Scene #4570: Iced pearls

Owner	Pose
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli had been at the Steven residence for a while now, after her return to this world, having been partially healed thanks to the efforts of Peridot and her friends. In that time she had discovered one important detail. Humans had a lot of television and Camp Pining Hearts was the most fascinating location. Her favorite character was the lake. So deep, so mysterious, so quiet. She suspected it had many secrets the campers had yet to discover, but she already had a number of theories. She believed it might have been made from the mountains in the distance. Either way, it was a fascinating show and the couch now had clear signs that someone had been crashing on it. However, she wasn't there now. After watching all of those episodes and seeing the lake so often, it had led her to one desire, and one desire only. A nice soak. So, she had filled up the tub and was currently resting, submerged in the water, just her head above it. Her blue dress floated lazily in the depths as she relaxed, her eyes closed and enjoying the feel of the clear, cool water around her. The beach was nice, but sometimes she wanted something without all that salt. Stars knew she'd had more than enough of that over the years.
Pearl	Pearl emerges from the Temple, dusting her hands off with a satisfied expression on her face and humming a little tune. She starts to head up to the loft to see if Steven's room to see if it needs tyding up (It almost always does) When she hears faint sounds comming from the bathroom. "Steven!?" She calls out, "How long have you been iin there? You don't want to get all wrinkly again!" She chides, though she continues on her way up to the loft.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli froze in place, her eyes going wide. She turned to the door, then looked down at herself. Pearl? Ugh, she was hoping she'd see Steven first. Get healed up. She took a slow, deep breath and then slowly stood up. The water dripped off her body at a rapid pace, allowing her to step out of the water without getting the floor all wet. Human... everything was just so delicate when it came to water. She moved to the doorway and took a slow, deep breath before pulling it open. She wished Steven had been the first, but this would do. She pulled open the door and stepped out, walking out from the bathroom. "I'm afraid not," she said in her deadpan voice, her face a mask of indifference. Her eyes were like mirrors, however, a clear sign that her gem was still damaged after her ordeal. "Hello again, Pearl." Her voice was calm and plain as she watched the crystal gem.
Pearl	Pearl's eyes go wide as she whirls around on the stairs, pulling her spear effortlessly from her gem as she spins around. "Lapis! What in the stars are you doing here!?" She poiints her spear menacingly at her, but stands her ground on the stairs. Her featires start to soften a bit as she looks the other Gem over, seeing that she's having trouble maintainng her form. "Steven brought you home didn't he?" she sighs, though she doesn't let her guard down. "When he was eight he'd bring home every stray animal he could find. I don't think he ever really stopped." She shakes her head for a moment, "But that stuill doesn't explain how you can just wander in here and.. and.. use the tub! We really need to put up a new fence."
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli took a step back, her eyes going wide as she stared at the end of that spear. Her breathing caught and she lifted her hand. Panic began to rise in her before she took a second step back. Was Pearl going to poof her? The others weren't here, none of them would know. Peridot might figure it out, but that was a long shot. She'd disappeared once, it would probably be easy to explain it away as her going on another scouting operation. Her breathing quickened as she took another step back and she realized Pearl said something. Steven? Stopped? A fence? What? Was she going to try to capture her? Her hands started to shake and she wrapped them around herself, trying to calm the fear down. Finally, she did what she did best. She fled. Right into the bathroom. Pearl would soon hear another splash.
Pearl	Well that was a suprise. Pearl gets a little smile on her face when Lapis just dashes back into the bathroom. She walks calmly down the stairs, though she does keep her spear at the ready, and proceeds to walk over to the bathroom and knock on the door. "Where do you thiink you're going Lapis? Down the drain?" She giggles. None of the other Homeworld Gems ever figured out how the window worked, so she's not about to volunteer that information. "Since you didn't try to flood me out of the house I'm going to try to be reasonable about this. Just tell me how and why you're here and this doesn't have to get violent."
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli gulped and sat in the tub, her arms wrapped around herself. She was expecting Pearl to come walking in any moment... likely because she had no idea how to lock the door. "I... I came here looking for Steven. I was exploring for Peridot a-and I got hurt and Peridot told me she was your new leader a-and I and I..." The panic was starting to get to her. Could she defeat Pearl? Could she even fight her? She had a little tub of water, that was it. It wasn't even all the way full. Should she turn the water in? Would that just draw Pearl in? She reached for it, but stopped. "I just need Steven to heal my gem again. T-that's all. I swear. Please don't capture me..." she said softly, holding herself as the breathing got faster. Gems didn't even need to breath, but she couldn't stop it.
