#5xf

[shinneth]

Connie and 5XF get properly acquainted as they traverse the hospital at their own leisure. As they learn more about each other, the pair come to realize some rather heartbreaking similarities they share. Connie in particular comes to terms with some parts of herself she had denied up until now.

AO3 Version

It’s... a chapter with just Connie and 5XF! Yay...? 

... trust me, regrets have been had.

[shinneth]

With most of the Crystal Gems out of commission or hospitalized, Peridot and 5XF have a moment to finally reconcile while coming to terms with the drastic changes imposed on their lives. However, in order to recover while keeping a low profile, everyone is at the mercy of Priyanka Maheswaran, who doesn't pull her punches when it comes to issuing orders or delivering some potentially devastating news. And so starts the long road to recovery.

AO3 Version

I have returned with more writing! Kind of a weaksauce cooldown chapter after last one’s, but... hey, I made this chapter approximately 12,345 words long!

... yeah!

So uh. Enjoy some gem hi-jinks in the hospital?

[shinneth]

Priyanka breaks the news to Peridot and Garnet, and it's far worse than what they feared. When Peridot struggles with coming forward to her loved ones regarding this news, an unexpected source helps her through it. Garnet has no shortage of her own personal hang-ups, and the escalating chaos has forced her to internalize her pain. However, the cracks are beginning to show... and it's up to one gem to mend them.

AO3 Version

Today was my last day working at the office (I’m now ACTUALLY doing telework from home for the foreseeable future) - just in time, I finish a new chapter!

So for the six weeks I was back at work, I completed three chapters. Nice...? 

Also, THIS CHAPTER IS BATSHIT-FUCKING-CRAZY. This one went SOOOOO far off the rails where I initially anticipated. And I’m finally starting a new day come the next chapter.

Yes, I’ve stretched an entire goddamned day across 13 chapters. 

So.... I ANTICIPATE THERE WILL BE QUESTIONS. Not sure if I’ll even be able to answer them, but...! Let’s just say the ending this time is really fucking weird.

[shinneth]

Sooo I finally got caught up on OE&F (it turned out I was only two chapters behind, so I’ve no excuse for taking this long to do it) and now I am on the absolute edge of my seat for the imminent confrontation between 5XF and Sphalerite. I honestly am not at all sure which way that’s going to go and I totally love it. Great job!

Thaaaaaank you! I’m about 12k-ish into the current chapter, so hopefully you won’t have to wait too long to read about that imminent shitstorm! 

Side note: I totally did not bank on either of my OCs becoming this significant to my overall continuity. This is the most invested I’ve ever been in any OC I’ve ever made, not gonna lie. That being said, I’m gonna make sure they don’t wear out their welcome since canon characters and STEVIDOT especially always take top priority with me. They’ll heavily feature in the next arc since it’s impossible for them not to factor into the Gypsum thing, but I’m gonna do everything in my power to not turn the pair into a Spotlight-Stealing Squad.

Since In Dreams, I’ve been inspired to really go out of my way to make this chapter one that’ll hopefully stand out in everyone’s memories long after they read it. I’m very carefully juxtaposing some Peridot/Steven struggling alongside 5XF and Sphalerite’s conflict right now - which I think is fitting enough considering it’s their fusion and one of Peri’s many sisters, so the parallels fit and make sense. 

I’ve been doing my best to make 5XF’s development distinct from Peridot’s, but similar enough so that said parallels can be drawn. I’m surprised a couple of readers expressed a desire for Peridot and 5XF to make amends and get along, too! 

Plus, it’s just been a wild and fun time making my Stevidot fusion an awful, awful person.

I really wanted to get this chapter done before the next two episodes air tonight, but there’s a good chance that won’t happen. Last week really got me into business mode with my own story execution. This is a pivotal part of this particular arc anyway, so really it’s here where I’ve gotta make it count the most. 

Also, I’m grateful you’re telling me how unsure you are which direction this is all going. XD Sometimes I think I’m really not as good with the element of suspense as I should be, but I’ve had some reviews not long ago telling me they couldn’t predict a goddamned thing in the main GA main series, which blows my mind!

Then again, I remember that GA itself was completed in roughly 1 month and 20 days, and that was almost 200k combined. And with every act (III especially), I kept randomly adding shit I didn’t plan to fit in as I made them. So really, even I had a hard time predicting where my own story was going. So maybe the suspense really is there!

(we’re actually right around the anniversary on the day Act III was completed!)

Thanks for taking the time to let me know you’re enjoying my stuff! :D I could go on all day how much endless joy stuff like this brings me, which helps me put in that little bit of extra effort to ensure the rest of you are always having a good time…. buuut that time’s probably better spent actually writing, fff.

