Disclaimer: I do not own Steven Universe.
A/N: Had some requests to continue a short school AU fic that was part of the one-shot compilation "How They Met".
For the sake of this story let's just pretend that it's completely normal for a whole bunch of people to be named after gems :P
Ruby ran through the vacant hallway of an unfamiliar building. She did not bother to look behind her, they were there.
She could hear them call out to her. The words hurt so much worse than the kicks and punches had.
How could such a harmless revelation cause individuals to turn to raw hate?
The thought was left unanswered, one of the many mysteries of life.
More important to Ruby at present: How to handle this situation?
Ruby had been a fighter all her life and she was no stranger to defending herself. But even she knew there were times when one must turn away from a fight.
It was not a sign of weakness; it was a sign of survival.
Adrenalin carried her through one hall to another, sharply turning in the hopes of losing her pursuers.
Hearing footsteps ahead, with the bearer still unseen, Ruby expertly ducked into one of the many rooms.
It was a small lecture hall. The room was darkened, save for one dim light, and in that light was illuminated an individual draped in blue.
That was all the information Ruby could process as she ran toward the stage.
Ruby was surprised that her actions and demeanor did not seem to surprise or frighten this individual. Instead, the woman continued to sing. The song was wordless, a soothing melody unlike any other.
Ruby took shelter behind the podium just as the door few open.
An imposing woman stepped into the room. Her hair was bleached close to white, skin a fake tan orange. Her nose, which was decorated with a distractingly large piercing, scrunched in displeasure as she surveyed the room. "You." She called out to the singer. "Have you seen anyone come past here?"
Ruby held her breath. She had not thought any of this through. In the heat of the moment she had simply come closer to this other person for safety. But what true safety could be found with this seemingly fragile stranger.
In a gentle but not at all timid voice, that 'fragile stranger' spoke, "I have not."
Mumbling a few choice words, the large woman left the two alone.
When Ruby heard the door close she let out a long breath and leaned her head back against the old wooden stand in relief.
Ruby's rescuer was first to speak, "You really shouldn't fight." The scolding voice held worry in it.
Worry was not a feeling Ruby was used to, she did not know how to respond, "Shut up."She snapped, standing to meet the other in the middle of the stage.
"They got you pretty good." The singer observed, not moving an inch as Ruby came ever closer.
Taking observation for insult, Ruby spoke a well warn challenge, "Watch it. You think I can't take you on or something?"
Ruby stopped an arm's length from this mysterious person. In the closeness, she noticed this woman had the most obstructive bangs. Perhaps that's why they did not move away, Came a passing thought.
"You won't hurt me."
Standing in the dim light beside this person was making Ruby's head spin. She could feel her body pulsing from pain with every heartbeat. Her mind had finally calmed enough to realize it was in pain.
Annoyance at the pain fuelled Ruby's response, "Huh. How would you know? You don't know me."
"You're right, I don't." The singer smiled kindly, "But I'm pretty skilled at reading people."
Ruby looked at this individual as though they were the most curious enigma. Did they have a name? Ruby found herself wondering.
Almost as though she could indeed read minds, the stranger spoke, "My name is Sapphire."
Ruby was a tad concerned that maybe this woman wasn't joking when she said she could read people. This surprise grew as Sapphire extended an inviting hand.
"I- I'm Ruby."
"Ruby." Sapphire tested.
It was very strange hearing the name spoken with such a warm tone. Wanting the conversation to continue, Ruby took the hand offered to her, "The song you were singing was lovely."
As a pained look crossed a bruised face, Sapphire let go as she realized, "You're bleeding."
Before Ruby could open her mouth to reassure her, Sapphire fled. Ruby watched her run out of the lecture hall. It was confusing as it was comedic.
Ruby expected Sapphire to run long ago, perhaps seeing blood was the last straw.
Still, it would have been a lie to say that Ruby was glad to see her go.
"Well that's that." She said aloud to the empty hall.
Taking a step forward, Ruby felt as though the ground beneath her had suddenly become uneven. Pain hit her side.
But she pushed through.
It had always been like this. Something Ruby lived by. You get through the pain on your own. You have to be strong on your own. Because no one will be there to pick you up if you fall.
It was not sad. Just truth.
BANG
The main door flew open once more. Ruby braced herself for the worst as she looked up to the noise.
This time a familiar blue clad figure, with her modest skirt bellowing around her, came flying down between the rows of chairs, "Stay still!" Sapphire ordered as she noticed that the fighter had moved.
Ruby obeyed. She really had nowhere else to be anyway.
Sapphire began to rummage hastily through the box she held in her arms, dropping things in her rush.
