PREVIOUSLY ON GOING THE DISTANCE: Ruby prepares for her last game of her senior year, but with her mind clouded with her and Sapphire's last argument she may put her team in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Pearl struggles with old feels rising in new ways.


Going the Distance

Chapter 11: Championships

Ruby shook her head, letting her thick curls fall loosely behind her red headband and onto her neck. "She told me she would talk to me after the game," She said softly, voice hoarse. "I don't even know if she's going to watch honestly." She admitted.

Amethyst closed her locker, dressed in their home uniform and ready to go. "I know this is eating you up inside, but you seriously need to relax and focus on the game. We've worked way too hard for you to choke just because of problems you have going on at home,"

"Well, what do you want me to do?" Ruby glared at her, voice filled with venom. "Pretend I'm not worried about whether I'm still in a relationship with, the first, and probably the last person I'll ever want to be with?"

Amethyst rose and eyebrow, amused. "…it's not like you plan on marrying her or something,"

"…" Ruby folded her arms and looked away, a hot blush breaching her face.

"Look," Jasper shook her head, getting up to stand where she just finished wrapping her ankles. "I think she just means using your emotions for your good instead of your bad. So, use that anger and frustration for your situation to fuel you during the game," She shrugged. "The faster we win this thing, the faster you can run over and talk things out with Sapphire so you two can kiss and makeup already."

Ruby let her arms drop with a sigh. "I don't even know how this happened."

Amethyst jumped to answer. "Well, you started flirting with this homewrecker and got caught doing so. Then pictures got uploaded online, Sapphire saw, you didn't explain to her what was happening so she got the wrong idea. Yada yada yada, you might be single by the end of the night,"

Jasper shoved the chubby girl with a glare. "Sapphire isn't stupid enough to actually believe Cynthia means anything to Ruby. She's just upset about their trust and communication being breeched." Ruby's face scrunched up with mixed emotions as her friend continued. "Sapphire is the type of person to take some time to think before she comes to a decision. Long distance is hard, you have two options when it comes to it."

"You make it work or you end things, never speak again, or take a break and maybe get back together once you two are in the right place." Jasper concluded.

Ruby swallowed, heart cracking at both options. "A b-break? Like with Ross and Rachael? We all know how that turned out!" She squeaked.

Amethyst frowned. "One, they end up getting back together in the end, and two, it's not like you cheated on her or something. You just lied,"

"I didn't lie!" Ruby complained. "I just didn't tell her about anything…for a few days," Her voice wavered. "...she's going to dump me, isn't she? I won't have a date to prom!" She huffed. "Prom is the least of my worries." Ruby groaned. "I knew this was coming, she's too good for me and seriously out of my league; no one said that, but I can tell it's what they're thinking—"

Amethyst nodded sheepishly. "I won't lie and say I never thought of it. But it's fine, Pearl is out of my league, and Lapis sure as hell is out of yours." She pointed at Jasper. "But she's kind of crazy, so it evens out,"

"She's not crazy, she just has a lot going on," Jasper argued.

"I'm just saying, maybe you two need to take a break," Amethyst said softly. "…I mean, we're graduating in a couple of months and I don't know about you, but I want you to succeed in college; not stay behind to take care of someone who doesn't want your help." She spoke faster when Jasper started to argue. "We all know Lapis would flip if she found out you reported her father to the police,"

Amethyst bit her lower lip. "Sometimes, the best way to help someone, is by letting them learn to help themselves. Right now, I think Lapis needs to learn how to take care of herself."

Jasper frowned. "I'm not leaving her alone, not when she needs me." She nodded towards Ruby. "And you, focus on the damn game so we can win a championship title. Then Amethyst and I will get wasted while you have make up sex with your girlfriend."

"I doubt that's going to happen for a while," Ruby mumbled, folding her arms as her mind began to race. "…I know it's crazy, because I've only ever been with one person my entire life, but I could really see myself spending the rest of my life with her. Having a kid and just, sharing our lives, you know?" She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. "I just hate how I ruined part of the dream,"

Amethyst placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not stupid, and the dream isn't lost. You just need to tell her what you've just told us, girls love that stuff. Commitment and such," She waved her hand lazily. "I guess we've all thought about it though. I mean, I've imagined a tiny me running around once but not really who I'd be with,"

"I've thought about Lapis and I having a kid," Jasper said without a thought.