Pearl	"Ha! Peridot's never going to be our leader. Where did she get that idea?" Pearl smirks, "For what it's worth I believe you. You're acting far too skittish to have anything sneaky planned. If you promise not to cause any trouble I'm willing to let you wait here until Steven comes home. I just got the house back in order and I'm not in the mood to clean up after another disaster. Pearl backs slowly away from the bathroom door after noting that it's not locked. "I'll be on the couch if or when you're ready to come out. But by all means feel free to spend the whole time waiting in the bathroom. It wouldn't be the first time!" She waves a hand in the air as she speaks and turns to head into the living room.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli took a few moments to catch her breath. Then, slowly, she got out of the water and came back out. She slowly comes out, stepping out skittishly into the main room. She gently walked forward, her arms still wrapped around herself. "I-I won't try anything, Pearl. I swear. Please... put the spear away." She took another timid step forward before chewing on her lip. A new thought dawned on her. What if this wasn't the Pearl she knew? What if this was someone completely different? Someone more dangerous? Her mind went back to before. The one who tried to keep her inside the mirror. Who wanted to bubble her. What if this was a Pearl that had succeeded? That other Peridot was her Peridot, right? She hated this whole... strange thing. All these different dimensions and things. "Pearl do... you remember me? Remember... Malacite and me... helping you? And Peridot?" She took another step forward, though she was ready to dart again if she had to. Her eyes never left that spear, however.
Pearl	Pearl is sitting on the couch by this time, Spear still in hand, but she's not pointing it threatenly anymore. She stares at Lapis for a long moment before her spear finally vanishes, leaving Pearl looking a little uncomfortable without it. "I think I remember most of that, yes. Helping.. I'm not so sure about that. But I understand that everything you did was because you just wanted to go home." She sighs, "It's very hard for us to trust other gems. We pretty much have to assume that they want to imprison or shatter us for being rebels. And even though you're not part of that, you still have every reason to hate us."
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli gulped nervously, slowly inching forward and then, nervously, sitting on the couch. On the very, very edge. She eyed her a little bit more before, one centimeter at a time, moving back until her back was against the cushion. She was still very tense, though. "I... wanted to go home," she mumbled softly. "But that place isn't... a home for me now. After what happened with Jasper and... and all of this... whatever this place is." She waved her hand. "Nothing is the same anymore. Not to mention Peridot..." She covered her face. "Apparently she called a diamond a clod. Considering she was my only option to ever return home as anything but an... accessory, I know Homeworld is no longer an option." She then looked towards the television. "I never would have shattered you, anyway. I never wanted anything to do with your war. And I..." She paused for another long moment. "I don't hate Steven."
Pearl	Pearl winces at the word accessory, but quickly puts whatever she was thinking out of her mind. She scoots over to give Lapis a little more room. "I understand. That's what it's like for us. We're exiles, but at least we chose it ourselves. We've made a home here. now, If you give this planet a chance you might find that it's not as miserable as you think it is." She offers a hopeful smile. "Peridot has quite the mouth. She's called everyone a clod. It was bound to happen!" Pearl tries not to looks as pleased about this as she actually is. "No one hates Steven for very long.. He has a lot of Rose in him." She muses.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli nods. "Yes, Peridot is special. And... I don't think it would have been so bad had I chosen to stay here. Instead of being forced. Once I am healed, I might even try to see more of it." She then twitched. "Really? As far as I remember Rose, I would say there isn't a speck of her in him. Steven was a thousand times the gem she was." She muttered darkly. She then urked and glanced back to Pearl. Inching away a little bit. "I-I mean... I just..." Then blinked, sighed and glanced off. "... I know you worshipped her... At least..."
