#same for Lapis with his mom

[blackhazefanblog]

[robylovi]

“Of course she would want to create life, finally, after destroying so much of it.” My god, op, you ate that up.

I think it's wild that people finish Steven Universe and come to the conclusion that Rose was a terrible person.

Everything Steven did different, he was able to because he was raised in a completely different environment, around people who expected him to grow and let him, and who supported him.

Pink Diamond had no one to support her. Rose did. And when things got especially bad, Rose did the one thing she thought would genuinely end the war. It lead to bad things happening, but it wasn't because of malicious intent that she did what she had.

In a post-war world, Steven could make decisions using the information and support he had that Rose never did.

Obviously she wasn't the paragon of morality, but she tried. She tried with what she knew. She made bad decisions, and she lived with them.

I guess a good way to phrase it would be like.

If Pink Diamond is Eleanor Shellstrop (original life) from the Good Place, then Rose Quartz is Eleanor Shellstrop (near-death timeline), and Steven is the Eleanor Shellstrop of the final season.

" Look, the point is people improve when they get external love and support. How can we hold that against them when they don't?"

Pink changed when she received support from Pearl as Rose, and later from Garnet, Amethyst, and even Greg. She was still learning after hundreds of years as Rose, like Eleanor was after hundreds of years in the afterlife.

And no, I can't see Rose using Steven as an escape like a lot of people claim. Rose finally had the opportunity to do what she wanted to do ever since she was Pink Diamond: create life from nothing. Of course that would excite her! Of course she would want to create life, finally, after destroying so much of it.

There's no reason for her to believe that the diamonds would have ever changed, because she couldn't, as a diamond.** Not to mention she wouldn't have a reason to think they'd come back to earth. If she had known about the cluster, she definitely would have said something instead of ignoring it.

** to that point, she wasn't treated like a diamond either, unlike the others. She wasn't as set in her status the others.

[bobamilkk]

Silly lil swap au!!! Steven’s mom is white diamond and the og 3 homeworld gems are the crystal gems!! Greg’s still his dad and most of early season one would be pretty much the same but with a more dysfunctional found family cuz they’re silly like that. The og crystal gems are now villains to be redeemed but in like. Slightly different ways idk man- With the diamonds it’s Pink in White’s place and then blue plays a bit more of an aggressive role than yellow does

-Jasper is the first time he sees a gem poof. It’s similar to the pearl episode but it’s a robot Peridot made instead of a pearl hologram- She gets frustrated with Steven not taking his battle training seriously and gets punched straight in the face because of it. She doesn’t stay in her gem nearly as long as pearl does and Peridot actually helps him when this weird lil robot keeps trying to fight him- The only reason Jasper doesn’t come back in a few hours is cuz she’s embarrassed she got poofed me thinks

-Sapphire comes to earth to use her future vision to see the status of the cluster and properly check on it- She has her group of 3 rubys with her and they manage to poof Jasper in the same manner of Garnet getting poofed by Jasper in canon. Ship chaos happens and Jasper manages to poof 2 of 3 rubies while the last one escapes in the escape pod with Sapphire. Steven bubbles the rubies cuz he’s silly like that and wants to make sure they’re going to be ok

-cue a couple fights later and Jasper gets frustrated that she’s lost a few battles to a lone ruby and a sapphire of all gems and starts pushing the other gems away and preventing them from fighting with her- She goes to attack Sapphire while Ruby’s catching her breath since she’s seemingly defenseless but Ruby jumps in and they fuse and sit there having a panic attack. Jasper stands there in shock for a moment cuz she’s not entirely used to fusion either before going to attack again-Only for Steven to jump in the way and save them

-Ruby’s getting stressed over the cluster and pacing in the barn so Lapis recommends Steven goes to show them what it’s like on earth-Cue Sapphire and Ruby slowly realizing they love each other. Also the frog. Steven shows them what a frog is and Ruby excitedly shows it to Sapphire. Gay people-They don’t fuse as often but like. By future they’re permanently fused?? But for the majority of the main series they only fuse when needed

-Amethyst comes to earth to collect Sapphire!! She has her limb enhancers to make up for her height n stuff- Idk how the baseball episode parallels will work but. They’re there. Somehow!! Garnet also gets to fuse to hide Sapphire since Amethyst wouldn’t expect a fusion idk anymore

-garnet somehow manages to poof Amethyst in her panic and Steven unbubbles her because he’s curious about her limb enhancers and peridot won’t tell her because she’s scared of him knowing too much about homeworld. She traps herself in the bathroom peridot style until Steven manages to make her realize she’s safe here and the cluster is bubbled and she’s allowed to be herself and doesn’t have to be afraid of being shattered for being defective if she messes up even slightly. She gets her peridot arc or smthn

-Greg gets taken to the human zoo like in canon but Pearls there with Holly Blue Agate to watch over the humans and their growth. She was sent there after white was shattered as punishment for failing her diamond and it’s seriously messed her up- She does see them being free tho and helps them escape with Greg without thinking- Steven offers for her to tag along and she hesitates until Holly Agate comes along and she immediately jumps in the ship

-Pearl watches Steven sleep like in canon but it’s. Creepier. It’s habit from the human zoo but she starts to investigate his gem in the process and realizes it’s her diamond aka white. She goes to remove the gem to free her diamond back-Maybe get her status back by having white back-Desperation type beat- only to wake Steven who panics and pushes her away- She panics massively and starts sobbing and calling him her diamond

-Instead of the loud distraction yell of “She’s Gone” from pink Steven- Steven accidentally mind controls pink for a split second and it makes them both tumble back- I don’t know fully how this scene would work tbh I gotta brainstorm more but. Ik white diamond Steven has a different set of powers than canon Steven- He’s got whites mind control powers n shit

-Bismuth takes the role of Spinel in the movie!! Not in the same abandoned sense but in a “you ruined our perfect plan” and wants to kill him for it whether her diamond wants her to or not- she’s silly like that!! She resets the gems like Spinel does and Jasper signs her life to Greg like pearl does- She carries him around n is super protective of him. Ma’am’s ready to kill someone on sight for Greg-

-Post-Corrupted Steven gets silly lil corrupted traits still. 1) his gem is flipped so it’s like a horn now 2) he’s got silly lil underbite fangs 3) spikes on his shoulders so his jacket is tied around his waist so it doesn’t get ripped 4) he’s like. Extra extra tired all the time someone save him

You should send me asks about the au it’d be so sexy of you /j

[thedeerman]

ummm someone tell me why listening to system/BOOT PearlFinal (3) from the SU Movie just gave me the wildest fucking Hazbin AU concept (this is fucking long pls forgive me)

So- Steven Universe Movie x Hazbin Hotel. All of them have just had their memories wiped, their 'default' personalities reset, and not having any idea who they once were. you get to really see what each character would have been like had they not faced whatever horrible thing landed them in Hell to begin with.

Going through that song in particular made me really think, guys. Hear me out.

Lucifer is Rose/Pink in this, so he wouldn't really be there.

Obv Charlie takes her rightful place as Steven, as she is literally, in almost all fucking ways, Adult Demon Steven Universe. Take out the aliens and add in the bible and you got Charlie Morningstar

Lilith is Pearl- She fell in love with the angel that took a liking to her, dedicating everything about her existence to Lucifer. Even when it came to giving up everything, she did it for him. Reset, she's just as dedicated but has no one to give that dedication to. Until...

Yes, ALASTOR HAS TO BE GREG. Lilith may have come from Eden with Lucifer, by his side from the very beginning, but after all those years, I never thought I'd lose... Also, the whole 'pearl latching on to greg as her new diamond' thing makes that EXTRA hilarious. Charlie's gonna be all "Mom, don't you recognize them? Don't you recognize me?" Lilith's overly helpful ass is gonna be like "Hmmmm... Well I certainly recognize my Um Radio Demon!" And Al just, "...Oh boy."

Angel is Ruby, even if he hadn't been raised in the mafia, I'd like to think that Angel would be a solid badass mf either way, dedicated to protecting what he cares about.

Husk is Sapphire, ever think that maybe the reason the oddly wise bartender always seems to know everything isn't because he's a bartender? Uh oh, secret's out, Husky. (not to mention the idea of Huskerdust 'isn't it love' is killing me)

Niffty is Amethyst- except an amethyst is big, and strong... this one is not the best example, something is clearly wrong! (im sorry i have no self control). anyway yall can't tell me that cute little reset 'who am i? whats going on? idk, lemme just copy this guy over here' Niffty wouldn't be the best fucking thing

Now, I don't think it even needs saying that Sir Pentious needs to be Peridot, if you show me both of their pictures I will say 'that's the same picture'

And that means Cherri takes her role as Lapis, which I fuckin adore

As much as I'd like to make Vaggie be Connie, Connie is entirely absent the whole movie lmao and I also think that Bismuth is a damn good gem for Vaggie anyway. Bold, determined, has a deadly hatred of the place she came from and will do anything to defend her new home (gay as shit)

And for spinel, I'm not 100% sure. I'm thinking it could be an adamsapple situation where Adam was left in Eden, forever waiting for Lucifer to return despite the fact that he's essentially dead to the rest of Heaven. once he finds out about Lucifer having made a life for himself in Hell, he goes to take out his jealousy on Charlie and the others. and when he's reset he goes back to a silly, fun loving innocent guy that wants nothing but to make others happy.

Uhhhh oops that got long, im Very Normal about these two shows, guys. i swear.

