A Diamond That Doesn't Shine

A Meeting

Y/N stood tall in the grand meeting chamber, their form exuding the commanding presence of Black Diamond. The air was thick with tension, but beneath it was an almost forgotten energy—a spark that once connected the four Diamonds like a family, something lost but not completely gone.

White Diamond stood at the far end of the room, her golden eyes cutting through the atmosphere. "Nightlight," she said, her tone sharp and authoritative, "you’ve finally decided to return. I assume you’re ready to explain yourself?" 

Y/N raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Explain myself? I didn’t realize I needed your permission to be here." 

Yellow Diamond crossed her arms and scoffed, her voice laced with irritation. "Typical. Always so wrapped in mystery, thinking you’re above explanation. Some things never change, huh, Black?" 

Y/N chuckled softly, their tone teasing but calm. "And you’re still as tight as a cracked geode, Yellow. Maybe try relaxing for once." 

Blue Diamond, who had been silently observing the exchange, let out a soft laugh despite the tears still glimmering in her eyes. "Some things really don’t change," she said with a faint smile. "Black always stirring the pot, and Yellow always biting. It’s like nothing’s different." 

White raised a hand, cutting through the chatter with an elegant gesture. "Enough," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for debate. "We don’t have time for bickering. Nightlight, you spoke of Pink. Explain yourself—fully." 

Y/N sighed but nodded, their expression growing serious. "Pink is still with us, but she’s not the Diamond you once knew. Her essence now resides in someone called Steven—a fusion of human and gem. A unique being, unlike anything we’ve encountered before." 

Blue stepped forward, her wide eyes filled with hope and hesitation. "Steven... Is he like her? Does he smile like Pink used to? Does he..." Her voice trailed off as her emotions began to overtake her. 

Y/N softened their tone, speaking gently. "Steven carries her light. He’s a part of her, but he’s also his own person. I plan to help him understand and embrace that light, and to guide him toward becoming more like Pink in the ways that matter. But this won’t happen overnight." 

Yellow’s frown deepened as her arms remained tightly crossed. "Time? How much time are we talking about? Homeworld can’t afford to wait around forever while you try to mold this... Steven into Pink." 

Y/N’s eyes narrowed. "Steven was spent years on earth. I have to decode him and it will take time. If you can’t find the patience, then maybe you should step aside." 

Blue let out a quiet laugh, her eyes still filled with a mixture of sadness and affection. "Patience has never been Yellow’s strength, and tact? Well, that’s not her specialty either." 

Yellow whirled on Blue, her voice snapping. "Excuse me? At least I don’t cry over every little thing!" 

Blue gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I don’t cry over everything! Only things that actually matter!" 

White’s sharp voice cut through the rising tension. "Enough, both of you." She stood with her usual poise, but for just a moment, there was the smallest flicker of amusement in her gaze. It quickly vanished, replaced by her usual stern demeanor. "We don’t have time for petty squabbles." 

Y/N crossed their arms, raising an eyebrow. "You’ve always been the bossy one, White. Some things never change." 

White’s gaze softened just a fraction, though her voice remained firm. "You’ve always been the rebellious one, Nightlight," she said, her tone now more measured. "But rebellion won’t solve the challenges ahead. You need to be decisive and act with care." 

Y/N took a step forward, their towering form drawing the attention of the other Diamonds. "I’m here to lead, White. Just as I always have." 

For a moment, there was silence. Then Blue spoke up, her voice gentle but steady. "I’ll do whatever it takes to help bring my family back. I hope you’ll let us meet Pink one day soon." 

Y/N’s expression softened as they met Blue’s gaze. "You’ll meet her again, once she’s ready." 

Yellow muttered something under her breath but reluctantly nodded. "Fine. But don’t expect me to coddle her." 

Y/N smirked. "No one’s asking you to, Yellow." 

White let out a small sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "If the three of you are done bickering, we have work to do. Nightlight, you’ll need to regain control over Homeworld. I’ve noticed you’ve become... more cheery since your return, but Homeworld needs your strength and guidance. Your tough voice." 

Y/N’s smirk widened. "Guidance, or micromanagement?" 

White raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement tugging at her lips, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she turned sharply, motioning for the others to follow. 

"Don’t get too comfortable, Nightlight," White called over her shoulder, her tone light but still authoritative. "You’ve been gone too long." 

Y/N watched them leave, a sense of finality settling over the room. The Diamonds were back together, and though their bickering was as familiar as ever, there was something new in the air—a possibility that, despite the past, they could still forge a new future. 

As the door clicked shut, Y/N stood alone in the chamber, the weight of what was to come settling on their shoulders.