Work Text:
Peridot had just returned from checking the garden for any ripe crops to find Lapis…what was the taller Gem doing, actually?
Peridot tilted her head, trying to figure it out.
In a previously empty corner of the barn sat a shelf that appeared to house those things people opened and quietly looked at, which Peridot could not recall the name of at the moment. There was an additional hammock plus some…chairs, if Peridot was remembering the name correctly.
Lapis didn't seem to notice her barnmate’s questioning stare, as she was currently hanging in midair and placing some books on the top shelf of what Steven had recently informed her was called a “bookcase”.
Once Peridot had tired of trying to figure out what the blue Gem was doing, she strolled over. “Hey, Lapis?”
Lapis jumped, having been startled by the sudden voice. She turned and sighed in relief when she glanced down and saw it was just Peridot.
“Sorry, Lapis. I didn't mean to startle you.” Peridot gave a sheepish look.
Lapis waved a hand and flew down to the ground to be more level with the shorter Gem. “No worries, Peri. What's up?”
“Oh, I was just wondering what you were doing.”
Lapis moved aside as if to show off her handiwork. “I'm building us a reading nook!”
Peridot squinted. “A…reading nook? I don't think I've heard of that.”
“Steven told me about them. It's basically a little area to sit and read in,” Lapis explained. “Well, you don't necessarily have to just read in that area. But that's its designed purpose.”
Peridot tilted her head. “People require specific areas designated for reading? They can't just do that wherever?”
Lapis shrugged. “I mean, they could. But some people like to have a little area to relax in while they read.”
“Huh.” Peridot digested that bit of information.
“I thought it sounded nice, so I decided I'd build one for us,” Lapis continued. “Steven had a bookcase and some chairs in the garage that weren't being used, so he let us have them. And there was also an extra hammock.”
Peridot nodded, her eyes scanning over the newest addition to the home she and Lapis shared. “I must say, it looks quite nice.”
Lapis smiled. “I'm glad you like it. Feel free to make your own additions. I want this to be a space that represents us both.”
Peridot's eyes lit up at the prospect of also getting to build onto the new area and hearing that Lapis wanted it to be a space for both of them. “We should add a little table if there's one that isn't being used by anyone.”
“Good idea!” Lapis agreed.
Peridot smiled, happy that her ideas were being received well so far.
“Steven might have some of those,” Lapis noted. “I'll go check. Feel free to add some more while I'm gone.”
Peridot smiled more. “Wow, thanks.”
“Of course.” Lapis smiled back before exiting the barn and flying away.
Peridot turned back to the reading nook, surveying the area and trying to decide what else could be added.
She eventually decided on adding some of her potted plants to a lower shelf of the bookcase and the window nearby.
She assessed her work and nodded approvingly. This is quite acceptable. No, it's perfect. It represents us both.
Lapis returned a bit later, flying into the barn and holding a small coffee table.
Peridot glanced up after tending to the plants. “I see you found a table.”
“Sure did,” Lapis confirmed, gently easing to the ground and placing the table down in front of the chairs.
Then the blue Gem shifted her focus over to Peridot, taking note of the plants that now decorated the window and one of the bookcase’s shelves. “Peri, this looks amazing!”
“I-it does?” Peridot found herself a bit shocked. She knew Lapis would never cast judgment on her choices of decoration, but she hadn't expected such a response.
“Of course it does!” Lapis assured her. “The plants really spruce up the space.”
Peridot smiled. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.” Lapis smiled back.
The partners sat side by side, admiring the handiwork that had gone into creating the new addition to the barn.
“Should we add more?” Peridot asked.
“Hm…” Lapis tapped her chin. “I think I'm done adding stuff for now, but you feel free to add more if you want.”
“Hm…I think I'm done for now too, actually,” Peridot said. “I think we should relax now and enjoy the results.”
Lapis chuckled. “Sounds good to me.” She wandered over to the bookcase, scanned over the book options, picked one, and settled down on the couch with it.
Peridot followed suit, choosing her own book and taking a seat next to Lapis.
The two Gems opened their books and began to read, a comfortable silence falling over them as they both got lost in a different world among the words on the pages.
At one point, Peridot shifted and rested her head on the blue Gem’s lap.
Lapis glanced down and noticed her.
Peridot’s eyes remained glued to her book for a minute, but then she looked up and gave Lapis a little smile.
Lapis smiled back before shifting her attention back to her book.
Here in the quiet, in the new reading nook they had created together, Lapis and Peridot found that they hoped to spend many more quiet but companionable moments together just like this one.