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There were already so many emotions flowing through Jewel at this moment. Cat had gone missing after they had an argument, one that Jewel admits she was in the wrong for, and Storme is adamant about leaving Lalaloopsy Land… The latter is the harder pill to swallow. Cat couldn't have gone too far, she always comes home no matter what but for Storme? Jewel can't guarantee she'll come back. She can't rely on her coming home because as Storme has said, Lalaloopsy Land isn't home, it's temporary. There are no ties keeping Storme here. Storme can go anywhere in the world, see everything she ever wants, see a world Jewel never has. As soon as it rains, Storme's camper will work again and off to more adventures she’ll go. Once it rains, Storm E. will wash away as well, leaving Jewel waiting for the next drop of water like a flower.
Flowers can't bloom without water, they can never thrive on their own. Sure they can try to survive off the nutrients in the soil but ultimately they need water. So at the end of the day, all they can do is wait for the next drop to hit their petals, to feel the soft delicate coolness of droplets, so lost in the constant motion of gravity dancing on them. Sometimes they're so enveloped in the feeling that they don't realize when the cloud starts to pass till it's too late. The cloud is gone. Yes it was just here, the flower will survive for now, but when will it feel the calming coolness again? Till the cloud comes back all the flower can think about is the next time the rain will dance around the petals again before they start to wilt.
Jewel knew she could no longer survive without her rain. Instead of droplets, they were the sounds of laughter. The laughter she heard after pulling another prank on Storme, the words of affirmation making her feel beautiful and blooming. So if Storm E. is the rain and Jewel is a flower then Jewel is a hydrangea. Hydrangeas not only need water but need to be borderline drowning in it. Some hydrangea caretakers literally take the flowers and just constantly dip them in water to get them to bloom. Hydrangeas are known as the thirsty flower. So in theory, if Jewel is a hydrangea, and Storm E. is water, then Jewel needs to feel like she is almost drowning with Storm E’s touch to thrive.
Storm E. is everything to Jewel. That's all she can focus on as she looks for Cat. Yes of course she wants to find Cat, she wants to feel the anxiety leave her body knowing Cat is safe. There's no question Jewel wants Cat to be found safe but at the same time she wants to drag this out. Drag this out as long as it takes because she can't deal with the reality of what's to come after. It's a simple equation really. Storm E. wants to leave town, what's keeping her here right now is cat missing, so If she finds cat, then Storm E. will be on track to leave again. It doesn't take a genius to come to the same conclusion. No matter what, Storm E. Is going to leave and Jewel just simply isn't ready. It’s selfish, Jewel knows that, she's always been known to be selfish so why can’t she be now? No, she knows she needs to find cat, she can’t keep running from her emotions and needs to face reality.
Jewel having this inner battle is honestly jarring to herself, never before had she questioned her actions or second thought being selfish. Thinking of this,, Jewel slowly realizes how much impact Storme truly has had on her when searching for Cat with Rosy. Jewel figured it would be smart to visit the places she believed both cats could be at, places that would hold significance to the two love birds. For some reason, Jewel immediately went to look around Spot's house. Cat was known to visit the other cat there as they viewed it a safe place to express their love without contradiction. Spot would never tell those two they shouldn't be together, in fact Spot helped them. That might be the first place those two felt it was okay to be together, they weren't wrong for it. They were free to express themselves within those colorful messy walls. After giving it a quick glance, Jewel didn't see any signs of the pair so she quickly went to her next location, to town square. Once again there was a gut feeling she had to go there, she didn’t quite know why but she didn’t care too much right now to find out. Not too far from town square there was a stage that Storm E often sang at. Jewel thinks back to when she's possibly seen the two cats there, thinking about what connection this place has to the two cats.
This was where Jewel heard Storm E. sing her silly nonsense song. The same song that sent Jewel in a panic that Storm E. would leave so she tried to find everything mentioned in that song. She gathered all her friends to try to fulfill what Jewel thought was Storm E.’s desires. That moment brought the two of them even closer. Once again Jewel gives the stage a quick glance before moving again. This time Jewel thinks maybe they could be in the town square. This was where they met after all. Yes they may have had a huge argument that lasted quite a while but then they made up and are close because of it! Jewel says these thoughts out loud, hoping maybe this line of thinking would also make sense to her search party partner Rosie. Jewel looks at Rosie for some type of confirmation this location makes sense, before Jewel can even see Rosie's facial expression, she begins to speak.
