.

Lapis landed gracefully in front of the saloon where the party was happening. Letting Peridot step down from her back, she then fixed her hair and clothes carefully with her hands. 

She decided to attend the party with the most elegant and radiating look she could get: Royal purple eyeshadow and lipstick, and the same golden droplet earrings she wore for their date, her nails were also painted in a matching golden color.

Covering her body, her outfit consisted of two pieces: A halter top, which left her back exposed to ease the use of her gem if needed, she also wore an ankle-long wrap skirt, both in a matching sea blue color with glitter effect. 

Along with the outfit, she had her golden sandals, and matching golden bracelets on each of her limbs.

Peridot walked to the main door, but before she could open it, A snarky, yet familiar voice called the name of the couple. They turned around, wondering who it was.

“Thanks for asking me to come to the party.” The fellow peridot, Catt, waved at them, in what seemed more alike to a “Neo” cosplay than a party outfit. “You guys are best.”

“Uh… Thanks.” Peridot replied, looking at Lapis with a raised eyebrow. “Did you tell them?” She whispered.

Lapis shook her head slowly, thinking to herself. Then, she turnt to look at the other Peridot. “But… We didn’t, Catt.” She frowned, her left hand on her hip.

“Oh, really? Then… Who sent me the invitation?” Catt replied, crossing their arms and raising an eyebrow.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and then Garnet came through. Wearing a leather jacket with stars made of glitter over her usual outfit. “I did.” She walked closer to Catt, looking down at the gem with a serious expression. “I think You and I have some catching up to do...”

Catt’s eyes opened wide, a shy smile curling on their lips. “O-okay.” They gulped soundly as Garnet put her left hand on their shoulder, taking them inside with her.

It was the last time Lapis and Peridot spoke to the gem that night.

“What… what the heck was that?” Peridot spoke, staring at the door with her face contorted by confusion.

Lapis shrugged. “I have no idea…” She then shook her head and giggled, taking Peridot’s left hand. “Anyway, let’s get inside, I can’t wait to do some partying.”

Peridot followed Lapis inside, holding her hand tightly on hers. As they stepped inside, they were caught by Steven and Connie, who quickly came to greet them.

“Lapis, Peridot! We were looking for you guys.” The boy smiled warmly. “I thought you weren’t going to come.”

Peridot nudged Lapis softly—I Told you—. She whispered to her, which made her girlfriend grunt and roll her eyes, then turned to look at the pair of humans. “Of course we were coming, only a clod could miss this New Year’s Party .” Peridot snickered. Her hands on her hips.

“We hope you have fun then.” Steven smiled. “And don’t forget… Happy new year!” Both said in unison, making the peace sign before walking away.

“Happy New Year!” Peridot snickered, imitating their sign with a smug smile. Then turned to look at Lapis once they left. “Well, what do you want to do first?” She gave her girlfriend a soft smile.

“I don’t know… Wanna go get some punch? I heard it tastes good…” Lapis rubbed her fingers on her neck.

Peridot shrugged. “Sounds good, let’s get going then…”

Both gems walked through the masses of people and towards one of the tables, just to find Amethyst taking over the snack’s side of the table. 

The gem turned to look at them, gasping at the sight of Lapis. “Hi Peri! Damn Lapis, you really went all out, dude.” She snickered, nudging Peridot softly—It seems you lucked out—. She whispered to her, stepping back again and leaning on the table. “Well… How’s life treating ya’?”

“Thanks Amethyst.” Lapis smiled at the compliment. “We just got here, so we were thinking about getting some punch…” 

“And maybe dance a little.” Peridot added, smiling smugly. “What about you, Amethyst?”

Amethyst nodded. “Sounds great, I hope you two have fun, guys… I’ll be here, enjoying the snacks.” The gem snickered. “Oh, wait! Almost forgot, are you guys participating in the night’s special event?”

Peridot and Lapis looked at eachother, then back at Amethyst. “What do you mean…?”

Amethyst giggled. “Oh, you don’t know…? Connie thought it could be fun to add something special for the night, so they’re throwing a Couple’s Dance kind of thing once the year’s final moments arrive.”

Peridot raised an eyebrow, looking at the purple gem. “ Couple’s Dance ? How’s that?”

“Oh, pretty easy, dude…” The gem giggled. “Just take a partner, do some slow dancing and then…” Amethyst gestures with her hands, resembling an explosion. “New Year!” She then giggles again. “Believe me guys, it’s gonna be awesome .”

Peridot rubbed her chin with her fingers. “Well… Maybe it can be fun.” She turned to look at Lapis. “What do you think, Lazuli?”

“It does sound fun… Maybe it’s worth the shot.” Lapis chuckled.

An hour has passed, and Lapis and Peridot split up when the crystal gems asked the latter to go talk with them about something.

Lapis sat in one of the booths at the southern end of the room, taking a break from the party as she drank some more of the not so alcohol-free version of the punch. She looked over her Peridot, talking with the rest of the crystal gems, a faint smile curling on her lips. Suddenly, a voice spoke out to her.

“Hey Lapis!” Greg noticed her from afar, walking up to her with a smile. “How’s it going?”

Lapis’ eyes widened, her cheeks getting darker. “Mr.Universe! I-I…” She tried to breathe in slowly. “Yeah… Everything’s fine, thanks for asking…”

“Oh, no need to be so formal, just call me Greg.” The man sat next to her, making sure to leave her enough space.

“Oh… Okay, Greg.” Her gaze softened looking down at her cup.

Greg raised an eyebrow, noticing the change in her mood. “Is there anything wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, no… I just wanted to thank you for helping us out with the apartment. You were very generous to buy out the apartment for us” She sighed. “I’m still sorry I’m unable to repay you for that...”

“Oh that? Don’t worry Lapis. You two don’t have to, I still have most of my money, so there’s no problem with that.” He smiled warmly, trying to soothe her growing pain.

Lapis sighed. “Okay…” She looked down at her toes. “It’s just that… I'm trying to do everything right, but… It’s getting so hard lately…” The gem shook her head. “It makes me sick to know Peridot has to live home alone during my shifts, and just when she was going through some big problems, I went and screwed it up by taking that Peridot home. I thought she would enjoy it, and she said everything was fine at the time, but…” Her breath began to hitch in her throat. “I don’t know anymore, a-and then we even… F–” She stopped herself at that final part, her eyes opening wide with her arms crossed over her stomach. “I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be dumping this all on you, just… forget about it.”

“I see…” The man sighed. “Look, maybe I have no idea what you two are going through, but I know how stressful it can be to try to do the right thing. And I don’t think you should be that harsh on yourself.” He then gestures to Peridot. “I mean… Look at her, does she look like she’s hurting that much?”

“N-no?” The gem’s voice was barely above a whisper, looking down.

Greg giggled. “See? Then I’m sure it’s nothing, but… Maybe you should talk to her about it, if it’s worrying you that much…”

“Okay…” Lapis sighed and smiled. “I think I can do that. Thank you for listening to me, Greg.” She smiled softly.

“Oh, It’s nothing.” Greg got up from the seat and left. “See ya.”

Lapis looked at him and chuckled. “Sure.”

The rest of the party went about right, both Peridot and Lapis did some dancing on the floor, taking some breaks to drink more punch and relax.

Lapis was now sitting on the same couch she sat earlier, once again watching Peridot from afar, this time her gemfriend was dancing next to Amethyst, giving her best moves on the dance floor. She giggled, looking at her made her cheeks warm up. How energetic she was when she moved, how she smiled, her little smug laugh—Damn…— Lapis wanted to be right there, but was too exhausted to do so—How cruel can life be sometimes—. She thought to herself.

Suddenly. Her thoughts were interrupted when Peridot dropped herself on the couch next to her. Stretching her arms.

“Hi Lazuli, how is everything going?” The gem said after she was done stretching.

Lapis’ gaze softened when she leaned more on the couch, turning around to look at her Peri with a smug smile. “Oh, everything’s fine… Just here, enjoying the sight of my precious gemfriend devouring the dance floor.”

“Aww come on…” Peridot looked away. “I wasn’t that good.”

“Bullshit, you were amazing there…” Lapis’ face was only a few inches from Peridot’s. “You always are…”

Peridot noticed the warmth of Lapis' breath in her skin—Wait…—, she thought to herself. Then she saw the emptied cup of punch on the table. “Are you drunk, Lazuli?” She then left some space between them.

“Huh?” Lapis giggled soundly, noticing her cup. “Of course not, I’m just feeling a little… Funny.” She breathed in. “We’re gems, alcohol doesn’t affect us that much , Peri, don’t worry.” She smiled.

Peridot sighed out of relief. “Okay... I just wanted to make sure.” She then let lapis get closer, pushing their faces together in a warm kiss. “Hmm… You’re a little heated up, you know that, right?”

“And who do you think is making me like that?” Lapis giggled, her face was still close to Peridot’s.

Peridot gulped soundly. Her cheeks darkened as her face warmed up.

Lapis chuckled. “I love you, Peridot.” Lapis’s right hand holding Peridot’s face softly.