Ruby smiled and for a moment her pain was forgotten… but only a moment, "Ouch!" She flinched as Sapphire tried to address a small gash near her hairline.
"Sorry Sorry" Sapphire kept repeating, her face mirroring Ruby's expression as though she too was in pain.
Ruby sighed, "It's alright". She thought for a moment, "Here, let me take that." Sapphire handed the box over gladly, "This isn't the first time I've had to patch myself up." Ruby explained.
Sapphire nodded, following Ruby as she sat herself down at the edge of the stage. Sapphire watched the whole process with interest, as though she was trying to learn how to properly dress wounds in the future.
It made Ruby self conscious to be observed so intently. She took extra care in treating herself, unlike most times where her wellbeing hardly seemed to matter.
"You don't have to stay and watch." Ruby offered, "Are you done with your singing practice?"
"I just come to this lecture hall to relax." Sapphire admitted, "The echo in here is pretty great." She sang out a few notes to prove her point.
Sapphire turned to find Ruby's eyes locked with her own. It sobered them both. "Is anything wrong?" Sapphire asked.
"Thank you."
These words echoed as well, in a very different way.
Sapphire could feel the reverberation of these words. It made her inexplicably giddy and all too aware. An equally unpleasant and pleasant feeling ran through her. The result was a tint of color blooming upon her checks. She cursed the feeling, but it remained steadfast.
"Are you sure you don't need a doctor?" Sapphire asked, trying to change the subject.
"No."
"After you've finished with your bandages, where will you go?"
"I don't know."
Sapphire could hear a weight to Ruby's words. It made her realize that there was so much she did not know about the other.
"I'll stay with you until you figure it out."
"Do I get a say?" Ruby chuckled a bit, closing up the first aid kit.
Sapphire crossed her arms in jest, "Nope. I've already decided."
Ruby was glad. She leaned back onto the hard stage, waiting for her body to stop complaining.
She could hear Sapphire's body shift, jump down from the stage and walking off.
But as promised, that presence returned to her side.
The sound of pages being turned, calm breaths and humming electric lights were the only noises in that vast room.
Was this for real?
Was this person for real?!
If it wasn't for the pain she was in, Ruby would have had to pinch herself.
This all felt like a dream or at the very least the start to a really corny movie.
Sapphire was really willing to stay with her until she decided what to do next… she would be waiting a while.
Ruby felt nauseous at the realization that going 'home' was no longer an option for her. Not tonight anyway.
And survival left little time to make friends.
Who was there to fall back upon?
Despite the benevolent promise, it was not fair to make this kind stranger wait all night for something that wouldn't come, "You can go." Ruby turned her head to find the most unnaturally blue eyes looking back at her. "I'm good he..." Her voice trailed off.
Sapphire had pushed her hair back to read a thick worn textbook that was resting in her lap.
Warm brown locked with cold blue.
Everything about Sapphire sent a chill through Ruby, and she found it impossible to speak further.
Something about those eyes was hauntingly familiar.
The bearer of those blue eyes spoke, "Are you sure you're alright?" Sapphire noticed the change in Ruby and became concerned for her condition.
Ruby nodded slowly, feeling slightly silly.
But Sapphire was not convinced, "Do you think maybe I could convince you to come home with me tonight?"
Ruby raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying to pick me up?"
"Wha? N-No." Came a flustered reply. "Not to say you aren't- I mean, I am… No!"
It hurt to laugh, but there was no way to keep it in.
Sapphire buried her face into the book, cheeks set aflame from embarrassment, "I know we just met and all-" The singer explained, "but I wouldn't have to worry about how you were feeling. It was just a thought. I'm sorry."
The laughter quieted. Sapphire took this as a sign that she was safe to peer out from behind her shield of knowledge.
Ruby slowly sat up, asking aloud that which she had been asking herself this entire time, "Why do you even care? You don't know me."
Sapphire closed her book, "You're right. I don't." She slid off the stage and moved to one of the chairs, rustling through a bag that held her thing.
Ruby swallowed hard, preparing herself to watch the other leave.
"WaitWaitWait"
Sapphire froze in place.
"I …can you stay a bit longer? We can talk and maybe-"
Ruby watched Sapphire turn back in response.
"You thought I was leaving?" The blue eyed woman giggled, pointing to the bottle of water in her hand, "Do you want one? The only other thing I have is coffee from this morning. Oh! And snacks if you're hungry."
"…"
Sapphire turned away once more, continuing to rummage in her bag, "There are pretzels and pretty much any sweet you can think of in here."
"…"
"Ruby?"
The one in question was now the one feeling embarrassing, "You said a sleep over, right." Saying it made Ruby feel like a grade school child.
"Yes."
"How far away is your place?"
"Not far."
