Anything but Love

Chapter 10: Plans

Ruby pulled her grey sweats over her basketball shorts, she huffed. "These freshmen need to stop talking on the baseline when we are going over plays, coach is making us run laps because of them,"

Amethyst nodded, collapsing on the brown single bench in the locker room. "I didn't sign up for all this running, I just wanted to get my varsity letter," She groaned.

"Get over it," Jasper rolled her eyes, grabbing her bag and tossing it over her shoulder once she was finished dressing. "How did you expect to make it through basketball season without getting a little sweaty." She turned to the shortest of the two. "Ruby, are you able to give us a ride or are you heading back to get Sapphire?" She asked, leaning back against the cool locker; it felt nice against her hot skin.

Ruby finished pulling her hair into a messy ponytail when she stood up straighter. "Nah, I can give you a ride. Let's get going," She grabbed her duffle bag and keys from her locker before closing it.

Jasper helped her purple friend up from her slouched position on the bench. "Isn't Sapphire going to confront her parents today? Shouldn't you be there for that," She questioned.

Ruby clenched her teeth. "…she said she wants to do it alone," She didn't wait for a reply as she quickly changed the subject. "What about you and Lapis, how is that going?"

Jasper frowned. "I'm giving her space like she wanted, but I don't think she's been coming to school,"

"Who cares," Amethyst groaned, tired of the repetitious conversation. "Can you two just carry me outside so we can get something to eat? There's this new restaurant by the middle school and I heard it's pretty good," She perked up, looking at her friends hopefully.

Jasper glanced at Ruby. "As long as you're paying,"

Ruby rolled her eyes, walking towards the exit. "…let's go then," She jiggled her keys suggestively.

"Yes," Amethyst cheered.

Sapphire felt a shudder run through her body as her legs stiffly carried her to the porch that seemed miles away. The heavy wind seemed to be trying to push her back with every step she took forward, like a warning. Almost prophesying that this was a bad idea and that she should just turn back and stay with Mrs. Harris for another night. That she should find comfort in Ruby's arms and her cozy silk sheets, to just forget about her problems. But she couldn't do that.

Thanksgiving break was over and now she would have to face reality. In the back of her mind she hates herself for pushing Ruby away when the girl asked if she needed company when she would approach her parents. She had literally promised not to do that just only a few hours ago when they were in her bedroom.

Sapphire felt a hot blush splash over her face at the memory from last night. When Mrs. Harris had left to drop their friends off and mentioned stopping by a friend's house and not being home for a while, they sensed the opportunity and seized it. And it was beautiful.

More intense than their first couple of times; Sapphire could still feel the memory of those strong hands pulling her closer at her waist as she plunged her fingers deeper into Ruby's scorching heat. The feeling of those dark curls rubbing against her cheek when her girlfriend finally came and lay, spent, on top of her. Breathing heavily as Sapphire held her close and whispered softly into her ear.

"I really shouldn't be thinking about this right now," Sapphire chastised herself as she stopped right before the door. "Gosh, I feel perverted like Jasper and Amethyst," She made a face before glancing back to the driveway where her father's car was parked, she relaxed; he was always more understanding than her mother.

"…here we go," She whispered to herself, pulling out her key and unlocking the door.

Sapphire took a deep breath as she set one foot inside the warm house. It looked just the same as she had left it, except this time her father was sitting in the living room with his feet throw on the living room table; the tv was on, playing some sports game that she was sure Ruby would know.

Sapphire felt her heart skip a beat when her father slowly looked over at her.

His arms were crossed, cold blue eyes making contact with hers; his voice shook the room. "Sapphire, have a seat," He motioned to the empty spot beside to him on the couch.

"…" Sapphire nodded.

Ruby parked her car in an empty spot right in front of the restaurant Amethyst had told them about, she frowned. "…this is a diner," She mumbled, looking through the transparent glass where there were booths and stools by the counter.

"People say it's good," Amethyst shrugged, jumping out of the car and jogging inside.

Jasper and Ruby got out of the car and slowly walked inside where their friend had abruptly stopped, only to turn around to face them.

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "What, aren't you hungry?"

