#peripearl

Expectation

Peridot:

One's attraction to another's appearance is subjective and arbitrary, and refraction of light in a spectrum objectively holds no more significance over another; furthermore complimenting one's form on a trait they have no control over serves no purpose. However, I find the urge to allow you to know your eyes are the bluest blue I've ever seen to even outshine the Earth's sky on the clearest day. 

It would be optimal if you could partake in marriage with me as well.

Pearl:

Of course, I love you!

Reality

Peridot:

Erm... I noticed your eyes and they're not bad.

Pearl:

She was more skillful now, Pearl had to admit. The Era-1 dagger still wobbled in the breeze of the sky arena but the shaking was almost imperceptible.

"It's not that I don't want to develop your unique abilities more, Peridot. You have almost a ranged weapon skill but your connection is lacking. You're not appreciating the need to block an opponent's moves."

"A good offense is the best defense," Peridot retorted, waving her hand to make the dagger thrust.

"Mmm. Connie? Disarm her."

"Yes ma'am!" The girl sprang forward and before Peridot could object her dagger was knocked away and the technician was on her back with a Gem-forged sword held to her slender neck.

"I wasn't ready!" The indignant squawk betrayed her wounded pride.

I redesigned my idea of a fusion between pearl and peridot! meet harlequin opal,,

“Pearl is just as smart as you are!” Steven was unhappy with the tension, nervously wringing his hands. “She fixed your escape pod, didn’t she?”

“A minor feat! Defeating the Cluster is going to take more than that. More ingenuity, more— more than a Pearl could hope to accomplish!”

The Gem in question leaned against the wall with her arms folded over her chest. Pearl felt no need to defend her skills and quite frankly she was enjoying the show. There was something hilarious about Peridot stomping around, and in any event she had already broken the television (a frequent casualty of any disturbance in the temple.)

“Steven? Have you eaten lunch? You’re going to wear yourself out trying to teach this one manners.” Pearl looked as amused as she sounded.

“Manners! I am an A-class technician and certified Kindergartener! I can pilot any ship and repair any—“

“You’re cute when you’re mad.” Pearl ruffled Peridot’s tetrahedral crown of yellow hair as she walked past her. Peridot was silenced instantly as an aqua blush brightened her cheeks. Her eyes grew wide behind her visor.

At first she claimed it was a professional appraisal of Pearl's gemetic makeup. This went over about as well as her leading questions about Pearl's original owner. Peridot learned to hold her tongue although she knew it had to be a powerful elite-- who else would custom order such a fancy Pearl? The way the sash could be tied and rearranged fascinated her to no end.

"Peridot, what are you doing back there?" Pearl sounded more amused than anything else although there was a note of impatience in her voice.

"I'm examining--" Peridot thought better of her comment about modifying one's appearance. "I'm fixing your bow."

"I believe Amethyst 'fixed' it this morning. Thank you, Peridot." Pearl was definitely amused now. She knew this silly ruse.

"The material feels nice to touch." This was said in an unusually timid voice for the bossy little Gem and Pearl turned around in surprise.

"You know I'll let you fuss with it if you ask nicely. I don't know why it's so interesting to you, but you're not the first to want to touch it."

"It accentuates your form very well." Peridot was trying to sound detached but there was an aqua flush on her cheeks.