Amethyst made a face, leaning on Ruby lazily as she looked Jasper in the eye. "You want to spend the rest of your life…with Lapis Lazuli? Wow, okay," She shook her head.

Before Jasper could snap back, the locker room door opened to reveal the other two starters; Lars and Sadie.

"Hey, we have thirty minutes until game time, so coach wants us all out there to warm up," Sadie announced, looking around the room. "Let's go win this thing, right?" She grinned.

Ruby nodded sheepishly, tugging on her red warm up before rolling her socks all the way up. "Yeah, let's do it I guess,"

It would be a long night.


Sapphire plucked her phone out once she finished knocking on Rose's front door. She had called her best friend the other night to let her know she was in town and wanted to go to the game with her, since they haven't spoken in a while. Rose was ecstatic and Greg agreed to watch Steven while they went to the game. And Sapphire didn't really want to be alone tonight, with everything going on with Ruby she figured she'd need some moral support for when they spoke.

"Hey Sapphire, I missed you so much!" Rose all but squealed as she took a hug from Sapphire before pulling away with bright eyes. "So, how's college going?"

Sapphire smiled, gesturing for Rose to follow her to the car. "It's going well, first semester ended recently so we have a month off before second semester. After that, I'm officially going to be a sophomore."

Rose grinned. "I'm so proud of you, you're going to do great things,"

"You are too, you know," Sapphire said softly, gesturing inside where Steven was asleep. "Steven is amazing, you made that," She placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, but everything will look up soon," She said, encouraging her friend and herself.

Rose nodded softly. "…so, whose car is this? Didn't you drive here with, Bonnie?"

"My mother let me borrow hers, and that guy pressing his face on the glass is Ronaldo," Sapphire said with a groan, watching the blonde literally shake with joy in the front seat. "Try not to bring up rock people," She said before getting into the driver's seat.

Rose giggled softly as she got into the back, closing the door behind her. "Hi, nice to meet you, I'm—"

"Rose Quartz, I've heard so much about you!" He squealed. "I really appreciate you sending out those warning texts about the homewrecker,"

Sapphire rolled her eyes, driving away. "Can we please, not talk about this,"

Rose smiled sheepishly. "No more messages from me, Sapphire explained everything last night so I'll down play it for now." She quickly changed the subject. "Do you know if Pearl is going to the game?"

Sapphire nodded, recalling the quick conversation she had with her the other night. "Yeah, she's going with Peridot. She's in a wheel chair right now until she gets stronger. She starts rehab tomorrow, Peridot said she is bringing her rehab helper to the game so they can get to know each other,"

Rose hummed. "I haven't seen her in so long, I hope she's doing okay,"

"She's getting there," Sapphire said softly.

Ronaldo bit his lower lip. "…Rose, do you believe in—"

"We are not talking about rock people! I had to listen in the car, at dinner, and through the walls last night," Sapphire snarled, headache stirring up quickly. "We are not doing this now, at least wait until we get to the game so you can start talking about it with random people."

Ronaldo groaned. "Fine, but I get to bring my pamphlets out,"

"Fine, whatever," Sapphire mumbled, mind running with what she would say to a certain curly haired girl.


Pearl stopped her chair at the bottom of the bleachers where the home fans were sitting. "This is fine," She mumbled, looking at the slowly filling seats. "Just save a few spots for Sapphire, Rose and Ronaldo."

Peridot nodded, placing her bag over the spots to save them. "Alright," She glanced up at the large clock on the wall that let them know how much time was left. "We have ten minutes so I'm going to run to the bathroom really quick, but the others should be here soon. I'll be back," She mumbled, jogging out towards the doors.

Pearl took a moment to look around the slowly heating up gym where dozens of fans were entering to watch the game of the year. A soft smile reached her lips when she found Amethyst in the mix of basketball players on the court. She was passing the ball to Ruby across the court who threw up a three pointer, making it with practiced ease before running to the other line across the court.

The past ballerina offered a shy smile when Amethyst caught her eye, she waved softly. A giggle reached her lips when Amethyst blew over an exaggerated kiss before getting Ruby's rebound and passing the ball to the next shooter.