Pearl	Pearl looks a little irritated as she peers back at Lapis. "Do you mean you knew Rose during the war? or The Rose who showed up here recently? She's not quite our Rose... but she's a lot closer to her than I'd like to admit. Her cheeks start to flush blue, It gets worse whhen Lapis mentions that Pearl worshiped Rose, and she can't do anything but stammer incoherently for a moment.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked and stared at her for a moment, cocking an eye. "I never knew her during the war. The only Rose I knew was the one you told me about. Or showed me. Or..." She paused and held out her hand, drawing some of the water from the tub. She formed a ice mirror in her hands. "My pearl," Rose said from the mirror before the image faded. "I remember a lot of things from... back then." She said softly. "In fact, I can remember almost everything. I've always had a very good memory." She cocked her head to the side. "There's... a new rose?" Then panic again. "W-wait, there's a new rose? Is Steven okay? He wasn't... he didn't..." Her hands clenched.
Pearl	"What...? I never told you about Rose!" Pearl says in confusion. However was Lapis means suddenly becomes crystal-clear when the ice mirror forms in her hands, and Pearl immediattely starts search for something she can use to change the subject. "Can I get you some tea!?" She says a little too quickly, laughing nervously. She then immediately latches on to the question about the New Rose. "Oh, it's nothing to worry about! It's a Multiverse thing, she's Rose from a slightly different world where she either never met Greg, or hasn't met him yet. I'm not entirely sure how it works."
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times and then nodded. "Oh. Oh. Then steven is... Steven is safe. That's good. I'm happy." She certainly didn't look happy. "Tea? Oh, yes, that would be fine." She leaned back. "Hasn't met Greg, yet? Aren't you afraid once they meet old flames will rekindle? I remember you talking about the two of them quite a few times. Are you okay losing her a second time?" Oh, she was beginning to relax. Also, putting Pearl on the defensive was definitely helping her to relax. Even though she didn't show it on the outside, internally she was smiling. After all, the spears were gone now. And she had Pearl at a disadvantage. She knew so much about the gem, because the gem had only ever talked, never listened. A small twitch formed on her brow for a second.
Pearl	Pearl's eyes narrow as she gets a sly smile on her face. "Oh that's not going to happen. I have a chance to do things over now and I'll get it right this time." She says confidently, gettting up and heading into the kitchen to start bewing tea. "And don't worry, as long as I exist I'll do everything in my power to keep Stteven safe!"
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli nods and eyes the woman. "Really? They have Steven now. That's an extra bit of thing for them to connect with." She paused. "But then, he is only human. I suppose in... ten years or so? He'll be gone. All you have to do is wait. Waiting isn't so bad, you know. You get used to it." At least the spear was gone. She then turned the television back on. "Has Peridot shown you these shows? This... camp pining hearts? I've found it to be quite nice. I wish I'd had it before."
Pearl	There a shattering sound from the kitchen as a teacup crashes to the floor. A moment later Pearl emerges from the kitchen with an enraged look on her face, "Are you TRYING to push my buttons!?" She shrieks. "You don't know anything about Steven! I've seen him grow ancient one day and revert to a baby another! Once he learns to control his powers he could live as long as any of us!" She explains through barely contained anger. "And I owe it to Rose, MY ROSE. To help him become the best Person he can! I owe everything to her! Maybe I have thought about what would happen if Steven died, but I'd never act on it! I'd betray both of them if I did!" Pearl's eyes are starting to tear up now. She braces herself in the doorway and tries to keep herself from sobbing.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli eeped, leaning back. She held the mirror up, as if to defend herself. "N-no. I-I never meant, I-I didn't mean S-Steven would die! I'd never, ever mean that! I-I meant... I meant Greg would d-die. As he's human. He'll disappear, one day. Eventually. T-ten years. Maybe. T-then you'll have Rose all to yourself. T-that's all I meant! I swear!" The fear was returning as her heart, or whatever gems had, hammered away. "I would... I would never want Steven to die. He's... he's the..." She had totally been trying to push Pearl's buttons though, just a little bit. She hadn't meant for that. Well, she did get a little bit of sick pleasure in watching the pearl lose control. "He's the best gem I know." She moved back towards the edge of the couch. "Do... you think he'll be here soon?"
