Fractures

7. The Crystal Gems

- Pink Diamond tells a story.

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Pink didn't know where she was, at first. She gasped, startling because she could feel eyes on her, and a warm body against hers.

She sat up carefully, remembering what had happened as she saw the off-colors gathered around her. "Good morning, dear," the big fusion said.

She looked up, blushing a little with embarrassment. She finally relaxed, her expression lightening as she replied, "Thank you..."

The fusion smiled back and moved away, giving her space. Pink remained sitting, not sure what to do next. "All of you came to find me? Why?"

"We wanted to hear you out," Tile said.

"I'm sorry I followed you..." Pink said to the duo. "I didn't want to be left alone."

The rutiles crossed their arms. "Well, we did say we would come back, didn't we?" Ru huffed.

Pink's expression hardened, just a bit. "I didn't know if you meant it. It wouldn't be the first time someone has lied to me and gone along with what I said trying to impress me or get away from me."

Ru deflated, while a small 'oh' escaped from Tile.

She softened. "It's alright. It's just something that comes with status." There was a bitter edge to her words. "Well, I suppose introductions are in order?" She looked at Ru and Tile. "I already know who the two of you are, and you all know who I am, so..." Her gaze moved to the small orange gem.

"Um, that's Padparadscha," Ru intervened, worried that the diamond wouldn't have the patience to wait for the sapphire to answer.

"She predicts things that have already happened," Tile explained. "She's a little behind..."

"Oh?" Well, that explained why she'd been in harm's way. "It's nice to meet you, Padparadscha." She gave herself kudos for pronouncing that correctly on the first try. "And you?" she said, looking at the large fusion.

"I'm Fluorite," she replied warmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Fluorite." Pink smiled back. She was glad the fusion seemed relatively comfortable around her.

"Hello, I'm Padparadscha!" the sapphire cut in chipperly. The others looked a little nervous, but Pink only smiled fondly. She thought the little gem was incredibly adorable.

The last off-color stepped forward, trembling. When Pink's attention turned to her, she started to shake harder. A second passed, and she suddenly saluted with both pairs of arms. "M-My Diamond!"

The diamond stiffened immediately, her shoulders hunching up in discomfort. She turned her head away, grimacing. "You-You don't have to do that..."

Ru, Tile, and Fluorite traded glances, puzzled. Rhodonite shakily dropped the salute. "W-We'll unfuse right away!"

"No!" Everyone flinched. Pink lowered her voice. "It's ok, really. It doesn't bother me... I'm happy to see that love can persist in a place like this," she reassured earnestly, her brow furrowed in worry.

The fusion finally seemed to relax slightly. "If you say so... I'm Rhodonite..."

"It's nice to meet you, Rhodonite," the diamond said warmly. "Please don't be scared, I'm not going to hurt anyone, I promise."

Rhodonite didn't look comforted. "That's what the twins said, but..."

Pink just sighed, looking crestfallen. She had better get this out of the way. "I don't want to be a diamond..." she murmured. "So please don't treat me like one."