"What are we going to do about Steven, Garnet?" Pearl asked worriedly. "He's hardly left his room in days.."
"He'll be fine, Pearl." Garnet assured her. "This is just a phase. He misses Connie, and that's how he chooses to grieve."
"So you're just going to leave him alone?!" She exclaimed, exasperated.
"Yes." Garnet answered calmly.
"What- We can't! We have to do something-"
"No, we don't. Steven is grieving, Pearl. If being alone is what helps him, then let him be."
"We have to talk to him, Garnet! We can't just let this continue on forever!"
"You should understand better than anyone, Pearl. You shut yourself away after Rose left-"
"Don't bring up Rose, Garnet, please." Her eyes shone with tears, and she avoided the red gem's gaze.
"You need to let Steven grieve. Don't make me make it an order."
Pearl nodded. "I suppose you're right… I just worry about him.."
Garnet wrapped her arms around her waist. "I understand, Pearl. Steven will be okay, it just might take some time."
Pearl rested her head on the crook of Garnet's neck. "Maybe we should look for her."
Garnet nodded. "I'll talk to her parents, and see if they know anything."
"I'm sorry I shouted at you…"
"It's okay. I shouldn't have brought up Rose, either."
"You were right, Garnet."
"It doesn't matter. I still shouldn't have mentioned her. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
Garnet pulled her closer to her. "I love you." She whispered into her hair.
"I love you too." She reached up, gently pressing her lips against Garnet's. She ran her fingers through her hair delicately, blushing as Garnet did the same to her. She revelled in the feeling of her soft lips, insides stirring with passion. Sparks coursed through her soul, making her heart beat faster.
They broke apart a moment later, not saying a word as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Just keep at it, Julianna. You'll get there." Amethyst encouraged, watching as Julianna tried to hit the targets with her throwing stars.
Julianna sighed in defeat. "Maybe I'm not cut out for this.."
"You're a diamond. You're built for this kind of stuff."
"Maybe the other diamonds are. But I wasn't." She answered bitterly.
"Even so. Fighting is in your blood. You just have to channel it. These kinds of things take time." She rested her hand on her shoulder.
Julianna sighed and looked down. "I know…"
"I have faith in you, Julianna." Amethyst pulled her into a hug, whispering into her hair. "I love you."
"I love you more." Julianna responded, a light blush coloring her face.
"Is that a challenge?" The purple gem raised her eyebrows, lips spreading in a playful smirk.
"Maybe it is."
"Well in that case.." She turned Julianna around so she faced her. "Challenge accepted." She pressed her lips against hers, resting her hands on her waist. She pulled her closer so their bodies touched, sharing their warmth and softness. Amethyst tangled her hands in Julianna's hair, gently tugging on the strands. Her hands traveled over her form, hands slipping beneath the fabric of her shirt.
Breathless, Julianna ended the embrace. "You win."
Amethyst's eyebrows arched once again. "Oh? I wasn't done yet."
"Okay.." Julianna flustered, her face heating up.
"Unless you don't want me to."
Julianna reconnected their embrace, wrapping her leg around her waist and leaning against her, making her fall over.
Amethyst laughed and stood back up, holding Julianna in her arms, with her legs wrapped around her. She planted kisses along her neck and her collarbone, her long blonde locks tickling her shoulders. She carried her back to the warp pad and carefully set her down, warping them back to the temple, and into her room.