Lapidot one-shots

.:+ I trust you +:. ✅

Lapis waved a half-hearted goodbye to Steven, forcing a smile as she turned in the other direction, unfurling her water wings and flying off, starting to think. As much as she wanted to pass up the fact that Jasper had confronted her, she couldn't shake that sickening feeling that it wasn't the last time she would see her. Feeling restless, she picked up her flight speed, desperate to part herself from the ocean. Lapis' mind whirred with possibilities and consequences, every thought growing darker than the last as fear swept her away once more. She felt her eyes begin to burn with tears, but she refused to let them fall, shaking her head free.

The barn was finally in sight, and she prepared herself to land on the roof, but something caught her eye. Standing at the structure's entrance was Peridot, frantically waving her arms and jumping and shouting; "Lazuli! Lapis!" but Lapis didn't care. Ignoring her calls, she passed over her and landed on the barn roof, feeling defeated. "Laz?.." Peridot practically whispered from the ground. Curious, Lapis got to her hands and knees, peeking over the edge, staring down on Peridot, who was looking back up at her with wide, concerned green eyes. She always seemed to care too much.

Shuffling back, Lapis centered herself on the top side of the barn, facing the setting sun. The enjoyment she had felt earlier that day sucked out of her as the rays died out into the night, and suddenly all that was left was bad memories and the cold claws of anxiety. She felt cold, and abandoned. Pulling her legs to her chest, she burrowed her face between her knees and into her skirt, wrapping her arms around them. Lapis gave an audible sigh, closing her eyes and letting the wind sweep around her. Her eyes started to water again, but she still fought them, holding herself tighter, her only attempt of the comfort she didn't have. It was hardly a few minutes when a loud clang snagged her attention, followed by an oof.

Startled, Lapis hastily wiped stray tears away and turned around, confronting Peridot, who was, not surprisingly, face planted in front of her. Peridot scrabbled to her feet and took a step forward, reaching a hesitant hand towards her. Lapis whipped forward again and grumbled, rather annoyed with Peridot. Yet, at the same time, a piece of her wanted the little gems comfort. They hadn't lived together for long, but Steven was right, she really did come into her own. Not looking phased, Lapis rapped the barn roof with her right hand, beckoning Peridot to sit beside her. She heard light foot steps as she walked up. She sat down a good three feet away from her or so, sweating. Neither of them said anything for a few.

Stuttering, Peridot finally managed, "I- uh, wanted to see if you were ok.."

Lapis wasn't sure how to respond, suddenly conflicted on whether or not she should escape with a lie. Was it even worth telling Peridot her problems? It wasn't like there was anything she could do. Frustrated, and slightly embarrassed, she covered her face with both hands, growling. "Jasper found me. She knows i'm still here and she wants to be Malachite again." She took in a shaking breath. "Malachite is dangerous- I'm dangerous! Jasper used me as her weapon to try and destroy the crystal gems." Lapis ran both hands through her hair as she grew more distraught. "I don't want to be trapped like that again, I- I don't want to be used again!" She shouted the last part, slamming a fist down with a bang.

Peridot flinched backwards with wide eyes.

Noticing her reaction on spot, Lapis turned to face her and hurriedly apologized. "I'm sorry!- I didn't mean- I wasn't going to- I'm just-" She stopped herself, slowly looking away. She really was a monster. As she was preparing to fly off again, Peridot grabbed her by the wrist. "Wait-" Lapis tensed, and Peridot let go instantly. "Don't go yet, I, uh, have something for you to try." She cocked an eyebrow, confused but intrigued. Peridot pointed a finger up at the sky, her eyes glistening with wonder. "Have you ever tried star gazing? Ya know, looking at the stars?" She asked. Lapis thought for a moment. "What's that?" Peridot laid down on her back, putting both arms behind her head. "It's a human thing. It's when you go somewhere open and look at the stars."

Lapis looked up at the navy, white speckled sky. She hadn't realized how beautiful the stars were from earth until now. Peridot sat back up, leaning on both arms. "It's not much, but it helped me when I was adjusting. I figured.. it would help you too." She finished.

Lapis laughed a bit. "It does. Thanks." She mused, laying down to enjoy the view. Peridot looked flustered for a minute, scratching the side of her head. "No problem. I.. uh.. owe you, after all." Lapis tipped her head. "Owe me?" She asked. Peridot suddenly looked uneasy, and looked away with a solemn gaze.

"Because.. I caused all of this." She whispered huskily, looking down. "It's the least I can do for now. B-But I'll make up for it, I promise!"

She wasn't too sure what to say. It was at least partially her fault. Despite that, she managed to say; "Don't blame yourself." Peridot perked up at that. "It's not your fault, that's on Jasper. You were doing what Yellow Diamond told you to do. That was you then; this is you now." She gave a small smile. "I forgive you, and you should forgive yourself too." Peridot's eyes glowed as she beamed up at Lapis with a goofy smile, looking surprised. "Wow, thanks! Oh!- Hang on, I have another idea."

Peridot stood up and raced to the edge of the roof, slipping down to the ground along the ladder. It didn't take too long for her to come back. She was carrying something thick and poofy, and it seemed pretty big, too. Hauling it to their sitting spot, she dropped it with a huff. "There, it's a blanket. It keeps humans warm and helps them sleep. It isn't exactly essential for gems, but I think it's pretty comfortable." She picked up the blanket and walked behind her, only this time she draped it over Lapis' head; completely. Unable to see, Lapis tugged at it until it was properly adjusted, with just her face sticking out. She grabbed either side of the edges and held them together, in awe over how comfortable it was.

Lost for a few seconds, she looked over to see Peridot, who had both hands clasped together, and she looked happy with a hint of jealously on her face. Rolling her eyes, Lapis held out one side of the blanket and offered for Peridot to have a seat with her. It was big enough, after all. Looking honored, she got to her knees and shifted in beside her, finding a comfortable sitting position. Their shoulders brushed as she moved in place beside her, turning Lapis' face a deep blue.

"Wow, thanks." Peridot said, suddenly sniffing and rubbing her eyes. Lapis frowned. "Why are you crying?"

"Because you care about me."

"Oh?" Lapis asked.

"Yeah, it makes me feel good that you trust me."

She chuckled and smiled. There was something about Peridot that she adored, but she just didn't want to admit it. Lapis was occupied with the alignment of stars, connecting them to make shapes and things. Earth, and it's view, was certainly wonderful. While she was busy, Lapis hadn't even noticed that Peridot had slowly gotten closer to her until she realized that she had fallen asleep on her shoulder, still clutching the one end of the blanket she had. The small gem was heavily leaned against her, with her puffy hair ruffled and bent out of shape. She looked at the sleeping gem with a befuddled but content gaze, grinning even more. Glancing around at her surroundings a couple times, she then tugged Peridot closer and put her head on top of hers, growing tired as well.

Peridot surly wasn't one to protect, but Lapis did feel at ease around her. Just in those few, short days, she had seen things from her she thought she'd never see. She really did trust her at this point. As the night went on, she finally found herself comfortable enough to sleep. Giving one last longing gaze at the stars, she finally settled, letting herself drift off.