Chapter 9: Grooming
Down in the underground Gem complex referred to as the Dirty East, life could be pretty rough. Red Gems were made to be war-like and tended to challenge each other to hone their fighting skills. Weaker Gems tended to be weeded out by the stronger ones, unless the weaker ones managed to find a bigger Gem to form a partnership with and protect them until they were able to focus on becoming stronger themselves. A situation like this was what brought Ruby and Spinel together. Spinel would keep Ruby safe from larger Gems while training Ruby to fight hard and dirty to make up for her small size. Their initial friendship led to mutual feelings of love and respect that made for a healthy partnership. However, for the time being Ruby was in a bit of a bind. For now the others hadn't figured out that Spinel was regenerating, which was a good thing, but they were bound to figure it out sooner or later. Until then Ruby was going to make the most of the situation. Her friend, Sapphire, was helping her cope with the temporary loss of her partner. Sapphire's questions and conversations helped Ruby keep her anger about the situation in check and focus on the positive.
"Hey, Ruby, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Sapphire announced as she placed an extra fluffy cushion next to Ruby. "Why does Spinel call you 'Scoop' sometimes?" Ruby scratched the back of her head as she averted her eyes from the inquisitive Gem.
"If you really want to know, I'll tell you…but you have to promise not to laugh and not to tell anyone, got it?" Sapphire lifted her right hand and solemnly swore herself to secrecy. "Ok, uh…this is kind of embarrassing. Spinel told me the reason she calls me Scoop is because I'm…a scoop of badass with a dash of sass all rolled up in an adorable ball of sexy…" With every word Ruby's red face got even redder. This was the first time she had even told anyone about this. She watched to see if Sapphire would break her promise not to laugh. By now Sapphire had both of her hands over her mouth. Moments later she emitted a sound that can be only described as a joyful squeal. "Hey, you promised not to laugh!"
"I'm not laughing! That is so cute I just can't help but….eeeee!" Sapphire had her hands pressed to her cheeks with a grin a mile wide.
"P-please stop doing that…it's a little creepy…" Ruby muttered as she fluffed the pillow where Spinel's gem rested. Sapphire quickly complied and returned to her normal composed state.
"You really care about her, don't you?"
"Yeah…we've only been together a short time, but we've been through hell together. If it wasn't for Spinel it would be my gem lying on this pillow instead of hers." Ruby sighed as she rested her chin on top of her knees, resting her gaze on the smoky red gem once again. Sapphire placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Don't worry. She'll be back soon. And when she does I'm sure she'll be happy to see you waiting for her."
"Thanks," came Ruby's reply coupled with a grateful smile.
"You're welcome…you adorable ball of sexy."
Ruby just about went cross-eyed with embarrassment. She didn't know what embarrassed her more, Sapphire's teasing words or her deadpan delivery. Ruby crawled over until she and Sapphire were face to face.
"You really shouldn't tease me unless you're willing to accept the consequence."
Sapphire had an idea what was coming, but decided to just let it happen. Ruby's scowl morphed into a smirk as she pushed Sapphire onto her back and started tickling her. This time it was impossible for the normally stoic Gem to hold back her laughter. Their lively play caused a shard to fall out of Sapphire's dress pocket. She noticed the fallen object when it started to glow and vibrate. She grabbed hold of Ruby's hands to stop the tickle assault and gently pushed the red Gem from on top of her.
"Someone is trying to contact me. May I use your com station?" Ruby gave her a quick nod as she sat back down in front of the pedestal. Once Sapphire inserted the shard into the console a holographic image appeared above it. Sapphire politely greeted the stern visage of her partner.
"Hello there, my sweet. I've been trying to contact you for some time now. Where are you?"
Emerald's tone was cool and even, masking her true feelings about the current situation. Unaware of Emerald's true thoughts roiling within her, Sapphire smiled sweetly at her partner.
"I'm with a friend."
"Oh? Does this friend have a name?"
"Of course! It's Ruby…"
"Ruby? You mean Spinel's partner?"
"Yes…"
"Sapphire, I need you to return home now."
"But I promised Ruby I would stay until morning…"
"What? Why would you make such a promise? A filthy place like that is no place for a proper Gem like you! Now Say goodbye to your 'friend' and come home."
Sapphire glanced over at Ruby, who hadn't shown any indication of overhearing the conversation. She turned back to the com station upon hearing her partner call her name.
"Sapphire, I'll meet you at the Galaxy Warp and we'll go home from there. Do not leave me waiting, understand?"
Sapphire responded with a meek nod before severing the connection and removing the shard. By now she noticed that Ruby was looking right at her.
"Ruby, I…have to go. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer."
"It's okay…" Ruby didn't appear to be okay with Sapphire leaving though. Disappointment was written all over her face. The red Gem got up and took Sapphire by the hand as she avoided looking her blue friend in the eye. "C'mon. I'll make sure you get out of here safe."
"But what about you? Will you be all right coming back?"
"I've lived here all my life. I can take care of myself."
After Ruby secured her and Spinel's home she took Sapphire by the hand once again to lead her through the streets. On occasion a passing Gem would call out to Ruby, making rude comments and throwing out a challenge to fight, but Ruby ignored them and forged ahead. Not all of the Gems were unfriendly though. One in particular called out to Ruby in a very cheerful manner.
