I do not own Steven Universe, hence the 'fan-fiction'.-sorrowXdarkness
Chapter 10: I love you
oooOOOooo
In an island, a group consisting of five made their way through the tropical forest. The island was filled with life, evident by the amount of noise one could easily hear when standing on said land. They walked for hours, in search of a gem. So far, they encountered nothing out of the ordinary; if you include Amethyst morphing her head into the shape of a fish and frightening Peridot as normal. Pearl naturally took control of the situation as she reminded Amethyst that Peridot was still new to gem missions. Lapis was trying to find the gem as soon as possible. She really needed to return home to Jamie. Being called to go on a mission while confessing was impeccable timing. Really, who does that? Mere seconds before her 'complete' confession, a voice appeared to the both of them. It came from outside, and Lapis decided to check it out; they were shouting her name after all. It was Steven, along with Peridot, Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet. She knew what that meant as she turned to Jamie.
Jamie was distracted by what she said before, even if it was incomplete, that he didn't notice her until she placed a hand over his. He turned to her, and took notice of the noise outside. He asked what was going on, and she revealed to him that she had to go on a mission. The look on his face changed, leaving her to believe that he understood what that meant.
Reluctant to leave Jamie's side once again, Lapis made her way outside and insisted to pass on the mission. Five people was more than enough; anymore and it could be counterproductive. Garnet agreed with what she said, but said that the team would consist of Steven, Pearl, Peridot, Amethyst and Lapis. The only reason she accepted was because Garnet said she would look after Jamie. Apparently Garnet was not needed in today's mission, so she was free to look after Jamie. Since it was Garnet, Lapis could rest easily; at least initially. Something changed.
An hour into the mission, Amethyst brought up something of the past. Although Lapis only knew Jamie for a short while, she knew nothing of his previous love life. She didn't even know that he had one. So when Amethyst spilled the beans, Lapis was far from relaxed.
"Hey Steven, is it alright for Garnet to be taking care of this Jamie person?" Amethyst began as they walked through a stony trail by a creek. Lapis and Pearl were ahead by a few meters. Hopefully far enough not to hear their conversation; boy, how wrong was she?
"I have total confidence with Garnet. Why?" Steven asked. Lapis was a bit ahead, but found interest in their conversation. Why was Amethyst concerned about that? Lapis kept her distance, but remained close enough to hear.
"Well, didn't like Jamie confessed to Garnet a few weeks ago and got rejected?"
He what? Lapis stood, unable to move. Jamie confessed to Garnet? And got rejected? Lapis' gem began to react to those ideas; something inside her began to tremble.
"Yes, but Garnet spoke to him already. Now, they're good friends." Steven said in an optimistic tone. In Steven's eyes, there was nothing wrong with the arrangement. Lapis did not feel the same.
As they continued walking, Amethyst bumped into something or rather someone. Lapis Lazuli stood there with a very familiar expression. Her brows and lips were arched in a matter that gave her both a mad and scary expression; like when they fought after she was released from her prison.
"Whoa, Lapis...what's up?" Amethyst said, not realizing how her conversation with Steven would affect the blue gem.
"Could you care to tell me more about that?" Although it came off as a question, it was anything but a question. It felt more like a demand.
Amethyst, who usually did not like any heavy tensions, was feeling the weight on her shoulders along with Lapis' stare.
"Um, I think Steven knows more about it than me. So bye!" Amethyst ran ahead. "Pearl! Are you calling me?!"
Lapis eyes adjusted to stare at the boy in the island. Steven gave a sheepish smile, before giving a cough. "Okay...where should I begin?" He pondered. He took a seat on a large rock. Lapis did the same.
"From the beginning." She firmly said. Steven took in a deep breath.
"Right...well...here I go."
oooOOOooo
Ten minutes had passed since Lapis left with Steven's group. They went on a mission in search of a gem. Jamie understood it was one of their responsibilities as Crystal Gems, but he was worried; particularly with Lapis.
"You needn't worry. They'll be alright." Garnet said, sitting on a chair before Jamie.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
Garnet smiled. "Yes." She said.
Jamie looked over at the woman that was sitting before him. She was so sure of herself, and it caused Jamie to ponder.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Let's say I know a bit of what's to come."
That only increased his curiosity. "What, you can see into the future or something?" He asked. It was meant as a joke, he never expected it to be true.
"Yep."
Jamie's eyes became large as plates. "Whoa...no way."
"Way."
After that, there was silence. Neither one said a word as the clock continued to tick. Nothing. Jamie decided to get comfy and maybe take a nap. He knew that Garnet was not much for conversations so perhaps some sleep would be better. He closed his eyes, and began to count each passing wool that came by. By the time he got to the 15th, he was brought back to the materialistic world.
"Jamie."
His eyes flickered a bit before turning his attention to the source of the voice.
"Garnet? You need something?" He asked. She answered his question with a question.
"Can we talk?" She asked.