Peridot leaned in her touch. Biting her lip and closing her eyes. “I… I love you too, Lazuli.”

“Say that again…” Lapis whispered.

Peridot’s smile grew. “I love you, Lazuli.”

Lapis giggled. “I love when you call me Lazuli… It makes me feel important .” She then moved her hand and face away, leaving room for Peridot to breathe.

“You’re important , Lazuli.” Peridot held Lapis’ right hand on her left.

Lapis snickered. “Aww come on.” She then nudged Peridot softly.

“Hey, I mean it.” Peridot giggled along. “Oh right, the gems want me to ask you about something.”

Lapis raised an eyebrow. “Really? And what’s that?”

“They are building a small town near Beach City , where the barn used to be...” Peridot rubbed her palm against her left knee. “It’s called Little Homeworld . They want it to be like a home for every gem that wants to live here on earth.” The gem’s eyes met those of her partner. “They also plan to do something called Little Homeschool , a small educational plan to teach those gems about life here on Earth. And they asked if we would like to join them… They say we could help with both the building, and the program.” Peridot’s gaze softened, a smile curling on her lips. “What do you think about that?”

Lapis clicked her tongue. “Sounds cool, but…” The gem rubbed her chin. “Do you really want us to move there?”

“I don’t know… I enjoy living in the city, that’s true. But, being able to live without worrying about this problem of mine sounds great too, but….” Peridot sighed. “I wouldn’t want you to leave the city just for me either, you seem so happy to be here…”

“Yeah…” Lapis sighed. “That’s something I’ve wanted to talk about with you…” She looked at Peridot, her gaze softening. “I want to know, Peri, are you happy with me?”

Peridot raised an eyebrow. “Happy? What do you mean?”

Lapis looked down again. “It’s just that… Since we’ve moved to the city, I have been feeling a little… Sad, first it was the job, I’ve wanted to find a job because I felt like I didn’t deserve Greg’s help.” She clenched her right fist on her skirt. “And then, I also began to feel like I was hurting you, you were so tired and alone, I didn’t know what to do… I tried to make you happy by bringing that gem I met… But that went downhill pretty fast too.” Her breath hitched in her throat. “I’ve been trying so hard to do the right thing for you, we fused, and I thought that would help… I don’t know what else I can do.”

Peridot pressed her hand on her chin, gathering her thoughts. “Oh… So that’s what all that was about.” She chuckled. “The day I wasn’t home, you were looking distressed, was this what bothered you?”

“Yeah… I guess it was.” Lapis sighed. “Wait, was that why you said you thought you were the one making me upset?”

Peridot nodded slowly.

“Diamonds… We really suck at this, don’t we?” Lapis snickered, looking down at her knees.

“Huh?” Peridot raised an eyebrow.

The taller gem rubbed her blue neck, turning to look at Peridot. “I mean at being girlfriends.” She chuckled. “All these problems… Are we really made for this?”

“Certainly not.” Peridot took a deep breath. “But, I think that’s the best part.”

“Really?” Lapis opened her eyes wide.

Peridot nodded again. “Yeah, ever since I came to earth, I always found it interesting how different things are here. And learning to live along those changes—With you—, it just made it even more beautiful.” She took her girlfriend’s right hand on her left. “I love learning, and I love doing it with you by my side. We’re not made for this, but we’re learning together , and I want to keep on learning.” She then ran her fingers on the back of Lapis’ hand. “And when you asked me to be your partner … It felt great to know you felt that way too…”

“Peridot…” Lapis looked at her, her cheeks darkening. “Does that mean…?”

The gem nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I’m happy with you, no matter where.” She tightened the grip on Lapis’ hand. “What about you?”

“I don’t want to leave the city, maybe I don’t have the job I like, but I have you, and I love being alone with you, getting to spend this time with you… I’m sorry if that may be a bit selfish .” Lapis smiled faintly.

Peridot shook her head. “No problem, Lazuli.” She snickered. “I, too, enjoy life in the city, even if I have to take a little more energy to live comfortably.”

“Then… Is it settled? Do we stay here…?” Lapis extended her arm, moving her free palm between both gems.

“Of course, Lazuli.” The gem returned the gesture, clapping her lover’s hand.

The band finished the song, and before the audience could start to cheer, both Steven and Connie walked in front of the stage, taking the mic from Sadie.

“Good night.” Connie spoke. “We hope you all are enjoying the party as much as we enjoy having you here. We are happy to announce that the event of the night is about to start. Right now, we’ll be hosting a Paired Dance , so it would be our pleasure if you decided to join us. The band will be playing some smooth, wholehearted tunes to give this year some nice closure as the final countdown approaches. So go ahead, find yourself a partner and get ready for the dance. Thanks for listening.” The girl returned the tool to Sadie, following her partner into the dance floor.

Sadie and The Suspects began to play again, and, as the girl said, it was a heartfelt song, more couples joined the teenagers on the now empty floor. First it was Amethyst, followed by a confident-looking Pearl, and then, Garnet, who walked to the middle of the floor and unfused, both Ruby and Sapphire were looking lovingly into each other’s eyes. As more people were joining in the dance floor, Peridot turned around to look at Lapis.

“It seems it’s already time…” She took a deep breath and…

“Would you follow me on this dance, my love⁓?” Lapis took the words out of her girlfriend’s mouth, extending her right hand to Peridot.

The gem snickered, smiling confidently. “Yeah, let’s show them how strong our love is.” She put her left hand on Lapis’.

Both gems walked to the dance floor, once there, Lapis took both of Peridot’s hands, closing the space between them as she guided her moves in the dance. They moved on the floor, enjoying the beauty of the moment. Suddenly, the voice of Sadie spoke through the mic, calling to the couples of dancers.

Ten

Lapis couldn’t hide her smile as she kept dancing along with her lover. Holding their hands together as they spun slowly.

Nine

They looked around, just to find out Garnet was already fusing back, they both giggled, seeing how happy she was.

Eight

Right foot, left foot, Peridot giggled, trying not to step on Lapis. “This… This is so fun, Lazuli⁓.”

Seven

“Yeah, right?” The gem replied with a soft smile. “I really enjoy dancing with you…”

Six

There was another glow, this time, Opal towered over the rest of the dancers, with a smug, yet graceful grin.

Five

Peridot chuckled, seeing how the gems were fusing. She then looked at Lapis with a soft smile. “Me too.”

Four

Now it was Stevonnie’s turn, the teens fused by spinning enthusiastically on the dance floor.

Three

Lapis snickered. “Come on… Let’s show ‘em how different our love is.” The gem dropped her lover’s hands, now moving hers to the sides of Peridot’s body. “You trust me?”

Two

“Lazuli⁓.” Peridot leaned on her girlfriend’s touch as Lapis began to lift her on her arms, she blushed deeply as she nodded. Then, she returned the tight embrace.

One

“I love you, Peridot…” The taller gem whispered to her, as both leaned into a kiss. It was like time stopped itself right there, they found themselves alone together, in the middle of a sea of purple light and stars.

Their bodies warmed up as their embrace tightened even more, they spun slowly in a dance of cold and warmth, one of passion and trust. A burning love that made Peridot gasp between each one of the kisses.

Zero! “Happy New Year!!”

And then, there was silence.

Everyone turned to look at the dance floor, a sea of eyes in a mix of confusion and shock, the fusions on the dance floor gasped, covering their mouths. The ambience went mute, now, only the sound of the clock towering over the stage echoed in the room.

The gem stood amidst the crowd, wondering why everyone looked at her—Wait—, she rubbed her cheeks with two of her palms. “Oh no…” She whispered as the truth hit her. “W-we…” Aventurine’s breath began to hitch in her throat, her irises shrunk, darting across the crowd, trying to keep her composure.

Suddenly, her vision blurred and everything went deaf, she ran through the crowd, pushing everyone out of the way. She needed to get out, upstairs, she began to run around the hallways as fast as she could, her chest heaving nervously as she tried to focus, searching for her assigned dorm. 

When she finally found it, she slammed the door open, falling inside her room as the fusion broke down. 

Peridot fell to the ground, beginning to sob. On the other side, Lapis managed to stand still against the wall, she then closed the door, making sure the two had the room for them alone.

“Peridot…” She walked slowly towards her girlfriend, who was now curled in a ball on the ground, sobbing. Once she reached her, she ran her fingers through her lover’s hair, trying to soothe the pain off her heart. “I’m here Peri, don’t worry…” She whispered, her voice soft and calm.

Peridot cried, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I’m sorry, Lazuli...”

Lapis sighed out of relief, at least she was talking now. “Why?”

“After what I told you, about how I felt about fusion… I can’t believe I did it anyways, but… When we were down there… I felt so good in your arms, I couldn’t stop myself…” She closed to herself even more, pushing her face on her knees. “Now everyone knows…”

Lapis looked down at her without saying a word, her gaze softening as she laid over her hips next to her friend.

Peridot snorted. “I-I… I hate it, if everyone knows I can fuse, they will know how weak I am if I don’t…”

“And why would they think that?” The gem caressed Peridot’s back softly.

