Disclaimer: I do not own Steven Universe.

A/N: I have a head canon that Sapphire got badly hurt in the past. That's the reason Ruby is so protective of her. Also in Keeping it Together it's the Blue sock that almost blows away (foreshadowing of the past?)

Aaaand a new request for the New Year. A Guest asked for: "I would like to see Ruby or Sapphire get their gems cracked. ( not broken or shattered, ok? ) I just like stories that have a character hurt/dying."

"Don't play dumb." A ruby spoke out, their breath freezing on the air, "We saw you."

Two rubies stood side by side, squared off with a rogue gem of their own kind.

Ruby stood firm, silent with resolve. She knew exactly what her cohorts were talking about.

"Did you ever stop to think how this might affect the others?"

How this might affect the others…

What others?!

"This has nothing to do with you!" Ruby could no longer stay quiet. Steam rose from her skin, "What do you think you even know about me! About her!"

One of the rubies grinned wickedly as another spoke the obvious.

"Don't even start. Of course we know you."

Ruby was knocked back by the weight behind those words.

"We know you're sympathizing with them, those obnoxious nobles."

Nothing could be said as her offenses were laid bare in front of her.

"We know how you've been disobeying orders, getting the whole squad in trouble for your own pleasures."

Because these accusations were true.

"You even refuse to fuse with us."

Except one.

"I bet she's fusing with that cloddy Sapphire."

Sapphire is not a clod. Ruby's fist said.

A fury of attacks responded.

There was one thing Ruby would not allow, "Don't you dare talk about Sapphire like you know."

Laughter only stoked a fire that burned within the small Ruby. Smoke clouded her mind. She became so lost that was impossible to see-

"Ruby"

But she heard a voice through it all.

Sapphire

A rush of blue.

A sick crunch.

A calm breath uttering words of warning.

"You need to leave."

There was no choice. A sudden raid started a whirlwind around them. It cooled Ruby's head as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

When the smoke cleared only two remained.

Ruby's eyes fell to the ground, "Sa- Sapphire?"

Elegance was sprawled on the ground as worn as rags.

The red gem felt unsteady as she saw the body shake.

"Sapphire"

Ruby's legs gave way and she crawled forward.

The blue gem screamed out in pain.

But gems can't feel pain.

Then what was this?

Sapphire herself didn't quite understand what had happened.

The red gem jolted back. It was horrifying to see the usually calm gem so full of wounded emotion. It made ever single movement, every vocalization and every look all the more intense.

"Your gem."

It all became clear. She was cracked. Even so-

"I'm so glad you're alright."

"Stop talking."

Sapphire flinched at the sharpness in Ruby's tone.

"Nonono, I didn't mean." The red gem soothed, eyes filling with tears, "Why would you do that?" A strong grasp took familiar gloved hand. Warm eyes dare not look at the gem hidden between laced fingers.

"I saw no other way."

"I don't understand." Ruby shook her head, tenderly stroking the head of another, "You saw this and…and what, did it anyway."

Sapphire smiled weakly up at the face of the gem she loved.

"I wish you could understand."

Ruby grit her teeth. That was the problem, she did understand. If she was in Sapphire's place she would have done the same thing.

But "How can I-"

"I bet she's fusing with that cloddy Sapphire."

The voice of a ruby echoed in Ruby's mind.

It was a long shot, but maybe-

"I may not be able to understand. But maybe this doesn't have to be the end."