[minijenn]

Fuck it time for random assorted UF ideas I had that I think are pretty neat/interesting/fun and I never got aruond to writing:

Mindful Education would have had angst for all four of our MK; Steven still reeling from Jasper, Bismuth, Rose shattering Pink Diamond, etc. Dipper is still going through it from what Bill did to Stepper in RMD, Connie is upset cause she broke that kid's arm i guess, and Mabel is feelin hella awkward bc she would have only recently accidentally revealed how she feels about Steven to him

Tied into that ^^^ we get the lyrics of Here Comes a Though tying in nicely to how each of them are feeling: "Here comes a thought that might alarm you" (Connie), What someone said and how it harmed you (Steven), Something you did that failed to be charming (Mabel), Things that you said are suddenly swarming (Dipper).

Mindful Education would have also featured appearences from every one of the MK fusions, including Stonipbel's debut! (Ok I'm done talking about Mindful Education now I promise)

The chapter Time Tangled would have essentially been a UF take on the old GF Timestuck AU. So Steven, Dipper, and Mabel would have accidentally wound up 30 years in the past, split up, with Mabel ending up with Stan back then as he's on his way to Gravity Falls, Dipper with Ford in the midst of his peak paranoia, and Steven with Rose during her peak Immense Concern About Ford. Angst ensues.

Weirdmageddon, if I were to write it now, would have a lot going on in it. Yellow and a bunch of Homeworld Gems were gonna roll in along with Bill and hiis Henchmaniacs and it was basically gonna be chaos all around.

After wandering alone as in canon during the apocalypse, Dipper would have eventually ran into Lapis, because of course; he was gonna kind of have a fear driven breakdown bc he has no idea where the hell Mabel or Steven or anyone else is and he's terrified for their lives and Lapis would have comforted him with an original lullaby bc she's his Mom we all already know this

You better believe, after meeting Gideon and hearing about all the trouble he'd caused Dipper earlier that summer, Lapis would have T posed on that 10 year old so agressively imo

She would have also joined Dipper, Soos, and Wendy in venturing into Mabel's bubble, as would have Pearl who would have joined the group at some point; one of the original things inside of the bubble would have been a fake version of Steven who's head over heels for Mabel, finally returning her affections; Pearl would have been the one to talk Mabel down from that, with the two of them sharing solidarity over being in love with someone they knew they couldn't end up having

Some of the more secondary and minor characters would have had a chance to shine thanks to Amethyst, who gathered up a group of them (consisting of Pacifica, Robbie, Lars, Sadie, Greg, maybe a few others?) and escorted them to the safety of the bunker; there, they would have found McGucket, who's been hiding out from the shitstorm outside

In the bunker, they'd all split up, and Pacifica would have found "Dipper" (the shapeshifter) frozen in one of the cryogenic pods so of course she sets him free and "he" tricks her in a gambit to escape the bunker; Amethyst sees through its ruse and fuckin obliterates that thing all over again good for her

Steven would have been captured by Yellow's forces around the same time Ford was captured by Bill (Dipper watches this happen and is unable to stop it hahaha oh no); Garnet and Connie would have teamed up to save him and Peridot would have joined them, essentially pretending to defect back to Homeworld to slip in closer to find Steven

My original plan was for Steven to actually be poofed and meet Rose inside his Gem but now that we know that's not how it works, I would have just had Connie rescue him and all of the MK and Gems regroup at the shack I suppose

There would have been a musical chapter during Weirdmageddon ala Mr. Greg. That's right, a whole chapter of original songs written by me. Fucking suffer.

My original plan was for the Gem temple to be destroyed during Weirdmageddon, thus unleashing all of the bubbled Gems inside of it, including Bismuth and Jasper (who would have somehow wound up uncorrupted idk how)

We would have gotten a lot of fusions showing up again during the big climax battle, with Stonipbel taking center stage in a fight against Yellow Diamond (set to a dramatic dueling duet); this fight would have ened with Yellow being poofed and her forces grabbing her gem and fleeing back to Homeworld

Bill would have split Stonipbel up and nearly killed all four of them until Stan pulls the same trick he does in canon and turns the tables on that fucking triangle, "killing" him (not really cause he returns in UF2 but shhhh)

You'd best believe Amethyst would have had a fucking meltdown when she finds out Stan's memories are gone and he has no idea who she is; it would probs also strike a strong cord with Steven and Dipper, reminding them of the time when Stepper went through something pretty damn similar

I would have dedicated more time to Stan getting his memories back, mostly fluffy, sweet moments building into it

With the temple destroyed and so many corrupted Gems on the lose, Steven and the Gems made plans to leave Gravity Falls to round them all up. With the warp pad also broken, they would have all gone with Greg in his van. That's basically what they'd be doing in the span of time between UF and UF2.

The epilogue would have leaned heavily into MK fluff and bonding, the four of them promising to return to Gravity Falls next summer, I would have absolutely cried while writing it.

Along with Steven, Connie, and the Gems, Lapis and Peridot would def be at the bus stop to see Dipper and Mabel off; there would be just... so many tears all around esp between the MK god

I would have included two scenes in the epilogue, one hinting at Bill retuning in UF2 and one of Yellow reforming on her ship and coming up with her Human Biowepons Operation which would eventually lead into UF2's Stonemason arc

And that's all I got maybe I'll do these for UF2 and UFF as well idk

[eyeofnewtblog]

Things that happen at home:

I had a very good birthday yesterday…went to a coin expo and geeked out with my dad, I bought a proof set of Irish and Norwegian currency (pre euro, nothing wrong with modern coins but it’s just neat to see what used to be minted) found a proof set of Vatican coins that were probably just novelty but it’s still cool (minted 1952)

There was a very nice gentleman who sold antique 925 silver jewelry that I bought a few sets of vintage clip on earrings from.

I’m going to pause, and preface this story with the universal truth that being patient and kind will pay off in the end.

Anyway, the first time I’m going through the jewelry that Very Nice Gentleman has to offer, it’s my first circuit of the whole expo, I want to budget accordingly, and there might be something that Pops Out to me later that I Just Have To Have. So I spend my first $70, circle around (I’ve been coming to this specific expo for about three years now so I recognize the vendors who have what I like) pick up my proof sets, and land back at Very Nice Gentleman’s booth.

I tell him straight up “Well, you guys definitely have the best jewelry selection in the whole expo.”

VNG: Oh, you should see the whole three boxes of stuff that I brought and haven’t even priced yet. I’ll sell you anything you want by weight.

Me: *spends the next hour helping an 80+ year old man sort literal sandwich bags full of antique silver jewelry, talking shit about living in New Mexico, and learning a fuck ton about Native American artist stamps, while his son (50s, economics professor in Fairbanks AK, talked shit about living in Alaska with him as well) checks on us periodically*

My dad, in the middle of all this: *catches my attention* Hey. Doin’ alright?

Me:…wanna see what your birthday present to me looks like?

My Dad: …yeah, alright. You like the same kind of stuff my mother did, so it’s at least going to be interesting. *proceeded to buy exactly one bracelet that was made out of “plantation 1948” silverware because “the only good thing that’s come out of the South in the last 50 years is their food. I hate the way they vote but good god they make some AWESOME ribs.”*

Me: *spends another 30 minutes sorting jewelry with VNG before birthday calls start coming in, I’m getting hungry, SO and mom and siblings all want to meet up, Dad is mia* hey, I need to check out or pay up, I’ve got my family wanting me, so I need to take off now.

VNG: Oh, yeah, let’s get you started then. *proceeds to ring up my purchases in the most painfully slow manner possible because he’s 80+ and all analog* (literally he had a calculator that printed out the receipts, it had a bunch of finger grime on the number keys, he’d clearly been using it for decades, honestly it was so awesome but super frustrating)

Me: *being patient, being nice and kind and friendly, regardless of the situation*

VNG: *rings me up, gives me my total, then WINKS and throws in a $50 pair of vintage clip-on, lapis lazuli with gold inlay earrings*

Me: *KARMA, BITCH! Be fucking nice to people All The Time Regardless of Circumstances!!!! VINDICATION!!!*

My Dad, after I found him again and told him the factual events: Sweet deal! Sometimes I’m actually glad when you don’t listen to me!

My dad’s advice to all of you would be “don’t ever say anything, at all if preferably, but only give yes or no answers to anyone who works in insurance or government.”

[genericflower]

Something took over and I need to rant about Steven Universe.

Mainly Peridot.

