Garnet awoke early the next morning. The sky was still dark, low hues of purple just barely beginning to brush the horizon. Silently, she made her way through the temple and out the front door, standing on the porch as she gazed up at the sky. She felt mostly empty, as was usual for her now. Slowly, her mind started to wander, and she let it. Immediately, she thought of Pearl. The long months of avoiding her had finally taken their toll on her. All she wanted was to hold her, as she'd used to years ago, while she'd mourned for Rose Quartz. Just the simple touch of her soft skin was all she desired. Even the simple brush of fingertips would be enough. But she couldn't risk it, in fear of letting her secret out.

Her heart began to pound, her stomach clenching fiercely, a strangled cry escaping her lips. Her love for the White Goddess consumed her, and could not be extinguished, which only made her torment that much more real. She struggled to contain her tears. Crying would do no good, only making her feel worse once the whole ordeal was over. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, willing the tears not to fall. She breathed deeply, slowly calming herself until her eyes had dried, all without spilling a single tear.

"You're getting stronger.."

Pearl stepped out onto the porch, glancing at her leader. "H-Hello, Garnet..." She shyly stood beside her, looking up.

Garnet nodded in response, using all her willpower not to look in her direction. They stood a few moments in heavy, awkward silence, until Pearl finally spoke.

"Steven's worried about you..."

"I'm fine." Garnet insisted. "Steven has nothing to worry about."

"You're never around anymore, and when we battle..." Her eyes fell upon Garnet's slightly raised sleeve, suspicions arising. She gently grasped her arm and lifted the fabric. Her heart fell at the array of self inflictions on her flesh. "Garnet..." She whispered in despair, having no idea what to say. "Why?.."

"It was you..." She murmured, the tears coming back. Nothing was secret now..

"Wh-What? What did I ever do to-"

"I love you!" Garnet confessed, crying freely.

Pearl stared in disbelief, stammering incoherently. She was absolutely speechless.

"When we were trying to teach Steven the fusion dance... A-And you looked at me like you hated me... I-I just thought..."

"Garnet, I could never hate you..."

Garnet hugged Pearl tightly, unable to control herself anymore. She sobbed heavily, holding tightly to Pearl, but it seemed nothing could suppress her agony any longer.

"I'm sorry.. I-I had no idea you-"

"Please just give me a chance..." She begged. She'd come so close, she couldn't let her slip away now.

Pearl bit her bottom lip in thought. She felt only friendship for Garnet, but, if it would make her happy, then Steven would be happy as well... "Alright." She agreed. She wrapped her arms around Garnet's neck, lying her head on her chest. She had to admit, it felt... nice, being with her like this. She tried her best to soothe her, not wanting to see her cry anymore.

"Thank you, Pearl..." She dried her eyes, looking down at the White Goddess. "It means the world to me..."

Pearl blushed faintly, nodding. "You're welcome." She awkwardly let go of her.

"We don't have to tell anyone... If you don't want to." Garnet said.

"Let's just wait a little bit." Pearl suggested. "Take it slow, and see how things turn out."

She nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a good idea."

Steven laid on the floor on his stomach, his face stretched with joy. He had convinced Garnet to watch a movie with everyone else, and it had only taken one ask. He was definitely glad to have her back to normal. His eyes widened in excitement as he popped the disc in, giggling ecstatically.

"Calm down, Steven." Amethyst chuckled.

Garnet chuckled softly. "He's just excited, Amethyst." She laid on Steven's bed on her stomach, Pearl next to her in a similar position. She hardly paid attention as the movie played, focusing all her attention on Pearl. Absentmindedly, she'd wrapped her arm around her shoulders, lighting up inside when she didn't push her away. The warmth of her skin calmed her, and she peacefully drifted off, her head rested on Pearl's shoulder.

"Aw." Amethyst chuckled softly, standing up and stretching. "Look at them, Steven." She tilted her head towards Steven's bed, where Pearl and Garnet had fallen asleep. Garnet hand her arms wrapped around Pearl from behind, and Pearl had her hands entwined with Garnet's, a small smile on her face.

"Why are they doing that?" He asked, confused, keeping his voice low. "They never do that..." Did they have that thing Connie had told him about? Polyamory?

Amethyst shrugged. "I don't know. But who cares? It's still cute.. You should take a picture."

Steven shook his head. "It'll wake them up."

"Okay then. Goodnight, Steven." Amethyst headed down the stairs.

"Wait. Where am I supposed to sleep?" He asked.

"We can get some extra pillows, and some blankets. You can crash on the couch."

Steven nodded. "Yeah, okay. I guess that works."

-The Next Morning-

The rays of early morning sun leaked through the windows, shining right in Pearl's eyes. The gem groaned softly, opening her eyes and blinking to adjust to the light. She blushed faintly, seeing that Garnet was still asleep. She felt at peace, curled into Garnet's chest and holding her hands, the pattern of her peaceful breathing washing away any worry.

"Good morning, my Goddess." Garnet murmured, gently kissing the top of her head.

"M-Morning, Garnet.." A light blue blush dusted her cheeks, and she smiled up at her.

"Have I overstepped my limit?" She questioned. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable.."

"Not at all." She responded, staring into Garnet's eyes through her glasses.

Garnet nodded, gently rubbing her thumb over Pearl's hand. "You can let go whenever you want."

"I don't think I want to."