#i should text ms v and meet with her probably. she would let me hug her. she would understand.

[zenithpng]

hm.

[solar-bean]

My OC for B3

Name: Helena Celeste Lightsongale

Age: 26

Height: 5'3

Race: Mixed( Black and European)

Parents: Dawna and Amberose Lightsongale

Eye color: brown hazel

Skin tone: in between light and dark( but closer to a dark brown)

Hair: thick, poofy,curly, dark brown(almost black), comes to her shoulders(would appear longer without shrinkage), is normally in a low ponytail with a few strands loose by her forehead and ears

Attire: yellow v neck, lavender cardigan, matching lavender sneakers and light blue jeans

Love interest: Klaus ('cause why not Klaus;)

Origin summary(sort this will probably be long):

Helena lived a relatively peaceful life with her mother, father and dog Shadow( now deceased). She was a mild mannered girl and preferred to be on her own or at least with a small circle of friends. Her reason for keeping to herself was mostly due to her constant feeling of being different, feeling like something was wrong with her. The main sign being that she could feel things before they happened depending on the severity of them. This was usually for small things like knowing when to dodge an oncoming football or getting bad vibes from a stranger on the bus.

However, it got stronger overtime, the worst incident being when she vomited from a sudden nausea the night before the Great Collapse happened. Thankfully, her family lived in Chicago and she was currently at school in San Francisco to become a veterinarian like her father. But things only got worse from there.

She kept having random headaches that were followed by blurred memories she didn't recall. Her senses heightened, causing her to be on edge 24/7. She could hear every voice, see every detail and smell everyone's distinct scent. It was driving her crazy, so her roommate suggested that she stay home. She remained in her room, under the covers for days blocking out everything.

Then it stopped.

All of a sudden she felt normal again, better even. Deciding that she was long overdo for a shower, she went into the bathroom. Then she was stopped by her faded reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were gold with orange, cat-like pupils. Even worse....she had fangs.

After that, her mind flooded with repressed memories. The time she broke a kid's arm in kindergarten with a single push for bullying her. The time she fell out of a tree at nine, which should have given her multiple broken bones, and walked away with a few scrapes that healed in minutes. The time her mom screamed after finding her crawling on the ceiling. The time she woke up late at night and found her dad in the living room, lights off, crying, his eyes glowing a deep dark blue, and a pair of white fangs being shown everytime he sobbed.

And they all ended the same way. Her dad taking her aside and singing his lullaby to her, eyes glowing.

Thankfully, she managed to figure out how to keep her fangs retracted and her eyes normal. At this time she had already graduated and found a possible job back in Chicago. Her former plan was to stay with her parents for a week at least, tell them the good news, and get an apartment with the money she'd saved. Now she had to throw confronting them for years of lies and kept secrets into the mix.

This went about as good as you could imagine. Her father already knew that she knew the he'd opened the door. He could feel her new power and anger coming off in waves. Her mother noticed once Helena refused to hug her. After moments of silence, Helena bursted with questions and accusations.

While her mom tried to calm her down, her dad remained stoic with little signs of guilt. When he finally spoke, he explained to her that his voice could be used to hypnotize and erase memories of humans, which he apparently wasn't. She asked what he was, what they both were, but he continued saying that his plan was for her to live a normal and happy life as a human. However, overtime he began to feel her power grew, and he knew that one she'd break his spell.

Her mom said that they wanted to tell her but the time never seemed right. She said that they were just trying to protect her, but she didn't listen. She continued to ask questions only for them not to be answered. She said things that made her mom cry, but her dad remained motionless and unwavering. This only put her off more because he was normally a very expressive and open person. But now when she needed him most he was the exact opposite.

She left and flew back to San Francisco in the morning. She spent the next few months trying to get answers from books and the web. The closest creature she got to was a vampire, but that was absurd. Even working to be a vet, she was weary around blood let alone drink it. Not to mention that the sun gave her energy rather than try to burn her alive. This was all true for her dad as well from what she could gather.

At month six she decided to visit her parents again. The guilt had been eating at her ever since the night she'd spent in the airport. Of course she was still a little mad but she loved them. She knew that deep down they were trying to do their best. So she flew back.

But something felt more and more off the closer she got home. She later found out why when she went to the house, door unlocked and no one was home. She tried calling them but it went straight to voicemail. She asked the neighbors but they all couldn't recall the last time they saw them. The same was said by her parents' coworkers, friends and her mom's family. The police weren't any help either. With absolutely no evidence in the house or any witnesses, their hands were tied.

She stayed at the house and moped. She looked for anything that could help but came out flat. Then she found a blank business card with only a phone number on it in her old desk. On the back was ' call if anything happens to us ' in her father's handwriting.

She called and was answered by a man named Lucky. Apparently, he knew her father since before she was born and was just as baffled by her parents' sudden disappearance. He told her that he'd call a friend of his and text her their number. Although, she couldn't use his number again after that so his friend would be her only hope.