I was thinking about how when a characters is canonically aromantic/asexual it's exciting and nice to see

But I don't feel that way about Peridot. I've now realized my problem is less about the character and more with how they handled it

Factor 1: They choose to represent her being aro/ace by having her not take part in fusion

Implying that fusion is in some way sexual (or at the very least romantic) Meaning all of these are sexual or romantic acts:

(Stevonnie is fine if it's only romantic) So what they're saying is fusion is not just a reflection of connection in their varied relationships or even just a magic space power holding no strong meaning

I think worse is that Peridot not wanting to fuse/not liking fusion could have been used to show how autistic individuals don't connect with people in the same ways as neurotypical do

Factor 2: And this one is admittedly much more shallow but I think it help explain why her canon sexuality got ignored so hard by the fandom

Peridot is one of the only gems who gets screen time and gets to interact with other gems who isn't Steven's family/family coded

Like Garnet acts like a mom or aunt to Steven (and is technically spoken for) Pearl acts like a mom or aunt to Steven Amethyst acts more like a sister to Steven Lapis basically hates most of the cast Then most of the other gems are isolated/don't get enough screen time to develop much of a personality if any And almost every time a human shows interest in one of the gems they get shot down so there's that

Basically Peridot is set up to be the only strong character for shipping without splitting hairs on "is that actually okay?" - until they said 'actually she would never date anyone, not even smooch'

Like what was to stop them from making Amethyst the aro/ace character? They shot making Lapis one in the foot with the whole forced fusion plot point. They still could but with how asexuality gets associated with trauma it wouldn't look good OR make more than one main cast member display this sexuality - not everything has to be romantic driven (just seems weird that a show about relationships only show two romantic relationships develop)

(all other romantic relationships were already happening/happen off screen: Sadie and Shep, Garnet (Ruby and Sapphire), Rose and Greg, Rhodonite and Fluorite)

My man problem is the crew tied Peridot's sexuality to fusion which for me makes it feel like I'm in the trolley problem with: A. accept Peridot as aro/ace and that Steven who is a child did a romantic/sexual with most the main cast who are his family (outside of Connie) or B. ignore Peridot's sexuality and see fusion as a non-romantic/non-sexual act that could be romantic (like an embrace) I know that I can see Peridot as aro/ace without seeing fusion as sexual but the hoops I have to jump through to reach that makes it feel more like a headcanon then actual canon so it's just frustrating

THE ONLY REASON I FEEL THIS WAY IS THEY ACT LIKE HER NOT WANTING TO FUSE IS IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE THAT SHE'S AROMANTIC AND ASEXUAL (They 100% could have just said "Peridot is aro/ace because she is." Instead of linking it to fusion directly!)

[esotericbadbitch]

This is very stupid, years late, misremembered and not at all researched but I’ve always been confused the reading that Lapis was the abuser in Malachite relationship.

Because like imagine you’re a guy who was imprisoned by an evil regime for some stuff that wasn’t really wrong. You spend thousands of years imprisoned alone on alien planet until some random 12 year old frees you. Dope. You’re just chilling trying to find out what the fucks happened since you’ve been gone when some super amped up cop arrests you. Again.

While you’re chilling in space prison, the same 12 year old shows up to break you out. The space cop arrested him and punched out all four of his gay mums. You say I can’t fight a jacked up space cop, he leaves and you feel guilty.

Then two of his gay moms punch out the space cop with the power of lesbianism and do so with so much lesbianism they crash the space ship you’re all on. You survive the crash- sweet- and are about to flee the scene. When space cop grabs you and asks for the power of gay love to beat the lesbians pulling out teammate handcuffs. Fuck it. You say yes. The minute she cuffs you to her, you fling the both of you off a cliff into a hole. Every time the cop tries to get out of the hole you pull her back in. It is a vicious ugly cycle that is unhealthy for both of you.

Somehow you get out of the hole. (I literally don’t remember how this happens and I think this post is funnier if I don’t google it. Something to do with sending dream telegrams to the 12 year old?). The 12 year old who is literally your only friend tries to set you up with an abandoned barn or something. You still aren’t doing great obviously. Then the space cop crawls out of the ocean on her hands and knees begging to go back into the pit with you.

[widowed-mistress]

How strong could Steven be?

Okay, let me rephrase, how strong is the Pink Diamond gem?

Because, let's take a second to actually think about it. There are some abilities that seem to be EXPECTED of gems. They might not all do them since for some it would be "below their station," but they could do it.

1. Sumon a weapon

2. Shapeshift

3. Fuse

4. Adjust their gravitational pull of a planet on their gem to adjust to a celestial body's gravity

5. The ability to bubble

Of course, these are the ESTABLISHED things that every gem SHOULD be able to do (we'll get to Era 2 gems in a second). However, I'd like to add

6. Make a flashlight out of their gem (we see Pearl and Peridot do so when they visit the moon, and it makes sense to be a natural ability since their physical bodies are just holograms with light)

7. Be able to store items in their gems.

These are the basic abilities of a gem, yet there are special powers some gems have.

Sapphires- ice manipulation/ future vision

Lapis- water manipulation

Ruby- fire production

Peridots- metal control

Now one thing about them is that the powers designated to them are IT. Now, it's fair to say that as a gem grows and learns, they can expand on their skill (Pearl did learn how to shoot lasers after the gem War after all), but they concept of their powers stay the same.

For example, as much as Sapphire was shown to be a beast with her ice abilities in a Single Pale Rose, she will never manipulate or produce fire. This is where the Diamonds differ and follow their subjects at the same time.

Blue- gem emotional control (her power doesn't work on humans)

Yellow- physical form manipulation (she can poof any gem/ change their shape or attributes as seen with Garnet in Future)

White- possession voluntary or forced.

Pink - destruction and creation (living or nonlicing)

It's their powers that make me believe that diamonds are needed not just to rule but to make other gems. During Era 2, gems weren't made the same as Era 1 gems as Peridot says she can't shape-shift, but why would that be? Because Pink diamond was gone. With a limited supply of her essence, just like Yellow was having her essence taken in her sauna, they had to portion out what they gave to gems. This would explain what "junk" is put into the ground when gems are made as Amethyst references during Classroom Gems.

This would even explain why the Diamonds kept Pink. While yes, they loved and appreciated her presence, she holds no functional use to the empire, which you would imagen the Diamonds wouldn't be found of, especially when she undermines them constantly and sets a bad example. However, they couldn't get rid of her, not even before they got attached because her essence allowed for the creation of more gems, and there is no guarantee that another being with her power could exist.

Yellow sets a gem to have a physical form.

Blue sets them to have responses.

White sets them to have a purpose.

Pink sets them to have the extra energy to come to life just as the organic material on colonies are sucked up for a gem to use. In fact, I would bet that Pink's essence is what allows gems to exist without needing to do something like recharge or something of the sort. Think about it, whatever energy is sucked from the dirt is bound the run out at some point. Plant life isn't infinite; however, a diamonds power could be.

This is why I question how strong Pink actually is. The diamonds hold compete control over their "domain," even controlling or manipulating what could be considered the opposite of their powers. The thing that makes Pink different from the other diamonds is that her powers WORK on not only things that aren't alive, they work on non gem beings.

Steven fixed his teddy bear and destroyed several non-living materials. He heals gems and humans, for fuck sake both him and his mom brought something to life. And speaking about that. I would like to discuss both lars and lion right now. Specifically their powers.

Now, making the assumption that they got a power up post resurrection could be assumed to be that the Pink Diamond essence pulled so much weight in helping them that the essence is now embedded in them and so they received a power up. It makes sense. Like gems creating distabalisers using Yellow's essence or creating a planet destroying weapon (Spinel) using Pink's essence. The thing I have a problem with is the powers they receive.

1. Long life (okay)

2. Dimensional pocket in hair (makes sense, gems have pockets in their gems)

3. Shock wave or lion's roar (ehh, kinda makes sense with Steven's destruction ability. Okay)

4. Portal creation (what?)

Portal creation was one of the powers lion got. That doesn't make sense based on what we know and can assume Pink can do. What the fuck.

The situation isn't helped in the fact that Pink can make pebbles purely on her own without the help of the other Diamonds.

So, considering Pink Diamond has a hold on

Crearion

Destruction

On ANYTHING

and is CRUCIAL for gem production and can extend the ability towards others just as they can get into someone's head/ control them

I ask again: how strong is the Pink Diamond gem?

And if he gets enough training, how strong could Steven become?

[artzychic27]

Who would be the DC parents for the Science Kids? I can see Aurore being Aquaman’s daughter (and creating fake rain with hydrokenisis like Lapis on Room for Ruby). Jean would be Zatanna’s for obvious reasons. Simon could be Flash’s kid (using his speed to edit his videos even quicker) and Reshma’s could be Poison Ivy, I guess (reference to class of heroes, where she is Isabella).

Aurore: Aquaman

A lot of her stuff is waterproof from her books to her electronics

Would join the school’s swim team, but that doesn’t seem fair

She hates dolphins. They’re just all fucking bastards…

Aurore has a tendency to smack sea food out of peoples hands. She knows most of them!

The Beauréals experimented with sperm and egg donors to ensure they had perfect, well-rounded children. Though, they didn’t account for Aquaman being a sperm donor

Mireille: Black Canary

When she was born, Mireille cried so loud and temporarily deafened everyone on the hospital floor

Black Canary helped take care of Mireille for three years before she had to leave for a few missions. She occasionally stops by to help Mireille with her powers and to intimidate Alec

When she heard Theo was being bullied at school, she walked right up to the bastard and screamed

Mireille has some light streaks in her hair

Jean: Zatanna

He’s pretty good at talking backwards

Has never failed a single magic trick, and if someone tries to mess one up, they can expect a flock of doves in their locker

Occasionally leaves a few roses in a certain brunette’s locker

After his wife left, Dejah went out to clear his head, met Zatanna at a bar, and now he’s got a magic son

Lacey: Beast Boy

She still has her normal skin tone, but when she turns into animals, she’s mint green

Her favorite forms are mountain lions, lemurs, and just any animal that’s good at climbing

Not technically her dad. Beast Boy donated some of his blood because Lacey had some medical problems when she was born

He’s more like her godfather

Also, she’s not a strict vegetarian, but sometimes eating meat makes her uncomfortable

Cosette: Static Shock

Can charge ten phones in under three seconds

Braids its hair back so it’s not sticking up at the ends, becuase that gets annoying fast

Her mom participated in a newly funded military program involving superpowered sperm and egg donors

Will annoy you with 90s slang, courtesy of her dad

Cosette: Dayumn! What’s got you trippin’?

