Stars, Roses, and Scars (a Steven Universe Fanfic)

Chapter 11

Winter was here. Snow blanketed the ground and a layer of ice coated the Fountain. It was the Rubie's job to keep the ice melted since they burned everything they touched when they were angry. A couple of occasions, they managed to boil the healing water.
Agate was disappointed the stream by her stargazing spot froze over, but other than that, she liked snow. She looked forward to it every year and would spend her free time rolling in it, throwing it at other gems as a joke, and once she buried herself in it and fell asleep.
    She was basking in the cold softness of the snow when a shadow fell over her. Confused, she opened her eyes to see Garnet standing before her. "Mind if I join you?"
    Agate rolled her eyes. She still wasn't over her grudge. "Be my guest."
    Garnet sat beside her while Agate stayed sprawled on the ground. She focused on the snow falling from the sky and blinked every time a snowflake landed in her eyes.
    "The snow's really beautiful today," Garnet tried.
    "Yea."
    "How long has it been?"
    "Since it last snowed? Yesterday." Agate snipped.
    "How long has it been since you last fused with Hessonite?"
    "...Three days ago. Why does it matter to you?" Agate snarled. "I'm fine. I have friends and I'm 'getting over her,' just like everyone wants. I'm getting better."
    "How many gems other than me know Hessonite's still hurting you?"
    "One, okay? Only one other gem knows, and she promised to keep it a secret. You shouldn't waste your time here. You and I both know I'm going to tell Rose any day now."
    "You've told me that for almost twenty years, now," Garnet replied stoically.
    "If you want me to tell Rose so bad, why don't you tell her yourself?"
    "You need to tell her."
    "And why's that?" Agate crossed her arms.
    "Better outcomes will be more likely."
    Agate rolled her eyes.
    "You might also find something that you will need."
    "Out of telling Rose I'm the reason thousands of humans are either in captivity or dead? I don't think I will find anything important except an exile sentence. Or a bubble, just for me."
    "You will find something that can help you through the situation you are in."
    "How would you know?" Agate questioned.
    "I've seen it myself. You'd be surprised at how many possibilities would be better if you told her. You might even find someone you'll need." Garnet emphasized someone.
    Agate narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"
    Garnet just adjusted her visors.
    Agate groaned and went back to watching the snow fall.
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    Something wasn't right when Agate returned back to base. The defective Peridot was in Bismuth's lap crying on her shoulder. She didn't know the two well, but she knew Peridot usually didn't behave this way. Agate saw her occasionally, and she was very much like a human toddler: energetic, curious, and naive. She walked over to them and saw the worried expression on Bismuth's face.
    "Did something happen?" Agate asked. Peridot clutched to Bismuth's uniform.
    "Yes, but she won't tell me. Sure, she gets emotional at times, but never like this. She was an angry little gem a few hours ago, but now she's just..." Bismuth trailed off.
    "She won't tell you anything?"
    "Nothing except that she didn't want to. She just won't tell us what it is. I might need Rose for this one. I can't do anything for her like this."
    This was sounding too familiar. Agate often broke down like this since...before Milky. Since before. She tapped the little Peridot's shoulder, getting her attention. Her eyes were bloodshot and extremely swollen. For all Agate knew, she could have cried nonstop for days. "Was someone mean to you?" She asked gently.
    Peridot shook her head slowly, but gradually her head shaking turned to nodding.
    "Can you tell me who?"
    Peridot shook her head again. "She'll hurt you t-too if I do..." She whimpered. Agate and Bismuth exchanged worried glances.
    It was obvious now. Agate wasn't the only one. But she was going to make sure this Peridot would be the last to suffer. Agate just hoped she and Peridot were the only ones that were targeted.
    "...I'll get Rose for you," Agate informed. Bismuth nodded gratefully.
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