"I am," Amethyst grabbed each of their hands and tried pulling them away. "J-just not for anything here."

Jasper frowned, snatching her hand away. "Now wait a minute, you made us drive all the way down here so we're going to eat here," She stepped past the purple girl and searched for an empty table.

Ruby also pulled her hand away. "What's your problem?" She frowned.

"She, is here," Amethyst whispered, motioning her head in the direction that Jasper had gone.

The red girl frowned, confused. "Who…?"

Ruby trailed off when she looked past her friend to see Jasper frozen in the isle. She followed the orange girl's gaze and cursed under her breath.

"Lapis,"

The silence was irritating, it made her nervous and Sapphire hated being nervous. The emotion always caused her palms to get sweaty and made her trample over her words. It crumbled her poker face and left her exposed.

Sapphire opened her mouth but then snapped it shut when she realized she had nothing to say, what could she say? Hey, dad, I'm gay now and the girl you thought was my bestfriend was really my girlfriend.

And what would her father say? Will he freak out like her mother did?

"…are—are you going to kick me out too?" Sapphire whispered finally, sick of the deathly silence.

Aero glanced at his daughter with sullen eyes, he looked away just as quick. "Your mother didn't kick you out, she actually told me that you left on your own," The older man raised an eyebrow. "You are the one who didn't show up for Thanksgiving,"

Aero spoke again when his daughter said nothing. "…were you at, her, house?" He asked, referring to Ruby.

Sapphire shook her head. "No," She bit her lower lip. "…I went to Emerald's house, it's only a few hours away. I thought it was wrong how they disinvited her to Thanksgiving and I just really needed to see her again,"

"…to talk to someone who understands," She mumbled, looking away as she waited for what she expected.

Sapphire expected her father to jump up and shout at her, to declare his disapproval. But when he shook his head and chuckled, she wasn't too surprised. Her father was always less abrasive than her mother and therefore was more reasonable.

"Figure you'd go see her, you two were inseparable when you were younger," He said with a childish grin, running his fingers through his short hair. "How is she?" He asked honestly.

Sapphire felt herself relax. "Emerald is still Emerald, dad. Exactly the same as the day we met," She hesitated. "She's living with her girlfriend Caroline, she's really nice; she and Ruby got along well,"

Aero frowned, he held his hand up. "Ruby was there?"

"Well yeah—she's the one who drove us," Sapphire said, before speaking again. "And by us I mean Rose and the others; but they slept in a hotel while Ruby and I went to Emerald's place,"

Her father was wearing a strange expression; one of interest and disbelief. "She seriously drove you all the way down there just so you could see Emerald?"

Sapphire nodded, biting her bottom lip to stop herself from grinning too widely. "She did," The ballerina took a deep breath before meeting her father's gaze. "I didn't tell mom about Ruby to spite you guys or anything, these are my true feelings. I don't know when or how it happened but—it did,"

"A-and you guys loved Ruby—"

Aero scoffed. "That's before I knew that you two could have been doing something else during those sleepovers," He used his fingers as air quotes, his ears turning a bright pink.

Sapphire didn't blush, she had no reason to, they never did anything. "They were sleepovers, she even suggested she sleep on the floor."

Sapphire refused of course; recalling the multiple times where she had dragged a blushing Ruby into the other half of her bed.

"How can I trust you after you've lied to us for over six months!" Aero shouted, jumping up from the couch to glare down at his daughter. "I can understand your mother, but me? You used to tell me everything, what happened to that?" He deflated, shoulders dropping slightly.

"…how can you expect me to tell you anything with the way you're yelling at me, dad?" Sapphire bit back, glaring just as fierce.

"I'm not—I'm not yelling," Aero said, lowering his voice, before sitting back down. "I'm just upset that you can't tell me things like this without expecting me to get angry like your mother; I mean I am angry, don't get me wrong. But I think Ruby is a good kid,"

He looked at his daughter seriously. "She treats you right? Holds the door open, pays for meals and she doesn't hit you?"

Sapphire smiled softly. "She treats me like I'm a queen, if it were up to her I would never have to lift a finger…and we've never been on an actual date yet—"

"What!" Her father raised his voice. "You've been dating for six months and you haven't been on a single date?"