Ruby slid off the stage and Sapphire met her half way with arms ready for support should they be required.
But Ruby was stable.
"Can I have the water?"
Sapphire smiled.
When Ruby felt ready, the two prepared to leave, "I suddenly don't like this idea." Ruby complained to Sapphire, "They could still be here."
Both were spying around corners as they made their way out of the school building. "Trust me." Sapphire replied in a hush.
"You're insight?" Ruby guessed.
"No, of course not." Sapphire looked over at Ruby as though she had lost her mind, "I've got a secret weapon in my bag." Sapphire then quickly fled out of an exit they had deemed secure.
Leaving Ruby to wonder, "What?" She caught up to Sapphire on the other side of the door. Ruby noticed that she was substantially slower than the singer. She was unsure if this was a natural ability Sapphire possessed or the fact that she herself still felt the terrible sting from the night's fight.
"Unless it's in my other bag."
Ruby thought she heard the blue eyed girl say to herself. She chose to ignore that little bit of uncertainty and asked, "Are you sure your housemates will be fine with me staying the night?"
"Of course they'll be fine with it!" Sapphire reflected for a moment, "Well, Pearl might be a bit unreceptive to the idea. She's sort of…" Sapphire couldn't find the right words to do her friend's behavior justice. "But Rose will definitely get her to change her mind."
An interesting mix of emotions ran through Ruby. She could not name them as they had all fused together. It made her stomach flutter.
Ruby noticed that Sapphire did not question her situation or why she was on the run. Was Sapphire even sure that Ruby was a student at this school?
Regardless, Ruby was thankful she did not have to explain anything. Explaining aloud would force her to confront the truth.
It was something she did not yet wish to do.
The two took their time walking down the deserted street. All was silent. Every so often Ruby would peek over at Sapphire. She found the other still smiling to herself as though she did not have a care in the world. A car would sometimes pass, enveloping them in a momentary spot light.
And in no time at all, "We're here." Sapphire said suddenly, motioning to a rundown looking townhouse. She casually walked up to the door and-
"Sapphire!" Came a very motherly voice. The door flew open to reveal a slender short haired woman. "Do you have any idea what time it is?" She squawked.
"Pearl." It was evident in Sapphire's tone that this individual was not the one she had hoped to be greeted by.
Pearl opened the door to let them in. She looked passed Sapphire, "Who's this?" Came a curt question.
"Oh." Sapphire stepped aside, gently leading her guest into the house behind her, careful to avoid the wounds, "This is Ruby."
Pearl eyed the beaten looking visitor with displeasure, "Rose!" She called.
Ruby couldn't help but rolled her eyes. She did not know this 'Pearl' person, but Ruby now understood Sapphire's description of her… indescribable.
"Yes, my Pearl." A beautiful woman descended the stairs. Ruby tried not to stare but found it impossible. Everything about Rose was comforting, elegant and beautiful.
"Sapphire brought-" Pearl glanced over at Ruby, giving her another onceover, "This home."
"Can she stay here for a while?" Sapphire pleaded.
All three housemates looked to be around the same age. But as Ruby watched their conversation unfurl she found the way they spoke to be almost family-like.
Pearl turned to Sapphire, "And where will she stay?"
"With me." Sapphire stated, as though it should have been obvious.
"Ruby." Rose's single word silenced the sibling-like argument."It's nice to meet you." She smiled a big and beautiful smile.
"Nice to meet you too." Ruby replied.
And just like that the chaos of voices re-erupted.
"We're just going to let her stay?!"
"She's obviously important to Sapphire."
"I never said-"
"What's all the ruckus?" A new voice entered the fray from atop the stairs, "Oh, hey, who's this?!"
"Everyone stop crowing around Ruby, please!"
"See, she does care."
"You got beat up, dude."
"Rose, but we don't know her."
Rose let out a chuckle.
Ruby took a step back, feeling overwhelmed.
In an instant Sapphire stepped in front of her.
Brown eyes blinked at the fast and protective motion.
"Thank you for staying up for me, Pearl." Sapphire bowed her head slightly in thanks, "Everyone." She regarded the rest, "But I think I- we should be getting to bed."
Pearl tried to protest but Rose hushed her and nothing more was said.
Sapphire bid the group, "Goodnight."
Ruby felt lost, she waved awkwardly at the bunch before following Sapphire up the steps.
"Sorry about everyone." Sapphire apologized, watching Ruby from the bed, "They all mean well."
Ruby, dressed in borrowed night cloths, already felt unimaginably more relaxed. She was fixing her hair for the night and wondering to herself how she could feel so at ease with this stranger.
"It's alright." Ruby understood, "I should actually be thanking you."