Pearl	Pearl blinks a few times and swallows, "O-Oh.." she stammers as she flushes blue again, "T-That's still not a very nice thing to say." Pearl takes a few moment to compose herself. Her gem glows for a moment and a Holo-Pearl emerges. It already seems to know what to do as it immediately goes to get the broom and dustpan from the closet and sets to cleaning up the kitchen floor. "I certainly hope so." she sighs. "Having Steven around always makes things better." She says with a slight smile. Cautiously, she starts to walk back into the living room, her eyes focused on the ice mirror in Lapis's hands. "I never once suspected you were in there." she says softly, her voice both tired and apologetic. "Lots of Gem technology uses gems in their makeup, we don't assume they're all properly grown conscious gems." Her defenses are completely down now, she might as well address the elephant in the room. "I would never knowingly treat another Gem like.. like a Pearl." She hangs her head.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times, her eyes going wide. She just stared at her for a few moments before slowly she lowered the mirror to stop defending herself. She stared at the Pearl for a few moments before her eyes lowered. "... I... I tried to tell you. I tried to... I tried to a-ask you. But I couldn't. The mirror... I could... only do what I was told. And you never asked me anything. You only ever..." Her hands clenched. "Only... Steven ever asked." She wrapped her arms around herself, the mirror crashing to the ground and clanking a bit, but not shattering. "For the longest time I thought you'd... free me. But you never came close." She chewed on her lower lip. "Pearl... why didn't..." She sighed. "When you finally knew. When I was... when I was able to ask for help... why did you try to stop me? I was... When Steven was going to... I thought you would... you were going to..." She shuddered. "H-how's the tea coming?" She couldn't look her in the eye anymore. "I don't think there's anything wrong with being a pearl... I hear you make good tools." ... Okay, yes, she was still a little barbed to the touch.
Pearl	"That's part of what makes Steven so special!" Pearl replies with a look of pride, straighting up as she speaks, "I told you already. We Crystal Gems, we're the Rebels, the Criminals. We've had to learn to be paranoid about other Gems for our own safety. We would just have bubbled you and then.. Steven would have probably convinced us to let you out and talk to you eventually." She admits sheepishly. Pearl's eyes narrow at the tool comment. "That was uncalled for. now I know your doing it on purpose. Right then the tea kettle starts whistling, and the holo-pearl is leaving the kitchen to dump the broken shards in the trash. It's almost like a perfectly planned synchronized ballet, worthy of Pearl! "I'll be right back with your tea!" She darts into the kitchen and comes back with the tea kettle and a single piping hot cup on a silver tray, which she sets down on the coffee table. None for her, thanks!
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked and then nodded. "Just a tiny bit. I didn't know that, though. I thought..." She shuddered. "I thought... I was going to be trapped. Again. I thought I was finally free. When you tossed me away, I thought..." She closed her eyes, little tears welling up in her eyes, but not falling. "I didn't know what I thought. But I just... thought... but then Steven tried to help me. I thought I'd be free. He asked, and he knew. And then you and the others. You told him to stop. To bubble me. I thought..." She glanced up. "I spent so long trapped, so long just... watching. Starring. Helpless. I thought I was going to be free and then... I thought you would stop it. Take that little bit of hope I had and crush it down." She slowly reached out, taking the cup. "But I... never wanted to shatter you. Steven especially but..." She glanced up, then looked back down. "I thought... the rest of you would just be captured and... and that would be it. I could have a home and I could get over..." She closed her eyes, the tears welling up. She quickly put the tea back down. "I-I need to go... take another dip." She quickly got to her feet and rushed to the bathroom, slamming the bathroom door behind herself.
Rose Quartz	Rose often has no idea what's going on. After the Convergence that brought all timelines and all universes together, she's often been seen wandering the omniverse, doing good deeds and learning about life and non-gem culture. But every so often, she goes back HOME, to the Beach City she loves. Right now she's headed through the front door, humming quietly and munching a donut.
Pearl	As Rose is walking through the door, a Silver tea tray with teapot and a single cup can be seen left alone of the coffee table. Pearl is pounding on the door to the bathroom. "Lapis! Get back out here! Running away from your problems isn't the answer! We can work this out! I want.. I need to find a way to make this up to you!" Pearl actually jumps a little when she sees Rose come inside, She dashes over to her and hugs the larger woman tightly! "Oh Rose! You're just in time! Lapis is sulking in the bathroom... Again!" This happens often?