Exactly 24 hours went by when she got the number followed by ' good luck kiddo. everything will make sense soon. don't give up.' She then immediately called the number. They picked up after the third ring. She was met with a wonderfully deep voice, which only added to her nervousness.

" Who am I speaking with?" they, who she was certain was a man, asked in a calm yet authoritve tone.

" T-this is Helena Lightsongale. I was informed by your friend, Lucky, to call you." she responded as steadily as she could manage.

" Ah, yes he told me about your situation, Ms. Lightsongale. My team and I would be happy to help you, but there is one thing I'll have to ask of you."

" And that would be?"

" You'll have to move to where our headquarters is: Hellsalems Lot."

Oh shit. Anywhere but there.

He assured her that they'd help her find a place to stay and even a job. All she had to do was go to the assigned rendezvous where she'd be picked up. Which would have been easy enough if a kid hadn't been blown in front of her by an explosion.

Fast forward later, she was finally able to meet the man behind the voice. Klaus was not who she was expecting at all. Not that she was complaining. She just couldn't get her eyes off of those fangs or stop sensing his powerful aura.

Fast forward again to after the chaos had settled. She was holding her cardigan to Klaus' side after Leo and Zapp went after the threat. He thanked her. They eventually got to the subject of how she was able to dodge the attack so quickly to save her and Leo. She told him about her weird sixth sense, leaving out the part about how she was probably not human.

It may have seemed unnecessary, but she still wasn't sure about the details herself. That and her habit of keeping to herself hadn't left. But if the situation did call for her to open up, she would. Maybe they could help her find answers. He did have fangs too after all.

Klaus then mentioned how such an ability could aid them. He did, however, remind her that they would be able to find her a much safer job. She wouldn't have minded that, but today had been interesting and she wouldn't mind seeing what happened next. Before she knew it, she was apart of Libra.

The madness was only beginning, and so was her new found strength.

[ronyxfic]

Educating the Victim: Act V, Chapter XXVII

Pairing: Pearl/Rose, Lapis/Jasper/Peridot, Ruby/Sapphire, Rose/Greg

Rating: Teens and up

Warnings/Tags: none for this chapter!

Read it on AO3!

Educating the Victim Masterpost

(Previous chapter) (Next chapter)

CHAPTER 27: Gems

Dear colleagues, friends, and sympathisers:

I've just received news that I am suspended until the end of the exam season. This move comes after a certain someone has apparently gone to the Principal and told her about our alleged relationship.

There is no proof for this, and I feel I've been treated unfairly by the Principal for months. I'm emailing you because we have spoken about this before and I believe you will be sympathetic to my cause.

I'm arranging a meeting with everyone receiving this message to discuss our strategy moving on from here. As much as I wish I could, I cannot do this alone.

I've attached a poll where you can check your availabilities so I can plan this meeting. If you don't want to be involved, please let me know.

Love,

Rose Quartz.

It was a cool morning, Lapis had awoken a few hours in advance to cover the covert bruises on her body with makeup.

She felt uncomfortable by the time she slid the shirt on. But this would be worth it. Rose Quartz finally giving her a good scoop? She wouldn't miss it. She couldn't.

She'd prepared herself and Jasper bacon and egg sandwiches that she'd wrapped up for consumption as they car pooled with Peridot.

She dragged her aching body outside, food in hand.

Jasper had, remorsefully and diligently, helped Lapis with her makeup - she was better than anyone she knew with covering up irregularly coloured patches on the skin. It was okay, but people would be able to notice if they were close to Lapis.

It didn't help that Lapis winced every time someone touched her back.

Guilt sat deep in Jasper's stomach. She barely said a word while they were waiting for Peridot.

Lapis couldn't take the silence for too long. She was currently rather wrapped up in pretending nothing had happened. Putting on makeup was agonising. A reminder. But it had been necessary- to cover for the others and for herself. The silence, the new awkwardness, too, only served to remind her fragile psyche that it was real.

"Like your sandwich, hun?" She forced a smile behind black lipstick. A look that would distract from her body. "I put barbecue and mayo in it. It's your favorite."

Jasper forced a smile.

"It's great," she said. "Thanks."

She could feel that Lapis just wanted to pretend everything was okay. But everything was not okay. They were going to see Peridot soon. Other people too. They'd notice.

"Sorry," she said softly.

"It's okay." Lapis gripped Jasper's hand. "We'll get through this. We'll have Peridot there, too."

"She doesn't know." Jasper clenched her jaw. "What's she going to think? Are we just... not going to tell her?"

"She doesn't need to know. It isn't necessary. It won't happen again so it's not a problem."

Jasper looked down.

"Okay," she said, almost inaudibly.

It won't happen again.

Lapis didn't have a chance to reply as the car drove up in front of them. She gave Peridot a smile and a wave to her mother. "Peridot! Hi!"

