#sureaderinsert

Pearl is certainly more subtle about her ‘crush’ on you, or at least tries to be. Whereas Lapis will just confront you whenever she feels like it, Pearl will take her time stalking you around and watching you from afar.

Lapis certainly isn’t pleased by this however, and starts leaving notes around for you to find, a sticky note on your fridge in the middle of the night, a slip of paper on your desk when you’re not looking, the messages vary from small compliments commenting on your outfit to creepy notes talking about how sweet you look in your sleep.

Pearl, not to be outdone, resorts to stealing your things, taking your hairbrush or stealing clothes straight from your wardrobe. And you swore that shirt you left on the bed was there yesterday-

Things gradually escalate til you’re paranoid, buying new locks for your windows every other day to no avail, as somehow whoever the trespasser is manages to find another way in. It’s then that Lapis approaches you, whom you barely know, offering shelter from your supposed stalker. You’re running out of options by now so you accept, much to your own misfortune.

Oh you can be sure this little pest will not leave you alone, she’s a complete brat, bugging you every second of the day for your attention until you give it to her, starting again the moment you stop giving it to her.

If you continue to ignore her, she’ll throw a tantrum, breaking things and smashing decorations without pause until you give her your full attention, giving you a smug grin when you do so.

Interesting thought, considering how most of the rubies are far more team oriented, and how their strength is mainly in numbers, they’d probably try to stick together more than anything, occasionally fusing together to just pick you up and carry you away from any outside encounters.

💖

Rumours had started around your village of something supernatural going on nearby. Whether it had started recently or had been around for ages without anyone noticing no one was sure. An occult enthusiast yourself, you set out to prove the rumours right or wrong.

Late one night, strange lights started appearing on the edge of town. The second you notcied, you grabbed your satchel, vial of holy water on hand and a book for taking notes, and made a mad dash for the source of the strange phenomena.

When you finally found the place, the lights had died down, leaving behind a strange sight. There was no one to be seen anywhere, all that was left was what seemed to be the what remained of the source of the light, a blackened and burnt patch of ground, that looked very out of place against the grass. Intrigued, you began to approach it, but you were stopped short by the feeling of cold metal against your neck.

“State your business here.” Your heart pounding, you debated responding. Before you could open your mouth, a smooth, honeyed voice answered the first for you.

“Sheathe your blade Pearl. It’s only one of the villagers.”

Upon feeling the release of sharp steel against your neck you spun around. Before you stood four people, all similarly dressed in dark clothing. The first, who still looked on edge was fiddling with a small dagger in her hands. She was pale and slender, and had two cold blue eyes that glowered at you. Out of the two others who had not yet spoken, one was shorter, with purple skin and white hair, who looked curious, the other was much taller, and wore sunglasses (at this time of night?), with darker skin as well as being much curvier than the other two beside her. Behind them all towered one of the most gorgeous women you’d ever seen, dressed in shades of black and crimson, with curled pink hair that fell to her waist.

As you studied the group of four, something clicked in your head. Witches. You’d read about them before, how they performed rituals and magick unlike that you’d ever seen.

The presumable leader of the group began to make slow steps toward you, her long dress barely touching the ground. Her companions shifted uneasily. The slender one raised a hand to stop her. “Rose! Even if they’re just a villager, what if they raise the alarm? We should kill them now before they have that chance.” At this, you took several hasty steps back.

“Pearl please, you’re scaring them. My name is Rose. And you are?” As she spoke, her eyes locked on yours. You started to feel dizzy, barely noticing her muttering some words under her breath as you quietly told her your name. “Thank you. Now, would you mind following me and my friends here?” Her sugary words dripped with sweetness, as she continued to stare deep into your eyes. Your head and heart pounded as your light-headidness intensified, beginning to feel weak at the knees, you collapsed to the ground.

“I think you used too much.” You could hear the purple one comment.

“Rose, are you really sure we should do this? Eventually the villagers are going to notice her missi-“

“They won’t. I’ve been watching her for a while. She lives on the outskirts, barely noticed by anyone. She could be of use to us.”

As they continued discussing things, your hazy mind registered the feeling of two arms scooping themselves under you and lifting you into the air.

“Besides... this one is special.”