"Hey, wassup, Scoop!" The Gem's greeting was cut short by a punch to the gut.
"Don't call me that!" Ruby growled as she twisted her left fist into the other Gem, causing her to double over. Ruby knew she would think twice about calling her by her nickname. Only Spinel was allowed that luxury.
"Damn, you're strong!" the other Gem coughed. "I'm not here to fight you though. I'm trying to catch up with Spinel. Where is she anyway?"
"None of your fuckin' business."
"Wow, you are being such an ass today!" The boisterous Gem then turned her attention to Ruby's companion. "Oooh…who's this?"
"Also none of your fuckin' business," Ruby snapped as she pulled Sapphire along behind her.
"Ahh…I see what's goin' on here. You're steppin' out on your partner with a pretty little side piece! You do you, Ruby! I won't tell!" the Gem teased. By the time Ruby managed to escort Sapphire to the local warp pad her nerves were grated by all the questions and strange looks. She barely noticed when Sapphire pressed a small object into her hand.
"Use this to contact me if you ever need to talk." It was a blue communication shard. Only one other Gem had one of Sapphire's three shards, and that was Emerald. Ruby pocketed the shard with a quick nod. To Ruby's surprise, Sapphire gave her a quick hug goodbye before stepping onto the warp pad and vanishing in a flash of light. The little red Gem didn't have much time to process the friendly gesture before a nearby local called out, "Ooohhhh! I'ma tell Spinel!" And that was the start of the first tussle since Ruby's return home.
Once Sapphire arrived at the Galaxy Warp she spotted Emerald standing a few feet way. She didn't look too pleased. Emerald beckoned her partner closer, and Sapphire quietly obeyed and greeted her clearly annoyed lover with a curtsy.
"You look…and smell terrible. What in the cosmos were you doing in that hole in the ground?" Sapphire began to answer but was stopped by a green finger pressed to her full lips. "We'll discuss that later. Right now let's just focus on getting rid of this stench."
Sapphire followed Emerald to her residence, which was quite spacious with several levels and intricately designed crystalline arches and beautiful swirling patterns on the floor. The size and appearance of Emerald's home was a clear indication of her high status in the Research Hub. Sapphire noticed several maintenance Gems moving about a certain area she assumed was Emerald's famous personal analysis lab where she did most of her research. Sapphire got a brief glimpse inside as the pair bypassed the lab and arrived in Emerald's personal living quarters, where they were greeted by a small, mossy green colored Gem with almond shaped eyes.
"Welcome back, Madame," Jade greeted with a reverent bow. Emerald acknowledged her with a nod.
"I'll be entertaining company for the rest of the day. See to it that we're not disturbed…unless it's an absolute emergency."
"Of course, Madame." Jade pushed the massive double doors open, allowing the sophisticated Gem to sashay through with her partner in tow. They were now in Emerald's personal quarters, which was arranged similar to the temporary quarters from their recent mission, just on a grander scale.
"I'll prepare you a bath, my darling. For now just don't touch or sit on anything." Sapphire uncovered her body construct as she followed her partner to an unexpectedly large bathing area consisting of several waterfalls spilling into pools on different levels. Sapphire admired the serene environment and the lovely music playing softly in the background. A number of small ceramic basins lined the edge of the largest pool, where a now nude Emerald waded in the center. As Sapphire waded over to join her she caught a whiff of a pleasant scent coming from the bath. The more the water stirred around her body the stronger it became. Emerald bid the blue Gem sit down in front of her, facing away from her. She then dipped a nearby bowl beneath the scented water and poured it over Sapphire's head, then each of her shoulders. Emerald then moved in front of her partner to gently brush aside her now soaked bangs, revealing a single, cerulean eye. She gently brushed the excess water from her lover's face then planted a soft kiss oh her plump lips. Emerald gave her own lips a seductive lick, smiling down at the object of her desire. "Ah…I'm glad to get that nasty smell off of you. By the way, I'm still upset with you about the way you conducted yourself today. A proper Gem should never act on impulse."
"I'm…so sorry. I should have let you know where I was going."
"Oh well…all is forgiven, only because I get to enjoy this beautiful body of yours. And you're young. I suppose that's to be expected on occasion But seriously, please don't go to that filthy place again. It's so beneath you."
Sapphire didn't readily agree or disagree with that suggestion. Ruby was her friend, and she couldn't bear to cut off a friend like that. Emerald however took Sapphire's silence as a sign of compliance as she enjoyed every moment of giving Sapphire's body a thorough cleansing. Sapphire couldn't deny her own enjoyment as well. Emerald had a way of making Sapphire feel like she was the center of the universe. It was no coincidence that the grooming ritual lead to more intimate play. As their bodies pressed together that almost forgotten sense of wrongness crept from the back of Sapphire's mind once again. For a fleeting moment something disturbing flickered in her future vision. She saw Emerald from behind and she appeared to be kissing someone. But because of the height and colorings it was clear that it wasn't Sapphire. She immediately felt an ache in her chest, then she did her best to suppress it. Her future vision only showed her possible future outcomes so it was possible to prevent them just by making certain choices. By why would such a thing pass through her vision now? The now troubles sapphire wasn't sure if her little Gem heart could take such a blow if that actually happened.