That was unexpected. He sat up-right and used the bed frame behind as a wall to lean on.
"Sure. What is it you want to talk about?" It must be serious for Garnet to start a conversation. It was hard to figure out the topic of the conversation when Garnet usually have a firm expression on her face.
"How you do you feel about Lapis Lazuli?"
"Pardon?" God, he could tell his cheeks were flaring red.
"You like her, don't you?" She simple said.
How did she know that? Was it her power to see into the future? Or was he so obvious?
"Yes." He dropped his head, bashful about the subject.
"You should tell her then."
What? Was Garnet always this forward about it? Of course she is. She's Garnet after all. Even so, should he? Was his feelings for Lapis any better than his previous feelings he had for Garnet or even Daisy? Did he even know what it means to like someone? To love someone?
Garnet could see how conflicted Jamie was about the ordeal, but said nothing.
After a while, Jamie sighed. "Garnet...how do I know this is real? That what I feel for her will not come back to hurt me or her?"
His last two pursuits in love left a huge impression in his still beating heart. It still ached whenever he thought about it; not to mention embarrassing. The last thing he wanted, was to hurt Lapis with his feeble feelings.
"You don't." She pulled the chair, until she was practically next to him. "Do you remember our conversation from before? About love?"
"Yes, of course. You said love takes time and work."
"And, at the very least, you have to know the other person. Now tell me, since living with Lapis, could you say you know her quite well?"
"Yeah. There is whole side of her that enjoys timeless classics. Her eyes would focus upon gazing those iconic scenes. She loves to read short stories and plays from different era. She also curious on trying new things. I love to see her reaction whenever she tried some new dishes I made. But, I think what really brings the sparkles in her, is when she dances; light on her feet, but I could feel her gem pouring out. She is truly stunning." His face got more redder than before when he began to describe what he knew to the gem.
Garnet smiled. Before, when Lapis used to live with them, she would hardly try anything new. Sure, a few things here and there, but she would never actively try new things. She wouldn't even dance. Being with Jamie brought out a side of Lapis no one ever knew she had.
"Good."
Jamie then looked toward his bed sheets. "But, what if I'm not ready? Before you, there was someone else and she really did a number on me. I don't think I could go through that again..."
Daisy literally torn him into pieces. All he wanted to do was act in movies and television series. For a while, he was cast in minor roles which was great. He always had something to do, hardly ever did he have to wait. Eventually, his roles would only get bigger and better, but then he met Daisy. They both were up-coming movie people that were cast as the main protagonists in a short television series. It lasted for 13 episodes, but through the entire time, it felt like being on Tartarus.
He felt a hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't think that. It wouldn't be fair for Lapis if you keep thinking about another person while dating her. Remember, she is not Daisy. She's Lapis Lazuli."
"You're right. You always give me sol- wait, how did you know about Daisy?" He never once mentioned her name to anyone.
"I watched all the episodes of "All or Nothing"." She smiled.
"You did?" That was the show he acted in with Daisy before leaving Kansas. For Garnet to have known, made Jamie genuinely surprised. He never expected anyone in Beach City to watch television drama.
She nodded. "It was the last television role you had before returning to Beach City. I simply made the connection." It was frightening how right she was.
"Right...so you're saying I should?"
"Only if you're willing to put the time and effort."
oooOOOooo
The moment we got back from our mission, I wasted no time in making my way home. I hated to say it, but that gem was no small task to find. It had the unique ability to disguise itself with his surroundings, hiding both its appearance and presence. We only found the gem by chance, when Steven decided to take a break and sit on a rock. Almost instantly, it let out a loud roar before running off. We quickly gave chase, but it disappeared into the woods again. We were deciding whether to stick together or go about it in smaller pairs to cover more ground.
Pearl decided it would be safe to stay together. Since this gem could hide itself in the background, it proved to be dangerous. Lucky for us, Steven was lucky enough to find it two more times before it decided to fight back. The battle did not matter; not now anyway. What mattered was the conversation I had with Steven during the search.
I found out that Jamie once confessed his love for Garnet. Steven explained to me that when Jamie was formally introduced to Garnet, his heart became set on her. He wrote her a letter of his love for her and then some. He asked for a response, to which Garnet replied. N.O. No. That was her reply, though the children decided to write a new one without her knowing. It was a rejection, but a rejection that gave chase; unlike the original reply that promoted no such chase.
Everything was resolved after she tore his heart when she gave him the idea to start in local theater. When I opened and closed the screen door of Steven's house, I could hear Steven's voice shouting toward me.
"Lapis! Where are you going?"
"Home."
I went down the wooden stairs. I could hear him following him, but I did nothing to slow down. I really have to be there, to talk. My hands were trembling by how tight I was gripping them. Anymore, and I could lose control of my powers by how frustrated I was.
"Lapis, wait up!"
Steven finally caught up to me, and matched my pace. "Maybe you should rest first. I know a good place to get some refreshments."
