#rosequartzzine

How’s it going everybody! Here’s a preview of my piece for Garden of Secrets, the Rose Quartz zine!

Bats

"Doesn't the noise frighten them?"

"It did at first, but they kept coming back. They're used to it now."

Bismuth pounds a strip of metal to demonstrate, the sharp clang barely disturbing the new occupants. Rose has never seen a bat up close, only quick glimpses as they flutter through the twilight sky. She tilts her head to the side and Bismuth laughs behind her. Rose giggles back. The Earth never ceases to amaze her. Animals that rest upside down? They are strange and fantastic and silly, all perfectly encapsulating Earth’s marvels.  

It started as a few that left during the night and returned by day, but  within a short time the colony expands to a a few dozen. Bismuth hangs a tarp beneath them (they are still animals) that serves as the boundary to their space. As long as Gems remain outside and on the ground, the bats don’t seem to mind the company.

Many of the Gems who visit become similarly enamored, and as time passes it’s not unusual to find small groups sitting together to watch them. Today, Little Larimar is seated on Snowflake Obsidian’s shoulder as she points to a new arrival. Despite the Forge’s size, the bats choose to stay clustered. Returning individuals are greeted with a fanfare of squeaks and licks as they wedge themselves beside neighbors. 

Rose is so focused on the scene she doesn’t notice Bismuth’s approach until the hand rests on her shoulder.

“Looks cozy, huh?”

Rose nods. 

“This is what I like to imagine, when I think about us sharing the planet. Ways that allow us to peacefully coexist and benefit each other.”

“You know, it’s funny.” Bismuth tells her. “For all the time I spent building, I never had to think about the building itself. What the elites wanted, they got. But once we crush those upper crusts and get to start making our own communities? Everyone’s gonna get a say. It’s exciting, but those blueprints will be something else.”

“It’s going to be complex,” Rose acknowledges.

“More than just a tarp,” Bismuth adds. Rose snorts. 

“Well, you won’t be alone. All of us will be here supporting you.”

She places her own hand on Bismuth’s shoulder, interlinking their arms. Bismuth leans in and gently knocks the side of her head against Rose.

“We’re building something pretty amazing here, aren’t we?”