Kickstart the Gentle Blacksmith

Bismuth took a deep breath as she walked outside. The gen blacksmith was shaking all over. This was her first official date with Pearl. When Bismuth confessed and Pearl didn't respond right away she thought that maybe things were messed up between them now.

Luckily Pearl got back to her after a few days and told Bismuth that if she'd like to go on a date. To give it a try before giving her a final answer. Just like Pearl to test things first, she was never the one to jump straight into something without thinking. Well except for Rose.

Bismuth shook her head, if she was gonna make this a good date she can't be comparing herself to an ex. She needs to for Pearl to see her, only her.

Ok, it was time.

Bismuth descended down the steps of the Temple and towards her and Pearl's meeting spot. She didn't have to walk long before she saw Pearl, looking towards the ocean, her hands behind her back and a smile on her face.

"Hey Pearl." Bismuth wanted to sound as casual as possible, all the while her nerves were eating her up inside.

"Oh, hello Bismuth. Right on time."

Bismuth shrugged, "Eh, I try to be punctual. And you're still the early bird I see." Pearl's smile widened, the banter between them familiar.

"It's an old habit I suppose." Pearl ran her hand over the back of her neck, "Should we get going?"

"S-Sure!" Bismuth bashfully offered her hand to Pearl. Once Pearl took it Bismuth realized all over again just how much smaller Pearl's hands are than her own.

They started walking along the beach, "You know... I never once thought you would have feelings for me." Pearl spoke quietly.

"Yeah? Why not?"

"Well we were always quite close I admit, but I guess I never thought that anyone could like me like that, other than her." There was a pause, "I've been told I'm just a Pearl for so long I guess in a way I thought that... you just wanted to protect me out of consideration. Because I'm skilled. Because I was of value. It sounds terrible I know and looking back it's quite silly. You never treated me like I was inferior, always joking, teasing, sparring, making my weapons, cheering me on. I should be grateful to you Bismuth."

Bismuth stopped in her tracks. She frowned and looked down at her and Pearl's joined hands, "Is... is that what this is?" She couldn't keep the sadness out of her voice.

"No! No! Oh my stars no!" Pearl's eyes widened, "I'm sorry, oh I-I gave you the wrong impression there didn't I?" Pearl put a hand over her mouth, her eyes shifting away then back at Bismuth a few times.

Dating was hard. And she forgot that. She'd been with Rose for so long and then she'd been alone. She had forgotten how awkward it can be.

Pearl took a deep breath, "Let me try again. I am grateful to you Bismuth. You watched my back, you cared for me, you encouraged me. But this..." Pearl gestured between them, "This date, I'm on this date with you because I want to explore new possibilities. With you."

With her. Pearl wanted to explore new possibilities with her.

"Uh... well..." Bismuth blushed deeply, "I hope I can live up to your expectations then."

Pearl smiled brightly, a blush now on her cheeks as well, "You already have. I just didn't notice it before."

Now that brought a big, bright smile on Bismuth's face. Maybe she has a chance after all.