Pearl looked away with a slight head shake, turning to observe the rest of the crowd as they entered. In the mist of the dozens of people walking in she caught a glimpse of pink hair, assuming it to be Rose she tried to catch their eyes.

When light green irises and a lip piercing greeted her, she realized it wasn't Rose but a close look alike. Her pink hair was styled in a choppy cut fashion, falling over her right shoulder. She wore a tight white shirt that showed off some cleavage and stopped above her belly button. Black jeans, torn at the right knee, had a green camouflage shirt tied around the waist.

The pink haired woman, her age or maybe a bit older, raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. An amused grin gracing her rebellious features.

Pearl's face heated up, she barely had time to conceal it when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She whipped around, caught, and looked up with a sigh to see Sapphire smiling.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," Sapphire apologized, moving to sit behind her friend. "This is Ronaldo, Bonnie would have come but she wanted to spend some time with Marceline,"

Ronaldo wiggled his eyebrows. "Yeah, she did," He flinched when Sapphire slapped him on the shoulder. "What, it's what we're all thinking,"

"Not all of us," Pearl mumbled, waving politely at Rose who sat beside her. "Hello, long time no see,"

Rose grinned. "Hey Pearl, how've you been? Steven misses you,"

"I'm good and I miss him too," She confessed. "I'll be sure to visit as soon as I'm up and walking again," She promised.

Things between her and Rose have simmered down to a comfortable friendship like before. They don't talk about Pearl's underlying feelings she once had for her friend, it's easier that way. Besides, they're both happy with other people now.

"Peridot is—" Pearl began.

"Right here," The shorter woman announced, waving at the others. "Hey Pearl, did anyone come by yet? The rehabilitation worker I was telling you about?" She asked, looking around before taking the other seat beside Pearl.

The former ballerina shook her head. "No one approached me," She said with a shrug, a grin splitting on her face when the buzzer sounded. "Oh, the game is starting,"

"Does anyone know if Lapis is coming or not?" Sapphire asked, avoiding the bright eyes she knew were looking at her from across the court. "I didn't get a chance to call her last night,"

Rose nodded. "She said she'd be here later, she had a few things to take care of,"

Sapphire hummed, finally turning her head when the whistle sounded announcing the start of the game. For the first time since entering the gym she chanced a glance at Ruby. Aside from the way she was biting her lip, a sign Sapphire learned that meant she was anxious, she seemed fine as she shook her body off. After taking in a few deep breathes, Ruby closed her eyes momentarily and when they opened they were focused and ready.

Sapphire watched as the curly haired girl got into position across from her opponent, guarding her immediately. Jasper jumped the ball and slapped it towards her team, Ruby snatched it up before the other girl could. Ruby ran, as fast as ever, towards the end of the court and scored the first lay up in the game.

Two to zero.


Ruby let out a heavy breath as her coach called a time out. She plopped down in the first seat, throwing her towel around her neck before wiping the sweat off her face. Amethyst took the seat beside her, followed by the other starters.

"Okay girls, we have ten seconds left and we're up by three," Coach Miller said, pulling out her game board and marker. "This game is ours, we have trained the hardest and our seniors deserve a championship title. It's our ball so we just need to run the clock, they are going to foul so it's important we make our foul shots."

She stood up when the refs' whistle sounded, letting them know their time was up. "Pass the ball to Ruby or Sadie if you're in a jam, they're our best ball handlers. Hands in, let's win this," She nodded to the curly haired teen. "Call it captain,"

Ruby licked her lips, eyes scanning the crowd for Sapphire briefly. "Family on three. One, two, three—"

"Family!" The team cheered, removing their hands before running back on the court.

Ruby swallowed as the referee gestured where she could stand to take the ball out. Unfortunately, the ball had gotten knocked out right in front of Sapphire and the others.

"Hey," Amethyst said softly, hand on her friends shoulder to get her attention. "Ten seconds left, don't let it get to you just focus on this. You've done a great job so far,"

Ruby nodded her head, glancing at the red ten glaring at her. "…thanks, but, don't worry," She walked forward, letting Amethysts hand fall.

The ref pointed to the spot where she could take the ball out as she walked over, Amethyst retreating to the position coach wanted her at; guarding another big. Ruby's breath couldn't stop itself from hitching when she caught a glimpse of soft blue eyes peeking out from behind long bangs. Rose's loud cheer was the only thing easing the tension by their area.