Jean: Please speak according to our current decade!

Cosette: *Scoffs* Buzzkill.

Jean: That! That, too!

Zoé: Batman

Zoé served as one of his many, many Robins before she moved to Paris after an… Incident at her school

She was surprised to find herself in a classroom of superpowered teenagers, especially since she knows most of their parents

Audrey had several affairs, so why not one with Bruce Wayne?

She keeps a lot of weapons on her person

Incredibly athletic, intelligent, and able to take down any superhuman

Zoé: *Looks at Marc* … So, did Dick do Starfire, or what?

Marc: Starfire

On Tamaran, his name is pronounced as Myzan'r

When he gets angry or upset, Marc’s eyes glow bright green as a sign that he’s charging his laser eyes

Is FIERCELY protective of his brother

For his protection, Starfire and [Censored] had Marc live with Penny and Alyssa Anciel after his aunt attempted to sell Marc into slavery like she did with Starfire when they were younger. Long story short, Marc tore open an alien ship with his bare hands when he was seven

Tamaraneans are known for their iron stomachs, so this guy will eat just about anything you put in front of him

Marc: I’ll have you know, I have a refined pallet.

Cosette: “Refined,” my ass. You ate a meat lovers pizza coated in chocolate syrup and sour gummy bears.

Denise: Wonder Woman

Already tall, strong, and insanely gorgeous like an Amazon, so why not?

Like Marc, Denise is VERY protective of Cerise

Was close friends with Flavio Cabello’s grandparents back in the 40s, and because of that, she created Denise the same way she was created when Flavio and Pilar were having trouble conceiving until they had Cerise

Wears a LOT of jewelry, so no one questions the silver cuff bracelets

Simon: The Flash

Can edit fifty videos in three seconds and is fast enough to escape any assholes trying to shove him in a locker when Denise isn’t around

Sometimes they like to mess with the other students, just when they need a moment of peace and quiet

The Flash saved him from the house fire his parents didn’t bother to safe him from, donated some blood, and now Simon has his powers and a new godfather

He can run across the world in only eight seconds, but still prefers to be princess-carried by Denise

Ismael: Superman

In the Cool Aliens club with Marc

This guy can get hit by a truck and still keep walking as if nothing happened

Likes to eavesdrop on conversations with his super hearing and then blackmail certain people

Ismael’s egg donor had an affair long before she divorced Fazli

Fazli was able to get full custody after Superman got her arrested. Because Superman don’t take kindly to child abuse

Reshma: Poison Ivy

Likes to decorate her clothes with flowers and vines. Her style is post All-Of-You-Isabela, VERY colorful

Her hair has some tints of red in it

She was sent to Paris when she was five seeing as it was getting too dangerous in Gotham

Reshma was made in a lab as one of Poison Ivy’s sporelings, and she has a slight magenta tint to her skin

She likes making flower crowns for her friends

[time-of-your-life-au]

3, 7, 9, 11, or 20

Not sure who exactly these are meant for, so I'll just answer with all the ocs :D

Ask game here!

3: Speed, Flight, or Power type?

Silkie: Speed

Lapis: Speed

M.A.R.C.Y.: Power

Verse: Flight

Red: Flight

Emmy: Power

Hyper: Any, depending on the wisp assisting them

Coffee: Power

Rift: I guess speed? He's not really physically fast, though, more agile

7: Favorite music genre?

Silkie: Alt pop (her favorite artist is girl in red)

Lapis: Pop

M.A.R.C.Y.: Rock

Verse: Disco

Red: Hip Hop

Emmy: Rock

Hyper: Pop

Coffee: Alt pop

Rift: EDM

9: Who are they closest with?

Silkie, M.A.R.C.Y., Verse, and Red are all one close group, especially Silkie, M.A.R.C.Y., and Verse. Red is mostly just friends with Verse, so they end up hanging out with the rest of the group by proxy.

Lapis, Coffee, and Rift are all best friends. Coffee and Rift were the first non-robots besides Sonic and Shadow that Lapis met, and they connected quickly. The three of them have been basically inseparable ever since.

Emmy doesn’t leave Angel Island that often, so she's closest to Knuckles. She spends most of her time helping them guard the Master Emerald; she wants to follow in her footstops when she grows up.

Hyper’s friends haven’t been developed much quite yet, but there’s a few people from the Wisp research lab that they hang out with sometimes. Other than that, she loves spending time with her moms and her Aunt Jewel, and she's always going to them to talk about her latest projects or whatever else is on her mind.

11: Do they have any rivals?

Nothing concrete! I'm planning for Red's future boyfriend to be their rival first (as is tradition for Sonic ships), but I haven't actually created him yet.

I will say, Hyper may not have a rival in the main universe, but in a different one, well....... no spoilers :)

20: What are their hobbies?

Silkie is CONSTANTLY drawing. People, places, things in her imagination, everything ends up on the paper. Practically everyone she's ever met has been doodled at least once.

Lapis is always on the lookout for rocks, sticks, shells, and more to take home. The shelves in their bedroom are filled with all the things they've collected!

When M.A.R.C.Y. isn't battling Sage and her robots, she's training for the next time she does. She was created to be a killer robot, and though she's found her own personhood outside that, it's still in her nature to fight, to be as strong and as fast as possible, so no one can best her. She hopes one day to be as strong, or even stronger, than her moms are.

Though Espio's brief time as a poet didn't result in anything good, Verse has decided to follow in his footsteps. He usually prefers to write prose rather than poetry, but he's dabbled in several forms of writing over the years!

Ever walk around Central City and see spraypaint on the walls everywhere? A lot of the time, Red was the one responsible for it! They're always leaving their mark on the places they go, to the approval of their parents and the disapproval of the government.

Emmy is working hard learning to be the next Guardian of the Master Emerald, which means a lot of time on Angel Island with only nature (and her dad) to entertain her. She keeps close to the Emerald, of course, but she's often down in the dirt, digging around for rocks and bugs.

Hyper has a fascination with science, especially Wisps and their Hyper-go-on. She spends a lot of time in the lab, experimenting with ways to use color power in things other than weapons—they recently perfected their gloves and boots, which can use color power much in the same way a Wispon can!

Coffee works at a cafe, so you might expect baking or making coffee to be her number one hobby. And it's true that she enjoys those, but her favorite thing is gardening. Her garden has a large variety of plants, all flourishing! Each one is sure to have a good harvest.

Rift is always at the climbing gym, working on his latest project. His goal is to send every route the gym sets—a very unrealistic goal, which he'll probably never achieve, but hey, he tries his best!

[3luejam]

do any of ur sonic ocs have any facts abt them?????

oh I have DOZENS AND DOZENS of them! there might be some that u probably already know but it's ok right?

Aurora the dragon )

-when she was a kid ( after her home got invaded) she was dead TERRIFIED of affection and trust till she turned 11 and met Espio

-she can fly on her sword in a hoverboard style kinda way

-can go super but only for a short period of time since the chaos emerlads are too strong for her since if she stays super for too long she just- 💥💥💥💥💥

-she does have her own form in which she can stay much much longer in but she has to fuse with Ender to do it ( don't ask how it's just magic )

-rlly likes to snatch Espio with her tail for some reason

-is a huge ass mitski fan ( listens to Francis forever, your best American girl and remember my name DAILY)

-too good in math it scares people

-she's inspired by Mizu, vivi and lotus dragon cookie!

-her voice claim is lapis lazuli

Ender the dragon)

-was cursed to be trapped in Aurora's sword for 200 years until she somehow ended up waking him up and releasing him

-he has no idea what affection means since he was never given any of it since his mom died giving birth to him and his father only wanted him to be a samurai so he thought affection was a distraction

-the only dragon in the Otomo clan who mastered mystic magic

-drunk goofy uninvited uncle personality but he can automatically get serious depending on the situation

-always got pushed away from team Chaotix and mostly Espio since they're the only ones who know Aurora's past and how he'd the reason she was degraded by her own people just like how he was when he was present

-his voice claim is ice king from adventure time!

Viper the snake)

-she cares about money WAAYYY much more than jewels

-her bounty is worth for 7 million! that's why Team Chaotix is so desperate to catch her and Team Toxictry

-her wounds are from a rlly intense fire so she's always numb and slightly in pain when someone pokes too hard on her body

-She's vectors ex! she only left him bc she thought he left her when their house burned down

-she was rescued / found by Dr eggman as she then became a soldier for the iron dominion

-because of the fact her family is poor and barely had money till they passed away, she quickly developed a belief that money was survival

-her voice claim is Beidou from genshin!

Widow the spider)

-shes the bride of endless reach's daughter! who is also missing-

-surprisingly can hold a tantrum unless she loses in a fight

-she has no memory of being in the gossamer clan nor her mother due to her memories being wiped

-#1 biggest BabyMetal fan EVER

-she can go spiderman to steal stuff from the air so no trace / fingerprints are left

-her bounty was raised from 1000 to 1 million because of this!

-her and luchino are the only ones that are trusted by viper

-can fly or glide but she has to sligshot herself with her webs

-even after years her mother is still looking for widow even though she doesn't remember her at all

-voice claim is strawberry crepe cookie!

Luchino the scorpion)

-his parents divorced bc when his mom found out his dad was cheating she tore him apart in front of luchino and forced luchino to eat small pieces of his own dad

-he used to be a friend of the Chaotic but left / betrayed(?) them so they would be safe since at that time he still secretly worked for eggman

-his bounty is worth 3 million!