“Because it’s true…” Peridot looked at her, her eyes swollen with tears.

Lapis sighed. “Peri… I always tell you that’s not true. Why do you focus so much on it?”

“You wouldn’t understand, You’re a terraformer… One of the most powerful and valuable gems, but I… I’m just a technician, and even worse, a 2nd era one.” Peridot’s voice was shaky. “I have no powers, I’m flawed… defective –”

“ What…? ” Lapis stood up.

Peridot’s pupils shrunk, realizing what she just said. “I-I mean…”

“No, shut up… You think I don’t understand, right? Well, maybe you’re right!” She looked down at Peridot, clenching her fists when tears began to form on the corners of her eyes. “I don’t understand… How can you say that you have no powers, when you have your magnetism … You say you have no powers, but we can fuse… Don’t you see it!?” Tears ran down her cheeks.

“Lazuli…” Peridot gulped and then looked down. “I…”

“I just don’t get it… You’re strong enough… You have the determination to follow your goals, like when you all worked together to stop the cluster, or when we fought along against the diamonds. Then, why do you say you’re weak…? Doesn’t any of that make you proud?” She leaned against the wall, holding onto tears.

Peridot stood up slowly, looking away with her arms crossed as tears kept running down her cheeks. “I… I don’t know...” 

“Yeah, of course…” Lapis muttered to herself.

But Peridot heard it.

The gem groaned. “.... It’s very easy for you to say, isn’t it!?” Peridot snapped, opening her arms as her breath hitched in her throat. “Look… I-I’m sorry, okay? But when we used to live in the barn, I finally felt like I was someone , so big, so great… Like we could do whatever we wanted. And then, when the diamonds threatened the earth, you left us… You left me. ” Her shoulders fell when she couldn’t stand still anymore, her chest heaving with each breath, tears still running down her cheeks.

Lapis frowned. “Peridot… It’s been months since that, I thought we already had cleared it out…”

“You think I don’t know that? Of course I do…” The gem cried, sighing soundly after composing herself again. “I know it was long ago, but… That made me feel worthless. And when you came back… I thought we could make things work the way they used to do before, and they mostly did… We were talking out our problems and everything was fine.” Peridot sat on the ground again. “But when we fused, I fell again in this… cycle of self-deprecation, it’s so hard not to think about all my flaws, feeling like I can’t do anything without you. It’s just too much…”

There was silence, Lapis was left out of words, so Peridot took this time to try and compose herself before speaking again. “And… It’s easy for you to say that… You don’t have to see what I see , you don’t feel what I feel… ” She then sighed again. “And having you repeat that ‘I shouldn't say that stuff’ without even trying to understand why I feel like this… doesn’t really help, I fear.”

“I… I see.” Lapis stepped off the wall, walking towards the gem. “I… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have screamed at you…” Lapis breathed in, trying to calm her hitched breathing. “Maybe I don’t really know how life was in Homeworld when you emerged, but…” She sighed, standing up in front of Peridot. “Don’t you see you’re the only one, here on earth, that believes you’re weak . No one else cares about that…” She tried to take her partner’s hand on hers, but the gem didn’t even look at her. “And I couldn’t care less about your supposed flaws, after everything you did for me…” She then crossed her arms, her gaze softening. “I’m sorry if I failed in showing you that…” She rubbed her cheeks, trying to wipe her tears away with her hands.

Peridot wiped her own tears too and snorted, she then looked up at Lapis. “Don’t worry… It's okay…”

Lapis tried to keep her composure, but her legs failed her. Making her fall on her knees in front of Peridot. “I’m really sorry Peridot, I shouldn’t have dumped my frustration on you… Next time I’ll try to understand how you feel better… I-I swear.” 

“… Okay.” Peridot looked at her Partner in the eyes, the gem’s eyes were soaked in tears now too. “Thanks Lazuli.” She then sighed. “I… I’m also sorry, I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to stop lowering myself…” Peridot looked down.

“It’s okay, my love… If I only knew my words weren't helping you.” Lapis ran her fingers through Peridot’s hair again, a faint smile on her cheeks. “Are you… Mad at me now?”

Peridot tilted her head lightly. “What? Of course not, Lazuli…” She sighed. “I’m not mad… I’m just frustrated, that’s all.” The gem’s gaze softened. “I know you really want me to feel better, but… You only ever repeated to me I shouldn’t feel like that… Without ever telling me why … It doesn’t feel good, you’re not helping me feel better… Just looking like you do.”

“So… When you say you feel low, I should try to help you understand why you shouldn’t, right?” Lapis looked at her gemfriend’s eyes, softening her gaze as she awaited for an answer.

Peridot nodded slowly. “Y-yeah…”

Lapis sighed out of relief. “O- okay, I’ll try… I swear,” She then smiled softly, trying to change the mood. “So… I guess it’s safe for me to assume you don’t want to fuse now, do you?”

Peridot shook her head. “Not really, I… I prefer to stay here, with you.” She smiled shyly. “Can we do that, please?”

“Of course, don’t worry, Peridot.” She stepped away from the gem, walking towards the door. “Just let me go tell them we are fine, we don’t want them to worry too much, do we? I’ll be right back.”

Peridot nodded, a small shine in her eyes. “Yeah, I’ll wait for you here, don’t worry.”

But before Lapis left, she turned around to look at Peridot once again. “Then… Is everything alright, Peri?” She asked, a glint of hope shining in her eyes along the golden traces.

“H-huh? Oh… Yeah, of course,”

Lapis sighed out of relief, giving her girlfriend a thumbs up before stepping out of the dorm, walking towards the stairs, alone this time. But, before she could reach the stairs, a voice called her name.

When the gem turned around, Garnet was there, leaning against the wall in front of the staircase. The gem smiled, raising her face to look at her.

“Garnet?” Lapis raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms under her chest. “What are you doing here?”

Garnet stood up, towering over Lapis. “You know, just checking on Peridot.”

“Oh! What a coincidence.” Lapis smiled softly. “I was just about to go tell everyone that everything is fine.”

Garnet put her left hand on her hip. “Hm, really?”

“Yeah.” The gem kept smiling. “Peridot and I had just talked it out… She’s feeling better now.”

Garnet crossed her arms, shaking her head as she clicked her tongue. “I was talking about you.” 

“What?” Lapis frowned, slightly confused. “Why me?”

Garnet chuckled. “Love, in the same way as Friendship, is a matter of two… Or even more sometimes.” She put her right hand on Lapis’ shoulder. “If you want it to work, everyone has to take care of doing their part… It is no good to focus just on one side of it.”

The gem blushed as she felt the touch, nodding slowly. “Oh… I see, thanks Garnet.” She smiled kindly. “But really… I’m fine, don’t worry. Just a bit shaken from what happened. Can you tell the rest we’re gonna take a break? Maybe later we will get to party more…”

Garnet nodded in return. “I can try.” She chuckled. “If you two promise to tell me about it .” The gem smiled smugly.

Lapis’ cheeks darkened. “Y-yeah, we will… Don’t worry.”

Garnet chuckled, beginning to walk away, downstairs. Humming a slow-paced version of Stronger than You.

Lapis smiled as the gem left, then, sighed out of relief and began walking towards her door once again, now the only thing she wanted was to be back in her dorm, alone with Peridot.

But then it hit her. “Wait, how did she know, we haven’t told anyone, have we?!” She thought to herself, covering her mouth with her right hand. 

Chapter Text

When Lapis stepped inside the dorm again, She couldn’t see Peridot, she was just about to start looking for her when, suddenly, she heard the unmistakable sound of the shower.

The gem walked to the bathroom’s door and knocked gently. “Peri, are you there?” There was silence. “Peridot?” She called again, raising an eyebrow as she pressed her head against the door.

“Lazuli? Y-yeah, don’t worry, I’m about to come out.” Peridot’s voice came behind the door.

Lapis backed away from the door, blushing as she thought of Peridot inside the shower. “Oh! N-no need to hurry, Peri.” Her voice came out a little shaky. “Take all the time you need.”

Ten minutes later, the smaller gem left the bathroom, with a towel covering her body in the same way Lapis usually does.

“You know, you’re kinda right…” Peridot smiled as she saw Lapis sitting on the edge of one of the beds. “This feels great.”

Lapis' couldn’t avoid blushing when she saw the towel grip around Peridot’s body. “Y-yeah, right?” She smiled softly. “Are you feeling better now?”

“Yeah.” Peridot climbed onto the bed. Laying over her knees a few inches behind her lover. “Lazuli…?” Peridot bit her lip, blushing slowly.

Lapis gaze softened, seeing the now flustered gem. “Yes, my love? Is there anything wrong?”

“Huh? Oh… n-no, of course not, it’s just that…” Peridot clenched her fist tighter, holding the towel. “I was wondering… Maybe I’m not ready to fuse, not right now at least.” Her eyes were stuck on her partner’s “But… I’ve been thinking, and there's something I would like to try…”

Lapis’ cheeks darkened again, as the possible implications of her girlfriend’s words hit her. “P-Peridot? You… You mean?”