"Lapis!" She pulled the window down. "You should sit next to me since Jasper can have more leg room if she shotguns since I don't need that much. How're ya guys?"

Jasper gratefully accepted the offer and slid into the front seat. She kept her head down.

"I'm fine," she said. "You?"

"I'm good!" Peridot replied, watching them enter the car. "Seat belts buckled, crew!"

Lapis got in next to Peridot and pressed a kiss onto her cheek.

If I act normal, it's all going to be okay. She doesn't have to know.

"Are you excited?" she asked. "I'm excited."

Peridot blinked, her cheeks reddening. She pulled Lapis into a quick hug. "Yes! I really don't get to talk to Quartz enough. I do hope she's alright."

"It's just a suspension," Lapis said, trying very hard to stop from wincing when Peridot's arms touched her back. "Diamond can't fire her unless she's got proof, which it sounds like she doesn't."

Peridot frowned at the wince but then shrugged. "I guess. I've got a weird feeling about all this."

"Oh?" Lapis looked at Peridot. "How come?"

She'd seen Peridot's frown and was determined to distract her. It would be easier if Jasper was talking too... but, as Lapis realised, that wasn't going to happen.

"It's just unusual. I hope she's dealing with it all okay."

"It's not the first time Diamond's threatened her," Jasper finally piped up. "She can deal with it."

"But she's been suspended. That's... pretty big." Peridot wondered why it suddenly felt all too tense. She couldn't pry with her mother in the car, however, and simply chose to hold Lapis' hand for the ride.

Lapis sighed and squeezed Peridot's hand.

"Well, I guess that's why we're all on our way to hers," she said. "I wonder if all the people she invited are actually going to come."

"The mailing list was pretty big. I hope it's not too crowded."

"She lives in one of those rich people homes at the edge of the city," Jasper said. "She probably wouldn't be inviting all of us there if she didn't have space for us."

"Yeah," Lapis said, "I'm sure it'll be okay."

It didn't take long to drive to Rose's side of town. Outside, a beaten up, parked car with approximately twenty queer bumper stickers sat in the driveway.

"Oh. This looks. Interesting." Peridot blinked.

Lapis frowned. "Ruby and Sapphire," she guessed. "I don't think you ever met them? They graduated last year."

"No, I had no idea students would be coming, really. But I guess ex students are a different deal."

“Well, students are at the receiving end of Diamond’s homophobia just as much as staff,” Lapis said. “Ruby and Sapphire were very much affected last year. They were voted inofficial prom queens and Diamond just got… bitter.”

She opened the door and climbed out. “Thank you for driving us, Ms Spearmint!” she said, smiling at Peridot’s mum.

Peridot's mother nodded. "I'll be back to pick you up later. Text me, Peri."

Peridot nodded. "Alright! Let's go, then."

Jasper led the way, still unusually quiet. She rang the doorbell.

Rose opened, her face slightly red. “Oh, hi! Hello, everyone. Do come in – do you want drinks? Ruby and Sapphire are here, we’re only expecting, er, two more people.” Though whether those two would actually show up was still a little questionable.

"Thanks!" Peridot walked in. "You got apple juice?"

“Sure!” Rose stepped aside. Greg was in the kitchen, providing refreshments; he was happy to help out, but didn’t want to get involved too much.

“The kitchen is on your right, and the living room is straight ahead,” Rose said, pointing. “Do make yourself at home.”

She exchanged a respectful nod with Jasper, and smiled at Lapis.

Ruby sat open legged in a pair of shorts, sipping at a cola. The second the trio walked in, her face brightened up. "Whoa, shit! I didn't think the coach was coming."

“Didn’t you even have a look at all the people the email was addressed to?” Lapis said. Her and Ruby had never mixed all that well, back when Ruby had still attended. “Nice to see you again,” she said anyway.

“Nice to see you too,” Sapphire said, her voice only a little cooler than usual.

“Hey, you two,” Jasper said, brightly. Finally able to tear her thoughts away from Lapis and how she’d hurt her. “How are you doing?”

Ruby didn't have much time to react to Lapis and chose to ignore her in favour of beaming at her old coach. "Made the football team at uni!"

“Good, good,” Jasper said. “Do you still dance at all?”

"Nah. Don't have the time for it anymore."

Peridot sat on the other couch, examining the pillows. "These are some very environmentally motivated cross stitches."

Rose smiled at her. “Well, I try to be as conscious as possible,” she said, “I cycle to work most mornings, and I try to buy organic whenever I can. Please, make yourself at home!”

She found her chair, checked the clock. If Aurora and Amethyst were coming, they were already almost ten minutes late.

Give them a few more minutes. At least until Greg is done making drinks for everyone.

Almost on cue, Greg walked in with a wide tray, stocked up with various drinks. "Alright, who ordered the bloody Mary?"

As eyes scattered around the room, Ruby shrugged. "Rose did say I could ask for anything."