“You're talking about Storme, not Cat.”
“Am I?”
Jewel quickly responds, unsure of the answer.
Was she really talking about Storme this whole time? Wait- yes she was, wasn’t she? She only really went to places that held meaning to her and Storme. She didn't even realize she and Storme had such places. Places that hold memories, moments of rivalry, friendship, as well as love. When did these places have such a shift in meaning to her?
“Oh yes… maybe I am.”
“You really are going to miss her aren't you?”
Jewel could hear the sadness in Rosies tone, was she really that obvious? Not even Jewel fully grasped her emotions on Storme leaving but Rosie’s look seems to convey she understands how Jewel is feeling.
“I suppose so, maybe more than I realized…”
Of course Jewel is going to miss her, how could she not? It took so long for them to finally stop going at eachothers throats. If it wasn’t for Spot, who knows how much longer it would have taken them. Hopefully no matter what, this is where they would’ve ended up. That stage where they understood each other in ways it was hard for others to grasp. Their relationship was the definition of opposites attract. Jewel can’t dwell on this right now though, if she keeps spiraling in her own mind, she will never be able to function so she thinks she better just focus on finding Cat, not what comes after that.
“But I can't think about that now! I simply must find Cat.”
A distraction is good for right now, just focus on Cat and everything after is for her future self to deal with, this is the one way she can be selfish right now. So back to finding Cat she goes, unaware Storme is thinking the same things she is.
Storme, with her own search party for her Cat, is also going to places that mean something to her and Jewel. Storme is on the same page as Jewel but also feels a million miles away. Storme always told herself to never get attached, that's why Cat even felt he had to hide his relationship from her. What a hypocrite Strome feels like now. Storme ended up not only attached but absolutely intertwined with Jewel. Storme was okay with the idea of leaving Lalaloopsy Land for so long, yes she would miss her friends but she would of course visit when she can. Now she can’t stand the idea of leaving, being away from Jewel is a thought she never wants to live. It's funny to think not too long ago the two couldn’t stand one another, constantly bickering about the smallest thing imaginable. Before Storme’s mind also spirals into how much she’ll miss Jewel, she hears what sounds like sad meows. Storme quickly thinks it could be Cat so she begins to jingle Cat's favorite toy as she follows the meows in hopes he’ll hear it and come running.
Jewel hears some jingling that sounds like it's from a cat toy as she continues her search for Cat. Jewel and Rosie begin to walk towards the consistent jingles, Jewel still mimicking the sounds of meows.
“Your meows sound very sad, don’t you want to find Cat?” Rosie asks with concern in her voice.
“Of course I do, but if I find Storme’s Cat with my Cat, Storme will leave. The more I think about it, the more I want her to stay.”
“I’ve never had a friend like her before, she's really special. She pushes me and questions me and even though she can drive me crazy- she's helped me become a better person. I’m going to miss her.”
Jewel doesn't want Storme to leave, not when they finally got along and had their own routine. Spot was right, Jewel and Storme had so much in common and what they differed from made them unique. It took a while for them both to understand that. Jewel couldn't genuinely believe Storme would just throw everything away, especially not now. Not when Jewel became attached to her. Not when she's so fond of their bickering, loving how different they are yet so alike, not to mention how refreshing it is to hear a different point of view- even if it is shown in a way of arguing or playful bickering. She is going to miss Storme in a way no amount of preparation will help the aching. They are soulmates, Jewel has found her person. Storme is her mate for life, similar to a swan. Jewel knows she will never move on after Storme leaves.
“Jewel..”