Peridot nodded slowly, her cheeks burning on her face.

“Oh… really?” Lapis’ cheeks were warming up with each passing second. “Are you sure about this ? After what just happened?” The gem’s gaze softened, looking at her partner.

Peridot repeated herself, nodding faster this time as her body tensed up. “Y-yes. If you’re okay with that…”

“Oh… Of course.” Lapis chuckled, trying to compose herself. “But… How do you know about that ?” Lapis raised an eyebrow, breathing slowly.

Peridot rolled her eyes. “Uhmm… Internet?” She shrugged, her cheeks still burning hot. “What about you?”

Lapis scratched her neck shyly. “Searching for artistic references…”

Peridot fidgeted nervously. “So… Do you… Want us to try ?”

Lapis nodded nervously. “Y-yeah… I mean… I would love to explore it with you…” Her cheeks were also burning now. “If that’s what you want…”

“I-I… I want to.” Peridot gulped soundly.

Lapis turned around and took off her sandals, crawling onto the mattress. “Hehe… Okay.” She looked at Peridot, her eyes shining with a mix of love and desire, her voice slightly above a whisper. “You ready?”

“Y-yes! I am!” She nodded nervously, laying with her back against the sheets.

Lapis chuckled. Looking down at Peridot’s face while she laid over her, leaving the gem in between her arms. “Okay…” She whispered, letting out a small giggle and lowering her face to meet her lover’s, in a deep, passionate kiss.

Peridot held onto the towel as both deepened the kiss, their bodies warming up, she tried to say something, but only hitched groans came out between kisses.

Lapis moved her head away and sat on the bed. Moving her hands to her back, slowly undoing the buttons of her top under Peridot’s gaze. Once unbuttoned, the piece fell off her body easily, exposing her chest to her lover. She moved next to Peridot—Who was now sitting again—, with a smug smile under her darkened blue cheeks.

Peridot wanted to look at her girlfriend’s face, but the sight of her breast was just enough to mess with her. She gulped soundly. “L-Lazuli…”

But before the gem could say anything else, Lapis surrounded the gem’s shoulders with her right arm, while she took the hand gripping the towel on her left one. “Come on, don’t be shy…” She moved the hand away, making the towel fall off the gem’s body, she then nibbled Peridot’s neck gently, pushing her chest against her lover’s exposed back.

Peridot groaned, her cheeks were burning hot on her face, seeing herself exposed this way, and the way Lapis looked at her while sinking her fangs on her neck. The gem seemed like she was going to devour her whole. They weren’t even doing anything yet, and she was already feeling like she was going to melt under her girlfriend’s touch.

Lapis took her fangs out of her girlfriend’s neck and licked it. “You’re… breathtaking .” She ran her index finger on Peridot’s chin, moving it down as she traced the contour of her left breast, cupping it gently with her left hand. “And these… Tell me, how much did you see ?” She chuckled, knowing her words were just a way to tease her lover, moving her hand lower, reaching her tummy.

“I… I just did a little research .” Peridot breathed slowly, trying to compose herself for what was about to come. Her right hand over Lapis’, her left caressing Lapis’ arm as the gem caressed her tummy.

Lapis snickered. “Yeah, sure…” Her body warmed up, her left hand now moving even lower. “Ready, Peri?” She whispered, planting a tender kiss on her lover’s left cheek.

“Y-yeah…” Peridot nodded, closing her eyes and biting her lip.

Lapis smiled and kept going, then she reached it, Peridot's groin. She moved her fingers around, feeling the softness of her labia, caressing the area gently with her hands, running her fingers all around, tracing circles and slipping through her folds.

It was getting hard for Peridot to even breathe, Lapis fingers were touching her in ways she wouldn’t even thought were possible, and places she didn’t even thought were sensitive. She felt warm, she felt cold, an overwhelming mix of sensations, brand new for a gem as her, or any gem, to be honest. She squirmed, letting out small moans with each one of Lapis’ touches, her body was getting all hot and sweaty, the feeling of her own arousal making her heart flutter. 

And then, she felt it, her girlfriend pressed on her clit, it was gentle, that’s right, but even the smallest of Lapis’ touch was like a shock-wave to her body. “D-diamonds…” Was the only thing she could mutter, if she were to need oxygen, she would be already choking. Luckily for her, she was a gem, so the only sounds she was making were low, hitched moans, trying to keep herself composed. But she could only hold on so far, so, when she reached her peak, she let go a long, breathless moan. And then, her visor dissipated as she came undone, leaning with her back against her girlfriend’s body, surrounded by her arms, her body still quivering from the release.

Lapis snickered, seeing how exhausted Peridot was now. “Hehe… You really enjoyed it, didn’t you?” She smiled, a smug grin beaming in her face.

“My stars… It was… Amazing .” Peridot groaned. “It was even better than what I thought it could be…”

Lapis caressed the gem’s right cheek with her hand, a soft smile curling her lips. “That’s always good to hear…” She then giggled smugly “Are you up for round two then, Darling?”

“Huh?” Peridot raised an eyebrow. “Round two?”

Lapis stepped out the bed, standing up as she began to undo her wrap skirt, letting the fabric fall to the ground, exposing her laced, dark underwear, she faced her girlfriend with a smile. “Yup, now… It’s your turn to make me feel good.” She pushed her underwear down, exposing herself to Peridot.

Peridot gulped, looking down at her lover’s bush . “O-oh… Diamonds.” She took a deep breath. “Oh… Okay, I think I still have enough energy left…” The gem looked away, covering her mouth with her hand as she thought to herself.

“Hehe… Cool.” Lapis crawled in bed again, without any clothes to cover her body anymore. “You know what to do then, do you?” Lapis’ voice was full of desire, barely above a whisper, her face just a few inches from hers.

Without any hesitation in her moves, Peridot nodded, pushing her lips against Lapis’ once again, feeling the warmth of her breath fill her throat, and the softness of her skin when her fingers sunk on the gem’s back.

Lapis took the gem in her arms, pushing Peridot on top of her as she laid her back on the mattress. She didn’t even try to talk, holding onto her own pleasure while they kept kissing and hugging each other.

Once their lips parted ways, Peridot already knew what to do. She lowered herself, moving her head between Lapis’ legs, which made the gem bite her lip, and, when Peridot gave her inner thighs a kiss, she let out a soft moan.

Lapis couldn’t resist but to squirm when Peridot ran her tongue up and down her wet folds, switching between using her fingers and her mouth, while also giving her clit small, gentle kisses and presses from time to time. She was trying her best to keep quiet, holding tight onto the mattress, but Peridot’s touches were surprisingly pleasurable, so she couldn’t avoid the soft, hitched moans escaping her body.

“Diamonds… Peri…” She moaned again, little droplets of sweat running down her forehead. “You’re… Really good at this …” But Peridot didn’t answer, instead, the gem giggled smugly.

But the moment was already getting close, and Lapis found herself at the verge of her own climax, crossing her legs behind Peridot’s head. “Oh… Fuck…” She moaned again, her body was beginning to quiver, so Peridot stopped for a moment, this made Lapis groan. “N-no, please… Don’t… Don’t stop, Peri… I’m already feeling close …” She begged her girlfriend, out of pure desire.

So, when Peridot began to press her clit between two of her fingers, Lapis’ breath was cut short, gasping for air as she left out a hitched, long moan, breaking down as she came, falling with her back to the mattress. 

Peridot took her hand off from Lapis’ body, licking her soaked fingers clean, snickering once she saw Lapis come undone. She then crawled on top of the gem’s body as both hugged tightly, the two gems breathing heavily. “Was it good, my love⁓?” She said, smiling smugly.

“Fuck yeah⁓… You were amazing ….” Lapis pressed her hand against her forehead and breathed slowly, her voice was barely above a whisper. “Now… I wanna know where you learnt this much…” She snickered, but then, a small, soft yawn escaped her body. “But… Maybe later…” She stretched, closing her eyes as she hugged Peridot tightly.

Peridot giggled as the exhaustion began to hit her too. “Y-yeah… Good night, Lazuli…” She mumbled between her small yawns, leaning more against Lapis’ body.

Slowly, both gems began to drift into slumber. Unaware of the mess they’ve just made on the bed.

Chapter Text

Peridot’s eyes began to open slowly as she woke up, she stirred in bed, letting out a small yawn as she stretched herself on top of the mattress, her body barely covered by the sheets. Suddenly, she felt that there was something missing. It was Lapis, she wasn’t in the bed anymore, what made Peridot slightly worried.

She got out, standing still as she put on her dress once again to cover herself. She took a look at the digital clock on top of the bedside table, “02:37 AM…” The numbers shone on the screen, making Peridot sigh.

Peridot took a look inside the bathroom, but Lapis wasn’t there either. She pressed her fingers on her chin, —Come on… Where could she have gone? It’s not like her to just Disappear like that, is it? —Peridot rolled her eyes, —I mean, she wouldn’t do it again… would she? —She left another sigh, thinking to herself. Suddenly, something pierced through her mind, a soft, calm voice. There was no doubt, it was Lapis’.

