Chapter Text
Of the illustrious Ten Stonehearts, there were two that everyone wished to work under: Topaz for her compassion and generosity to those under her command alongside Pearl for her competence and understanding. The only complaints anyone had for either of them, was that Pearl was too cold. That her origin as an Intellitron seeped into every aspect of her conduct. Of course, these words never reached the ears of their director, though she was one of the better options compared to the rest of her contemporaries—she was still in a different league from the rest of the IPC. However, recently the tides of opinion have slowly been changing.
–
Outside Pearl’s office, two of her secretaries conversed in hushed tones after the woman in question ordered them not to disturb her for the next half an hour. Getting closer in fear that Pearl could somehow overhear them (it was uncanny how much that woman knew what was going on around her, even when they try to hide their displeasure with something, she always somehow realized it)
“Mai! Did I hear that right or is this planet getting to me?! Pearl, that Pearl, what is she even doing in there? I know for sure that it isn’t painting—she doesn’t have anything like that planned for today. She has many meetings and things that require her attention, so why is she taking half an hour by herself?”
Slightly baffled at where this was all coming from, Mai said,
“Is-is that not normal, Ellie? Surely even someone like her needs her rest too every now and then?”
Shaking her head at her coworker’s words, Ellie said,
“Right, you haven’t been here for that long. You only transferred here from the Marketing Development Department a few weeks ago, no? What you need to understand is that I’ve been working for Pearl for half a decade at this point—and not once have I seen her take a break during work.”
Leaning back in her chair and stretching her back as she did so, Mai said
“You’re just overthinking all of this. There’s nothing more to Pearl’s words besides taking a break,” A disappointed look was clear as day on her face, “who knew that the Strategic Investment Department was so unprofessional-”
The rest of what she was going to say died on her tongue when she heard a laugh coming from Pearl’s office. Not loud nor particularly boisterous—but, unmistakably real. Simultaneously turning their heads to lock eyes with each other, one thought was running in both of their heads.
What was going on in there?!?!
–
Sitting behind her desk with her head tilted upwards, Pearl said to her companion as she tried to contain her laughter,
“You are a terrible influence for me; remind me, why do I let you continue your antics during my work hours?”
Scoffing at the very notion, she put her hand over her chest as she theatrically said,
“Your work hours go from when the sun sets to when the sun rises! Every single day of every single week,” Putting her fingers together so she could make her thumb tap on it repeatedly to mimic the motion of a person speaking, “it’s always just work, work, work, work with you. If I didn’t decide to grace you with my presence—you would never take a break!”
While her smile was just as small as her stature; this was the only smile of Pearl’s that reached her eyes. Softly, she said,
“Thank you, Sparkle. I am truly grateful for all that you have done for me in the time we have known each other. It’s been…fun.”
A myriad of emotions passed by Sparkle’s face too fast for even Pearl to discern them. Averting her gaze away from Pearl, Sparkle mumbled,
“You’re welcome. I suppose you’re entitled to knowing that I also enjoy this.”
Slowly rising from her seat, Pearl gently cupped Sparkle’s chin so she could turn it and stare at her eyes. Still speaking in that soft voice, Pearl said,
“Amongst the over thousand masks you don,” Leaning her head forward so their foreheads rested against each other, Pearl was completely enraptured by Sparkle, “this one is the one I adore the most. You’re so…real that it hurts—but, I’m willing to try with this ‘you’. A constant by my side, one that I would enjoy to keep.”
Struggling to maintain eye contact, Sparkle attempted to respond. Emphasis on attempted.
Pressing a chaste kiss to the light in front of her, Pearl pulled Sparkle into her lap as she sat down again. Holding her as close to her heart, Pearl said,
“Take all the time you need, I can wait.”
At that, Sparkle buried her head into Pearl’s shoulder.