Rose frowned, but said nothing. She waited until everyone had their drinks, then sighed as everyone’s attention started to focus on her.

“Well, I suppose you all know each other,” she said, “and I don’t know if anyone else is going to come, so…”

She took a deep breath.

“Well. You all read the email. I’m suspended until the end of exams, and Diamond has no proof but the word of a… student.”

She tried not to let her bitterness show in her voice. From the faces she got, she suspected she was failing. The only one who did not look surprised was Sapphire.

“She’s still being very serious… recorded our conversation after the fair, and everything. I have reason to believe that she is singling me out because I’m queer – not because of an alleged relationship wi-“

The doorbell rung.

Rose stopped, frowned. “Hang on, I’ll get that.”

Lapis watched her leave before clearing her throat. "Just saying, there's nothing alleged about that relationship. She's just trying to damage control."

Rose opened the door to Aurora and Amethyst.

“Oh, hello!” she said. “Do come in, I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Amy said, “I’m not here for you, just to bring down Diamond.”

Aurora gave Rose a nod. Rose stepped aside to let them in.

Amy didn’t bother taking off her shoes, and instead made her way to the living room. Huh, so this was where Quartz lived. Pearl had been here.

She sighed and then realised she was the only student in the room.

“Ruby! Sapphire!” Aurora recognised them and crossed the room. “This is Amy – Amy, Ruby, Sapphire. They danced with Pearl last year.”

“Oh! You’re the infamous gays,” Amy said, a lot more comfortable as she settled down next to them. Casting an awkward smile at her teachers.

“That we are,” Sapphire said. “And you’re Pearl’s... friend.”

Amy grimaced. “Yeah, I guess you could call it that,” she said.

Sapphire frowned. “I can tell it’s a complicated relationship. She’ll probably try to make amends soon.”

Rose came over, having overheard some of their conversation. “Well, it’s not like she can count on me anymore,” she said, her voice bitter. “Not after this.”

Amy cowered a little under her gaze.

“It’s okay, Amethyst,” Rose said with a smile. “We’ve only had the same goals from the start, haven’t we? And I’m determined to protect everyone in this room.”

She gave a smile to Aurora before settling down again.

“Well, now that we’re complete,” she said, “let me start again. The short version is that... someone told the Principal about my closeness to a student, and now I’m suspended.”

“Right,” Lapis chimed in. “Cards on the table, Quartz. If we’re going to help you, we need you to be honest. How much is true, how far did you go?”

Rose blushed, avoided Lapis’s questing gaze.

“Most of it is true,” she said, “I did have a relationship with a student. I... there’s no point keeping it from you, since all of you already know. Pearl and I... were in a relationship, I – I have to admit I let my feelings get the better of me... and it didn’t work out. So she...” She pressed her lips together. Determined to stay strong in front of these people.

“So she decided to rat you out to Diamond,” Aurora said softly. “I was there. I – I knew you’d be suspended even before the fair.”

Rose closed her eyes, breathed a sigh.

“Her suspending me is justified,” she said, “I did something I shouldn’t have. However... I’m still very narrowly within the bounds of the legal. Pearl and I were never intimate. The furthest we’ve gone is kissing.”

Amethyst felt her eyes burn. That... the fact that Quartz said it that way made jealousy boil in her stomach.

“So, if your suspension is justified, what are we doing here?” Lapis said again, apparently eager to play devil’s advocate.

“Oh. Yeah,” Rose said. “Well, like I said before, I’m fairly sure she’s singling out people who are queer. Including trans kids – I know Buck’s had his name change form denied for months, for no particular reason. This is the latest symptom and I feel she’d turn a blind eye if it was a male teacher with a female student.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case,” Jasper said. Ruby and Sapphire nodded.

“So I wanted to ask you if you wanted to help me form a plan,” Rose said. “Get Diamond out... or at least expose her. I have no concrete evidence, but any testimonials would be very helpful.” She nodded at Ruby and Sapphire. “Does anyone have any ideas?”

Jasper, who’d been quiet at first, spoke up.

“Code names,” she said.

Lapis threw her a look.

“We had code names,” Jasper said again, “you remember, back when we first discussed it with you? Most of us work at the school. Or go to it. We’ll be discussing things there. We need code.”

Peridot sat up.

“I’m good with code!” she said, sounding excited. “What code do you have in mind?”

Jasper swallowed. “Uh,” she said, “didn’t we say the Principal was Yellow Diamond...?”

“Big Yellow,” Lapis corrected her, a small smile on her face.

“Big Yellow, yeah, that was it. Her secretary was Yellow Pearl-“

Aurora cleared her throat, frowning.

“Oh, sorry.” Jasper blushed. “Uh. If you don’t like it we can think of something else.”

“No, it’s... oddly fitting.” Aurora shifted, her frown not completely gone. “Go ahead.”

“Um,” Jasper said. “Lapis, can you remember them? Or Rose? You were there too, after all.”