Jewel panicked once she recognized that voice, it didn't even take a fraction of a second for her mind to immediately register that voice as Storme. When the heck did Storme get here and why in the world did Rosie not warn her before she continued going on her rant!?! Jewel feels her face quickly getting red from embarrassment that she just poured her heart out
in front of said person she was boasting about…
“Oh uh Storme!” She quickly feels like she has to somehow explain herself but also break focus from the overly emotionally rant she just had that was not meant for the singer's ears. Quickly trying to reassure herself that she can totally recover from this and doesn’t have to focus on the emotions she just spat out.
“I heard some jinging!”
“That was me, we heard some meows?”
Of course it was Storme making the noises, just Jewels’ luck.
“Oh, that was me- or should I say meeeow.”
Oh please god just strike herself down already and let this insanely awkward interaction be over with. I mean seriously, meeow?? Who says that!
Both girls awkwardly laugh, the tension so insanely thick, Jewel feels like she could choke.
Jewel hears Spot ushering for Ace and Rosie to give them a moment, making some excuse that Dot needs help. Jewel makes a mental note to thank Spot for that later on. No one else should have to see Jewel make a fool of herself.
“You really meant what you said about me wanting to stay? And how I’m a special friend to you?” Storme asks, a sweet gentle tone on her lips as she slowly moves closer to Jewel.
“Yes!” Jewel practically shouts out. The quick reaction even startles Jewel, she quickly tries to think of something else to help hide the fact of how fast she said yes.
“I- I mean sure, you’re high maintenance-”
Jewel leaves a slight space between her words, maybe for dramatic effect, she always is known to bring the drama. Or maybe because she doesn’t even yet comprehend what she says and realizes she has to finish a sentence she didn’t even know she started.
“But totally worth it.”
Storme will always be worth the effort to Jewel..
Storme laughs at that, her laugh immediately easing all the tension in the air.
‘That means a lot, coming from someone who knows everything about high maintenance.”
“You’re pretty cool, for a princess.” Storme gently yet casually puts her hand on Jewels’ arm as she says this. That tiny detail is not so tiny to Jewel. Jewel knows Storme does not like to initiate physical touch, the only ones known to hug her are herself and Spot and they had to earn a lot of trust to do that. Don’t get Jewel wrong- she loved every touch Storme allowed but hugs didn’t compare to how intimate this feels. Skin to skin contact that Storme initiated is something she never thought would happen, and now it is. Not only that but it's happening as the beautiful singer compliments the stylist. “You’re pretty cool, for a princess.” will be Jewels’ favorite line from now on. This will be a moment she will ingrain in her mind no matter what. This will replay in her mind for days on end, analyzing every small detail she can, she will never get tired of reliving this moment. Jewels’ mind quickly wanders to if Storme meant for it to be this symbolic to her, does she feel the same? Storme was about to walk away, body slowly turning to join the others once more. How can she so calmly walk away after making Jewels’ mind such a madhouse? Does Storme not realize how much that little action affected her? Before Jewel really even can think, she grabs Storme’s hand.
“I’m just not quite ready for you to go, I know it's silly but please just stay with me for a moment?”
“Okay..? You okay Jewel?”
Storme puts her hand on Jewel once again, the most gentle and comforting touch that just earlier sent Jewels’ mind rampant. Jewel stares at the hand for a moment, taking note of the beautiful contrast between the girls' skin colors, once again committing this to her memory. Storme’s hand feels so warm compared to the sharp contrast of Jewels’ freezing body. Yes Jewel is bright red and she can feel herself heating up but she knows her inner warmth is nothing compared to Storme’s outer warmth. Jewel wants to feel more of that, so as if it was an instinct Jewel gently moves Storme’s hand to her own, interlacing their fingers. Jewel notices the slight roughness of calluses on the tips of Storme’s fingers, most likely from countless hours of playing her guitar. Jewel loves watching the musical genius create, watch the chaotic yet somehow calm and organized process when an artist is at work. It’s mesmerizing how her songs can bring out emotions Jewel keeps under lock and key. Unraveling Jewels’ composure with just a strum of a cord procession.
Jewels’ hand begins to squeeze Storme’s. Looking at Storme for any sign of discomfort but instead Jewel only finds this very soft expression. Jewels’ heart starts to race, she feels like she can hear her heartbeat in her ears. Fingertips begin to tingle and her breath hitches as her gaze lingers on Storme.