Sapphire shrugged, she hadn't really thought about it. "We've been busy," She concluded.

"Busy doing what?" Her father frowned.

Sapphire flushed softly at the hidden implication, shrugging her shoulders. "She has sports and I have ballet dad, it's no big deal…do—do you approve?" She mumbled, trying to hide how much his opinion really meant to her.

"…I approve," Aero said, making his daughter smile. "But your mother won't be easily swayed and you tell Ruby that I want to speak with her,"

The ballerina groaned, shaking her hand. "Dad, don't scare her away—"

"I'm just going to ask her a few questions," He reassured. "Are you sexually active—"

"Dad!" Sapphire covered her ears and settled her head between her legs; hiding her blushing face.

The older man shrugged, grinning. "At least I don't have to worry about teen pregnancies," Aero patted his daughter's head, urging her to sit up again. "I'll talk to your mother tonight, but I think it's best if you stay at Ruby's house one more night. Tomorrow we can have a proper dinner and you can introduce Ruby as—your significant other—"

"Oh my gosh, dad, stop," Sapphire whined, covering her face in her hands.

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Sorry, I'm new at this." Aero stood up. "But I feel bad about how things ended last time and I think we should do this right. Ruby is a good kid and she deserves a chance; so, tomorrow at eight alright?"

Sapphire finally lifted her head once her blush had faded, she nodded. "Alright, thanks dad," She whispered softly, a smile gracing her lips. "…for supporting me,"

He held his hand up, grinning softly. "No need to thank me, it's my job as your father to support whatever you choose. Give your mother some time," He said. "She'll come around, kid,"

Sapphire scratched the back of her neck. "I hope so, I just want things to go back to normal,"

Aero sighed. "They will, just give it some time," He gave her a sheepish look, Sapphire understood. "Go and grab some of your things if you need to," He pointed to the stair case where her bedroom was.

Sapphire nodded. "Alright,"

Ruby shook her head. "Don't do it Jasp, she said she needs her space so you just have to give her that," She grabbed her larger friend by the edge of her shirt. "…come on dude, we can go back to my place and order pizza or something—"

"I'm just going to sit next to her," Jasper mumbled. "Come with me so it won't be weird—both of you," She gave the purple girl a look.

Amethyst shrugged. "As long as there's food over there," She began walking over to the lonely girl sitting at the booth. "Come on Rub's!"

The red girl pulled her hair in frustration before angrily following behind them.

Lapis was picking at her half-eaten apple pie and lazily toying with her phone in her left hand. Her short blue hair was pulled into a sloppy bun and she was wearing a baggy white sweatshirt, grey sweats and black sneakers. Her full attention was captured when she noticed the three girls walking towards her, she straightened up.

"…" Lapis dropped her fork softly, looking at them expectantly.

"Sup Lappy," Amethyst broke the ice, squeezing in on the side across from her; quickly grabbing a menu and selecting food she'd want to eat.

Ruby, stubbornly, slid in beside the purple girl in front of Lapis. "I was forced to be here," She muttered before also grabbing a menu.

Jasper glared at the red girl before sitting beside Lapis, making the swimmer have to move down. "H-hey, mind if we join—I mean, we're already here so…" She trailed off lamely.

Lapis frowned, nodding slowly. "It's fine, I could use some company,"

"We can tell," Ruby muttered, cursing under her breath when she received a blunt kick from Jasper. "…bitch,"

Jasper cleared her throat before continuing. "How are you, has Peridot responded yet?" She asked, fingers crossed that she hadn't.

"…she's still ignoring me," Lapis sighed, slowly pushing her plate away as her appetite faded. "She clearly wants to move on—"

Ruby bit her lip, hesitating, as Jasper gave her a look. "Maybe you should move on too; just respect that she isn't into it anymore and go on with your life,"

"That sounds like a good idea," Jasper said suddenly. "I'd go with that,"

"Easier said than done," Lapis scratched the back of her neck, looking up at Ruby sheepishly and ignoring the orange girl beside her. "…I never got the chance to apologize to you for screwing up things with you and Sapphire, sorry about that."