Ruby offered Rose a soft smile as she tucked in her uniform to buy some time. "Thanks," She mumbled, taking the ball, and slapping it to get her teammates to start moving.

Once she noticed an opening, she passed it to Lars who immediately tossed it to Sadie. Ruby checked the clock as it counted down slowly, watching Sadie stand still and wait for the other team to approach her.

"Ruby!" Sadie shouted as a girl ran towards her.

Ruby ran over and caught the ball with ease, placing it under her armpit. Hands on her hips, she stood still as her man approached her; three seconds left.

Ruby bounced the ball and easily crossed the approaching player just as the buzzer sounded, announcing the end of the game and their victory.

The crowd exploded with shouts and exclamations. "Let's go!" Jasper cheered running up to Ruby with a grin. "State champions baby!" She barely resisted the urge to scope her friend up.

Ruby couldn't help but grin, ball clutched tightly in her hands. "I knew we'd do it,"

"This is crazy," Amethyst wrapped her arms around both of them. "I knew it was possible but this is insane! Party at my house!" She said, whistling at the large trophy being brought over to them. "Let's get a picture,"

Ruby took the trophy with a grin, standing between her best friends and holding it up as cameras snapped wildly. "Mom is going to flip," She chuckled, knowing how upset her mother was about not being able to attend this one.

"She can't go to them all," Jasper shrugged, grabbing the trophy with a smile.

Sadie cheered, joining them. "Amethyst mentioned a party earlier? Let me grab the rest of the team and spread the word," She grinned.

"Ruby," Jasper nodded towards her friend who began walking towards the locker room. "Are you coming with us?"

The curly haired girl shook her head, sweat whipping about. "I'm going to get changed and greet the crowd, but I'll let you know if I plan on going or not,"

"No decisions, you're getting drunk with us," Amethyst said. "If I don't see you at the party then I'll just drag you there myself."

Ruby shook her head softly. "Yeah, all right," She mumbled, jogging towards the locker room to change.


Amethyst ran over and placed a soft kiss on Pearl's forehead as she joined her friends over by the bleachers. The crowd was beginning to clear out, but the team was still taking pictures with their family and friends. Coach Miller was still doing victory laps around the gym with the trophy; despite Sadie's disagreement.

"Hey, I didn't think you'd make it," Amethyst said softly.

Pearl shook her head. "I wouldn't miss this game for the world. You guys did amazing,"

"Thanks, I'm throwing a celebration party at my place with the team. Are you going to head back with Peridot or do you want to stop by?" Amethyst asked sheepishly. "I mean, obviously, you can't dance but you could have a drink or two,"

Pearl smiled softly. "I'll just head back to the hotel, I have rehab early in the morning anyway. But you have fun, I'll call you tomorrow or something so we can get some dinner,"

"Great," Amethyst smiled. "I'm going to get a ride with Sadie and the others, I'll see you later," Another kiss and she was jogging with her bag towards her friends waiting by the door.

Rose sighed, nodding towards Ronaldo. "Want to wait in the car? Sapphire gave me the keys,"

"Oh, where'd she go?" He asked, looking to the spot where his friend once was.

Rose shrugged, not wanting to get into it. "Bathroom I think. Are you going to the party? I would but I have to go back home to watch Steven so Greg can get some rest, I can't party like I used to," She smiled sadly, but brightened at the thought of seeing her son again.

He hummed. "Sapphire probably won't go and I won't know anyone so I think I'll just go back to her parent's place. I'd rather hang out with her doing something small than be around all those people."

"Okay, let's go then," Rose held the keys up. "I'll call you later Pearl, maybe we can set up another girl's night," She grinned.

Pearl waved as they walked towards the exit. "Okay great, get home safe," She turned back to Peridot. "You ready to go?"

"Hold on, I wanted to introduce you to the woman who's going to be helping you at the rehabilitation center this week," Peridot moved out of the way and gestured to the same pink haired stranger Pearl had noticed before; her blush returned at full force. "Pearl this is S,"

The pink woman smiled daringly. "Hey," She waved lazily.

Pearl swallowed a lump in her throat, willing herself to speak without stuttering. "H-hi," She failed.