Sapphire smiled. She was so glad to see Ruby in better spirits. Sapphire couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something about this stranger felt familiar. Usually Sapphire could expertly remember a face from the past. But Ruby was a new face, with a nostalgic feel.
After she was done wrapping her hair, Ruby stretched, lying back on the floor softly. It appeared as though she could fall asleep right there.
"What are you doing?" Sapphire raised an eyebrow.
"I-" Ruby looked over at her from the floor.
Sapphire pat at the empty space in her bed, "There's enough room."
"Do you always invite people you just met a few hours ago into your bed?" Ruby joked, moving over to the bed and sliding into the exact spot Sapphire had showed her.
"Oh, all the time~" The words dripped with sarcasm, "As you can tell, my friends are already so used to me having guests." She propped herself on one arm, watching Ruby get settled under the covers. "Comfy?" She asked, before shutting off the light.
"Very." Ruby noticed 'glow in the dark' stars light up the ceiling above as the room turned black.
"I'm glad." Came a kindhearted voice from beside her.
It was silent for a long while. Ruby felt her eyes adjust to the dark. She looked over at Sapphire, trying to guess if blue eyes were adjusting as well.
"Are you still awake?" Sapphire asked, almost to answer Ruby's thoughts.
"Yes."
"Are you in pain?"
"No."
"Are you sleepy?"
"Not anymore."
"Neither am I." Sapphire mused, "Is that strange?"
"Very."
Ruby could hear Sapphire's grin through her words, "Then you must be just as strange as me."
Ruby walked to her morning class. She liked to take the same side path every day.
No one knew of it.
Morning sun overflowed through the trees, spilling onto the rocky path. It was a stark contrast to the hellish day before.
She watched her feet cover the ground, conforming to the uneven terrain.
At that moment something made Ruby look up. She froze at the sight of who stood before her.
"Jasper." She hissed.
"Hey, Ruby." Came a smugness, "Feeling better?" The tone was anything but caring.
"What do you want?"
"Isn't it obvious? I want you gone." Before Ruby could blink, the larger woman's fist met with her face. The impact sent her flying against a nearby tree.
Even so, Ruby did not cry out for help. Who could help? She reached for her side as a familiar pain re-awoke there.
In that instant Ruby felt pain on multiple levels consume her.
Jasper laughed as she saw the look of despair, "You know I'm right. That's why you can't even fight back anymore. All you can do is run." She towered over Ruby. "But you can't escape me. You don't deserve to-"
"Ruby!"
Ruby didn't even have to look around to see who had called out to her, "Sapphire." She whispered. How had she been found?
Sapphire separated the two.
"You're that singing girl?" Jasper noted, looking back and forth between the two before her, "I get it."
"No, you don't." Sapphire assured, "You don't really understand anything."
Jasper seemed to grow more infuriated by this stranger's calm words.
"Please run." Ruby pleaded with Sapphire.
"I'm not going to leave you." Sapphire stated, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Besides, I've got my secret weapon remember." She winked.
Jasper and Ruby watched as Sapphire went through her bag, pulling out simple white leathery gloves.
"Gloves." Jasper snorted, "That's your weapon?"
"My fists." Sapphire assured, slipping the fabric on skillfully.
Jasper lunged at Sapphire.
Ruby watched Sapphire use her size and speed to bob and weave around attacks. She was like a warrior princess, elegant but nothing to be messed with.
Finally a single hit landed.
Jasper took a step back, a red outline blooming on her cheek.
"Don't bother Ruby again." Sapphire warned.
Jasper huffed, turning away.
Ruby's mouth hung open. It couldn't be that easy. She watched Sapphire take off her gloves. Her hand unharmed from the strike.
"You know, I don't really like fighting." Sapphire shared aloud.
Ruby looked away, "You don't have to… I mean, you wouldn't have if you kn-" Tears threatened to spill over.
"Oh, Ruby." Sapphire cooed, "It's already too late."
Ruby looked up just as arms enveloped her in a hug.
"I already care about you too much not to fight."
It was warm and safe in that embrace. Ruby opened her eyes to find herself in Sapphire's dark bedroom.
A dream?
Ruby felt a soreness and she looked down to find that Sapphire had burrowed herself by her side. The sleeping woman's arms pressed innocently against the growing bruise on her side.
It had just been a dream-
However, Sapphire was real and her arms were more than a dream.
Ruby sighed contently as she contemplated the best way to pull away from the clingy sleeper.
A streak of guilt rushed through Ruby's mind as sleep once again tightened its hold.
You would never be this close if you knew me.
A/N: This was a bit of a recap of the the story. More to come! I'm so excited to finally be writing this story.
Reviews are much appreciated ^_^