Moon, a hole of light

The voice came from outside their dorm, Peridot walked downstairs slowly, following the origin of the sound, then, once she reached the ballroom, she opened the door slightly, enough to see her friend. Lapis was sitting by herself on the edge of the stage, and she was… Drinking? There were a few empty cans of beer around, and she held one in her hand, resting on her lap as she looked down with her eyes closed, humming softly.

Through the big top tent up high

Her voice was mesmerizing, making Peridot both unable, and unwilling to stop her friend. She kept listening , hiding behind the slightly open entrance door.

Here before and after me

The gem stood up and left the half emptied can on the stage, her eyes still closed as she tried to keep a few tears from spilling out.

Shinin' down on me

She walked under the beam of soft, pale moonlight coming from one of the hall’s now open windows.

Moon, tell me if I could

Send up my heart to you?

Peridot kept her eyes over Lapis' movements, her gaze softening when the gem sat on her knees under the light, tears beginning to slide down her face, crying slowly.

So when I die, which I must do

Could it shine down here with you?

Then, Lapis stopped singing, letting herself cry, the moonlight washing over her, making her silhouette stand out in the empty room. Peridot stepped forward slowly, trying not to scare her partner away.

“Lazuli…”

Lapis gave a little jump, and then turned around slowly, looking down at the ground, “Oh… Hi Peridot.” She then turned her head back to the front again, trying to wipe the tears on her face as she hid behind her knees, looking down.

Peridot sat next to her, keeping silent as she didn’t know what to do. But, even so, she wanted to try and be there for her gemfriend.

“I… I’m sorry Peri.” The gem breathed in, her voice barely above a whisper now.

“Why?” Peridot tilted her head slightly.

“I just… I wasn’t trying to make everything about me earlier…” The gem sighed softly. “I really think you’re worth enough, sorry if my words couldn’t help you understand that.”

“Thanks Lazuli.” Peridot smiled softly. “I know you meant it, don’t worry.”

Lapis let out a small, relieved sigh. “Okay.” A faint smile formed in her lips.

Both gems stood in place a bit more, still quiet to let themselves enjoy the silence, there wasn’t anybody else to bother them anyways, so they could remain calm a bit longer. Peridot wanted to understand Lapis' internal turmoil, but tried not to rush her friend, even if that meant waiting for her lover to be ready.

Lapis' breathing was slow and heavy, “Peridot?” She asked, keeping her tears at bay.

“Yeah, Lazuli?”

“Do you… Think we did the right thing? Lapis looked at her, still hiding behind her knees.

Peridot tilted her head slightly. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“You know… About that .”

Peridot chuckled softly, realizing what her lover was trying to say. “Why do you ask? You didn’t like it?”

“What? No… Of course I enjoyed it.” The gem looked at Peridot, frowning slightly. “I just… Can’t stop feeling like I messed up again.” She took a deep breath, “I woke up, and then I began feeling it was wrong, that you could regret it… or that, maybe, I made you feel forced to do it.”

“But I’m the one who asked you for it.” Peridot tilted her head, confused.

“I know, but my mind kept messing with me… I couldn’t stop thinking that you were doing it just to make me feel better.” She looked down to the floor, “Even if I knew that couldn’t be true…”

“Hmm…” Peridot nodded slowly.

Lapis stared at her gemfriend, “Then, you sure everything’s fine?”

“Of course everything 's fine, Lazuli… Look, I didn’t do it just to make you feel better, I mean, it’s true that I wanted to ease things between us, but, when you left the room, I went to take a shower to try and clear up my mind.” The gem sighed. “And I realized that… I do want to fuse with you.”

Lapis’ eyes opened wide, “What?” Her eyes meeting Peridot’s

“I mean… Not during the party, of course, I still wasn’t ready to fuse in front of everyone, but… I do want to do it with you . Maybe we’re not like Garnet, and maybe we’ll never be either…” Peridot looked down. “Diamonds, I didn’t even think there would be one day when I would be wanting to fuse, but… That’s what makes it so special . It was hard for me to see fusion as more than a tool at first, but… Thanks to Garnet, I got used to it, even if it wasn’t my thing at the time… And it still isn’t now.” She moved her eyes up again, meeting those of her partner, “But you finally found your safe place in fusion, and I also enjoy being with you, even if fusion isn’t my kind of stuff. As long as it is with you… I wouldn’t want it any other way either.”

Lapis’ gaze softened, a smile curling her lips as her cheeks darkened. “Oh, Peridot… I…” And then, the gem moved closer to her lover, giving her a tight hug.

“I won't blame you for what happened at the party, you were just playing along, and, when we got that close, I could no longer stop it…” Peridot sighed, her head resting on Lapis’ shoulder and her hands moving on the gem’s back, feeling the lower section of her gem. “I didn’t want everybody to know, and I hate feeling like a clod for ruining the moment, but I don’t want to mess things up with you, cause… I love you Lazuli.” Her cheeks darkened too, “Even if it’s weird feeling like I somehow enjoy fusion, after thinking I’d never do it, but I’m willing to try it out with you.”

No words came out of Lapis’ mouth, she just nodded, tightening the grip around Peridot’s body and pressing their bodies closer as the moonlight engulfed the two lovers.

“You sure you want to do this, Peri?” Lapis asked, wanting to make sure that her partner was ready.

Peridot took a deep breath, her chest heaving slowly. It wasn’t the first time she fused now, that’s right, but to willingly fuse, it was way different than the last few times. “Y-yes. As they say, ‘ Third time’s the charm’ , isn’t it?” She exhaled. “Let’s go.”

The two gems walked closer slowly, Lapis’ hands moving on Peridot’s arms, down to her hands. Intertwining their fingers and taking the lead, just like during the party.

They spun slowly, their hands moving along as they gazed into each other’s face, the moonlight washing over their dance. And then, making her partner spin, Lapis let Peridot go, supporting her weight on one of her arms, her hand caressing her back gently.

Lapis gave a deep breath, “I’m not like her … I’m better.” She thought, and then closed the distance between their faces with a deep, tender kiss, their bodies began to glow once again, becoming a growing mass of light. The silhouette stood almost three meters tall, and then, Aventurine was born once again.

The gem opened her eyes slowly and looked up, gazing at the moon. She chuckled softly, her gaze softening as she began to look at herself. “Feels good to be back.” She thought to herself. She then turned around, walking closer to the stage and taking the half-empty can of beer from the group of cans that Lapis left on the stage earlier. She took a look at the drink inside, “Well… I guess I should throw these out.” She thought, letting a small sigh leave her body.

She lifted the rest of the cans using her magnetic powers, making them float behind her. The trash can was outside, so, if she wanted to get rid of them, she had to leave the ballroom. She opened the door, feeling the cold of the night caress her skin, then, she walked towards the trash, lifting the lid and throwing the cans inside. Once her job was done, she stretched her four arms, letting out a small groan.

She looked around, wondering what to do next. The moon shining on the empty, dark night sky, it was inviting . Maybe she could go for a late night walk, after all she didn’t really have the chance to enjoy herself the last time, did she? She chuckled softly.

So, with no hint of doubt, she began to wander around the streets of the still well lit Empire City, looking at the cars and passersby walking besides her, without even looking up to her. Her eyes traveled from sign to sign, looking at the different stores and fast food restaurants, her eyes then stopped in an wooden, artificially old looking sign, a pub near the corner of the crossroad in front of her.

She walked towards the door, just to find a set of stairs going down, she delved deeper, crouching slightly to fit the space, then, she found another door. Opening it revealed the pub’s hall, along with the sound of small bells.

There was a young looking woman standing behind the bar, cleaning the shelves without looking at the newcomer. “Oh, Hi how could I serve you, beloved…” She turned around, her eyes opening, blinking a few times at the sight of the nearly three meters woman standing near the door. She then shook her head, trying to focus on her job again. “... Customer?”

Aventurine took a look at the card, a sign hanging from the roof. She then faced the girl, giving her a kind smile. “Just some toasted sandwiches and fries, please.” She then sat on one of the stools near the bar. “Oh, and some water too.”

“O-Of course, they’ll be ready soon.” The girl said, nodding right before she went to the pub’s kitchen. Moment which Aventurine took advantage of to look around the room. 

The floor was made out of dark wooden planks, with the walls painted in a softer shade of brown, decorated by a variety of paintings, pictures and portraits, all framed in wood. The room was lit by a few vintage looking lamps hanging from the ceiling. “Hm, this place’s got style, that’s for sure.” She thought, chuckling softly.

Soon, the waitress came back, holding a plate with her food, her drink and an empty glass. She handed everything to Aventurine, then, she stepped back, holding the dark board with her hands, a shy smile curling in her lips as she waited for the tall goddess woman to try the food.