[shinneth]

Peridot comes across an unlikely "ally" on her mission to preserve her identity, as well as Steven's. However, their only chance in coming out of this disaster alive lies within a very indecisive 5XF. It's easy to say you'll vow to work to change for the better to make up for your past sins. But only by taking action will you prove that your resolve is genuine; only then is when you can say you've truly moved forward. The future of the Crystal Gems now rests squarely in 5XF's hands.

AO3 Version

So get this... JUST as I was formatting this chapter, I got a call from my boss telling me I’m off work for two weeks because of you-know-what. How about that? 

I highly doubt my writing’s going to get any goddamn attention after Steven fucking killed Jasper last night, but we’re officially on the countdown to the Series Finale, so there’s really no good time to take advantage of anymore.

It’s a huge-ass chapter with some coincidental similarities to stuff that happens in SUF. Only difference is that I follow through on the consequences when bad shit really happens. ... Most of the time. 

So uh... enjoy 5XF and Sphalerite’s confrontation, as well as seeing how Pink Diamond 2.0 manages to be distinct from Pink Steven...? 

[shinneth]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: Steven Universe (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Peridot/Steven Universe, Ruby/Sapphire (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Bismuth (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Steven Universe, Amethyst & Peridot (Steven Universe), Original Character(s)/Original Character(s), Steven Universe & Original Gem Character(s), Peridot (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lars Barriga & Steven Universe, Lars Barriga & Off Colors, Lars Barriga & Bismuth, Bismuth & Rose Quartz (Steven Universe), Rose Quartz & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Jasper & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Jasper (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Famethyst (Steven Universe), Jasper & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot & Pumpkin (Steven Universe), Garnet & Peridot (Steven Universe), Pearl & Peridot (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Pearl & Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe) Characters: Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe, Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe), Pearl (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe), Ruby (Steven Universe), Sapphire (Steven Universe), Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe), Original Fusion Character(s) (Steven Universe), Lars Barriga, Rhodonite (Steven Universe), Rutile Twins (Steven Universe), Padparadscha (Steven Universe), Fluorite (Steven Universe), Harold Smiley, Rose Quartz | Pink Diamond, Sadie Miller, Connie Maheswaran, Jasper (Steven Universe), Famethyst (Steven Universe), Greg Universe, Pumpkin (Steven Universe) Additional Tags: Crystal Gems, Post-Episode s05e29-32 Change Your Mind, Post-Gem Ascension, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gap Filler, Character Development, Developing Friendships, Team as Family, Team Bonding, Team Feels, Established Relationship, I Will Go Down With This Ship, Sibling Rivalry, Dysfunctional Family, Dysfunctional Relationships, Difficult Decisions, Awkward Conversations, Mystery, Arguing, Triggers, Before Battle, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Gem Fusion, Homeworld Gems - Freeform, Reunions, Male Friendship, Friendzone, Plans For The Future, Funland (Steven Universe), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, Forgiveness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Breakfast, Puns & Word Play, Nostalgia, Unexpected Visitors, Homeworld is Horrible, True Love, Confessions, Best Friends, Female Friendship, Birthday, Heart-to-Heart, Past Jasper/Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) - Freeform, Teasing, Platonic Female/Female Relationships, Relationship Advice, Hair Braiding, Embarrassment, Multiple Personalities, Implied/Referenced Mind Control, Loss of Identity, Loss of Control, Memory Alteration, Desperation, Past Relationship(s), Moving On, First Meetings, Ocean, Moral Lessons, Alien Cultural Differences, Class Differences, Compare and Contrast, Possession, Dominance, Forced Gem Fusion, Foreshadowing, Partial Mind Control, Sharing a Body, Existential Crisis, Existential Angst, Trapped, Morally Ambiguous Character, Moral Dilemmas, Star-crossed, Implied Sexual Content, Wrongful Imprisonment, We Just Love Each Other, Pets, Distrust, Leadership, Self-Doubt, Self Confidence Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Temporary Amnesia, Wet Dream, Dream Sex, Implied/Referenced Sex, Mentor/Protégé, Subliminal Messages, Confrontations, With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility, Promises, Acceptance, Redemption, Caretaking, First Impressions, Everyone Needs A Hug, Everyone Has Issues, Interactive Fiction, Beach City, Beach House Series: Part 8 of The Gem Ascension Universe Summary:

In order to function as a team, as guides to Homeworld immigrants, and as eventual galactic ambassadors of peace, the Crystal Gems first and foremost must work out what they mean to each other. Friends? Family? Something beyond the platonic boundary?

That's for them to figure out.

Fanfiction.net version

That’s right. I wrote over half a million words in less than 11 months. And it was STEVIDOT.