-his poison isnt very strong so he just mostly uses his wolverine looking weapon ( idk what it's actually called lol)

-rlly likes to break sandcastles for fun

-he's gay even though his color palette is literally the aeoace flag

-rlly big 3arleyhuman fan ( holy shit same)

-is strangley talented with playing the bass and guitar but he likes to make the music sound bad to annoy ppl he hates

-he can't go to sleep without remembering what his mom did to him so he just has insomnia

-voice claim is hunter TOH

[hauntedliz]

For the BG3 ask, for any except your durge (only because I've not played one yet and am dancing around spoilers, so I guess if the answer wouldn't be a spoiler then go for it!)

6, 15, 23, 40

Aye aye captain! I will keep this durge spoiler-free. Thanks so much for asking! Probably going to be pretty Phoebe-centric just for time's sake.

6. What is your Tav's origin story?

Drama timeeeee.

Phoebe is the oldest daughter of Helene (elf wizard) and Silas (human bard). She has a younger sister named Arden and two younger brothers named Gilbert and Leon. Her father taught her to play the violin and love music. Though he was a bard, he never went out adventuring like he'd planned to as a young man. He met his wife and started pushing back his plans to leave. Then Pheobe came, so he never did. He got a job in town at a shop. Unfortunately, one day the shop caught fire and he was unable to escape. Pheobe had aspirations to go out and study music in Baldur's Gate, but once her father passed she wanted to stay and help take care of her siblings. In her grief, her mother could not bear the thought of her daughter having the same fate as her husband, so she studied and prepared until she was able to use magic to alter Phoebe's memories. Helene took Phoebe to the city and erased her memories of where her hometown is. As hard as she tries, Phoebe cannot remember the place where she grew up. She has all the memories of her family and her life, but where it happened she cannot recall, so she can never return there. In the city, Phoebe goes all into her studies. Eventually she starts travelling around, playing in taverns. That's basically what she's up to when she gets scooped up.

15. If your Tav could/does multiclass, what other class would they choose?

I have not multiclassed before so this is all what ifs and could very well not be good decisions lmao.

Phoebe- a couple options here. Wizard bc of her mom (and because she sorta maybe sent Gale away during act 1... don't hate me please I was young!!!) or rogue because I think the idea of couples picking up little things from each other is cute. I could also see ranger.

Lapis- Barbarian or fighter

Honeylark- Cleric maybe?

Pippa- Paladdin maybe? Really not sure for Pip. Rogue?

23. What is your Tav’s favorite moment they’ve had with their lover?

Probably any moment post-game where Phoebe and Astarion are sitting together and she realizes they are truly relaxed. No one is coming after them, there is nothing to fight. Astarion's guard is down, and they are just existing together in a moment laughing and talking.

40. What is the biggest mistake your Tav ever made?

So funny story actually... The biggest mistake my Tav has ever made was entirely my fault, but it is canon to her run so... When I played Act 2 I kind of didn't understand the fact that I needed to go to Moonrise Towers to save the tieflings before the final battle. I kind of thought I would just do it all when I got there at the end. So the tieflings in Moonrise Towers did die. And it is Phoebe's fault and totally not mine and she has to live with that not me. (IT JUST FELT LIKE SO FAR TO GO BACK!! I DIDN'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THE GAUNTLET AGAIN I'M SORRY). And also I didn't realize Zevlor was there in the mindflayer colony, so I literally walked past him and Orin did some terrible things to him. Act 2 was traumatic for Pheebs. Luckily this is not canon to the LTFU (liz and toad fanfic universe).

[lanternlightss]

Percy hcs go-

(ask game)

hsjdjdhd aye, aye!

headcanon a - what i think realistically: he really likes scratch and sniff things. if he ever got a blueberry scented pencil i think that would be his most treasured item.

headcanon b - what i think is hilarious: percy absolutely fucks with people by doing the weirdest shit underwater and on water. he’s had a tea party with fishes before and said hello to a scuba diver who saw him. he was wearing winter clothes and sunglasses.

another time he just walked across a lake because he didn’t want to go around it. annabeth and grover still tease him about it—

headcanon c - heart-crushing and awful but fun to inflict on friends: 12 year old percy trying to use the water to recreate his mom but no matter what it just doesn’t work :). she always ends up crumbling in the same way she died :).

headcanon d - never work with canon but that shits canon to me: this would not end well considering the “no flying” rule but i want so badly to see percy fly around like lapis lazuli from steven universe so water wings percy canon and real—

[andrewmoocow]

Little Homeworld Life chapter 14: It’s Tough To Be A Star (originally published on March 28, 2023)

AN: At long last, we're finally back! This set of thirteen all-new chapters will provide you with enough fun, mystery, and drama to keep you engaged in this world before I inevitably have to put it to an end with the upcoming Snake Eyes. When last we left off, the evil alternate universe versions of the Crystal Gems were sent packing back to their home universe by the Crystal Gems we know, with a little help from a good version of Black Rutile from the same universe. But where do we go from here? Well, let's find out, shall we?

Synopsis: The Gems learn of their newfound star-power from the President, but some have let it go to their heads more than others.

Cast:

Estelle as Garnet

Michaela Dietz as Amethyst

Deedee Magno-Hall as Pearl

Shelby Rabara as Peridot

Jennifer Paz as Lapis

Uzo Aduba as Bismuth

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Casey Lee Williams as Cat's Eye

Lin-Manuel Miranda as President Eduardo Suarez

Jon Wurster as Marty

Casey Robertson as Neil Michaels

Richard Horvitz as Christopher Cage

Alexia Khadime as Sardonyx

Billie Eilish as Turquoise

Featuring T-Pain as Sam Galley

Jay Leno as Leonard Jason

Anderson Cooper as Andrew Cooper

And Shanelle Grey as Sally Grove

--

"Welcome back, everyone!" Sardonyx yelled delightedly on a talk show set with Turquoise as her guest of honor while a canned audience cheered excitedly. "Hoo boy, that was quite a commercial break we had there, huh? Well, at least our sponsors won't be breathing down our necks now! On that note, please welcome our next guest, Turquoise!"

"Hey everyone, nice to see you." Turquoise awkwardly greeted her screaming fans. "Thanks for having me on here, Sardonyx, love your show." She said to the host of the show. "So, remind me, this is about fusions?"

"Why yes, my dear!" Sardonyx laughed. "We stage this program to interview the various fusions around Little Homeworld, get a taste of their bond, and maybe show off their abilities too! Which reminds me, kiddo, how does it feel being the embodiment of a rather rocky relationship?"

"Surprisingly stable, actually." Turquoise responded. "Lapis and Peridot have definitely had their issues, sure, but they managed to grow past all that. Through all the struggles and suffering like any other duo had, they've had each other, and that's all that-"

"OMG, is that Lapis Lazuli?!" a voice yelled as a tourist got up on stage to strike a pose with Turquoise. "Quick, Blaine, get a picture!"

"Hey, I was in the middle of a poignant speech here!" Turquoise complained as Blaine took a picture of her with the tourist. "Where did you come from?!"

"Yeah, that's what I want to know." Sardonyx added crossly. "Security!" As Topaz unfused to drag the excited tourist away, more of them began to show up and crowd around Sardonyx. "Where are you all coming from?!"

"Oh, we're just on a tour of Beach City, home to some of Earth's mightiest heroes!" another tourist replied eagerly.

"WHOO, AMETHYST FOR LIFE!" a particularly eager tourist yelled as he took off his shirt and began swinging it around, revealing that he had a tattoo resembling an amethyst gem on his chest. "Hey, you wanna know who Amethyst reminds me of? My mom!"

"Well, unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to cut this short so we can get to the bottom of this." Sardonyx said while preparing to unfuse. "Until next time everyone, remember to- "

"KNOW! YOUR! FUSION!" the audience yelled in unison as Sardonyx unfused into Garnet and Pearl.

"So let me get this straight: you consider us Earth's mightiest heroes?" Pearl asked the growing horde of tourists. "I mean, sure, we had saved the Earth multiple times in the past, like last month when we fought those evil versions of ourselves, but I wouldn't consider us heroes."

"We need to get to the bottom of this." Garnet declared while Turquoise unfused into Lapis and Peridot. "Lapis, Peridot, get the others. We need to call someone about this."

--

Once Garnet, Pearl, Lapis, and Peridot contacted Bismuth, Amethyst, Jasper, and White Topaz about the current situation. There was only one person who could give them some answers on what was happening, and he was only a video chat away.

"Uh, for the last time, Sorayama, I'm unsure if I can trust you with our nuclear weapons array." US President Eduardo Suarez groaned as he turned around in his chair, only to realize that he was actually speaking to the Crystal Gems. "Oh, dios mio, the Crystal Gems! Feels like we haven't talked in a while! How are things holding up in Beach City?"

"We're doing muy bien, Eddy!" Amethyst replied. "Hey buddy, could you be a pal and answer us just one question?"

"We've discovered some tourists visiting Little Homeworld and treating us like celebrities." Garnet said. "Please tell us why this is happening."

"Oh yeah, forgot to tell you about that." Eduardo sheepishly proclaimed. "Ever since your recent victories against Black Rutile, The Sickle, and now that Crystal Regime or whatever it was called, your approval ratings have skyrocketed! People from all over the world are cheering your names! Words cannot describe how pleased I am to hear all this praise pouring out from all over, especially after how Black Rutile nearly turned the world against you!"

"Wait, we're famous?!" Amethyst cried eagerly. "YAHOO!"

