iseetrajectories:
kingagxin
Steven, on most days, was a source of bright, unending light. He joked, made puns, sympathized, sang, simply made them smile. It was wonderful, having this joy in her life when everything else was so threatening, so unyielding.
But today, Steven had been much more subdued. He hovered near Pearl and her, never venturing far, never drawing attention to himself. Garnet was especially surprised, as it was a day where Pearl’s arm burned, making every task difficult. Garnet would have assumed that this would prompt Steven to try to draw her mind away from it, rather than retreat into silence.
There was another variable here, she believed. But, staying true to her stoic nature, Garnet did not directly ask Steven. Instead, she kept within arm’s reach of him, there if he wanted to confide. He didn’t. It wasn’t until Pearl took watch ( despite Garnet’s objections ), and the two of them were bundled up against the cold, that she heard her name being said softly.
“Steven.” She answered, looking down at the small pile of blankets and clothes beside her.
~ ☆ He fell quiet for a short period of time after speaking, the troubled look in his eyes betraying the conflict stirring behind them. Momentarily he curled up tighter in his blanket, and then Steven rolled onto his back, small hands gripping at his stomach as though he could physically undo the tight knots of distress that had been coiling there throughout the day. He bit lightly at his lower lip and kept his eyes facing upwards.
“I feel bad..about Pearl,” the child finally mumbled, eyebrows furrowing. His heart felt heavy, and it reflected in his expression, so usually filled with positivity and a smile. Now it was saddened and laced with guilt. “Her arm...” ~ ★