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli was sitting in the tub, her knees hugged to her chest. "G-go away! I-I'm fine, I just want to... I just..." And then that name. Rose. She froze in place. Then, slowly, she got mack to her feet and made her way to the doorway. Her breathing was getting faster and her heart was hammering. If she had one. She wiped her face off, getting all the tears off before, gingerly, pulling the door open. "I am fine." She was not fine. Even with eyes like mirrors due to her damaged gem, it was obvious she was not fine. Her hands were shaking slightly. But she had to know. She had to... see this. She pushed past Pearl to see Rose. There she was. That woman. That... gem. The one who had caused her so, so much grief. "Y-you..." she said softly, her hands clenching into fists. "I thought... I had hoped the... rumors about your return had been exagerations. The ravings of a mad pearl who was just... lonely." Hatred washed off the lapis like waves and inside the bathroom the water could be heard, boiling.
Rose Quartz	Rose has rarely had the opportunity to meet a homeworld gem when she wasn't fighting them. But you'd think she'd remember a Lapis Lazuli. they're incredibly rare... "I'm sorry, what's going on?" she asks. "Again? I'm afraid... OH! Lapis Lazuli, Steven told me about you. Or I hope it's you, these 'alternate' timelines always confuse me. What seems to be the trouble?"
Pearl	Sensing Lapis's anger, Pearl tries to put herself in between the two Gems. intent on keeping her Rose safe. She pulls her spear out of her gem again and holds it at the ready, but doesn't do anything threatening with it yet. "Now Lapis let's not do anything rash." She says gently, yet firmly. "You only have a few bits of second hand knowledge about Rose. You should give her a chance before things get out of hand!"
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked and took a step back. "Pearl, I wasn't going to... I wouldn't have..." She clenched her fists. "Rose, you just... you're just... you don't even notice, do you?" she asked softly, before shaking her head. "Yes, I am Lapis Lazuli. I'm sure you don't remember me. But trust me, I remember you. Ever little ounce of pain and suffering you caused me," she said bitterly. "Don't worry, Pearl. I wouldn't strike your precious little Rose. Stars know if anything was to happen to her, you'd probably shatter yourself out of despair," she said bitterly. "Or curl up in the corner until your gem cracked on its own." She turned back to Rose. "I won't be staying long. I'm merely here until I can see Steven. I require his assistance to heal my gem after a... minor incident. That is all. Then I'll be out of your hair and you and Pearl can go back to whatever... this... is."
Steven Universe	As if summoned by the mention of his name, Steven enters the front door, looking kind of excited. "Hey, is anybody home? I just had the scariest most interesting con...cert..." He trails off, seeing the strange standoff in front of the bathroom door. Apparently he's not the only one having strange scary exciting experiences today! "Ummm, is everything okay?"
Rose Quartz	"I'm sorry Lapis, but until I walked in the door, I didn't know you existed. Besides," she says a little sadly, "This isn't my Pearl. She's from... After I gave up my physical form to make Steven...? Well, I don't exactly understand it, but I want to understand you." Rose has rarely, almost NEVER, had the need to really exert her charisma, but she does so now. As she speaks, she pours her love of gemkind, humankind... Her love of all living things... right into her voice. "Please, tell me what's wrong so I can help you. I'm not a monster, and I'm neither going to hurt you or let Pearl hurt you. Please come out and talk to us," she says, her voice rich and resonant, warm with a mother's love for her children. For Lapis.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone had only recently got to know Steven and a few of the Gems in passing but Beach City had seemed nice and quiet. No push for transhumanism of any sort, it was slow compared to her life and she' jus enjoyed being tourist however? She thought she' drop in on Steven and the Gems. Having no idea a drama older than civilization was coming to a head. She'd found the door open and heard voices further in the house and he calls out. "Hello? Steven? Anyone home? Is everything all right?" She's also not entirely a rude guest she's got a box of pizza under one arm.