“I think that was all we had,” Lapis said.

“Okay,” Rose said. “Code names are a good idea. Just so she doesn’t catch wind of what’s going on. Does anyone have any other suggestions?”

Sapphire spoke. “We need a name for this group of ours,” she said, “for the same reason. You won’t be able to call it the anti-Diamond-club.”

Rose nodded, thoughtful. Silence fell.

“Anti-Yellow-club?” Amethyst suggested.

Aurora shot her a dark look. “There’s nothing wrong with the colour yellow.”

Amy blushed. “Sorry.”

Silence fell once more.

“I got it!” Peridot said. “How about the Gem Alliance? Cus, ya know, Diamond is a gem. So is...” She had a look around the room, turned a little red. “Ah, well. Um.”

“Most of us,” Ruby said.

Rose frowned. “It still sounds too much like an organisation,” she said, “and anything that’ll raise suspicion even slightly is not good enough.”

“She’s got a point, though,” Amethyst said. “Hasn’t anyone else noticed how we’re all called after gems? How weird is that? I mean, cool, but... weird.”

“Speak for yourself,” Aurora muttered.

Amy nudged her. “Hey, I’m sure there’s some kind of weird gem out there called Aurora.”

“Thanks.”

“Let’s not get off track,” Rose cautioned. “I feel like we might be onto something with the gems. Are there any other ideas apart from the Gem alliance?”

Everyone went silent again. A good minute passed without anyone saying a word.

“Uh,” Greg walked in. “Does anyone want any more drinks? I got sent some Crystal Pepsi from the states.”

Eight pairs of eyes turned to stare at him.

“I got it,” Amethyst said.

“That’s a brilliant idea,” Sapphire said.

“Yeah,” Lapis and Jasper said in unison.

“Definitely.” Rose nodded.

Greg looked back and forth between all of them.

“What the hell just happened?” he asked.

Rose smiled at him. “Something amazing,” she said. “Bring some of the Crystal Pepsi and we’ll mix it with some drinks. I’ll tell you about it later, or you can join in, if you want.”

Greg nodded and left.

“He’s an outsider, Rose,” Lapis said immediately after the door closed behind him. “We should try to keep this as small as possible.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t have a cool gem name!” Amethyst chimed in.

“Speaking of,” Ruby said, “did we not just find the perfect name for our little group?”

“The Crystal Gems,” Rose said, “yes.”

“I like it,” Peridot said.

“Yeah, me too.” Aurora risked a small smile.

“As for Greg,” Rose said, “well, I���ll likely tell him everything anyway, so he might as well sit in.” She shrugged. “Okay, so we have a name. Now we need an agenda.”

The door opened and Greg came in.

“Oh, thank you!” Rose took the Crystal Pepsi from him. “Feel free to join us, if you’d like. We have a name now.”

“Yeah, we’re the Crystal Gems!” Ruby exclaimed.

“Oh, that’s a great name!” Greg said, sitting down. “What’re you going to do?”

Rose blushed. “We were getting to that.”

“Diamond,” Jasper said softly.

“Yeah.” Rose gave a soft sigh. “She needs to be taken down. The question is... how.”

“I got plenty of evidence,” Ruby said, cracking their knuckles. “Dunno if it’s enough to fire her, but it’s a start.”

“Yes, it is,” Rose said. “Do we have anything else to go on?”

She shot a hopeful look at Aurora, who pointedly avoided her gaze. Amethyst looked like she was about to say something, but then looked at Aurora and stopped.

“We got a few instances of her being annoying, but nothing you can prove,” Jasper said, “and anyway, you’re the best person for finding irrefutable evidence, aren’t you, Rose?”

It was a jab about Roxy, and it hit its mark. It stung. Rose gave a non-committal shrug.

“Well, the aim is to find something that will discredit her, maybe damage her reputation, and in the best case, remove her in her position of power,” she said. “She’s done so much damage. It’s the least we can do to protect our students.”

“Agreed,” Lapis said.

“But we don’t have much proof. We should try and find more.”

A few of the others nodded.

“Well, there’s not all that much we can do just now,” Rose said. “We have a name, and a mission. We should reconvene at some other point and discuss the evidence then, as well as plans of action.”

More nods.

“Feel free to stay and have some more drinks,” Rose said, “but for now, this meeting is adjourned.”

> Act V, Chapter XXVIII

[ronyxfic]

Educating the Victim - Act V, Chapter XIV

Pairing: Pearl/Amethyst

Rating: Teens and up

Warnings/Tags: none for this chapter

Read it on AO3!

Educating the Victim Masterpost

(Previous chapter) (Next chapter)

CHAPTER 14: High

It was the morning after Aurora's dream, and Amethyst came to school only a little bit stoned.

She found Pearl before the first lesson.

"Yo," she said. "Got a minute?"

"Oh! Amethyst!" Pearl smiled. "Sure. What's up? Oh, Goodness, you smell of green. Up to no good, and without me? Rude."

