A/N: Hey guys! So this is going to be a collection of one shots I guess, mainly between Amethyst and Pearl. I literally binge watched the first two seasons a few days ago (because yes, I am a huge fan and proud) and couldn't stop thinking of this. Just needed a reason to write something, I don't know, that was just for fun.

Anyway, kinda long, so hope you guys can actually stick around for the whole thing haha. Each individual story will be rated differently depending on content, so I'll make sure to specify its rating before the story begins.

Please, please, please review. Criticism helps push me to do better and praise just makes my day. You guys are why I'm still posting, and I thank you all! -Sara

A/N: I just wanted to clarify really quickly that this takes place right after the events in episode 40, so right after Amethyst, Steven, and Pearl return from the Kindergarten. Story is in first person, from Pearl's POV. Rated T.

Story:

The sounds of the warp pad around us died down as everything came into focus at last, and my body immediately relaxed as such familiar surroundings were spotted. It was so much safer here than at the Kindergarten, so much lighter and friendlier.

Garnet was waiting as I'd requested, standing just by the kitchen counter, arms crossed over her stomach. She smiled as we stepped down, Amethyst letting go of my hand as soon as she realized the older gem was watching.

"Yeah, well, I think I'm gonna go to my room," she murmured, shrugging us off as she turned and quickly trotted over to the temple entrance.

I sighed but didn't even watch her go, instead letting Steven's small hand go as he yawned and rubbed at his eyes.

"Long day, huh?" Garnet remarked, having eyed his action.

"Yeah, but worth it. Why didn't you guys tell me Amethyst was originally from here?" He looked exhausted, but when I looked at Garnet she shook her head, smile faltering.

"It's a long story," I tried interjecting, but the older gem dismissed me.

"Steven, some things are simply more complex than can be explained. Amethyst is a valued member of this team and... our friend. But her past is one none of us wish to discuss. Because of this, neither I nor Pearl may answer anything. You must take this matter up with Amethyst herself if you wish to know anything further."

I sighed in relief when Steven decided to drop it, nodding in understanding and looking out the window by the doorway. Several hours ago the sun had set, and it was well past his bedtime. It was a beautiful night though, without a doubt.

"I'm going to bed now. I'll see you guys in the morning, right?"

"Yes, of course," I answered first, and Garnet nodded when Steven looked at her.

"Goodnight then. See you guys in the morning," he called as he walked toward the stairs to his bed, stifling a yawn as he did so.

I watched until he was up all the steps, then groaned and ran a hand up my arm, looking over at the statue still form before me. "Garnet, what are we going to do?" I questioned quietly.

I couldn't see her eyes behind the shades she always adorned, but she silently motioned me to follow, and I did as requested. She led me to front door, then out into the dark and cool night.

A full moon shone beautifully in a dark azure sky, illuminating the crashing waves upon glistening sand. The smell of salt hung heavy in the still air, a moisture clinging to your skin. It made a small smile pull at the corners of my mouth. Earth truly was a natural wonder, a place to be admired and respected. I'd give anything to see it stay that way.

We stood in silence a feet apart, and I walked to the stairs and looked out, surveying a few seagulls who were flying in from town. Their cries carried to my ears, sharp squawks that reverberated against the rock cliff.

"I think you should talk to her, Pearl. She needs to know you're there for her," Garnet finally spoke.

I glanced back and shook my head. "It doesn't... I just..." I clasped my hands together, uncertainty making me question everything. "She said she thought I hated her, that I thought she was just a mistake... How could she think that?"

Quiet, then, "You are not quite open about your feelings."

I shook my head and fidgeted. "Of course not. Feelings... They just get you hurt," I muttered.

Of course I was referring to Rose. Everything I'd done for centuries was for her. Everything I was had been hers. And yet she'd loved Greg.

I was shocked when a gentle hand rested on my shoulder, as I hadn't even heard Garnet move. She didn't look directly at me, instead turning to look back in through the partially open door.

I was envious of Garnet. Of Ruby and Sapphire. How could two gems find such compatibility? How was such a bond possible?

"If that was true, no one would ever be happy. Steven would not be with us. I would not even exist." She looked at me, or over me. "It is true that these things can hurt. To love someone you cannot have, to hurt someone you care about more than anything, it is complicated. But is it really not worth it?"

I bit my lip and shook off her touch, hugging my arms around my waist. "It is, but I just... I don't know how to..."

The smallest of smiles showed on her lips, and she took a step back. "Just talk to her, Pearl. She said she would be in her room."

I wrinkled my nose at that. The very idea... Her room struck a nerve in me I didn't even wish to have. Why she wouldn't just let me clean a little was something I couldn't understand.

But I sighed, knowing that that train of thought was one I'd have to continue dealing with.

"Okay, you're right. But, Garnet..." I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to ask for something I shouldn't have.

Garnet knew though, and her smile grew the smallest bit. "Yes, things go fine. Do not worry so much." She turned around and walked to the door before saying anything further. "Now, I must go somewhere tonight. I should be returning in a few hours."

I nodded in understanding though she wasn't even looking, and listened to the click of the door as it was shut. I needed to get myself together before I headed inside. I needed to know what I was going to say to the younger gem, how she might react to me.

But that wasn't where my mind went. Rose. I groaned and leaned forward, closing my eyes. I missed her. I wanted her here, I wanted to have someone I could speak to freely.

