bigsteeb

Pearl swallows. Awkwardly clears her throat. “There are a few other things we could talk about - if you’re in the mood to talk.”

He pauses then murmurs, “I know it must hurt to see me like this. I’m sure it’s a reminder than Mom is really gone.”

“No,” she says. It’s an instinctual lie, and it comes out so quick it’s obvious. She can see the slight roll of his eyes, and lowers her own. “Yes. That isn’t easy to handle. It’s... seeing her gem in your is confirmation she’s gone, and that hurts.”

The kettle dings and he shrugs as he pours the water in. She listens to the water trickle in, covering the leaves, and it isn’t long before the floral scent fills the kitchen. “I can’t fix it for you. I keep my gem covered up, but I can’t hide that I’m all gem. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize, Diamond. That’s...” She shakes her head, and guilt pours into her belly that his first thought is wondering how to help her through this. She pushes on. “It’s upsetting, but that’s not something I would put on you. I talk to Garnet.”

Diamond blinks. “Then do you want to talk to me about?”

She makes a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob, her hand gesturing to him, then falling away. “Because you’re hurting, Diamond. You’re not a fusion that’s fallen apart. You’re a fragment. Do you really think I don’t want to help?”

He set the lid on top, plunger high, voice cool. “I spent years helping everyone else. Accepting help is hard enough. Asking for it is impossible.” He shrugs, and thought Star or Steven would set a timer, Diamond looks at the tea and holds the passing seconds in his head. “I didn’t think you’d want to help.”

She steps closer, setting her hand on his. Energy crackles on the surface of him, pure power that’s barely restrained. Her voice is soft. “I’ve never been good at understanding what people need from me. That’s not a Pearl’s job. We follow orders, not anticipate them.” Her fingers curl around his, gripping them tight. “But seeing you like this rips my heart in half. Please, Steven. Tell me what to do. I’ll help.”

His Adam’s apple bobs. “Make some tea with me? We could start there.”