"Shit, is it that obvious?" Amy blushed, self-conscious. "What can I say, Rori had the stuff and told me to help myself so here I am. You ok?"

"I... guess. I had some words with the Principal. She, uh. Told me some things."

"Oh?" This should be good. "Gimme the beef."

"Aurora's gay." Pearl’s voice sounded numb.

"...oh." That went in a completely different direction than expected. "Wait, you didn't know that?"

"You. Knew." Pearl looked at her. "She was always just. So perfect and better than me. I guess I just put me being a lesbian into another one of the things that made me the screw up faggot next to her and Blue."

Amethyst was speechless.

But only for a moment. "...You know Blue's gay too, right?"

Pearl turned to her slowly. "You missed April fools by a week, Amy. Good one, though."

"You're... joking. Right? You gotta be. You know Blue's been dating a woman for like three years, right? Holy shit, doesn't Rori tell you anything?"

"No?" Pearl looked flabbergasted. "Blue used to call me a queer and tackle me a lot because she... read my vent blog when I was younger... oh my god she was doing it because she was trying to tease me."

"Oh jeez. Really? Welp, there's your fun facts for the weekend. None of you are straight! And you had no idea." Amy sighed. "Sorry, I really didn't realise you didn't know. I always thought it was, like, super obvious, just from like, talking to Rori."

But that was also because Rori talked about Marigold. A lot. It was impossible to miss, and also not something Amy was going to tell Pearl about.

"And everyone... but me knew?"

"I... guess so? I don't think your parents know about Rori, but they definitely know about Blue. Rori doesn't exactly tell people, it's just cus we're..." Amethyst hesitated. She knew that her being close to Aurora upset Pearl. "Friends," she finished.

Pearl stiffened at this. Suddenly, Marigold warning her of Aurora and Amy's friendship coming too close made her stomach turn. "Are there other things I don't know, then? Or is the world done with leaving me out of things altogether?"

"Oh. I'm sure there's loads of things you don't know." Amy smirked. "Such as where the edge of the universe is, or whether we'll ever meet aliens, or why everyone in our immediate friend group has such suspiciously gemstone related names. Seriously though, you ever wonder about that?"

"Many times, Amethyst. But we're going to put a pin in that." Pearl curled her fists. "I'm. I need to go, I think."

"Go where. We got class together, remember?" Amy nudged Pearl with her elbow. "You okay?"

"I feel sick." It wasn't a lie.

"Oh boy. You need to go to the bathroom? I'll come with ya." Amy linked their arms. She had no idea where Pearl's sudden distress was coming from; all she knew that Pearl wasn't feeling good, and she needed to help because... she loved her.

She was still high enough not to freak out at that realisation.

Pearl didn't pull away. The bathroom they entered was lonely. Spit balls dripped from the ceiling and suicidal graffiti plastered the walls in sharpie. "I feel. Jealous."

"Oh? Of who?" It was... odd, really, because Rori had told her last night that she was feeling jealous too. Left out.

Really, these two should be talking to each other.

"You and Aurora. How close you are. I... shouldn't have ever let you two meet because now I can't separate you and you've got your own special thing. And if I make you let go of it, I'd be a controlling asshole and... a bad friend. Because you'd be miserable."

Oh.

On impulse, Amethyst came in and hugged Pearl.

"You don't need to worry," she said, "we're just friends. And really instead of wanting to separate us, you should really try to get closer. To her especially. We love you, Pearl. We really, really do, both of us, and we'd be more than happy to have you be a part of this. You know how many times I've wanted to invite you round? And Rori - Rori misses you. And honestly, most of the time when we're talking, we're talking about you." Or Marigold. But mostly Pearl.

"But it makes me so scared that you're going to get into some kind of relationship. And that part isn't so bad. I couldn't care less if you dated someone else, as long as it made you happy. But I'm scared it would also make me lose you."

"You're silly." On impulse, Amethyst came in and kissed Pearl's cheek. "I don't even like her in that way. And Rori's way too hung up over..." Whoops. "The person she. Uh. Used to see. She doesn't even have space in her head to be thinking about anyone else in that way."

"You sure? Because your friendship is moving awful fast. Almost like you're her favourite person or something."

"Nah, I just happen to be one of, like, two people she can actually talk to about a bunch of stuff. And we're living together. We're just friends. I'm sure."

Pearl looked relieved. "If you're sure. I'm sorry I'm so suspicious of shit. It's just a part of this stupid mental health issue I have."

"Eh, that's fair," Amy said. "Honestly, I'd probably much rather be dating you than her." Whoops, she hadn't exactly meant to say that out loud. She blushed furiously. "I - I mean!"

Pearl only giggled. "Shh. You're stoned, silly. Don't you know that loose lips sink ships?"

Amy pouted. "I still don't even know what your whole deal is with Quartz and that poly-thingy-stuff. Or if you even like me like that. But kissing you was nice, that one time." She should probably stop talking now.