"About time we got some credit for our deeds." Garnet smirked pridefully. "But let's not let this get to our heads, everyone. We're still citizens of Earth at the end of the day."

"Are you kidding me?!" Peridot exclaimed. "We're now on par with the likes of Christopher Cage, Jacob Steele, Edward Christian, and Bella Anastasia! Just imagine it, our names in shining lights, our footprints on the Los Diego Crosswalk of Legends!"

"Yeah, I'm pretty excited too, but why me?" Lapis asked. "Didn't I drown hundreds of people across three third-world countries, nearly cause tons of economic crises, and put tons of ocean life at risk of extinction?"

"Frankly, I'm not too sure how to feel about this." Bismuth stated. "I mean, what's it like as a celebrity?"

"Yeah, that's what I want to know too." Jasper added. "Like, is it anything like Peridot said?"

"Yeah, kind of," Eduardo answered. "As a celebrity, you are expected to preserve your image by treating your fans and the general public with respect, committing to endorsement and major motion picture deals, and try not to succumb to any human vices that'll cause you to get canceled on the spot. In fact, I already contacted a freelance talent manager to come give you the lowdown on what you'll be doing from here on out!"

"Talent manager?" Pearl asked just as the Gems heard the door open, and discovered a short, dark-skinned man in a suit and trilby hat standing before them with a briefcase in hand. "Is that you?"

"Why yes, that's me. Sam Galley, freelance talent manager at your service." The man introduced himself like a gentleman. "I've worked with some of the finest actors in the business for as long as I could remember. John Chaney, Velvett Johannason, Jack L. Samuels, all of them some of the highest grossing in the business, thanks to me. But never have I thought my latest clients would be so out of this world. I truly think this partnership could benefit me, I mean us, in the long run."

"Oh, why thank you, Mr. Galley." Pearl said while shaking Sam's hand. "Now then, is there anything you'd like for us to do?"

"Oh no, no need to ask him, girls." Eduardo stated. "Just listen to what he says, and you'll do the rest! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go have lunch with the familia. Bye!" As soon as Eduardo ended the chat, Sam shut the computer and pushed it away so he could sit on the coffee table.

"Okay, girls, work with me here!" Sam exclaimed. "There's a whole world of possibilities for you to explore! I'm talking film deals, television, goodwill tours, music labels, and all the merchandise you could imagine!" To prove his point, Mr. Galley presented the Gems with some ideas for the merch. "Clothing lines are huge, for one. Just imagine your attire being the next big fashion trend! Ooh, or maybe an autobiography or two! And let's not forget, the Lapis Lazuli brand flamethrower!" He presented some concept art of a blue flamethrower, which made Lapis raise her eyebrows at the irony of the idea. "The test audiences love this one!"

"I still have no strong feelings about this, one way or the other." Bismuth proclaimed.

"Ooh, I'll take twenty!" White Topaz eagerly said.

"Guys, you have no idea what this could do for us." Amethyst declared. "Soon, we might not need this old beach house anymore; we could just give it to Greg while we, I don't know, build ourselves a mansion or something!"

"Now, let's not get too ahead of ourselves, Amethyst." Pearl cautioned the Quartz. "I swear, this is exactly what I just warned you about, and you're so quick to forget it."

"Now, Pearl, no need to get so worried." Peridot smugly responded as drum music began playing, and she began to sing. "I hardly think I'm qualified to come across all sanctified; I just don't cut it with all my followers."

"Yo Peri, what are you talking about?" Amethyst asked the green Gem while gesturing to legions of fans bowing before them. "There again, they're on their knees! Being celebrities is a breeze! Which I think suits the two of us no lower."

"Us no lower, us no lower! Just me and her!" Peridot began to realize. "Oh, my stars!"

"IT'S TOUGH TO BE A STAR!" the duo sang together while Sam served as a backup dancer, and the other Crystal Gems looked around at the sudden musical number taking place.

"Movies, TV shows, and a fancy car! Being worshipped, not like it's a high bar!" Peridot declared as she perched atop a giant statue of herself. "Be the object of devotion, the subject of shrines!"

"It's quite a heartfelt notion; all the autographs and camera shines." Amethyst remarked as photographers and autograph hounds surrounded the duo.

"And who am I to bridle when people consider me an idol?" Peridot asked in exchange. "If they say that I'm an icon, that's what I am!" She then took Amethyst aside to tell her the drawbacks of celebrity godhood. "What's more, if we don't comply with the fanbase's wishes, I see ourselves being canceled online."

"Oh yeah, that's definitely possible." Amethyst concurred. "So let's be stars; the perks are great!"

"Yeah, all of entertainment on a plate!" Peridot exclaimed with big cigars for her, Amethyst, and Sam to stick in their mouths.

"Now we're talking!" Amethyst cried in delight. "Everyone's feelings should not be rebuffed!"

"Never rebuff, a-never rebuff our public's feelings!" Peridot scatted. "No, my friend!"

"It's tough to be a star, but if our fans raise the bar!" the two proclaimed. "Count your blessings, keep 'em happy; that's our advice!"

"Really great advice!" Peridot stated.

"Be seen as pure perfection; they worship us like a cult." The pair parroted. "Showered with praise, no time for reflection, when the multitudes exalt!"

"This could become a habit!" Amethyst cued for the song to end while the Gems and Sam hopped in a limo.

"Call us insane not to grab it!" Peridot agreed.

"You got it!" Amethyst yelled.

"So sign these shining stars up for paradise!" the star duo exclaimed. "PARADISE!"

"Uh, what just happened?" Lapis asked worriedly once the song finally ended.

"I don't know, and I'm not sure if I'm going to like what this will lead up to." Jasper agreed. Unbeknownst to the Gems, however, Black Rutile was watching the entire thing, and the big musical number had given her some ideas.

--

"So let me get this straight," Cat's Eye said as Black Rutile sat down on her computer. "the Crystal Gems are apparently celebrities now? Frankly, I'm not surprised it's come to this point, but I find this a little ridiculous."

"Well, that is why I need your help." Black Rutile said while browsing the popular social media site Yatter. "How do I gain as much attention and supporters as theirs to get somewhere with my newest plan?"

"Oh, funny you should mention that." Cat replied before turning her phone over to Black Rutile. "You're pretty famous as well." To Black Rutile's delight, dozens of users were pouring out their support for her under the hashtag #BlackRutileWasRight, with messages varying from how they're fascist sympathizers or poor excuses for role models. "Yeah, you're pretty popular among incels, conservatives, homophobes, skinheads, conspiracy theorists, users utilizing the tag to fantasize about their favorite Korean boy bands, and just people abusing the Internet's power of anonymity to get away with whatever they want."

"This can't be real, can it?" Black Rutile muttered in amazement before she suddenly had an idea. "Remind me, Cat, what do all these have in common?"

"They're complete idiots who shape their identity around believing everything they read?" Cat replied while filing her nails.

"Exactly!" Cat proclaimed while looking at one of the most liked posts on the tag that read "The Crystal Gems basically thrive on white savior complex, discuss." Her mouth curled into a cat-like smile before tapping on the user who posted it, who went by Sally Grove. "Ooh, she's probably your biggest fan! You should talk to her!"

"I'm sorry; what is this white savior complex?" Black Rutile squinted in disbelief over the sheer audacity of such an opinion. "Besides, Steven has a slightly pinkish skin tone, and everyone else has varying inhuman skin colors."

"You'll find out soon enough." Cat said. "Want me to reply for you? Maybe I can arrange for you two to meet up!"

"Fine, I'll dictate for you what the post must say." Black Rutile said before Cat began typing precisely what she said. "Greetings, Sally Grove. I am Black Rutile of the Rutile Rebels, an organization dedicated to combatting the oppressive regime of the Crystal Gems and their little champion, Steven Universe. I recently came across this post and insist we meet up somehow because I feel you might relate so much to me. Please respond ASAP."

"And send!" Cat's Eye proclaimed as she finished the post and submitted it, when she suddenly got a response. "Wow, that was quick!"

"Dear Black Rutile, I am amazed to be in your presence, considering that you're a wanted criminal under house arrest." Sally's response read. "I never trusted the Crystal Gems to begin with. Their message of kindness and love makes me feel so uncomfortable since I am a total cynic who sees the worst in everyone and vehemently despises any act of goodwill."

"Wow, she wears her hatred of good people on her sleeve, just like me!" Black Rutile exclaimed. "What else does it say?"

"If you wish to talk with me, I shall DM you my contact info so we can video chat. Hope to see you soon." Cat's Eye finished reading before putting down her phone. "Can you believe this?! We've struck paydirt!"

"One question though, what does DM stand for?" Black Rutile asked.

"It means direct message." Cat's Eye answered. "The humans who use the Internet have a very strange vernacular they use. Like for example, OMG means oh my gosh." Just then, a DM popped up from Sally Grove asking to video chat with Black Rutile. "Well, here goes nothing."

The two Gems sent the link to Black Rutile's computer and opened the invite. On the screen, a blonde woman with aqua-green eyes behind a thick pair of glasses sat down staring at Black Rutile. "Hello there. I suppose you may be Black Rutile, correct?"

"Yes, I am she." Black Rutile stated. "I have only just discovered you, yet I feel like the two of us could become like sisters to each other. United by our shared hatred of the Crystal Gems!"

"Yeah, but I prefer to discuss my dislike of them through my controversial opinions." Sally stated. "You prefer plots to try and take over the world or something corny like that."