"No thanks."
"Okay...um, how about a walk through the town?"
"Not interested." I said as I spotted the house. I quickened my pace. I opened the door and got ready for what I was about to say.
oooOOOooo
When they heard the door opening and closing, they knew that Lapis Lazuli had returned. Feeling better, Jamie lifted himself up as Garnet opened the door leading to the small corridor. The moment she did, Lapis was already there. Her face was firm and cold as she stared at the tall woman standing by the doorway.
Jamie was excited to see Lapis. After talking to Garnet, he made his decision and he was going to see it through.
"Lapis! How did it go in your mi-"
"You." Lapis began before pointing her finger at Garnet. "You! You had the nerve to turn down someone great as Jamie with a 'n' and 'o'? Do you think of yourself so highly that you could disregard the feelings of others so easily? Of Jamie?" Lapis stepped forward, causing Garnet to sidestep. "You should have realized how fortunate you were by gaining his feelings." Tears began to roll down Lapis' cheeks. "At the very least reject him in person and with an explanation."
"You really care about him, don't you?" Garnet said, not startled by her expression. Lapis looked stunned for less than a second, but then lost sight through the frustration.
"Of course I do. I love him!" She shouted, her hands were in fists as she declared her feelings. It took her a moment to realize that Jamie was in the room with them. Garnet smiled, turning toward Jamie. Lapis did the same, seeing a stunned Jamie already standing by the bed.
"I better leave now. Take care you two." Garnet left, leaving the two figures alone.
"Yo-"
"Oh my gem! I didn't mean to say that...well I do mean it, but-"
"Lapis." Jamie said, ceasing the loss of control Lapis was experiencing as she looked at him. Her face turned into the darkest shade of blue Jamie had ever seen. He walked toward her and grabbed her hands. Their hands instinctually combined as Jamie gave a light squeeze. "It's okay. I've been meaning to say this to you... I love you too. I have for some time, but I was worried."
Lapis was in awe, but then remembered what he said at the end.
"About what?"
"Of being hurt...of hurting you. The last thing I want is to hurt you." Jamie brought his hand up and caressed the side of her face. She closed her eyes as she felt his touched. His fingertips slid down her cheek, and then to her lips. When they made contact, she parted her lips. They felt nice, and surprisingly warm. Before Lapis spoke, she grabbed his hand and gently secured it to the side of her face.
"You could never hurt me. You're too good for that. And if anything or anyone tries to hurt you, I'll be sure to protect you with all my might." Lapis said, displaying her control of the water with her free hand.
"Isn't it the job of a knight to protect his fair maiden?"
They both began to laugh. The shame, awkward and bad tension disappeared from the air. They locked eyes with each other as their faces got closer. Their laughter turned into silence as their lips finally found each other.
oooOOOooo
Omake
"You recently had a fight with yourself?" Jamie asked. After their previous conversation concerning Jamie's heart, the topic changed to Garnet. He wanted to know a bit about her love life. He understood that Garnet was the fusion of Ruby and Sapphire. Steven also mentioned that to be fused in such a matter was very intimate; the distance was practically nonexistence. He was curious in how it felt to be able to be in that form. Was it perfect? Garnet smiled upon his curiosity before replying. She told him that her relationship was far from perfect.
"That's right. Ruby and Sapphire could not see eye-to-eye about something personal, and they decided to spit apart for a while. Luckily, Steven was there and made them see the errors of their way. They made up, and I was formed again. So you see, no matter how close you get, it still requires time and effort from both sides."
"Wow... hearing it from you really helps to see how relationship works. So can I ask you something rather personal?" He was slightly conflicted in asking her this, but curiosity got the better of him once more.
"Go right ahead. If it's too personal, then I simply won't tell you." She insisted. He nodded.
"Who asked out who first?"
When he asked, Garnet gave a small pause before replying. "The both of us. When we felt it, we understood that it was something completely foreign to us, but we did not try to ignore it. We choose to embrace it."
"Was that something, love?"
"Love."
They smiled at each other. "You should eat something."
"There are flapjacks on the kitchen table." Jamie said. Garnet made her way down. "Oh, and don't forget-"
"The maple syrup. I got it."
"Right...thanks."
END OF OMAKE
oooOOOooo
Author Notes:
I'm sorry for the huge delay. So much has happened, some good, others bad. I'm also suffering from writer's block and the strong inclination to not write. I also was having trouble writing this chapter. This is my third attempt in writing this chapter, and even then, I'm not completely satisfied. In the end, I found this to be the best I could come up with for this part. I may edit it, but nothing too extreme. Please let me know what you think!-sorrowXdarkness.
Oh, and before I forget, yes they finally kissed! When I wrote the "kiss scene", I was conflicted. Should it be simple? Or elaborate? In the end, I decided to use the "kiss system": keep it simple stupid. -sorrowXdarkness.