"Of course I like you like that. But I... I don't know. I'm just waiting for all this shit with Diamond to blow over so that I can not live in fear, thanks."

Oh. Oh yeah, Diamond. Amy suddenly remembered that she had an agenda. "So what's the deal with you and Diamond anyway, huh? I saw those texts you sent to Rori. Did you just send them to wind her up or did something actually happen?"

"A bit of both. She got really close to me and I spun it so that Rori would feel bad. But... I had this talk with the coach. She put me in the right state. I've been such an ass."

"Yeah you have," Amy said bluntly, "Rori had like three panic attacks because of this. You have no idea how much you mean to her, do you? But anyway, so Diamond's gonna keep her filthy paws off you, that's the bottom line, yeah?"

"I've asserted that I don't want anything to do with her, but... I don't know. I'm a little worried."

"Why? You think she's gonna do something?"

"Exactly that. Something about all this just... rubs me the wrong way."

"Hmm." Amy hugged Pearl again. "I'll protect ya. And Quartz, too, probably, and Coach if she had that chat with you. Diamond isn't gonna get to you."

She checked her phone: they were already late for class. "Wanna skive the first lesson and go chill somewhere? What is it. Maths?"

"Leggy isn't going to notice us missing. Let's go to the park. Do you have any bud on you?"

"Sounds good. Yeah, should do," Amy said, digging through her bag and pulling out a grinder and a small baggie. "I know how to roll decently now. Let's go." She hid the stuff in her pocket and grabbed Pearl's hand before opening the bathroom doors.

She noticed a figure standing at the end of the corridor and drew back.

"Oh, fuck. Speak of the devil." She shot Pearl a look. "She's here."

"Shit," Pearl whispered. "Just walk. Act... not high."

Diamond had spotted them. Her eyes narrowed as Amethyst tried to slip out unnoticed.

"Shouldn't you be in class?" Her voice echoed through the corridor. She saw Pearl and Amy holding hands. Rage boiled in her stomach. "Get away from each other. I will not allow such depravity."

Pearl didn't let go. "She's supporting me to the front desk. I feel ill."

"Not too ill to walk on your own, surely?" Diamond said coldly. "You look just fine to me. I know what you are, Pearl, and I will not allow it."

Amethyst tugged Pearl's hand. "Let's just go," she said.

Pearl shot a glare at the principal and let go. "Fine."

Diamond smiled smugly. "That's more like it. And Pearl? If I don't find you've handed in a doctor's note for this, I'll make sure your teachers know you were skiving."

"And I'm sure Ms Quartz will give me a harsh bollocking." Pearl mocked a deep nod. "I'll see you later!"

Diamond was seething.

"If she doesn't, I'll have another disciplinary in store for her," she said. "Not get out before I find a reason to put a bad mark on your record."

Amy grabbed Pearl's arm and all but ran for it.

By the time they'd left the school grounds, both were out of breath and Pearl was losing it. "Did you see her FACE? Oh, thank goodness you were there, too. I would have been terrified if I was alone."

"Jesus fuck, yeah, I don't blame you. Was she serious?" Amy let out a deep breath and reached out to hold Pearl's hand again. "We're not even dating. Wait, does she know you're gay?"

"I... may or may not have let it slip when I indirectly called her a cunt. To her face."

"Oh, shit." Amy grimaced. "Probably not the best move. But oh well, let's just head to the park and get stoned and forget all about her. Alright?"

"Yeah." Pearl took her hand again. "I don't fancy her anymore. I'm kind of grossed out at myself for even liking her."

"Good to know you've come to your senses," Amethyst said. "Now let's find a good place to roll."

The park was only a few minutes by foot. Pearl held onto Amethyst's hand the whole journey, constantly looking over her shoulder.

"She's not gonna follow us, dude," Amy said. "Look, we're here. You can chill." She squeezed Pearl's hand and then looked around. "There's a bench there. Not many people around, that's good." She pulled Pearl in the direction of the bench and then took out her stuff.

"How much you got?" Pearl tilted her head, Amethyst was right. It was only morning. Barely anyone outside of occasional dog walkers seemed to even exist.

"Enough," Amy said and started to roll. Ever since Aurora had started smoking regularly again, Amethyst had gotten pretty decent at rolling.

A little later, a joint was rolled. "You wanna light up?" Amy asked Pearl.

"The honour shouldn't be mine, but sure. I need it. I can't get any replies from Ronaldo - my dealer - anymore."

"Dang, I hope he's alright," Amy said, then passed the joint to Pearl. "You got a lighter?" she asked.

"Oh yeah, he's a bit weird sometimes. Last time he dealt to me, he wore a fedora and I'm not sure about going back."

"Aw man, that's rough," Amy said. "I can get Rori to get more - apparently she's got her dealer from high school back, and if that guy's been around that long I can't see how this could possibly go wrong. Anyway, let's bake."