Aventurine took one of the sandwich halves, biting it carefully, “Hmm, it tastes amazing.” she chuckled softly, feeling the melted cheese go down her throat. She then picked up a few fries, gulping them in just one bite. “Oh my, these too… Everything’s great, thanks.” She cleared her throat, smiling warmly.

“I-it’s nothing, thank you.” The girl said, bowing slightly as her arms clutched at the plate. Then, she left the plate under the bar and turned around, resuming her earlier task of cleaning the shelves, letting the fusion eat peacefully.

Once the gem finished her food, she took the glass, emptying it with a long sip, gasping as the water ran down her throat. “Well, it was just perfect.” She smiled. “Tell me, how much do I owe you?” She snickered softly.

The waitress blushed slightly, seeing Aventurine gulp the water without any difficulty. “O-oh, don’t worry, it’s on the house.” She smiled kindly, trying to calm herself.

“Oh, really?” Aventurine chuckled, a smug smile forming on her lips as she crossed her two pairs of arms. “You sure, darling?”

The girl’s cheeks became even redder, looking back and forth shyly. “Oh… Uhm… Yes?”

The fusion giggled softly, seeing how nervous the young woman in front of her was. She then shook her head slowly. “Ok, for real this time… From waitress to waitress, how much is it?” She said, her voice more calm and serious. “There’s no need to pay for me.”

The waitress took a deep breath, finally able to relax herself. “O-okay, it’s seven dollars.” She smiled softly, holding her hands together.

“Okay.” The gem smiled, taking a few dollars out of Peridot’s gem and handing them to the girl, a kind smile shining on her face. “Thank you.” She got up, walking towards the door.

“Oh wait, b-before you go… Can I have your number, please?” The young woman called her, her voice shy and nervous.

Aventurine chuckled, “Oh my… Of course, darling , but… I must tell you, I’m already… taken , you know⁓.” She wrote down both numbers in a wrinkled piece of paper, Lapis’ and Peridot’s, then, she put the paper on the bar and gave the girl a playful wink, walking through the door.

Aventurine walked along the sidewalk, a cold, iron fence acting as the only wall between her, and the sea, resting next to her. The breeze caressing her skin softly as she gazed at the moon, descending on the night sky, soon, the sun will rise once again.

The gem stopped, turning around to face the moon, leaning with her arms on the fence. She let out a small sigh, “You know, it was fun…” Her gaze softened, looking at the moon. “I had so much fun, I got to see the city, and how beautiful this place can be. And that waitress…” She giggled, “She was so kind… Trying to invite me, and I also loved the food.”

"..."

The gem looked down, a frown growing in her face. “I wonder when will it be the next time I get to enjoy things like this.” In the water, the shadow of Lapis and Peridot drawing on top of hers. “It feels so good to be me…” The moon laid in the ocean, casting the shadows away. “Well, Seems like the timer's running out… I guess I should get going.” She sighed again, beginning to walk towards the ballroom once again. “ Until we meet again, Moon⁓ .”

Chapter Text

[SAT/FEB — 05:33 PM]

Having pressed the doorbell, Catt stood in front of the door, the pavement cold, soaked by the snow around their feet.
That morning, Peridot wrote them a private message on their forum page, telling them about a movie marathon she was planning with Lazuli, and, surprisingly, she asked them to come.

TACTILE RECEPTORS [Medium: Failure] — The cold seeped through their skin, sending a chill across their spine, it was a cold February evening, stacks of snow growing around the different buildings of Empire city from the earlier snowfall, the scent of salt, cold and coffee from the nearby coffee shops filling the air.

Suddenly, the door’s lock rang open, allowing them to push the iron surface aside and step inside the building.

HARD DRIVE [Easy: Success] — Lapis and Peridot’s apartment was upstairs, third floor on a five-story building, first door to the right, decorated with a small, silvery board, the name ‘Lazuli’ carved into the surface.

Once the gem reached the door, they gave the wooden, flat surface a gentle knock, which echoed across the hall. The door opened slowly, a tall, blue gem standing behind the frame, wearing a white, baggy and slightly stained shirt, with some dark blue shorts beneath.

“Catt? What are you doing here?” Lapis tilted her head slightly to the side, pressing her free palm on her hip.

“Oh, I–”

“Hello Catt!” Suddenly, Peridot came out of the bedroom, wearing a yellow sweater with an alien head tattered on the front, and some kind of headset around her neck. “I’m so glad you decided to come.” The gem smiled, walking towards them “Don’t worry Lazuli, I told them to come.”

“Huh…? But, Peri? What about our night?” The blue gem called her lover’s name, a tingle of confusion creeping in her voice. “I thought we’d be alone…” She whispered, a small frown growing in her face.

“The more the merrier, Lazuli.” The gem waved dismissively, which made the blue gem let out a soft sigh. “I’m sure there will be no problem.”

“Fine…” She replied, looking away as she began to walk towards the couch, followed by Peridot. “Whatever.” Then, she let herself fall on the familiar sized couch of their living room, with the smaller gem crawling against her body, cuddling close to her.

Catt sat after them on the couch, feeling its surface adapt to their body, the warmth of the house made the seat even more comfortable, like resting atop one of their diamond’s clouds. And then, they stretched themselves, feeling the pressure on their body fade away as their limbs cracked.

“So… What are we watching?” The Cat’s Eye asked, leaning comfortably on their back.

“Well… We were thinking about some scary movies…” Lapis chuckled softly, a smug grin on her face. “Got the guts for some terror films? Or are you gonna chicken out?”

“No way, It is no easy to scare me off, I’ve been through war, you know. ”

“Yeah, sure…” She replied, sticking out her tongue as she pressed the remote, turning on the TV.

The room went dark, and then, the TV came to life, filling the room with its pale, flickering light once the movie began. The start credits appeared on the screen, and the title broke through.

“Alien”

Catt laid on their hip, their face against the soft cushions of the couch, they sighed, relieved that the movie finally ended.

This made Lapis chuckle, looking at the distressed gem. “Well, would you look at that…” A smug smirk on her face. “I thought you were ‘No easy’ to scare off”

“I-I’m not, but… those creatures, is that what they think we look like? All that blood and guts too… Ugh, humans are so… disgusting” They looked away covering their mouth like they were trying not to puke. “So dirty and fleshy…”

The gems shared a mischievous look, and then busted out laughing and giggling. “O-oh my stars…” Lapis cried, trying to wipe out some tears out of her cheeks, while Peridot kept hitting the couch.

“W-what?” Catt gave her a confused look.

“Didn’t you have a blog?!”

“W-well yeah…!” The gem curled up into a ball. “B-but I don’t have to interact directly with them…!”

Their words sent Lazuli into another frenzy. “D-Dude…” She breathed heavily “You’re really gonna hate this franchise.”

“w… what…?”

Catt came out of the bathroom. Behind them, a soft, green light escaped through the barely open door, they dropped themselves onto the couch, irises spinning on their eyes along with their head. At least there were no more “Alien” movies left, they thought.

“It… It shouldn’t be possible for gems to feel nausea, let alone puke…” Their words were slow, trying to keep their composure. “And that… How in the stardust is this happening?”

Neither Lapis or Peridot were laughing anymore, they just shared a concerned look before turning to look at the dizzy gemstone.

“Are you alright, Catt?” Peridot asked, frowning slightly as she gazed at them.

BATTERY [Legendary: Failure] — “Y-yeah… I just need to…” -THUMP- They had no time to finish their sentence before passing out, crashing with their face against the soft surface of the couch, their form still intact.

“You… think they’re okay, Peri?” The blue gem asked, a frown creeping on her forehead.

Peridot turned around to look at Lazuli. “I… I really hope so…” She let out a small yawn, cuddling closer to Lapis. “Well… let’s let them rest, I’m sure everything will be fine by morning… Now, I think we should get some sleep too…”

“Okay…” Lazuli sighed, caressing her gemfriend’s hair. “Good Night Peridot.”

“G… Night… Lazuli.” Peridot whispered, running out of energy.

Lapis took the blanket on top of the couch, and covered them both, making sure her love was warm and cozy. And then, she closed her eyes too.

[SAT/FEB — ????]

“Hg… Hgnn…” Peridot groaned softly as she began to wake up, feeling something rub against her cheek. Her eyes opened, realizing it was Lazuli, caressing her cheek gently with her hand. “L-Lazuli? W-what?”

But there wasn’t an answer, just a little, playful giggle coming out of her friend’s throat as she kept rubbing her soft, caring fingers against her face.

“L-lazuli…” Her gaze softened, feeling the warmth of Lapis’ skin seep through her own, looking at her gemfriend though half-lidded eyes. “What are you…?”

“I Thought we’d be alone… I wanted us to be…”

“O-oh, I… I see…” Peridot breathed in heavily, opening her eyes slowly. “I just… I thought… You wanted…”

Lapis chuckled softly, “Yeah yeah, of course you thought…” crawling on the couch as she moved on top of Peridot and straddled her hips, both hidden under the blanket, leaving out the asleep Catt, snoring soundly as they laid on the other end of the seat.

