Dear Blue,

Lately, I can't seem to think of anything but Rose. I know you must be tired of hearing about her, but you're the only one I can talk to about it. So here we go again.

I never imagined that it would be so difficult to speak to someone. I always believed that no matter what, a Gem is a Gem, and there is absolutely no reason that some should be different. But Rose seems to evade that rule. Words become trapped in my throat and whenever she's in close proximity, there's a burst of heat underneath my skin that only gets more painful when she's nearer. I'm no expert in Gem genetics, but I don't think that should be happening.

And it's not like she's even a pain to be around. In fact, she's an absolute treasure. It's difficult to speak around her, but it's delightful to know she's actually interested in me and what I have to say. It's been painfully lonely ever since we have been separated but she seems to fill in that void and make things bright again.

She'll never be able to replace you and Yellow though.

But what makes her different than other Gems like her is that she isn't completely vicious and bloodthirsty like the Quartzes in her league. She never blatantly threatens others and genuinely believes in peaceful arguments over needless violence. She's actually capable of rational thought, which I previously believed to be impossible from soldier caste Gems. It surprises me in a pleasant way. Like its actually possible to different . . . and even be proud of it.

But another thing is that she doesn't seem to realize that I am a Pearl. No, she's not blind. Instead, she speaks to me the same way she speaks to her Quartz comrades. She never once mentions the fact that I am far beneath her. And from what I experienced, it feels good to actually forget what I'm built for.

I wish I could send you a picture of her but I don't have access to such technology. Instead, I will just describe her to you. Her image seems to be burned into my memory. She has voluminous pink hair that's styled in rich curls, similar to her superior, but much messier and casual. Sometimes, I wish I could reach out and stroke it. But I'm in no position to do such a thing.

Her eyes are black but not in a cold and empty way like my Diamond. Instead, it's more like an endless depth of warm darkness that doesn't isolate you from the light, but more so brings you closer to it. Simply just imagine the physical embodiment of warmth and hope and there she is.

Sometimes, I wonder if that's just what a Rose Quartz is designed to look like. I can't imagine that out there, someone has the exact eyes and smile as Rose, that her loveliness is nothing more than the description of an entire troop. I always think of her as a singular person, rather than one member of an entire army of clones. And it's just now that I realize that she's never told me her serial code, but instead insists on being referred to as Rose—just Rose.

I didn't think any Gem had a name like we did.

Whenever I think of Rose, I never fathom that all she is simply a carbon copy of someone else. I don't know why and I don't think that could ever be changed.

"Have you ever stepped foot outside? I don't recall you or your Diamond ever seeing Bellona for its natural beauty," Rose asked once she approached White.

"No, my Diamond thinks it's absolutely unnecessary," White answered, finding it hard to phrase her words.

"That sounds ridiculous," Rose gasped. "How did you even get here?"

"We've traveled from building to building by private Warp Pad," White replied, wringing her hands together nervously. "I don't think I've ever seen any natural Bellona places that are not Gem-made."

"Well then, why don't you ever see for yourself?" Rose asked.

"Because," White said timidly. "One of the first rules White Diamond ever gave me is that I'm not allowed to leave her side. I cannot go anywhere without her and if I do, she won't bother to look for me."

"That's outrageous," Rose said firmly, and when White looked straight into Rose's eyes, she could see a faint blaze stirring in her otherwise dark stare.

"It's what most Pearls do anyways," White blurted out, trying to find a way to defend her Diamond. Not out of loyalty, more so out of fear. "We find this to be common. After all, what's a Pearl without her master?"

"A Pearl without her master is still a Gem," Rose said angrily, yet her anger wasn't directed at White herself. She seemed to be glaring at an invisible being, and White was afraid to provoke her.

But she quickly regained her composure before White could question it further. "This might be scandalous to say, but when my Diamond isn't looking, I take Pink out to see the wonders of Bellona before it perishes."

"What? Why would you do such a thing?" White cried.

"Because," Rose said with a twinkle in her eye that White could determine as mischief. "It brings a smile to her face and it makes me smile too. It's not as terrible as it may seem. My Diamond values me highly and I always find a way out of trouble simply by talking."

That reminded White of Yellow and her way of finding an excuse for her older sister's transgressions. It comforted her knowing that Rose cared for Pink the same way White did for her sisters.

"Perhaps you can join us for our next outing?" Rose asked, interrupting White's thoughts.

"You would let me do that?" White replied in surprise. Suddenly, she pictured her Diamond's fiery eyes. "What about my—"

Rose stopped her before she could finish. "Don't worry; I'll take care of it."

I haven't had anyone care about me like this for a long time ever since we were taken away from each other. It makes me happy. I don't know why Rose has such interest in me, but I don't care. Just the way she looks at me makes me feel complete. I don't want it to ever stop.

I hope you're as happy as I am about this.

Sincerely, White