Ruby smiled softly, waving her off. "It all worked out in the end—"

"No it didn't," Lapis groaned, nearly pulling her hair out as she tugged on it. "I messed up our groups dynamic,"

Amethyst made a face. "Well, to be fair, you were never part of our group—"

"Dude," Jasper glared at the purple girl.

Amethyst wasn't fazed. "Just say'in,"

"She's right," Lapis defended the chubby girl, smiling softly at Jasper. "But I am sorry about messing things up, I wish I knew how to fix it,"

Ruby shrugged. "Well, Peridot wasn't really part of our group anyway, Rose was just trying to be nice. So you can hang out with us whenever you want, you're always welcome,"

Lapis smiled. "…thanks Ruby,"

"Don't worry about it," Ruby said, changing the subject. "I was actually thinking of throwing a Christmas party, we haven't had a good bash in a while," She grinned.

Amethyst cheered. "Dude, yes that sounds awesome! We can have it at your beach house,"

"That would be perfect," Jasper nodded. "We can charge people like five bucks to come in; you two bring the booze, I'll get Sour Cream to dj and we'll invite some people from school,"

Lapis bit her bottom lip gleefully, a certain sparkle in her soft blue eyes. "That does sound like fun." She looked to Ruby, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't know you had a beach house,"

Ruby nodded. "I barely use it, but the Christmas bash thing is a must. I'll call my people and make it happen, Lapis you should come; maybe you'll meet someone, you know, get your mind off Peridot," She gave Jasper a look.

Jasper perked up. "Y-yeah, that's what I would do,"

"Maybe," Lapis shrugged, oblivious to what Ruby and Jasper were doing. "…but let me know if you need help with anything for the party, I'd be happy to help out,"

Ruby opened her mouth to thank her when she felt her phone buzz. She pulled out her phone, it was a text from Sapphire.

S: I'm done talking to my dad and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be

Amethyst leaned over her shoulder to read the text. "Is that Sapphire? Did the thing with her parents go alright?"

"I guess it did," Ruby mumbled, typing a quick reply.

R: That's great Sapph

Amethyst frowned. "That's all you have to say, that's great? I was expecting something super sappy from you,"

"Well, I don't okay," Ruby snapped.

Jasper held her hands up. "Whoa, what's got you so angry? Who cares if she didn't invite you to talk to her parents with her, she needed to do it alone. Can't you accept that?"

"I'm not—" Ruby took a calming breath, ignoring her phone as it buzzed again. "I'm not upset with that…" She briefly glanced at Lapis, hesitating. "…when we were at Emerald's place I overheard Sapphire talking to her cousin about college,"

Ruby scratched her neck. "Sapphire's planning on going to some far away college next year, I'll probably only see her during holiday's; if I'm lucky."

Lapis spoke softly. "Is she planning on breaking things off or is she going to try and make things work?"

"She wants to make it work, I think," Ruby leaned back further in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't want to hold her back, I don't even know what I'm going to do when I graduate,"

Lapis bit her lip. "I doubt Sapphire cares about any of that and if she's willing to make it work then I think you should meet her halfway. I mean she did come out to her family for you,"

Amethyst sat with wide eyes. "Whoa Lapis, that was actually some solid advice,"

"Yeah," Ruby chuckled. "It's great to actually have a females point of view with these kind of things. Jasper and Amethyst always thinks that sex will solve all my problems,"

Jasper shrugged. "It helps you forget,"

"Sex is what got me into this mess," Lapis made a face, chuckling softly. "I think I might lay off it for a while,"

Ruby smirked, glancing at Jasper's slightly shocked face. "I think that is a great idea, Lapis." She pulled out her phone again, she began sliding out of the booth. "Sapph needs me to pick her up, I'll see you guys later and thanks for the advice Lapis; you're not as annoying as I thought you were,"

Lapis frowned. "…thank you?"

"Who's going to pay for our food?" Amethyst whined, watching the red girl walk out of the diner. "And who's going to drive us home!"

Lapis chuckled. "I'll pay but you have to find your own ride home,"

"I'll take it," Amethyst shrugged.