"My schemes are not that corny!" a very offended Black Rutile exclaimed before composing herself. "Anyways, I discovered your posts through a little hashtag proclaiming #BlackRutileWasRight, used primarily by people who share my viewpoints."

"Oh yeah, that." Sally casually said. "I was the one who started that hashtag because I find it so hard to believe that a rampaging monster is actually a hero of the universe!"

"Exactly!" Black Rutile cheered. For what felt like hours on end, the two continued talking with each other, sharing stories and decrying the Crystal Gems over the Internet. For the first time in forever, Black Rutile felt like she had found someone who could finally understand her. And now, she has the perfect tool to use to further her vengeance.

--

In the meantime, the Crystal Gems were now living the life of celebrities and all it entailed. For Pearl in particular, she was sent off to the set of a big-budget movie under Sam's orders. Things seemed innocent enough, but something about the sets, the props, and the giant dinosaur-like creature seemed familiar to her.

"Uh, hello, everyone." Pearl shyly greeted. "I'm Pearl, and I've been sent here by Sam Galley to star in whatever movie you're making here."

"Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in." the familiar voice of Neil Michaels, Pearl's one-time rival from Los Diego, purred as he strolled in. "Hello there Pearl, long time no see."

"Neil Michaels?!" Pearl gasped in alarm. "What are you doing here?!"

"What am I doing here?!" Neil exclaimed. "This is the set of my newest movie you've come upon! It shall be my latest box office masterpiece in the making, and I call it-"

"Michaels, what are you doing?" another voice asked as he strolled towards Pearl. He was visibly far older than Neil and had a bit of a shark motif to his clothing. "Oh, are you one of those Crystal Gems everyone talks about?"

"I'm sorry, I'm kind of drawing a blank on you, and we know pretty much everyone in Beach City." Pearl said. "Who are you again? I feel like I've heard of you somewhere before."

"Don't you remember? It's me, Marty!" Marty exclaimed. "I was Greg's manager; I was the guy who made him rich with that burger jingle! Come on, not ringing any bells?"

"Oh yes, Morty!" Pearl realized despite getting Marty's name horribly wrong. "I think I remember you. What brings you here?"

"I'm here working with Neil Michaels after I got sued for my Guacola causing food poisoning." Marty stated. "I got into the film business to recoup my losses, and business is booming."

"That reminds me, what film are we making here?" Pearl asked. "I feel like I'm getting a sense of déjà vu here."

"I am so glad you asked!" Neil proclaimed as he pulled out his phone and presented a trailer for his new movie. The mood was set quite well, Pearl admitted to herself, but then came the film's title.

"Oh my lord, it's coming!" the motion picture's leading man, played by Christopher Cage, screamed in horror before it cut to the words "THE PINK BEAST OF THE BAY" in big pink letters. "Based on a true story." An announcer declared. "This film is not yet rated."

"Wait, is this based on Steven's meltdown?!" Pearl screeched angrily at Neil and Marty's toothy grins. "How could you?!"

"Yes, and we thought you'd make a perfect leading lady!" Neil replied happily. "Given that you were there that day, your point of view could really make our-"

"Don't tumble my rocks here, Michaels!" Pearl roared as she grabbed the arrogant director by his collar and dragged him so close, her nose could almost poke his eye out. "You knew exactly what you were doing when you conceived such an idea!"

"Cut me some slack; I didn't realize that was your little friend when I saw him on TV that time!" Neil tried desperately to save face while struggling to free himself from the angry Gem's grasp. "Listen, I'll allow you full creative control over the writing, I'll let you do whatever you want if you don't kill me here! Seriously, I have not been this disrespected since that party at Jeffrey's island!"

"Oy, Gems." Marty rolled his eyes in disgust. "Okay, Pearlie, put the nice man down and hear him out."

"And what will I get if I comply?" Pearl coldly asked as she dropped Neil to the ground when Marty suddenly presented her with a big sack of cash. "What is that?"

"Approximately 4.3 billion dollars, give or take." Marty said. "If you want this much cash, you gotta accept our offer. Capische?" he suggested with a sharklike smile. "Come on. You wouldn't want to disappoint Sammy, right?"

Though she had a bad history with Neil Michaels and absolutely refused to partake in this mockery of Steven's mental health, Pearl couldn't bear to disappoint anyone, least of all an important figure in the entertainment industry. "Okay, fine, I'll do what you want, you mongrels."

"Happy to be working with you, Pearl." Marty stated as Pearl replaced the sack of cash with her hand, and the two shook. "You're going to love what we have planned."

--

"IT'S THE AFTER DARK SHOW, WITH YOUR FABULOUS HOST!" the announcer of a talk show excitedly cried as its aging host jogged on stage, high-fiving some of his fans in the front row of the studio audience along the way. "LEONAAAAARD JASON!"

"Thank you, thank you! You're all too kind!" Leonard Jason chuckled as he sat down at his desk. "We got an interesting show tonight, folks. I've had some unique guests before, but none are quite this out of this world. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you Amethyst and Peridot!"

The audience cheered wildly as the camera panned to show the two Gems sitting on a couch across from Leonard. "Thanks for having us, Leonard; being on here is like a badge of honor." Amethyst said.

"Please, you're too kind." Leonardo smiled in reply. "Now tell us, your friends tell me that they found you years after the war ended in a Kindergarten. Tell me what that's like."

"Well, being the runt of the litter who emerged for a war that already ended certainly took a lot out of me." Amethyst responded. "Feeling like I'm useless, like I never asked to be made, a sorrowful story. Which you can read all about in my latest book!" She then presented her book with a portrait of Amethyst on its purple cover. "The Kindergarten Kid On the Run, coming soon everywhere where books are sold!"

"And on the topic of writing, I'd like to announce that I've begun pitching my ideal reboot of Camp Pining Hearts to its original network, The DW." Peridot declared proudly, to the excitement of thousands. "In addition to being a far superior reboot than the atrocity we already got that'll appease both original fans and new generations, I also made sure it appealed to my personal tastes. Which means yes, Percy and Pierre will be an official couple from the start."

"Wow, an author and a TV writer right off the bat, what more could you want?" Leonard asked his audience. "But I think we've all seen enough TV shows where the character becomes famous for an episode to know what could come next. Eventually, the fame will get to your heads, and you'll start ignoring your friends in favor of your fellow celebrities before realizing that friendship matters more than fame, hm?"

"Geez, you're starting to sound like Pearl." Amethyst snarked, causing the viewers to laugh. "But no, Peri and I are ensuring that doesn't happen. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?"

--

Faraway from Beach City, meanwhile, Lapis was now on a private jet with Sam flying through the skies towards Africa. "So, where did you say we were going again?"

"We'll be heading off to a little village in Tanzania, which I hear was one of the many third-world countries you attacked." Sam stated while reading a newspaper. "You remember that, right?"

"Yes, very well." Lapis groaned in embarrassment as she buried her face in her hands.

"Aw, don't be too guilty," Sam assured Lapis. "this is all for a goodwill tour I've arranged to improve your reputation. According to your approval ratings, you're not very popular among these countries you've nearly drowned."

"Great." Lapis replied dryly before the plane touched down in Tanzania, and the two disembarked to be greeted by a group of suspicious civilians. "Uh, hello, everyone."

"It's here, the water witch!" one of the citizens screamed, causing a riot where everyone started throwing trash, rocks, and produce at Lapis, making her look very worried as she tried to shield herself with her wings.

"Now, friends, we don't have to fight!" Sam tried to placate the furious masses while quietly passing out pamphlets. "My companion here is simply here to talk with you about how much she has changed since that day she nearly killed you all. I can assure you, she has had time to think about the consequences of her actions and went to many lengths to atone for them."

"Yeah, I've changed so much since then." Lapis agreed with Sam. "Please, just give me the benefit of the doubt, and maybe we can get along then."

"Oh, so does that mean we can take down this statue of you we deface every day in honor of everyone you drowned?" another civilian said while pointing at that very Lapis statue, which was covered in toilet paper, graffiti saying things like "BURN THE WITCH!", "WANTS TO GO HOME MY ASS!" and various obscenities, and some stains that Lapis doesn't even want to know where they came from. And this all just made her feel even worse.

--

"Hello, everyone, and welcome back to 90 Minutes." Andrew Cooper, the host of the news program 90 Minutes, announced as the show returned from a commercial break. "With me right now are four members of the esteemed Crystal Gems, Garnet, Bismuth, Jasper, and White Topaz. Welcome, ladies. So glad you could accept this offer."

"Well, technically, we didn't accept it. It was just arranged for us." Bismuth answered. "But regardless, it's nice to be here, Mr. Cooper."

"Now, onto today's topic." Cooper said while shuffling some papers in his hands. "You may consider yourselves alien lifeforms, but I have seen people online say that you are an inspiration to people of color and abuse survivors. Would you care to share your opinions?"

"As delighted as I am to see people consider us role models, I'm not sure I'm following this." Garnet said. "You're allowed to believe what you want, but I'm not sure I'd consider us people of color because we are from another planet. Therefore, we don't fit your definition of race."

"I think they mean color in a literal sense, like how Bismuth is purple, Jasper is orange, etc." White Topaz replied to Garnet. "No, wait, I think I'm getting this wrong.

"Let's remain on subject, girls." Andrew interrupted the banter. "As I stated, Garnet, you may not actually be human, but your struggles are very human, which is what makes you relatable."

"Okay, that; I can definitely see your point!" Jasper exclaimed. "For example, I was the victim of a mutually abusive relationship that lasted for months while my partner and I were trapped under the sea!"

