Claws and Rose A Steven Universe fan-fiction

Part 2

Emerald and Cinnabar made their way through the winding tunnels, passing by the occasional Beryl, who would bow and speak praise to their superior (Cinnabar was the top researcher at the facility after all). The pair often made jokes about this when nobody was watching, Emerald would call her "your grandness", "Madam Princess" and (cinnabar's personal favorite) "Queen Edge." Anyway they soon arrived at the central research labs.

The cavern was outfitted with the latest in gem tech. Large test tubes were scattered about the lab, each containing a Gemstone being incubated in a sickly purple liquid. "Finally you're here!!! I called for you over thirty minutes ago!!!" Cinnabar turned to see Girasol waltz over to them, a look of annoyance spread across her pixyish features. Cinnabar cringed inside. She hated being told off by the tiny gem scientist who she barely outranked. Girasol was about four foot six with sky blue skin and even lighter blue hair pulled into pigtails. She looked ridiculous with her like that and an oversized lab coat draped over her shoulders. But Cinnabar never said this to her face- she was far deadlier than she appeared.

Girasol shot a nasty look at Emerald, who just gazed back, unimpressed. Emerald was the only Gem Cinnabar knew who could remain unintimidated by the most unnerving things- including Girasol's death stare. "Why did it take you so long to walk not 50 yards up a few tunnels just to fetch Cinnabar- Emerald?!? She snarled, her high pitched voice dripping with malice. He simply shrugged meeting the gem's burning gaze. "She was busy. I am not allowed to disturb my master while she is meditating." His reply was flat, almost toneless. He never did show any emotion to anyone, except Cinnabar and any of her acquaintances, not counting Girasol. He preferred to have anyone not associated with himself to believe he was a mindless drone- it was easier that way. "Diamonds above- you're as dull as dirt, I swear!!!" Girasol snorted, brushing a strand of blue hair off her left cheek, revealing an oval shaped gem. "As for you, Cinnabar-" She flinched as Girasol shifted her gaze towards her. "-we are behind schedule, so pick up the pace!!!"

With that, she stormed off in a hurry, going over to a nearby workstation to check a Beryl's progress. "Jeez, somebody got polished the wrong way- who pissed her off this time huh?" Emerald muttered, elbowing Cinnabar in the ribs. "That's not my place to wonder. And why didn't you get me sooner?!? You know that hellion scares me to know end!!!" She was nibbling on the ends of her hair, a small feature that she did when she was stressed. Emerald smiled, finding this adorable. "Wipe that grin off your face!!!" She snapped, pulling Emerald back to reality. "Awwww c'mon, lighten up will ya?" Emerald said, a smirk stretching out across his face. She rolled her eyes, muttered "Annoying pebble!" and walked off in the direction of Girasol. Emerald followed close behind.

She approached a Beryl recording data from a monitor mounted on a test tube. "Beryl, cut 4323, cut 5645."She said, laying a hand on the workers shoulder. The Beryl flinched, dropping her recorder panel. "Oh great diamonds!!! Lady Cinnabar, I thought you were Girasol!" The small Gem instantly relaxed, smiling weakly. "That witch is pretty freaky, eh Ber?" Emerald snickered, winking at the slim Gem. "Emerald, how many times do I have to tell you: don't flirt with my scientists!!! Just look at the poor dear!" The Beryl in question was blushing profusely, turning her already red skin a deep shade of maroon. She scrambled to pick up her recorder mumbling quietly to herself. "I- I- I'm fine, m'lady. D-do you need something???" She stuttered, brushing her red hair out of her eyes. "Yes, I would like an update on the Deception Project, if you would be so kind." Cinnabar asked, cracking her neck. Of course, m'lady. As you can see here-" the beryl gestured towards the tank. containing underdeveloped gems submerged in a purplish ooze. "- the gem development rate has increased exponentially. The experiments are developing gemetic anomalies in their crystal structures. If we allow these changes to grow and flourish, we may see them emerge in the next century!" The Beryl was ecstatic now, making gestures vividly. Cinnabar smiled, happy to see the little Gem so excited. "That's wonderful. Send all your findings to my server, alright?" She said. "Yes m'lady." The Beryl bowed respectfully, then she hurried off to do just that.

"Skittish little things, aren't they?" Emerald said casually, watching the Beryl leave. "Yes- they are nervous gems, that's for sure!" Cinnabar remarked. A few seconds passed without either one of them speaking. "Think I can I can get one to go out with me?" Diamonds above emerald!!! You're an idiot!!!" "You still love me though." "Shut up."