Reputation

Unarmed

Spinel

The smile on my face, sharp around the edges, stands out to me more than the scythe I am still holding. For some people hesitation has been their enemy, but so far, it's been quite helpful. If only I had taken a moment to think about crash landing on Earth the first time.

Then maybe there would be a way to be able to visit, without having to defend myself. Or having anyone feel like they need to defend themselves. My eyes trail to Garnet's fists, now hanging threateningly at her sides, rather than eye level with my face.

I can't tell if they have chosen to believe me, or not. Steven's unthreatening demeanor contradicts Garnet's. I adjust the heavy scythe, my hands sweating. "Well, why don't you put down the Rejuvenator and I can show you what we've done so far." His words bring to light how he is truly feeling in this situation...nervous.

He doesn't know if I am going to attack him again. He has only had the chance to truly get to know me for less than a day. More like 10 minutes. And before that, I had only brought him hurt and violence. I get the reasons why, I attacked their home. I was the one that further tainted the legacy of Rose Quartz.

His unrelenting smile has hints of desperation around the edges. The reflection of light from the water from outside the ship sharpens the shadows in his face. The weariness from the prolonged days of having to repair his home, and himself, must have been exhausting.

If I can surrender this little piece of assurance that I have that I won't get pummeled by his angery friends...then I will do it. I will show him that he can trust me. Even if, in the end, I don't trust him.

I take in a shaky breath, knowing full well what could happen the second I retract the weapon. Steven could rip it out of my hands and Garnet could make sure that I wouldn't cause any more...trouble. My thoughts veer off focus, and my eyes follow.

Ending up looking at Garnet's frozen expression, I can't make out what is going to happen. But I know she can. The moment I drop my defense, I could truly be stuck here. And who isn't to say they are planning their revenge? Shadows of pain encompass my gem as I theorize what can happen. I could get proofed...shattered...the moment I let go.

But something about the tension in the room that tells me that not letting go will cause even more trouble. The slight unease of building up anger and confusion. And just like the waves, they are pulled up...just to crash.

I click the button on the handle, palms sweaty as I feel the power become dormant. I feel my smile falter and I want to just cut myself out of the tension that has still fallen upon me. I try to readjust my smile to appear more relaxed, but as I try to do so, for a split second...

I feel it slip.