"…well, I was thinking you two should have lunch tomorrow to get to know each other since you'll be spending most of your time together," Peridot shrugged, looking at Pearl strangely. "But we should get out of here, I'm starving and my leftovers at home are calling my name."

S nodded to Pearl again. "Nice meeting you," She said, voice deep and husky.

"Y-yes, same here," Pearl squeaked out, turning her chair towards the exit. "…let's go," She stuttered, strange emotions running through her system.

Peridot frowned. "…yeah,"


Sapphire leaned against an open locker, watching Ruby pull up her newly changed grey sweatpants. They were the only ones left in the locker room; everyone else was off to celebrate the teams victory. There was an awkward silence ever since Sapphire walked in on Ruby standing in just a sports bra and shorts; the seniors physique taunting and teasing her.

Ruby's eyes had widened upon her arrival, a nervous blush spreading across her face as she struggled to redress faster. Sapphire almost looked away, feeling like she walked in on something she shouldn't have before she brushed the feeling away; this was still her girlfriend. She could look all she wanted, but the strange feeling wouldn't fade.

Was Ruby truly hers? Was she ever?

Sapphire hadn't spoken to her since their tense conversation the other night, and despite all her thinking and planning; she had no idea what to say.

She wanted answers, to figure out just what was going on when she was away at college but she had a feeling she shouldn't just spring it up. Ruby had just completed a major accomplishment, and Sapphire had to acknowledge that.

"You played well," Sapphire settled, breaking the silence, arms crossed over her chest as she watched Ruby tug the hoodie she bought her over her muscular form. "Congratulations on your first championship title, it's a great way to end your senior year," She smiled softly, speaking honestly. "You deserve it,"

Ruby finished dressing, and threw her bag over her shoulder with a soft grin. "…thanks. Amethyst is throwing a party but I'm not in the mood honestly," She admitted softly, playing with the strap on her bag anxiously.

"You should go," Sapphire said, looking at the floor. "Moments like this, you have to cherish them. You never know if you'll get another," She thinks back to Pearl's accident with a frown.

Ruby huffed, sick of poking around the bush, and dropped her bag with a light thud. "The only thing I want to do right now is sit down and talk with you, find out where we stand. And maybe kiss you, possibly," She added nervously.

Sapphire's lips twitching into either a snarl or a concealed grin caused Ruby to shake her head. "Or just talk," She tried again with a sheepish apology.

But she couldn't help it, she hadn't seen Sapphire in weeks and she had a way of getting prettier over time. Her lips looking as full as ever.

Ruby looked away from the temptation and tried to reach her eyes; her amazing eyes. "I could care less about the party, or this championship; I'll have more of those. But this," She gestured between them. "This is killing me," She sighed, shoulders falling. "I miss you…I miss what we used to have, how coordinated we were to one another,"

"I know I was wrong and I just want us to be okay again," Ruby confessed, body shaking as she watches Sapphire's expressions closely. "My mother is out of town so I have the house to myself," She could see Sapphire's glare through her heavy bangs; she shook her head quickly. "N-no, to talk!" She corrected quickly, hands up.

Ruby sighed when Sapphire nodded stiffly. "Would you, let me drive you there so we can talk?" She pleaded.

Sapphire pulled out her phone and called Ronaldo, she held a finger up to Ruby. "Hold on," She mumbled, clearing her throat as the line clicked. "Hey, change in plans, I'm heading back to Ruby's place. You can take my mother's car to the party if you want or—"

"No, I'm pretty exhausted so I'll just drive Rose home and see you whenever you get back," He said quickly. "Be safe," He added, ready to head over whenever Sapphire called.

Sapphire nodded. "Always, I'll text you later," She said before hanging up and turning around to a hopeful Ruby. "…ready?"

"Yeah," Ruby swallowed, running to hold the door open for Sapphire before walking out.

Here goes.


Freshmen year is finished and I'm a sophomore now! Summer is looking great, and I have more free time so I'll try and update whenever I can. Next chapter will be about Ruby and Sapphire talking, after that there will only be one chapter left.

I can't update A Glimpse because if I do then you'll know how the story ends and I want you to finish this one before I can start working on it. I may do another part to the series with them in college, but I'm not sure. Let me know what you guys think. It could be a good way to sum up some loose ends about how they all get to where they are.

Thanks for reading. And, how crazy was the last Steven bomb!?

See you next time!