Garnet took a deep breath and released it slowly, focusing on the silence around her. She was in a hidden location deep within the temple, only accessible from her room and only she knew about it. It was deathly silent, and she came here to think and to meditate. She also came to talk to the two gems at the core of her very being, the ones who's love she represented. While Garnet was her own gem, Ruby and Sapphire could still share themselves with her or take over as they deemed fit. It hadn't happened in millenia that they took control, but she wasn't going to take any risks. But now was different from other times; now she had been summoned by them. She shut her eyes and took another deep breath, sinking into the depths of her mind. They came to her, walking from the darkness hand in hand.
"Hello, Garnet. It has been quite some time since we've last conversed." Sapphire smiled at her, ever the diplomat.
"Yeah long time no see!" Ruby grinned and chuckled.
"Yes, it has." They sat across from eachother, silence enveloping them. "What is it you've summoned me for?" Sapphire and Ruby shared a look and then turned back to her.
"We're here to talk about Pearl." Sapphire was straight to the point, no sugar coating necessary.
"Yeah. We've noticed how touchy-feely she's been with us, and how you never seem to mind. So, we just wanted to know how you feel about her." Ruby winked at her.
"Well, as you know Pearl is, well, a Pearl. She looks up to those in power. She needs constant affirmation of her skills, and it seems she's found her needs met with me. She gives herself to those in power. Noting more, nothing less." Sapphire cleared her throat and scooted a bit closer.
"It would seem that way, but have you really truly thought about it? Pearl treated Rose Quartz much differently than she does you. Pearl fights beside you, not for you. Why don't you try to assess it again?"
"I don't understand why we're talking about this. It is simply that she loves the power I hold. She doesn't love me." Ruby groaned and threw her hands up.
"Have we taught you nothing? Listen kiddo, I know a gem in love when I see one and Pearl is head over heels for you. I never realized we were so dense!" Ruby gave Sapphire a look that made her giggle, then looked back at Garnet. "You only say those things because you don't want us to disapprove of you. We know how you feel Garnet. You love her. And deep down inside of you, you know she loves you too." Garnet didn't know what to say. It wasn't often she got to talk to them, and when they did talk it was mostly about Steven. This was completely new, and she hadn't even seen it coming. So much for future vision. But the more she thought on it, the more she knew Ruby was right.
"'lright." She nodded her head and stood. "You're right. I can't believe I've lied to myself for so long. Pearl has feelings for me." Sapphire and Ruby shared a small smile.
"Go get her. We'll see you again, some day." They two smaller gems stood and linked hands before walking back into the dark. Garnet took a deep breath and released it slowly. She was back in the temple, back where she had started. Now, however, she had a mission to accomplish.
It was no trouble finding her. She was in Steven's room, folding his laundry. She was humming a tune from long ago, an old love story sung during the years of the rebellion. She jumped when Garnet sat beside her, hand fanning her face.
"Oh! Garnet! You scared me." She smiled shyly, hands coming to rest on her knees.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to. I just..." Garnet wasn't used to feeling nervous, it wasn't a good feeling. She cleared her throat and grabbed Pearl's hands with her own, pulling them up to hold them against her chest. "I find myself- What I mean to say is, Pearl, I think I..." Garnet growled. She hated feeling this way. Not knowing what was going to happen. Pearl's eyes were wide, her cheeks stained a light blue; she looked absolutely beautiful. Garnet had the urge to kiss her, to hold her close for all of eternity. So she did just that. Pearl gave a surprised 'oh!' as Garnet pulled her forward into a kiss, her arms moving to wrap around her waist. Pearl's hands stayed against her chest, gripping the fabric of her suit. They pulled apart slowly, stopping when only the tips of their noses touched.
"Garnet..." Pearl barely had time to think of a response when a small gasp pulled their attention towards the door. Steven was grinning and staring at them, stars in his eyes.
"Oh my gosh!" Pearl stuttered and pulled away from her, face bright blue, trying to think of a good excuse. "I knew it! Amethyst totally owes me five dollars! I'm so happy for you two!" He ran over and hugged both of them before running back out the door, screaming Amethyst's name.
"Oh, no, Garnet what are we going t-" Garnet pulled her into another kiss, hands warm against her back.
"We'll figure that out later, but right now just kiss me." Pearl smiled and nodded, allowing Garnet to pull her in once more.