The mission was a success, they didn't manage to recruit anyone but Homeworld should no longer be interested in Earth, for a little while anyway. The journey home was uneventful, the gems kept to themselves but did socialise with one another when they felt like it. Matthew and Peridot were mainly discussing the Geodes and plans they had for them, they were excited, but both were worried that they wouldn't be good parents, they both reassured each other which made their worries disappear. When they arrived back on Earth they were greeted with Amethyst, Lapis and Bismuth. Stories were being shared between everyone, the Crystal Gems were all together again, this made the perfect opportunity for Peridot and Matthew to share the news …
Matthew took a deep breath before saying anything, hoping that no one would be against what they were about to say. "Everyone. Me and Peridot have some news …"
Matthew looked towards Peridot who was as nervous as him, but she soon stepped up. "We … Are going to be having Gemlings!"
The room went silent for a brief moment until it was broken by the gems all congratulating them.
(Bismuth) "Now that's something that I haven't heard of in centuries! Congrats you two, I'm sure you'll make wonderful parents!"
(Pearl) "It's been so long since I've seen any gemlings! I can't wait to see them! Congratulations!"
Amethyst and Steven were a bit lost, they understood it was a good thing but what the hell are gemlings? "Guys … What are gemlings?"
(Peridot) "Well Steven, we gems can reproduce similar to humans, but it works a lot differently. Gemlings are baby versions of either parent or a fusion of both."
(Matthew) "That's right, so once Peridot summons the geodes that carry the Gemlings out of her gem, the geodes must be incubated for about 2 weeks before they hatch. Once they do it will either be mini-Peridot's or Rubies … or a fusion."
(Amethyst) "Ohhhhh I get it now! Congrats guys I can't wait to see how cute they look!"
(Steven) "Oh, my stars! I'll be the best Uncle ever! Congrats you guys!"
The group were talking about the gemlings for what seemed like hours, everyone was happy for the couple and offered their complete support, expect lapis …
(Lapis) "Wait, how are you even going to look after them? None of us know anything to do with gemlings let alone care for them!"
Peridot seemed a bit annoyed by Lapis' tone, she could tell Lapis wasn't very happy at all. "Well Lapis, me and Matthew managed to find a load of information on the matter during our mission. It explains everything from carrying to birth to well-being. It's not that hard really …"
This made Lapis even more annoyed, but she didn't bother to say anything and instead just flew off, which did not sit well with Peridot. "The one time I need her support she does care! I can't believe that gem …"
Matthew comforted Peridot with a hug and a kiss … "Don't worry about her Peridot, she'll come round eventually but I guess that means I won't be living in the barn with you two then huh?"
(Peridot) "Oh right! What are we going to do now!"
Just before Peridot could break down Garnet spoke up. "Now Now Peridot, you and Matthew can stay in my room in the temple for as long as you want. We will need to make some changes to it though so it's safe for gemlings …"
Matthew ran over and hugged Garnet. "Thank you so much! If there's anything I can do to repay you just ask!"
The rest of the night passed by in the blink of an eye, everyone was chatting and laughing while Peridot was too busy eating rocks … Before the night ended though Matthew approached Garnet in order to ask her something.
(Matthew) "Hey Garnet, thanks again for letting me and Peridot stay in your room … but there's something I wanted to ask you …"
Garnet smiled; she knew what he was going to ask but decided to let him ask it first. "Go right ahead."
(Matthew) "Well, I was wondering if you wanted to be the gemlings Guardian? Similar to how people can have God Mothers, but I never had one and Guardian sounds way cooler …"
Garnet had a wide simile across her face, it was easy to tell that both ruby and sapphire were smiling. "I would love too."
Before Matthew could respond, Garnet asks him a question that surprises him. "What gemlings are you hoping to have?"
Matthew to a second to respond. "Well, I'd like at least one ruby but even if their all Peridot's I'd still love them to pieces. I wonder how it's all going to work though since I'm half-human and all …"
(Garnet) "Your gemlings will be 100% gem, but they might have characteristics that you have, or they might have characteristics that your mom had … or it might be a mix of both."
The night came to an end and everyone went their separate ways within the temple, many plans have been made for what lies ahead.
A month later
Matthew and Peridot have moved into Garnet's room for the time being since Lapis is still being unsupportive of them and the gemlings. Peridot has been having more symptoms of being the carrier, mainly drastic mood swings and an even bigger appetite. The other Crystal gems have been doing their own things, it's been relatively quiet ever since the Homeworld Mission. Even the Ruby squad has been relaxing more, they find it nice that they don't have to worry about any superiors and when they heard the news of Matthew and Peridot having gemlings … they were over the moon, they showed full support towards the couple. Everything was seemingly good for the couple, apart from their relationship with Lapis …
(Matthew) "Lapis, I just want to talk … please, help me understand what's wrong …"
Lapis looked at the ground annoyed, she had been reading her favourite fanfiction until Matthew came to disrupt her. "I just … I just don't see how Peridot has someone like you! There I said it, I don't get how someone like you could fall in love with Peridot …"
It hits Matthew like a brick … she was Jealous. "Lapis … I'm sorry I didn't know you felt this way … is there anything I can do?"
(Lapis) "No … just let me be, I need time …"
(Matthew) "Take all the time you need; you know where to find me if you need me …"
Matthew warps back to the temple and finds Peridot in Garnets room sleeping on the bed they have; Garnet doesn't mind what they do to her room as long as it isn't over the top …
(Matthew) "Hey … Peridot, can we talk?"
Peridot stirs for a moment before opening her eyes. "I was sleeping you clod! Let's make it quick."
(Matthew) "I'm sorry … but it's about Lapis … I've found out why she's been so cold to us and the idea of us having Gemlings …"
Peridot frowns at the mention of Lapis, ever since they came back from the mission and announced that they we're having gemlings, Lapis has completely pushed both Matthew and Peridot away. "Well, what is it?"
(Matthew) "Well, she's just jealous that I'm with you … I think that's all there is to it, she just wanted to be with me, but you got to be instead …"
(Peridot) "Of course! How stupid is that, why couldn't she get over the fact that I'm with you and she isn't! That … That stupid MEGA CLOD!"
Matthew pulled her in for a tight hug. "Easy now, don't get so worked up about it, she'll come around eventually I'm sure of it. And also, if you're thinking of losing me … think again because you'll never lose me …" Matthew finishes by pulling Peridot in for a deep and meaning kiss, she instantly melts into it and any worry washes away in a second.
Garnet walks into her room witness the event unfold with a massive smile upon her face. "Well well well, I would say get a room, but that room also happens to be my room …"
Both Matthew and Peridot look at Garnet with red faces, the room is quiet until Matthew speaks up. "Oh, hey, Garnet … Sorry, I was just comforting Peridot … Lapis told me why she's being cold to us."
Garnet goes back to her normal stern face before responding. "She's jealous. Can't say I'm surprised, don't worry about it too much you two. She'll get over it eventually, she has too … Anyway, Matthew, it would be best if you let Peridot get back to sleep, she needs all the energy she can get."
Matthew nods before turning back towards Peridot who is already half-asleep in his arms. "I'll come back to check on you later, I hope you sleep well … I love you." Matthew kisses Peridot on her gem which causes her to giggle in her sleep. He walks out with Garnet, trying to figure out what to do next …