Pearl	Pearl glares at Lapis, "Stop talking about things you don't understand!" She points her spear at Lapis as she speaks, it probably looks threatening, but Pearl seems to have momentarily forgotten she's holding a deadly weapon and is just using it as something to point with. "You don't know nearly as much about Rose and I as you think you do!" As Rose starts to speak she lowers her weapon and is able to relax a bit, and even manages a small smile when she sees Steven come inside. "I'm.. I'm sure everything's going to be fine Steven, welcome home! Maybe now that you're here Lapis will calm down a bit." She says nervously.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times as Steven came in. Her eyes widened, then she looked between the two. And then that. Her cheeks gained a little speck of blue on them, signifying her blush. Her eyes lowered slightly. Okay, that was... a bit more than she'd expected. She'd wanted to hate Rose. Had to hate Rose. This was... the one who caused the war. Who hurt her. Who hurt... so many people. But she sounded so nice. So kind. She took a slow step forward. Then her eyes wandered to Steven. She looked confused, disoriented. She quickly hugged herself around the shoulders. "All... all I need is my gem t-to be healed. That's all I want..." she said weakly, shaking a little bit. "S-Steven? Can you... please? I'll get out of your hair, then." She thought she hated this woman, but she found her determination wavering. Just like it had all those other times. Why couldn't she just hate them? Why couldn't they be like Jasper? She wanted Rose to be cruel, to be wicked, to be hateful. Instead she was... that. She slowly turned her back to them, revealing her cracked gem. "Steven... please. I just... I need to go and I... I can't while..." She shook slightly. Why couldn't things be easy? Why couldn't she just be like Jasper, hate them all, want them all to perish? Things would be so much easier then. "I... I know a lot more than you think, Pearl..." she muttered. "I understand a lot more than I ever wanted to..."
Rose Quartz	"Oh you poor thing... What happened?" she asks. There's a sniffle... Oh lord, here come the water works. Pearl would certainly notice the signs of Rose getting overly emotional. "I hate to see a gem cracked. There's hardly any need for that sort of thing, even by accident. Oh you poor little blue dear," she says, swooping down on Lapis and hugging her. And the waterworks begin, the big pink lady sniffling and crying over the injured Lapis, her healing tears soaking both her and the girlgem. "Pearl, did you do this to her? I thought I taught my p-P-Pearl better than to crack someone's g-g-g-g-gem!"
Steven Universe	Steven listens and watches confusedly, though part of him just melts at hearing his mom's voice so caring, so wonderful, just like a mother's voice should be... But then one fact leaps out against everything else going on: Lapis is hurt. He sees it now, her mirrored eyes just like the last time her gem was cracked. Slipping in between all the adults, he licks his hand. "Don't worry, Lapis, I got you." So saying, he pats her back, her gem, gently with his somewhat slobbery hand. He would have kissed her gem instead, but that seemed a little too weird right at the moment. "Did that help, Lapis? Then maybe we can all talk? I've missed seeing you around lately..."
Pearl	"I would never! She's annoying and vindictive but I wouldn't damage her for that!" Pearl insists. She did in fact try to shatter Peridot once, but that was a hologram. "She was like that when I came home! and she was soaking in the tub like she owned the place!" She finally remembers to poof her spear now, it looks like everything's going to be alright.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa hears Lapis who is still injured she's been at a loss how to help lifeforms like a gems, even if it was synth like a Transformer? She might be able to help. This? She has no darn idea how to help but Steven should be able to like? She had not seen Rose since the day her world was attacked and she looks to Pearl and Rose and there's a dawning understanding on her face. Kotone keeps a step back and watches Steven get to work. She wisely doesn't comment on anything yet, but she does look at Rose.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli sighed. Of course, now Rose would cry and she'd feel-- Her entire body froze as she was grabbed. Then hugged. Panic rose in her as she thought she was about to be trapped. Was this it? was it all a trap? But Steven was there, they'd NEVER hurt her with Steven watching. Would they? Then she felt the tears going down her back. The sadness. The... hurt. Her entire body shook and she gave the smallest sound as she felt her gem being repaired. "S-stop. Don't... don't cry. I-it wasn't her. She didn't... it wasn't her. It was my own fault. I-I made a mistake and I... I suffered for it. Please. D-don't cry." She couldn't believe it, she was trying to comfort ROSE of all people! ROSE! "I'm fine now. I'm not going back to that place." she leaned back, just a little into the warmth. IT was nice. Safe. She wondered how things would have been had she known this side of Rose, instead of knowing of her through Pearl. "S-steven? I... I'd like that," she said softly. Her eyes returned to normal and long, watery wings formed from her back. She was better. Again. She closed her eyes and leaned back into the hug. This was actually kind of nice. She wondered if this was why pearl had been so fixated on that woman. Poor Kotone, no one noticing him yet. Her eyes widened. "I'm sorry I used your tub. I figured after being imprisoned here for 6,000 years soaking in your tub for a few days would be okay. Apparently I was wrong. perhaps next time you'd prefer I go back to hiding at the bottom of the ocean, so you can forget about me again, Pearl? Or maybe I should have taken up residence in your head again? Stars know it's big enough."