Ruby pulled her car over to the side where she saw Sapphire sitting on the porch talking to her father. The red girl took a deep breath before she made her way towards the family, hands tucked in her sweats pockets. They stopped talking when they noticed her walking towards them, Ruby gulped when she saw Aero whisper something into his daughters ear before Sapphire walked inside; leaving Ruby alone with her father.

"Hello Mr. Field's," Ruby spoke casually, as if they hadn't been hiding a six month relationship from him. "I like your tie—"

"What are your intentions with my daughter?" Aero got to the chase, folding his arms.

Ruby fidgeted with her hands. "W-well…I"

Aero couldn't hold his straight face and burst out laughing, he held his side. "I'm just messing with you, Ruby. I know you're a good kid," He smiled softly.

Ruby gulped. "S-so, you're okay with this?"

"Yes, I'm okay with this," The older man confirmed. "But my wife may take a little convincing but I know she'll come around sooner or later,"

The front door opened as Sapphire exited her house, two bags of clothing in her hand. Ruby quickly took the heavy bags from her girlfriend and carried them herself, quickly making her way to her trunk to dispose of them.

Aero smiled softly at the romantic gesture. "The dinner is tomorrow, tell Ruby about it so she won't be completely caught off guard,"

Sapphire nodded, hugging her father one last time. "I will, thanks dad,"

"What did I tell you about thanking me," Aero grinned, softly shoving his daughter away. "Just get some rest for tomorrow,"

The ballerina nodded once more before jogging to Ruby who was patiently waiting in her car.

Ruby ran a hand through her tough curls, she hadn't gotten the time to brush them after practice and she was regretting it. "So…you're dad is seriously okay with this?" She quickly glanced at Sapphire before turning her attention back to the snowy road, there was supposed to be a blizzard.

Sapphire nodded, unable to contain her joyous smile. "He is," Her smile dropped slightly when she remembered something. "B-but my mother is still against it, he told me. So tomorrow night we're going to have a dinner, you me and my parents, to try and get my mother open with the idea."

The red girl nodded her head, considering. "That seems fair, I guess," Ruby paused. "I ran into Lapis at the new diner; Jasper, Amethyst and I were coming from practice when we saw her sitting alone,"

"Is she still sulking about Peridot?"

Ruby chuckled. "Yep, but after talking to Lapis for a while, I noticed that she isn't that much of a loser," Ruby snickered when she was granted a soft shove from Sapphire, she continued. "But seriously, Lapis is actually kind of cool when she isn't complaining about life,"

"So," Ruby sat up straighter as excitement filled her. "We're going to throw a huge Christmas party in a few weeks at my beach house a few hours away. Sour Cream can dj, Sadie can sing this cool new song she's written and Lapis can forget about her problems and get loose. It's going to be awesome!"

Sapphire smiled, it did seem like a good idea. "We haven't had a party in ages; we should have the party Christmas Eve so that everyone can make it home to be with their families,"

"And then for new year's our group can just chill at my place or something," Ruby mentioned. "You know, something laid back,"

"That sounds cool," Sapphire agreed, pulling out her phone. "I'll text the group chat and see what everyone thinks,"

Ruby cheered. "Christmas bash, here we come!"

This chapter was a little slow and I kind of hate it, honestly. But it is just a peek through to all the big things that are about to happen these next couple of weeks. I've been busy with basketball season so I haven't really had time to do this, and school is a pain plus college stuff.

I will try to update the dinner with Sapphire's parents this week so that I'll have the Christmas bash chapter during the actual holiday. I will also be writing a one-shot for Ruby and Sapphire that will be posted on Christmas along with this story. I'm trying to update a chapter for all of my stories during or after Christmas Eve, whichever works best.

Throughout this story Lapis has sort of been the butt of the joke but I'm going to try and change that. I'm going to actually make her part of the group, once you see her back story you'll understand why. I might show you guys what's happening in Lapis's life next chapter along with the dinner party and stuff.

Again, I am sorry for updating late but I've had to take care of a few things. Someone asked if I have a schedule for updating; I try updating each week but sometimes a miss a few days but I will try and fix that.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you sometime next week.