“I’m really going to miss you.”
Tears started to form in Jewel's eyes, she could feel as they group together, soon about to make their way down her face. Jewel wishes she could be like those scenes in old cartoons where the character can almost slurp up the tears back to where they came from.
Jewel felt a calmness rush over her, like she no longer was overthinking and was running on instinct. Her body was telling her what it wants, and it wants Storme. Jewel gently put her hand up to Stome’s, thumb rubbing a gentle and slow circle on the singer's cheek. The pink girl hoped her touch might hold a similar comfort the purple girl did for her. Now with Jewels’ other arm resting on Storme’s shoulder, she feels Storme grab her wrist gently, not in a way that had the intention of moving it away, instead the intention felt more like this was Storme saying shes here in this moment too. Storme ever so slightly nods, such a small motion that held so much. Jewel felt her body moving closer to Storme, her eyes naturally closing as she felt them connect. Storme smelled of huckleberry, a sweet yet bitter scent, it fit her character perfectly. Storme’s lips were soft, softer than she could've ever imagined. A mix of huckleberry and strawberry fills Jewels’ taste buds, a rather nice mix of sweet and bitter that feels balanced. To be honest, it took Jewel a moment to get used to the slight slipperiness that came with. It was only a quick moment though, soon she felt like she perfected the rhythmic almost dance-like motion of their lips.
Jewel gently and slowly parts from the warm lips she was just infatuated with, lips she never wanted to stray from but both girls sadly do have to breathe. Jewel slowly opens her eyes, her mind begins searching for Storme once again. Analyzing for any sign she just made a mistake. Storme takes a moment to open her eyes too, both girls in a sweet daze. Before long they are pulled together again, Storme was very much reciprocating Jewel's touch, an arm now around her waist pulling her in, like a strong yet gentle current she’s okay being washed away in. Who knows how long they were there, drowning in each other's touch. Rhythm as fluent as slow waves on the shore line. Never wanting to part except for quick breaths before diving head first into the water once again. Soon both girls start to slightly smile as they kiss, feeling no amount of awkwardness as they pull away. Both begin to slightly giggle, a light softness in the air. Not sure who will say the first word, they stay in comfortable silence for a moment, just soaking up all the amazing emotions that come with this.
“Wow.” Storme says between chuckles. Wow is definitely an understatement but Jewel can’t blame Storme, her brain is just starting to function again as well.
“I know I’m not the best at conveying my feelings, from now on I want to tell you exactly what
I'm feeling.” Jewel took a big breath, maybe to prepare for the words about to come, or maybe a response to their previous actions.
“I don’t want you to leave Lalaloopsy Land!” Jewel shouts, like her mind is trying to surprise itself by blurting the truth before her logic can catch up.
“You don’t? I- I didn’t know…”
“Because I never told you.”
“But we disagree about everything?”
“Where’s the fun if everyone agrees all the time! Sure we disagree but that just made me a better friend, because I had to try harder.” Jewel is not one to turn down a challenge, that includes the bumpy road of their relationship. Jewel was far too competitive to just let things go, for once she's glad she did. Yes it might’ve taken other people to make them see how well they mix, but Jewel is still glad she eventually listened.
“And now because of it, we’re here, closer than ever. You’ve changed my life for the better, thank you for that. ” Jewel meant every word, Storme has changed Jewel forever, there was no going back to her past self after her.“I know you want to see the world and it’s selfish to ask you to stay here. I would never ask you to sacrifice your dream but please, please stay Storme.”
“Oh, Jewel.. Being here, knowing you, has changed me for the better too. I was scared for a while, I’ve never stayed in one place for too long. I’m honestly still scared, but I'm willing to try. Rain or shine, I’m not going anywhere, at least not for a long time..”
They gently press their foreheads together. Interlacing their hands, it feels so insanely intimate. Once again Jewels’ senses are enveloped by the scent of huckleberry and strawberries mixing.
“I’m so glad to hear that.” Jewel says in a whisper, fearing that talking at a normal level felt too loud for how close Storme is.