But you do have that. You always have, my mind thought, catching me off guard as the image of Amethyst went soaring through my head. Her courageous yet cocky personality, the way she smiled with such playful sweetness. The dark violet of her eyes and softness of her touch. The fierce fire that burned within her heart.

I felt a faint blush crossing my cheeks and quickly shook it free, straightening out with a new purpose. I furrowed my brow and breathed in deeply, counting to ten in my head before turning and shuffling inside, shutting the door securely behind me as I continued forth.

Garnet was already gone, the house dark and quiet. All I could hear was Steven's soft snoring, and I had the almost unbearable urge to watch his sleep, his peaceful features so much like his mother's.

But I wouldn't, not tonight. Tonight, I was determined to show Amethyst she had nothing to worry about. She deserved far more than I was giving. I saw how she looked at me sometimes, her playful bantering could not hide the smile in her vocals when she spoke to me. It didn't matter how much we fought, she always found a way to smile and laugh at me.

The temple doorway came forth far too soon, and I opened into my room. I could get to her room easily from here, and the extra few seconds separate would do me some good as I steadied myself.

The sounds of the rushing water soothed, calming me. But not for long. Because Amethyst was not in her room. She was right here.

She looked up from where she sat cross legged by a waterfall, her eyes slightly puffy still from where she'd cried earlier at the Kindergarten. Her hair was a crazy mess, pose anything but straight. Yet... I didn't think I'd ever seen her look so beautiful.

"Hey, P," she called out, not bothering to stand though. I stared a moment, blinking only after I'd looked her over once more, only relaxing my tightened muscles when the shock of finding her here wore off.

"Amethyst, I was just coming to speak to you," I said, walking forward.

Amethyst rolled her eyes, looking into the room. "Yeah, because I need comforting. I'm not a child, Pearl."

I shook my head though she didn't see and stopped a few feet shy of her form. "That's not why I was coming to see you. I want to... I need to apologize, Amethyst. But more than that."

The younger gem looked over her shoulder briefly, snorted. "Apologize? Come on, you did that back there. Everything's just peachy."

I winced at her harsh tone and ran a hand over my lower arm nervously. "Please, just give me a chance, Amethyst."

Silence, and I took that as a sign to continue. But I didn't, instead steeling the courage to walk all the way over to her and sit next to her gently. She barely gave me a sideways glance, but I didn't mind.

"I... I spoke to Garnet, and to Steven. He wants to ask you some things about your past. Garnet and I agree it would be best you were the one to answer those questions."

Nothing, so I continued.

"Amethyst... I truly never would have thought you believed what you did. I thought..." I sighed and rested a palm on my forehead, feeling my cool gem beneath my skin. "I know you care for me, Amethyst, and I'm sorry I haven't shown the same feelings. It's just not easy for me."

That, I finally received a reply on. Too bad it was a negative one. She scoffed, glaring at me in such a way it made me wince back. "Not easy for you? And you think it is for me? So I'm just supposed to be fine with being rejected? I'm supposed to accept that you seem to hate me?"

I shook my head fervently and opened my mouth to speak. "N-no, it's not-"

Amethyst jumped away when I reached out to touch her shoulder. "No! Every time I get around you, you get all uptight and bitchy! I know I'm stupid, and I know I do stupid stuff, but the least you could do is pretend to care!"

There were tears in her eyes again, and I withdrew in on myself. Garnet had said things would go fine... Had I just chosen the wrong path?

"Please, Amethyst, just let me-"

"NO!" The scream was so loud it echoed, and rage burned in her eyes through the fine mist of salty water. "I'll never be her, Pearl! I'll never be Rose! Why can't you accept she's gone?!"

I sucked in a breath, freezing. There it was, the wrenching pain of agony coursing through my body. I sat rigid, fighting the urge to scream as well and sob like a human child. Why? How could she bring up her?

Amethyst noticed the sudden chill to the air and unclenched her fists, mouth dropping as she realized what she'd said. "Pearl... I-I..."

"Just go," I whispered, bringing my knees up to my chest. Everything was tight, everything was cold.

Everything was wrong.

But Amethyst didn't do as I requested.

Beefy arms wrapped around my slender frame, and I found myself being pulled into a bone crushing embrace. A gasp caught in my throat as her face buried against my shoulder.

"No, I'm not going anywhere, P. Not right now," she mumbled. I sat stiffly only a moment before the tears were there, stinging and falling.

And then I was sobbing, clutching onto the younger gem like my life depended on it. She pulled me closer if that was possible, took my cheeks into her wide hands and lifted my eyes up to look into her own. We were crying together, and her smile was genuine as her shoulders shook.

And then her lips were touching my skin, kissing away the salty drops that cascaded down my face, soft and gentle and supportive. I pushed her away briefly, wiped at her own tears and tried to return the look. It came out as a sideways grimace though, and she laughed at the expression.

"Don't strain yourself, P. Gonna blow something like that."

And I couldn't even register the words before her lips overtook my own, capturing my mouth in a sweet kiss that send shudders through my being. Her lips were hot, I tasted the salt on them, but they were just as soft and lovely as I'd ever hoped.

My eyelids shuttered closed as I leaned into her, reveling as our lips moved against one another uncertaintly but desperately. It was clumsy and unstable, but never had I been more okay with imperfection.

Because even if this wasn't perfect, she was. She always had been, always would be. And I loved her.

A/N: Okay guys, so first one is done and done (: I have several one shots in mind, but if there are certain relationships you really want me to do, then by all means, request, please!

Thank you! -Sara