Every year since 2020 (except for 2021 ig) I've written exactly one Steven Universe fic and I guess this is this year's fic! Maybe I will actually write more SU fics in 2023, especially for my favorite pairings, Bispearl and Lapidot (Stronger Together and Surprise Anniversary). If I'm really getting crazy maybe I'll even write some Connverse :D

"Pearl?" Steven had left to drop Connie off at home, and Pearl and Bismuth had gotten out together to check on Little Homeworld before they went their separate ways.

"Yeah?" Pearl was practically glowing. She seemed so happy, doing human things, making a life for herself on earth that was all her own.

Who was Bismuth, to intrude on that? But what kind of Crystal Gem would she be if she wasn't brave enough to speak her mind?

"We should do this again. It was fun."

"Oh! Yes, definitely. Anytime, Bismuth. There's so much wonderful human stuff I'd love to show you."

Bismuth felt herself blushing. "One more thing…"

Pearl nodded, urging her on.

Bismuth looked away and sheepishly held out the scrap of toilet paper she'd written on.

"What's this?" Pearl asked.

"You said that when humans want to see each other again they exchange numbers."

"This just says 12."

"That's a number, isn't it?"

Pearl threw her head back and laughed, a laugh that only made Bismuth feel more flustered.

"Oh, I understand the confusion- I was confused the first time too. I meant phone numbers. It's how humans keep in touch with each other."

"I don't have a phone," Bismuth said, feeling foolish.

"That's okay, we can get you one. That way you can talk to all the friends you made tonight."

"That sounds nice, Pearl, but…"

"But what? You can tell me anything."

"I really didn't go skating because of them. Or to see some new weird human thing. I did it because I wanted to spend time with you."

Realization began to dawn on Pearl and she blushed slightly and looked away. "You mean…"

"Yeah. I like you. I think I always have but back then you were attached to Rose -which I get- and now you're your own gem and that's incredible, and I don't want to be the one to hold you back. But I would feel like a coward if I didn't tell you how much you meant to me. Even if you don't feel the same."

Bismuth offered a small smile. It felt good to say, it really didn't matter if Pearl felt the same way, as long as they stayed in each other's lives.

Pearl seemed frozen, stunned into silence. When Bismuth stared into her widened eyes she saw the whole galaxy.

"You don't have to respond if you're not ready. No matter what, I'm glad you're in my life."

Now Bismuth turned to walk away, and it was Pearl who called out.

"Bismuth!"

"Yeah?"

"The last relationship I was in was… Complicated. You're right, I am my own gem now and it's been really freeing. But part of being my own gem means being able to move on from what I had with Rose and explore connections with other people."

Pearl reached out and took Bismuth's hands. "I want to explore that connection with you."

Bismuth beamed and squeezed Pearl's hands. "I'd like that."

"One more thing," Pearl said, once more confident and assured.

"What's up?"

"I'd like to go slow."

"I can do that," Bismuth said, nodding thoughtfully.

Satisfied, Pearl let go of one of Bismuth's hands, blushing just a little as she leaned down to kiss the one she was still holding.

Bismuth lit up in a blush as well, glancing away and grinning to herself.

"Was that too fast?" Pearl asked quickly, noticing how flustered Bismuth was.

"No, that was perfect. Goodnight, Pearl. I can't wait to do this again."