#spnel

It took a day or two to realize there was something on Steven’s mind, and a day or two more to actually convince him to share. But once she heard it, Spinel’s whole story, Pearl really felt for the little Gem. She knew what it was like to feel abandoned. Of course, Spinel’s case was a little more literal, and she couldn’t begin to fathom why Rose—or Pink—would do that.

At first she tried to put it out of her mind, reminding herself that Spinel was with people who would love and care for her now and there was nothing more she could do to help her. But then...she started thinking about how she certainly had people who loved and cared for her after Rose left, namely Garnet and Amethyst. But that didn’t soothe the ache, not really. Because as much as they all loved each other, neither Garnet nor Pearl had even close to what Pearl and Rose had, not really. They couldn’t possibly understand that level of loss...

It wasn’t a completion.

Even so, she couldn’t help but wonder if Spinel felt similarly alone, even with the Diamonds. Sure, they’d all loved Pink dearly, but had they really been abandoned the same way, the same degree?  Maybe there was something she could connect with Spinel on at a unique level. It was worth a try, in any case. 

So, only about a week after Spinel had left the planet, Pearl planned a little trip to Homeworld to talk with Spinel. Garnet and Amethyst were (understandably) a bit apprehensive about the idea, but Pearl assured them that she wouldn’t be long. Steven was actually pretty supportive of the idea!

@spnel​ said:  ' WHAT IF!! We ALL travelled together next time!! I'm pretty sure it'd be a LOT more fun to go 'round here 'n there to new galaxies being accompanied this time! ' though Spinel have had her fun in this little adventure, she couldn't help but think each time something new happened on how much the Diamonds would be enjoying the trip as much as she have. ' I know, y'r busy 'n all... But mmmaybe we could figure something out! '

"𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋...𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐁𝐔𝐒𝐘 as of late.” This new Era had free thought, debate, elections — and no need, it seemed, for Diamonds. Blue was left teetering between relief and regret with this new lack of purpose, and more time than ever to reflect upon it. “Yellow has buried herself in another project, but perhaps the two of us together can pull her away.”

@spnel​ said:  bounces up and down :) 

𝐍𝐎 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐄 all the galaxy had to offer. Even now, she stood before a being she failed to recognize: apparently sentient, a brilliant pink, but friendly enough. Shaak Ti looked on curiously as they danced in place. Was that...squeaking?

     White lies & faux smiles; dancing around the issue akin to any pearl would. ‘twas a detestable fact & yet one she had to face nonetheless. -- lying had been part of her purpose, once; now nevermore. Nay, when approaching the other in a moment of tranquillity, she felt no urge to be vague or lie; perhaps latest fusion had remedied more than she would ever dare to admit / why, the truth was a wonderful thing, certainly, but also cruel; colouring every fond memory in some twisted shade. -- oh, you have to look at life from both sides now. From bittersweet own, & sour other. 

    “It’s a rather delicate topic, I am well aware -- just natural curiosity, really -- but... how is Homeworld?” there is a pause; the nerve-wrecking, breath-baited kind. Fingers entwined & set in front of her stomach; a crooked smile on her lips [deem it faux, maybe; or perhaps as genuine as they come]. Oh, a diamond uttered invitation to return still sat heavily on her heart; this is ERA 3, remember: your record has been wiped clean. -- still. There was a feeling of dread she could not shake. “You may or may not be aware it has been quite some time since I have last uh... rode by.”

    Steven is exhausted. Emotionally and physically, he doesn’t think he’s ever been this drained ( which is saying a lot ). He doesn’t remember much about what happened-- only the sheer intensity of it. So much pain, and anger, and hurt, something in him had finally SNAPPED, and he lashed out against everyone. Until that overwhelming feeling of support, love, and before he knew it, he was sobbing against Lion, shaking and finally letting everything out. 

@spnel​ said:  As she stops walking, so does the squeaky noise. ' What noise :) ‘

𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍. Seizing upon the force, she reached out, lifting this tiny pink irritant into the air. 

                    “   a   -   hah   -   ha   !   ”   a   gloved   hand   lifts   to   wipe   a   single   tear   from   the   corner   of   her   eye   .   the   hard   light   form   of   her   sides   practically   𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄   from   laughter   ,   but   the   warmth   that   spreads   out   from   her   gem   is   more   than   enough   to   soothe   it   away   .   she   can’t   quite   recall   the   last   time   she’s   laughed   so   hard   ,   but   what   else   should   she   have   expected   ?   spinel   is   so   very   much   like   pink   .

                    “   oh   ,   what   a   𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑅𝑀𝐼𝑁𝐺   little   thing   you   are   ----   and   𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻   𝑹𝑰𝑫𝑰𝑪𝑼𝑳𝑶𝑼𝑺   𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑫   !   you   simply   must   teach   it   to   my   pearl   .   ”   ||   @spnel​