Her gaze stuck on her partner’s eyes, pressing her right hand against hers, pinning both to the seat as she deepened the kiss, making Peridot’s breath hitch on her throat. “You never know what’s inside my head, do you?” Lapis’ voice barely above a whisper.

“It… It’s harder than you’d think, sometimes…”

And once they broke the kiss, Lapis caressed Peridot’s cheek with her free hand and pressed her thumb on the gem’s lips, “Yeah… Guess I’m not the easiest to be around… Huh?” she chuckled, and then, with a wide grin, the blue gem slid her fingers away, lowering them on her body until they reached her other lips, hidden under her new clothes and her detachable suit. “I wanted this night to feel… special… But, I gotta give it to you… you were right, it was fun nonetheless…”

She then began to play with her partner’s pleasure, probing her soft spots with the only intent of driving her cute clod crazy. She felt the warmth spreading through her partner’s body with each passing second.

“Hgnn… Lazuli…” Peridot groaned, jolting from the sudden contact of Lapis’ fingers on her weak points, feeling her body throb and quiver under her ministrations.

“You know… You’re so cute when I get to see you like this…” She giggled, her eyes never leaving Peridot’s. “And there are a few things I wanna try this time…” And when her lover was wet enough, Lapis backed away slowly, making the blanket fall to the ground along with her shorts, then, she made something new appear on her body, the sight of which made Peridot blush slightly.

—Oh my stars…—, she whispered, seeing it hang as she closed her eyes, biting her lip as she prepared for what was about to come.

The moment arrived, and she felt a rush of pleasure shock her body up and down, —A-ah⁓…—, her breath hitching with each of Lapis’ gentle thrusts, making her visor disappear as she rubbed her palm on her forehead, scratching her hair with her fingers as she tried to focus on the sensations running crazy on her body. “L-lazuli…! They… they’re going to hear us… they’re gonna—” She cried, trying to keep her composure.

“Yeah? They better cover their ears, then.” The gem left out a small groan, whispering to her lover’s ear as she began nibbling her neck softly, using her hand to caress Peridot’s remaining weak points, feeling her body tingle more with each of her own movements. “Cause… I’ve got no plan to stop right now, baby…” She whispered, leaning closer to the gem’s head.

Peridot tried to fight against the pleasure, but the feeling of Lapis’ body rearranging her innards was just too much, too intense, she gave in to the sensations running across her, allowing her body to heave up and down, warming up as she felt the heat rising inside her. “H-hgg…” She cried, cheeks burning, hands gripping to Lapis’ back, eyes closed and biting her lip, her tension almost reaching its peak.

And then, it happened, Lazuli made her reach her breaking point.

She broke down from the intense pleasure cursing through her veins, fluids gushing out of her as she came undone. “Ah… I… Oh my stars…” She closed her eyes, panting heavily as she tried to compose herself again. “That was just… Diamonds…” She breathed in. “I… I think I’m gonna need a break… after this…” She leaned fully against the couch, looking at her lover with her eyes slightly open.

“Ohh, really? That’s a shame.” Lapis chuckled, carefully unplugging herself from Peridot and getting off the couch.

She then went to get some water for the two, her junk barely covered with her shirt as she stepped inside the kitchen.

She opened the fridge, the clear, soft light of the device washing over her body, she stared at the shelves until she remembered what she wanted, and then, she picked a glass and poured down the cold water, chugging the water down in one gulp. She filled the glass again and walked back to the living room, handing it to Peridot, who carefully took the cup in her shaky hands.

The gem let out a small sigh as she took a sip from the glass. “My stars… How… How did yo even found out about that…?”

Lapis chuckled softly, snuggling close to the gem. “Well… Last time, we talked about it, and you said you found out though the internet, so… I might had been curious… And maybe, or maybe not, I could have sneaked up on your pc… while you were asleep…”

“W-wait…” Peridot’s eyes opened wide, turning her head around slowly to face her friend. “No…” She shook her head.

Lapis nodded slowly

“You… YOU SAW MY BROWSER’S HISTORY?!” Her face burning dark.

“… I…” Lapis looked away. “Yeah…”

“Oh my stars…” Peridot cried out of shame, trying to cover her face with her free palm. “Oh. My. Stars… I… I can’t believe you saw it…”

“Hey hey…” Lapis chuckled. “I’m not gonna judge you… I mean, you have quite… you know… taste, but… you do know those videos are…”

“… Fake? Yeah… I… I know.” Peridot said, curling up in ball leaving the cup on their coffee table, in front of the couch.

“Then… Why?”

“Why?” the gem raised an eyebrow.

“Why do you keep watching them?”

“I don’t know… They are… Fun? I guess. I mean, it’s not like I, you know… get turned on or anything, but… it makes my brain feel… funny, so, when I’m bored or I just feel down, I end up watching more to entertain myself…” Peridot replied, looking back at her while she hid behind her knees.

“Oh…” Lapis stared at her. “I didn’t know…”

“Of course you didn’t, how would you? I usually do it when you’re not at home, you know, to try and fight the boredom.”

“Yeah… I guess it must be really boring to be here, alone… I’m sorry Peri.” Lapis said, caressing her friend’s cheek gently.

“It’s okay, Lazuli.” She waved dismissively, “I know you work so hard for the two of us. I can’t blame you for being out so long…” Peridot smiled and shrugged. “Plus, it makes it even more fun when we get to be together…” She shook her head. “But, enough with the talk… You up for round two?” She chuckled, stretching her limbs as she positioned herself on Lapis’ lap, a cheeky grin on her face.

“Hell yeah I am…”

Chapter Text

[SUN/FEB — ????]

Catt opened their eyes slowly, stirring up in the couch in the same way as a cat, the sunbeams washed over them, a soft,, fuzzy warmth seeping through their skin.

HARD DRIVE [Challenge: Failure] — They let out a yawn, rubbing their temple with their fingertips. Making their best effort to remember the events of the previous night, their mind still numb and dizzy.

The living room was empty, devoid of any sound or life. They looked around, wondering where their friends could have went.

Then, the door of the kitchen opened and Lapis came outside, wearing the same clothes she wore last night, now with her shorts back on, holding a cup of steaming hot coffee in her hand.

“Oh! Good evening, Catt, I see you woke up.” The gem chuckled, sipping out of her cup.

“H-hi Lazuli, Good mo- Wait, did you just say Evening?.” They gave a small jump, their eyes opening wide. “Oh my stars… I’m so sorry. H-how much did I sleep…?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. Peri thought you needed to rest…” She replied, plummeting onto the couch. “And we have no problem with letting you stay here.”

“R-really?” Catt let out a brief sigh of relief “T-thank you so much, girls…” They smiled softly, sitting comfortably on the couch.

“No prob.” Lapis took her cellphone out of her pocket, quickly tapping into one of those social media Peridot told her about, the sign of a “t” appearing on her screen. “Peridot’s inside the bedroom, if you wanna go talk with her.”

“Okay, thanks.” Catt nodded, staring at their friend as she scrolled past various drawings, reaction pics and discussions about multiple kinds of media. “See you later.” And then, they waved their hand, walking towards the bedroom’s door

“See ya.”

When they knocked on the door, the wooden surface slid away slowly allowing them inside the bedroom.

Inside, Peridot was sitting on her desk, headset on as she moved the mouse frantically across her mouse-pad, her fingers pressing on the keyboard with burning passion.

“You Muddy Cl- I swear I’m gonna Kick your- Aghh!!” She beamed looking at the monitor. In the screen, what seemed to be her character, a girl wearing a yellow padded jacket, fell to the ground, in what seemed to be a player vs player first person shooter. “F-ing, Diamonds…” She sighed, hiding her face behind her palms as the message of Defeat appeared on her screen.

“Ehmm… Peridot?” Catt rose their hand slightly, trying to catch her attention.

“Yeah, Lazuli?” She turned around slowly, “What do you— Ah!” Peridot jumped on her chair, realizing it wasn’t her love who called her. “C-Catt, I see you woke up, how… how long have you been there…?”

“Not much… What… What are you doing?”

“Oh, this?” She looked at the game again “It’s nothing, don’t worry…” She chuckled softly, waving her hand dismissively. “How… How are you doing? You seemed… pretty bad, last night…”

“O-oh… I’m okay, it was nothing, really… I just… I’m really glad you let me rest here.” They say, bowing down. “I just wanted to say thanks.”

“No need to, I know you’d do the same for us…” She chuckled again. “As a matter of fact, you already did… That day when we were down there in your place…”

“Yeah…” A small chuckle escaped their lips. “I’m still kinda sorry about that, you know… I wish our first hangout could have a been a little less… weird.” They looked down, their voice taking a softer, sadder undertone, “Peridot, do you… do you think I’m weird?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“W-well… I just… I barged into your life like, out of nowhere, and now it’s… It’s like I see you guys everyday. And I was a jerk the first day we met, treating you like you where no more than an asset, a product of your era. But, for some reason you… you didn’t care…” They looked back at her. “And then, I thought you were gonna hate me after what happened in the bunker… I wouldn’t have blamed you if you did, anyone would have been wishing to get rid of me after what you two went through, anyone but you… I just, I wonder… Why?”