"Whatever fixes this mood." She sighed and lit up, taking a drag.

Amy watched, realising a little too late that it might be a bad idea to get high with Pearl again.

Oh well. She decided that for now, she didn't give a shit, and held out her hand for the joint.

Pearl passed after a couple more hits. "Oh. Mm. Yes, this is better than Ronaldo's stuff."

Amy chuckled and took a hit. "Good," she said. Took another, ashed the joint and passed it back.

"What's it like? Y'know... Living with her. Does she at least cook good? She used to make me macaroni and chicken stock when I was a kid and it was so salty and buttery... not healthy at all, but. Sometimes I make it for myself."

"She's decent," Amy said. "I do quite a lot of the cooking, though. You know, to make up for the fact that I leave mess everywhere and she's, like, constantly cleaning up after me. It works."

Pearl took a deep inhale. "I see. And she's been good to you?"

"Yeah! It's way better than living with my parents. The most she does is get a bit pissy when I make a mess but that's fair enough, to be honest." Amethyst took the joint and took another hit. She was already feeling it.

Pearl swayed a little, eyes drooping. "I suppose that's pretty good. You deserve some peace."

"Yeaahh," Amy said. "Cmon, sit down, you're gonna hurt yourself." She reached out and pulled Pearl close; Pearl ended up on her lap. "Whoops."

Pearl could only laugh. "Um, excuse me. A date would be nice first."

"I thought we already had one of those," Amy said. "Well, it was months ago, but."

Up close, she had to notice once again just how pretty Pearl was.

She swallowed.

"Well, then. I suppose that means I'm all yours."

Amy chuckled.

"Does that mean I can kiss you?" she asked.

Pearl leaned down and kissed her in response.

Amy smiled into the kiss and curled her arms around Pearl, pulling her in closer.

"I missed this," she murmured against Pearl's lips. "I missed you. I - I'm sorry I'm so weird about this when I'm sober. I just... I dunno. I can't even explain it."

"Don't care. I just. Want you to be alright. And not scared. And happy."

"Okay," Amy said and kissed Pearl again. "Feel free to slap me if I'm stupid about this again. I don't wanna be. I've just never had anyone I could do this with before."

"It's why we need to appreciate each other, Amethyst. Because not many people have this."

Amethyst nodded and kissed Pearl again.

"So, now that I'm high and don't care about shit," she said, "you wanna tell me about you and Quartz?"

"Oh geeze. There's honestly not much to tell. We kiss. We hold hands and share awkward moments and it's stable and nice. I just can't show or tell anyone I'm dating her."

"That sucks, man," Amy said. "But at least you'll be able to do that after graduation, right?"

"I hope so. Sometimes I'm just worried that... she isn't taking us all that seriously."

"She adores you," Amethyst said. "I mean, I get jealous of how much she loves you. You got nothing to worry about, in my opinion."

"I guess. I just. Can't help the paranoia sometimes."

"Have you talked to her about it?"

"Not yet. Maybe later. I just want to cool down and not think about the fact that our exams are like two months away."

"Oh god, don't remind me." Instead, Amethyst kissed Pearl again. Pulled her in closer and deepened the kiss. She wasn't sure whether she would be able to kiss Pearl like this later, so she was determined to make the most of it.

Pearl opened herself into her part of the smooch and tasted Amethyst's mouth before pulling back. "Weed smell."

"No shit." Amy just pulled Pearl back in and kissed her again.

Pearl giggled into the kiss, the world turning a little blurry as she happily made out. "I love you, Amethyst."

"I love you too," Amethyst said happily.

She wasn't so sure if that would still be something she'd readily say when sober, but for now, she was determined just to enjoy herself.

"Are you sure no one is watching us?" Pearl asked, bringing her weight down on Amethyst's crotch.

"I dunno, someone could come at any moment." She looked up at Pearl. "What... do you want to do?"

Pearl shrugged, pushing her hips down a bit. "Just mess around. Relax."

"Okay." Amy kissed Pearl again, her fingers in her hair. It was okay. She just wanted to feel Pearl.

Pearl ground down a little. "Is this alright? You feel good right now."

"Yeah." Amy let her hands slip down, holding Pearl's torso, her waist. "Just kinda wanna go somewhere... warmer. More comfortable. Private." She had no idea where they'd find a place like that.

"Aurora's at work, right?"

"Yeah, but it'll take ages to get there," Amy complained. "What about your parents? You don't live far, right?"

"They're not at home." Pearl nodded. "We could. Go to mine. I've got some ciders in the fridge too. And a box set of friends."

"I got some more weed, too," Amy said. "Let's just take the day off. Who cares about Diamond or anything, I just wanna spend time with you." She kissed Pearl again.

And Pearl kissed back. Taking her hand. "Let's go. I want to touch you. I want to show you things."

> Insert 6

> Act V, Chapter XV