"That is a sentence I never thought I'd hear on my show." Andrew deadpanned. "That reminds me, would you care to discuss your version of human relationships?"

--

"Boring!" Cat's Eye grumbled as she switched the channel from 90 Minutes to some kind of sports game. "Ugh, I can't stand this! I've already had enough of everyone here singing the praises of those Gems in Little Homeworld, but the entire world is doing it now? Someone get me an aspirin; I have a headache!"

Black Rutile ignored Cat's complaining as she continued chatting with Sally over the Internet and was utterly enamored with what she was hearing. "You know, you have taught me so much in our time together. For example, what is this 420 I hear people laughing about?"

"Oh, that's just a random number that's code for "ha ha ha, drugs are funny" or "adults who still watch cartoons." Sally answered bluntly. "So tell me again, what are you planning?"

"I've concocted many revenge plots over my imprisonment here in Little Homeworld, but I think this one might be my deadliest yet." Black Rutile proclaimed as she presented the torn page of Rasputina's grimoire. "This is a page of a magic book I stole that tells of an ancient being of chaos known as Flipso. Once I unleash him onto the world, I'll be utterly unstoppable!"

"Interesting." Sally smiled evilly. "How can I possibly help?"

"I'm not sure if you can fit into my plot at the moment, but I do have one mission for you." Black Rutile answered. "If you have the time, use that hashtag to gather me more followers, and together, the two of us will restore the Rutile Rebels into an unstoppable army!"

"I'll see what I can do." Sally stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to start recording my newest video. It's about why KA Howling isn't actually a bigot; people are just jealous of a woman being superior to them in every way imaginable."

"Isn't that the lady who wrote all those wizard books?" Black Rutile asked. "Ooh, you truly are evil! You're wasting your time as an Internet personality when your personality is more befitting that of a supervillain!"

"Oh, you're too kind." Sally blushed. "Bye-bye now!" The chat then finally ended, causing Black Rutile to get up from her chair and walk over to Cat's Eye with an excited grin on her face.

"Sounds like you two had a good time." Cat's Eye said while taking a long drag of her cigarette. "What did you two talk about?"

"Oh, we went on and on about how repulsive and hypocritical the Crystal Gems are; it's like meeting a human version of me!" Black Rutile sighed dreamily. "She completes me."

"Oy, get a room, you two." Cat rolled her eyes. "That reminds me, are you sure she genuinely hates the Crystal Gems, or is it born out of jealousy that they're superior to her in every way and will be remembered for centuries while she'll be even less than a mere footnote in history?"

"Don't say that!" Black Rutile exclaimed. "I just have living proof that there are people who despise the same individuals I do, and therefore they will believe everything I say! Which reminds me, give me your phone." Cat's eye complied, and Black Rutile immediately took to Yatter. Almost instantly, she found numerous new posts on the #BlackRutileWasRight tag talking about her chat with Sally, and how Sally was using the tag to gather many new followers for the Rutile Rebels. "You know, we should make a dedicated page to the Rutile Rebels soon. Would you like that?"

"Oh yes, very much." Cat nodded eagerly.

--

"Now, onto our next subject for tonight." Cooper continued. "Recent social media posts claim that you are, quote, "fascist sympathizers" simply because you dared to show a hand of kindness to the oppressive rulers of your race. Is that true?"

"Wait, what?!" Bismuth yelled. "Who's saying such things?"

"Just an online influencer calling herself Sally Grove who is using the tag #BlackRutileWasRight." Andrew proclaimed as he brought the tweet up on the screen. "And if my admittedly barebones knowledge of your social media rings true, cancel culture might be working its magic soon enough."

"It was either reach out to the very people we've sworn to fight or let those corrupted Gems languish in agony!" Bismuth yelled abruptly, giving Cooper a spook. "We never forgave the Diamonds; we're simply giving them a chance to atone for what they've done!"

"And I think we're done for tonight!" Cooper nervously declared as Garnet dragged Bismuth away. "Join us next week for another episode of 90 Minutes where we ask ourselves if artificial intelligence can revolutionize the paperclip industry!"

--

As soon as word got out about the tag, the Crystal Gems reassembled at the Crystal Temple to discuss this recent development. Pearl had just finished shooting for The Pink Beast of the Bay and had to avoid Marty following her home; Garnet, Jasper, and White Topaz pacified Bismuth enough for her to return home, Peridot and Amethyst were on the run from an inexplicable mob, and Lapis decided to fly home after her goodwill tour.

"So tell me, what happened again?" Amethyst asked as she immediately dug up something to eat from the fridge.

"Someone really has it out for us, aside from Black Rutile, of course." Pearl explained while examining the posts on her phone. "She's saying all these hurtful things about us and our way of life, and for what reason? Is she just jealous, or does she get a kick out of making people's lives miserable?"

"I think I've heard of this girl before." Peridot stated. "She has some pretty toxic opinions, yet so many people follow her despite how blatantly abusive she is!"

"People will always follow whoever has the biggest voice, no matter how terrible they are." Lapis remarked. "They're basically everywhere. TV, movies, online, politicians, the news, the works."

"Who would've guessed celebrity life would be this tiring?" Jasper asked. "I mean, I didn't ask for this, but here we are!"

"That reminds me, I have something to say as well." Sam said as he stepped forth. "You may think I'm saying this completely out of nowhere, but I admit that I've been kind of taking advantage of Crystalmania because going freelance isn't very kind to me. The moment I first heard of you guys, opportunity started knocking, and I just had to open that door to strike it rich. Surely you must feel mad at me for using you, right?"

"I never even realized it, probably because this came straight out of nowhere." White Topaz said. "But hey, if you legitimately feel sorry, then I guess we can let this slide."

"On the grounds that we take a bit of a break from celebrity life." Garnet added. "However, if we feel like it, we'll definitely call you."

"Wow, you're way cooler about this than I thought." Sam said before the door opened to reveal Marty, out of breath and desperate to get Pearl's attention. "Martin, what brings you here?"

"I just need to give the Crystal Gems another offer!" Marty panted as he presented a certain dessert treat that Steven loved so much. "I pulled some strings to get Cookie Cats back in production, and I need you guys to be the mascot!"

"Yeah, I don't think we're interested." Pearl declared before shoving Marty out the front door.

"Freaking immortal broads." Marty grumbled to himself as he walked away. "Black Rutile had the right idea about them."

"Well, that certainly got tied up pretty quick." Sam said as he put on his trilby and began to leave the beach house. "So long, everybody. I'm off to find my next muse!"

"Have a safe trip!" Peridot and the other Gems bid farewell to Sam Galley as he left the beach house for greener pastures. "So glad we got the call before Amethyst and I let the fame go to our heads like on those TV shows."

"But that begs the question," Amethyst added. "Who in their right mind would believe Black Rutile?"

--

"And that is why Pearl is a bad example of a strong independent woman and is no better than the narcissistic sociopaths plaguing our superhero movies." Sally ended another hot take on Yatter and pressed send as she sat back to let the replies and likes fly in. "Those Crystal Gems have no idea what they'll be in for."

Meanwhile, Black Rutile was browsing her computer as she and Cat's Eye continued setting up a social media account for the Rutile Rebels when Cat's Eye suddenly got another message for Black Rutile. It was signed, "Dear Black Rutile, we need to talk. Signed, Marty."

--

At long last, Season 2 begins! For the next twelve weeks after this chapter, expect more musical numbers than the last season, a lot of social commentary and mockery of certain controversial YouTubers, celebrity guest stars both old and new, and an epic finale to lead directly into the final story of this little universe. But that's for much later. Next time we meet, we get a glimpse into Steven's side of this story with A Quick One While I'm Away. Yes, I'm not afraid to admit that's a Bojack Horseman reference.

[pacexlikexaxghost]

❝Oh that'd be great! I might be able to hold my breath for it if I like, really tried, but if you guys can do that longer, that'd be better!❞

He remembers Valor running out of air on the way up to Lapis, but maybe he was holding his breath a LONG TIME before Steven noticed him struggling.

Huh. Steven is pretty sure he needs to breathe. Especially because Not Breathing in that moment inside Lion was very unfun. But maybe they just don't need... much air?

Gosh, he doesn't know. He just knows it felt Real Bad to not be able to breathe for a second.

He'd ask one of the gems to go in, they don't need to breathe, but- ahhhh, what if seeing his mom's stuff makes them SAD? He doesn't want them to be sad. Pearl got upset enough about Lion even being connected to his Mom. Sure, she seems okay now, but... ehhhhh. Better to let Flicker look if they want to.

❝He knows Steven's feelings? Huh.❞ Pearl frowns. ❝That's... backwards. Rose had empathy based abilities, but it wasn't sharing her emotions, and so it should be the same for Steven...❞ She sighs. ❝At least as far as I'm aware... I suppose that could come through the gem connection?❞ She shakes her head. ❝If that's the case, it does... certainly imply Steven's mind is connected to his gem and not just his brain... we weren't sure about that...❞

Lion lays down and yawns. Knew Rose's feelings too.

Steven falling into Lion's mane was certainly a surprise. He was about to ask if he was okay, but Steven started explaining what was in there first.

Flicker raised their hand. "We can go minutes without air! We can check things out!"

When Pearl looked to him, Valor confirmed, "That is a yes. He said he's carrying Rose's stuff. And a yes to being connected to Steven's gem, too."

Though what Lion said next surprised him. ". . . And he knows his feelings, too."