Rose Quartz	And YOU get a hug! And YOU get a hug! Hugs for you! And hugs for you! HUGS FOR EVERYONE! Rose has always been a hugger, and she scoops up everyone within reach. Steven. Pearl. Lapis. Even Kotone gets a hug... Right up until Rose realizes there's an extra... "I'm terribly sorry, but do we know this one?" she asks, pointing to Kotone. "And of course you can use our tub, Lapis, you..." Something clicks in her head... Head... "Lapis was... in your head?" she pauses... "Pearl, did you... make Lapis?" she asks, her face bright red.
Pearl	Pearl is fuming for a moment, staring at Lapis, but she holds her tongue. Things just got calmed down and she's not about to start up another cat fight in front of Rose. She looks over Kotone and shrugs, "I don't know her but she's just a human. I'm sure it's fine. Is she your friend Steven?" Pearl's eyes go widee at the question of Lapis being in her head, "It's not as bad as it sounds!" she exclaims quickly, breaking into a nervous chuckle. "You see after Homeworld evactuated the planet I came across this mirror lying on teh ground at the galaxy warp. It had a gem in it, but I assumed it was just a gemstone, because not even Homeworld would just leave a sentient gem trapped in an object!" She explains pleadingly. "And well, we all store useful things inside our gems, right?"
Steven Universe	Steven chuckles at his mom, soaking in the awesome amazing hug with her and Pearl and Lapis and Kotone... Huh, when did she get here? Ah well, the more the merrier! Besides, Lapis seems upset enough to deserve all the hugs. "What? Pearl make Lapis Lazuli? No, she... she's entirely her own Gem, and she's a really good friend. Who I have really missed lately. And Kotone's a good friend too! She was there for that concert battle thing in that future world. Oh! Concert! I just played a little concert in an alley with that crying lady. It was scary and for a minute I thought she was gonna kill me, but then I made her stop crying with my song, and she let me play her guitar for a little bit! It turned into a Shooting Star and it was SO AWESOME! Too bad it kinda melted away after the song." He may be babbling now... "Anyway, I'm glad you came back, Lapis." He gives her a little extra hug.
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times and then glowered at her. "Yeah. And then make them spend six. Thousand. Years. Staring out from the mirror, helpless to do anything to the world around them. A prisoner trapped behind a screen. Their only communication with a pearl that only ever..." She stopped and then took a deep, slow breath. Not in front of Steven. Not. In front. Of Steven. "But that's over. I'm not in the mirror anymore. I'm free. I'm safe. I'm..." She blinked and looked to Kotone. "When did you get here? Weren't you that strange human on the beach?" She asked before looking to Rose, then back to Pearl. She was silent for a few moments before... "You know she loves you, don't you Rose? When you were gone, she was all she ever talked about. All she ever made me show her. Again and again and again." How much of that was true, no one but her and lapis would know. She cocked an eye at Steven's comments. Ah, steven, he was such a strange creature. A shooting star. Right. As if anyone could kill Steven.
Rose Quartz	Rose smiles and pats Lapis on the head. "Good to know... And yes, I know she loves me. I love her, and I love all of you." she says. "Now. I believe I smell Pizza. So why don't we all share a slice or two and," she wipes her eyes. "Talk. And... Wait... Pearl, I..." she sighs. "I'm sorry that other me left you alone, buy you know I'd never made you sad on purpose."
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa is suddenly hugged by Rose, he squeaks and she seem to be all right with it and she hugs back. She looks to Pearl and looking a bit sheepish she does pause and look t Pearl for a moment. "I know Steven yes, he and Rose helped to protect my world from attack on it, and also saved my hide." She's not forgot about that but she seems bemused at Pearl comment. She doesn't say why, she'll let Pearl find out later for now there's some more serious matters going on here she looks to Steven the pizza should be find a bit longer. "Wait She did what?! Geeze! Your lucky you got off all right The Lady of Tears is one mean customer." Behold Steven causing Kotone to keep her language clean. "Just a little while ago I have been exploring the town, and dodging that kid with the blonde dreadlocks. He's kinda got strange ideas about me, and Lapis I'm sorry I didn't have anything to be able to help you, I thought I was better versed in first aid for non humans than I actually am.