Her gaze softened, seeing the mask that Catt once had, very carefully, built, break down piece by piece as more of their words came out. “Catt…” She sighed, “It seems we really aren’t that different… Are we?”

But Catt didn’t say anything, they just looked at her, their face contorted in a small, confused frown.

The gem chuckled, looking down. “I mean, I expected some more confidence coming from a First Era, but… It seems it doesn’t matter how old we are, gems are still the same on the inside…” But, it seemed that her words weren’t being clear enough for Catt’s confused mind, so she cleared her throat. “What I’m trying to say it’s… You have no reason to blame yourself for what happened. It’s normal for you, a First Era stuck on earth since The Old War, to feel curiosity… I was all around Peridots from both eras back in Homeworld, but, I’m sure I could easily be the first Second Era you’ve ever seen. Believe me, you’re not that weird… You just made me a bit self-conscious, and maybe a bit uncomfortable at the moment, but I know you had no ill intentions, don’t worry.”

“Really? You… You mean it?” They said, their voice shy and low.

“Of course I mean it, maybe we don’t know each other that much, but it’s fun to see you from time to time… At least that way I know I’m not the weirdest Peridot.” She chuckled.

“I… I guess,” Their cheeks burnt dark. “Thank you, Peridot… I, I really needed to hear that.”

“Are you feeling better now, then?”

“Yeah… I… I am.” They smiled, wiping the few tears resting on the corners of their eyes away. “Thank you so much guys, really. I think… I think its time for me to go, see you later.”

“No need to say thanks, Catt. Have a nice day.” She waved her hand, sitting back on her chair.

“Bye, Peridot” And so, they stepped out of the room, gave Lazuli another goodbye, and left for good.

[SUN/FEB — 07:24 PM]

“So… What did you two talk about?” Lazuli asked, brushing their fingers across the hair of the gem sitting on her lap.

“Uh? Oh… Catt just wanted to thank us for letting them rest.” Peridot chuckled softly. “They were also feeling a bit down… and, they just needed someone to talk with.”

Lazuli’s gaze softened. “Aww, Peri… And you helped them? That’s so nice of you.” She pushed the gem closer to her body, rubbing her chin on her lover’s shoulder. “Hehe, what a kind girlfriend I have…”

“Hgnn… STCHTOP” She struggled against her lover’s body. “Y-you…”

Chapter Text

Lapis Lazuli leaned on the fence, holding the ice skates with two of her fingers as she stretched her arms. “Diamonds, gotta admit you’re way better than I initially thought. Where did you learn to skate like that?”

“Well, I was once sent to an ice planet,” Peridot let out a small chuckle “just a small research team to gather information about the planet’s surface and the quality of its resources. Is something I just had to learn unless I wanted to find myself under a thick layer of ice and snow.”

“Oh really? Haha, you must have looked like such a nerd, trying not to trip.” She laughed, giving Peridot a playful nudge as she imagined her friend trying to learn how to ice skate.

“Hmph.” Peridot groaned, looking away and crossing her arms over her chest.

She sighed, giving her friend some head pats “Don’t be such a clod, it’s just a joke.”

Her friend let out a small sigh, and then turned around with a smug expression. “Hehe, I know.” She said, sticking out her tongue and laughing along. “But, I think I already had enough ice skating for today… Let’s get out of here already.” She then let out a small yawn and stretched her limbs.

“Yeah…” She said, looking at the cold, grayish clouds resting in the sky above them. “Hmm… It looks like it’s about to rain out here, we should get some cover before it catches us.” She sighed, turning to face her gemfriend. “Wanna go to the cafe and get some hot chocolate?”

“You mean your workplace? I thought it closed during holidays…”

“Yup, it is.” Lazuli chuckled. “But boss gave me a copy of the keys, told me that I could just go there if I needed anything.”

“O-Oh! Yeah, sure then.” She said, following her gemfriend closely.

There was silence in the cafe, interrupted just by the faint sound of the microwave. A jar of thick, dark chocolate spinning on the plate, it was calm against the storm raging outside. The rain crashed against the windows, leaving trails of water on it’s path.

Peridot sat next to the window, gazing outside through the damped glass. “Your boss must be really nice…” Peridot turned to face her friend, leaving the noise of the rain behind as she walked up to the gem. “… Letting you have shop all to yourself like this.” She said, climbing onto one of the stools and crossing her arms over the flat surface of the bar.

“She really is.” Lazuli giggled. “She cares a lot about her employers… And she pays us well.” Then, the microwave beeped. “I’m so glad to have her as my boss, even if she spends most of her time inside her office.” She took the jar of steamy, dark liquid out of the machine and poured the drink into their cups. Then, holding hers, she sat next to her green lover.

“Heh. That’s great.” Peridot gave her friend a small, soft smile, and then took a sip out of the cup. She felt the drink travel down her throat, the sweet, burning liquid igniting a sense of joy and calm inside her gem. She was happy, hearing the sound of the rain inside the comfortable shelter of the cafe. But, there was something lurking inside her as she gazed upon her Lazuli, an unavoidable, soul crushing feeling of expiration. “So…” She cleared her throat. “Lazuli?”

A lightning crashed on the city outside, the echo of its thunder reverberating across the empty shop.

The blue gem took a look at the window. “Yeah?” She then turned around to look at her. Noticing the subtle shift in Peridot’s voice.

Her gaze fell to the ground, unable to meet her lover’s eyes. “The holidays are coming to an end, and soon you’ll be back to work, right?” She looked at her gemfriend, a small frown growing in her face.

“Well, yeah… Why? Is there anything wrong?”

“O-oh, of course not. It’s just that… I… I’m scared…” She let out a sigh. “I’m afraid that everything will go back to how it was before…” She tilted her head slightly. “The same loneliness, the same doubts… These last weeks have been amazing… and I didn’t want to think about them ending so soon, but I-I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“I see…” The blue gem frowned. “Hmm… But things aren’t the same anymore, are they? They’ve changed so much in such a short time… You, me… Us…” Lazuli looked away. “Everything feels so similar to when we first began to live together, and yet… so distant now from what our life in the barn was. We did things I thought we’d never do, we’ve suffered, and we’ve learned, but we’ve been together through all of it…”

“I guess…”

“Peridot…” She took her lover’s hand on hers, meeting her eyes with a soft, slight frown. “In this few weeks I’ve got to see parts of you I never did before… I listened and I’ve been listened. Maybe things aren’t easy for us, with all the stress and doubts. But we’re here, together. And that’s not gonna change, alright?” she asked, caressing her friend’s face with her hand.

“Yeah…” Peridot’s cheeks darkened under the touch, and a few small tears began to fall from her eyes. “H-heh… You know, it’s hard not to believe everything’s fine when you say it like that… It’s quite ironic if you think about it…” She said, wiping her cheeks with her palms.

“Hehe, what can I say, I had the best teacher.”

“Come on, I didn’t do that much…”

Lazuli moved her hand away, letting her friend breathe comfortably. “Of course you did, Clod… You gave me a chance, and that’s already more than enough…” She chuckled again. “I’ve never been the best of gems out there, of course I might had my reasons, but that didn’t make it right… You had every right to be mad, to hate me, and yet, you still stuck around, with me. You saw the good in me when I couldn’t even see it myself, and you’ve helped me even when I was hurting you…” She moved her hand to her arms, wrapping her palm around her skin. “And when that happened during the party… when I really saw your pain, when I felt it inside my very gem, I just knew I had to be there for you too. The same way you did for me back in the barn… I just wish I could’ve realized sooner, that I would have been a little more open to communicate things, instead of running away like I did.”

“L-Lazuli… I… I don’t know what to say…” Peridot let out another small, shaky sob, facing up with a soft smile as she wiped away her remaining tears. “T-thank you…”

“You’re welcome.” The gem chuckled softly. “Plus… There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you about…”

“H-huh? And what’s it?”

“Well… when I was helping Steven and the rest with the new year’s party… They told me about Garnet’s wedding, and what it meant for them.”

“Oh yeah, the wedding! It was so fun...” Her friend chuckled. “It was a shame you weren’t there...”

“Yeah, but, that’s not what I want to talk about…” She cleared her throat, getting ready for her next words. “It’s just, I know we’re not like Ruby and Sapphire, or like Steven and Connie, but… That wedding was such a beautiful demonstration of love between them, that it made me think about you, about us…” She inhaled deeply. “I know we’re not them, that our relationship is fundamentally… different… But I still need to ask you, Peridot… After all we went through, all the things we’ve lived together… Will you… Marry me?”

The bomb was planted, ticking with each passing second of the dreadful silence that invaded the space between them, and everything but the clicking sound of the machinery went deaf.

Peridot stood there, frozen as her mind tried to digest her friend’s words, and then, the explosion arrived.

A thunder, echoing through the halls of her alien gemstone brain, igniting every inch her light made form. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth agape, her cheeks burning dark as the drinks resting on the counter. “W-WHAT????”