Disclaimer: I do not own Steven Universe
A/N: Part 2 of Love Advice
"Pearl" Greg groaned, defiantly stepping back into the temple.
The slender gem shrugged, pivoting away from the nuisance gracefully, "As a knight it is my job to see to it that my liege is properly protected."
This struck a chord in the hearts of those listening.
"Protect her from what, Pearl?" Greg asked, determined to get a reasonable answer, "Love?"
"From love?!"
The human jumped. Had his words been echoed on the stone walls? He looked to find the source being a very tiny and very heated red gem.
Ruby was looking dead at Pearl, "Do you have any idea how precious love can be when it's requited?"
"Of course I do!" Pearl replied, both irritated and hurt by the words.
Sapphire saw this and put a cooling hand on Ruby's shoulder. The mere touch proved enough to calm her. "Would it dispel your worries if I told you that Rose-"
But Pearl would not let the blue gem continue, "No! It wouldn't." She looked to Greg trying her hardest to understand why this particular human was different, "Human displays of affection are so discussing …and moist."
She reflected on all she knew about the primitive specie based on observation. The strange way these humans kiss one other, care for one another and grow more of their kind. To Pearl it all seemed like a horrifying experience, far different than the expressions of love between gems.
Greg cringed at the unpleasant description.
A giggle rang through the room, "It really is not all that bad~"
Pearl's face twisted in horror as she looked over at her two grinning friends. She wasn't sure if they were being serious or intentionally messing with her, but she didn't like the thought of either, "You two just … please, don't encourage this."
It was then a flash lit the room.
The long awaited Rose formed on the warp pad, "Everyone." She seemed surprised, "Is everything alright?"
Sapphire was the one to respond, "Everything is fine now." She looked over to Greg with a kind smile.
The human understood.
Ruby and Sapphire respectfully walked away. As they disappeared through the magic temple door, Greg thought he heard Ruby say, "So Valentine's day, huh?"
Rose was quick to join Greg at his side. Pearl reached out as the taller gem passed by, watching as the lovers shared a tender kiss.
Had Rose even noticed her?
"See you later, Pearl." Rose called out.
Pearl felt an arrow pierce her heart, the wound set butterflies free to fly about her stomach. All she could do was waving silently at the retreating figures.
Why did it hurt so much to see Rose so happy?
As someone who loves Rose, shouldn't that be enough?
Isn't that what she always wished for Rose?
Happiness.
So why did it hurt?
The sound of panting and shuffling feet went unnoticed to Pearl until.
"Pearl! Pearl!" A voice called out to her.
The pearl focused, "Hello, Amethyst." Her voice was tired.
The younger gem was at her side, excited and full of pride, "The music guy came back."
Pearl felt tears brim on her eyes, she brushed them aside, "I saw."
Amethyst did not seem to notice, "And he told me something good!" She was too excited to share her news.
"Oh?"
"Look at what I found." Amethyst thrust her hand forward, revealing the treasure.
Pearl looked down to find, "It's a broken shell, just a shattered piece of half a large bivalve." Those were everywhere, literally what the sand just outside the temple was comprised of.
"No." Amethyst raised the treasure closer for those blue eyes to inspect, "Look at the shape."
Pearl picked up the fragment, turning it over in her fingers, "The human's symbol to represent a 'heart' or love?"
"Yes!" Amethyst bounced, overjoyed Pearl could see it, "And it's pink. You love pink!"
A small smile played on Pearl's lips, "It's lovely." She praised the purple gem.
"It's for you." Amethyst blushed.
On the air three confessions took place that evening. All very unique, yet all carried the same message:
…
"You know." Sapphire admitted as she held her partner close, "You weren't the only one. I was nervous too and did my own fair share of asking advice when we first met."...
...
"I- I, um… I love you!" Greg stuttered. The man had to take two very large breaths before looking up to those dazzling eyes, eyes that held the stars in them.
...
"Happy Valentine's Day." Amethyst whispered, feeling something beautiful take root in her chest.