Pearl	Pearl looks into Rose's eyes for a long moment. her own starting to tear up. She can't cry in front of all these people dammit! "Rose. It.. It's alright." She says finally. "I may not have agreed with what you did, but I always supported your decisions, and Steven is a wonderful gift!" There's a lot more left unsaid, but now's not the time to talk about it. She takes a deep breath, gives Rose a warm hug, then goes over to pat Steven on the head. "Alright, let's all sit down and get to know each other and Steven can tell use about his scary music session!" There's an awkward pause, "...and pizza." She adds softly.
Steven Universe	Steven steps back a little to make some space, but keeps hold of Lapis' hand as long as she doesn't try to pull free. "Lapis... You are free. And you're strong. And you have friends who won't let you be trapped by anyone like that again. Friends... family, that's what we are. Because I love all of you too. Even if we sometimes argue, we're a big family, and that means no one gets left behind or forgotten." That sounds like something he heard somewhere... "Family has pizza parties together!"
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times and then sighed. She slowly kneeled down and gave him a hug. "I know. I know I'm free now. I..." She closed her eyes. "Not... all cages have bars, though," she whispered softly to him. "I'm not nearly as strong as you think..." Her wings formed again and she considered fleeing again. She looked between them. Her eyes focused on Pearl for a moment before she sighed and looked back towards the exit. "Steven, thank you for healing me. Rose... I... suppose I owe you a thank you as well." Notice she didn't actually give it. "But I think it's time I take a... short rest. I... I'm tired and I just... I think I need some time alone. Steven, I'll return soon. I promise. We can talk more then, okay? We can watch some of that show, as well. Camp Pining Hearts. I'd love to know more about why some humans have gems in their ears. It is such a strange thing." She took a step towards the door. "Okay then?"
Steven Universe	Steven nods, letting Lapis have her hand. "That sounds like fun!" He smiles for her.
Rose Quartz	"I'll show her out. There are some nice places nearby," Rose says as she rises. "I'm sorry, I'll be back as soon as I can," she says, kissing Steven's cheek. "And Pearl, you behave yourself." she laughs softly. "Oh I love you most of all," she says, squeezing Pearl against her in a BIG hug. "And Kotone, I hope we get to know each other soon." The big woman says.
Steven Universe	"Lapis..." Steven pauses, not sure if he should ask, or let her go like she wants to, but well, it can't hurt to ask... "Wanna stay for a few minutes, have some pizza?"
Lapis Lazuli	Lapis Lazuli blinked a few times and looked to Rose. UGh, she supposed... "... Fine. Steven, only for you." She reached out and ruffled his hair with a smile. "But only for you." Of course... during the meal... she would make sure to drink tea. And while drinking some of that tea, she would likely discover that it was considered rude to make the water come up through the throat. And would most definitely use that to disturb Pearl as much as she could.
Kotone Yamakawa	:Does seem to be trying to get a feel for the gems, in a way they reminded her of Rory, but not in a bad way. Human but also alien at the same time foir a lack of another way. "That is something families can do together." She notes to steven but she looks to LApis for a moment she can only guess at the things Lapis has gone through. "Take care Lapis." She loks back to the remaing Gems though she will open the box and offer up some of the pizza should she want some.
Rose Quartz	Smiling, Rose leads Lapis out. "Come on, I've got a lovely fountain to show you. It's one of my hideaways, where nobody will disturb you."
Pearl	Pearl looks up into Roses eyes as she's hugged, "There's no reason you couldn't stay for a while too?" she says hopefully. "Let me just get a few things from the kitchen!" She proceeds to dart in there, gathering up paper plates, napkins, cups, and forks and knives, which of course no one ever uses to eat pizza, but that's Pearl. She comes out a few moments later, busying herself with making place settings anywhere that makes sense. her plan is to play Hostess the entire time so she can avoid actually eating anything.
Steven Universe	Steven collects a slice and starts eating, almost immediately making a mess as the cheese stretches. "I wonder if Connie likes heavy metal music..." he considers aloud as the pizza toppings slowly slide off onto a plate that arrived under it in the nick of time. Thank you, Pearl!"