[shinneth]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Steven Universe (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Peridot/Steven Universe, Ruby/Sapphire (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Bismuth (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Steven Universe, Amethyst & Peridot (Steven Universe), Original Character(s)/Original Character(s), Steven Universe & Original Gem Character(s), Peridot (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lars Barriga & Steven Universe, Lars Barriga & Off Colors, Lars Barriga & Bismuth, Bismuth & Rose Quartz (Steven Universe), Rose Quartz & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Jasper & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Jasper (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Famethyst (Steven Universe), Jasper & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot & Pumpkin (Steven Universe), Garnet & Peridot (Steven Universe), Pearl & Peridot (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Pearl & Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Peridot & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl & Pearl & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond & Blue Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe) Characters: Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe, Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe), Pearl (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe), Ruby (Steven Universe), Sapphire (Steven Universe), Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe), Original Fusion Character(s) (Steven Universe), Lars Barriga, Rhodonite (Steven Universe), Rutile Twins (Steven Universe), Padparadscha (Steven Universe), Fluorite (Steven Universe), Harold Smiley, Rose Quartz | Pink Diamond, Sadie Miller, Connie Maheswaran, Jasper (Steven Universe), Famethyst (Steven Universe), Greg Universe, Pumpkin (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe) Additional Tags: Crystal Gems, Post-Episode s05e29-32 Change Your Mind, Post-Gem Ascension, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gap Filler, Character Development, Developing Friendships, Team as Family, Team Bonding, Team Feels, Established Relationship, I Will Go Down With This Ship, Sibling Rivalry, Dysfunctional Family, Dysfunctional Relationships, Difficult Decisions, Awkward Conversations, Mystery, Arguing, Triggers, Before Battle, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Gem Fusion, Homeworld Gems - Freeform, Reunions, Male Friendship, Friendzone, Plans For The Future, Funland (Steven Universe), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, Forgiveness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Breakfast, Puns & Word Play, Nostalgia, Unexpected Visitors, Homeworld is Horrible, True Love, Confessions, Best Friends, Female Friendship, Birthday, Heart-to-Heart, Past Jasper/Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) - Freeform, Teasing, Platonic Female/Female Relationships, Relationship Advice, Hair Braiding, Embarrassment, Multiple Personalities, Implied/Referenced Mind Control, Loss of Identity, Loss of Control, Memory Alteration, Desperation, Past Relationship(s), Moving On, First Meetings, Ocean, Moral Lessons, Alien Cultural Differences, Class Differences, Compare and Contrast, Possession, Dominance, Forced Gem Fusion, Foreshadowing, Partial Mind Control, Sharing a Body, Existential Crisis, Existential Angst, Trapped, Morally Ambiguous Character, Moral Dilemmas, Star-crossed, Implied Sexual Content, Wrongful Imprisonment, We Just Love Each Other, Pets, Distrust, Leadership, Self-Doubt, Self Confidence Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Temporary Amnesia, Wet Dream, Dream Sex, Implied/Referenced Sex, Mentor/Protégé, Subliminal Messages, Confrontations, With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility, Promises, Acceptance, Redemption, Caretaking, First Impressions, Everyone Needs A Hug, Everyone Has Issues, Interactive Fiction, Beach City, Beach House, Refugees, Homeworld Hierarchy (Steven Universe), Pearl Solidarity (Steven Universe), Conflict Resolution, Protective Siblings Series: Part 8 of The Gem Ascension Universe Summary:

In order to function as a team, as guides to Homeworld immigrants, and as eventual galactic ambassadors of peace, the Crystal Gems first and foremost must work out what they mean to each other. Friends? Family? Something beyond the platonic boundary?

That's for them to figure out.

Fanfiction.net version

Yeah, it’s almost Christmas, so... I made up for my “short” 7k chapter with one that’s 23k! 

Never tell me I’m nothing if not generous.

[shinneth]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 7/? Fandom: Steven Universe (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Peridot/Steven Universe, Ruby/Sapphire (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth & Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Bismuth (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Steven Universe, Amethyst & Peridot (Steven Universe), Original Character(s)/Original Character(s), Steven Universe & Original Gem Character(s), Peridot (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lapis Lazuli & Peridot (Steven Universe), Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Lars Barriga & Steven Universe, Lars Barriga & Off Colors, Lars Barriga & Bismuth, Bismuth & Rose Quartz (Steven Universe), Rose Quartz & Steven Universe, Bismuth & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Jasper & Peridot (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Jasper (Steven Universe), Amethyst & Famethyst (Steven Universe), Jasper & Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot & Pumpkin (Steven Universe), Garnet & Peridot (Steven Universe), Pearl & Peridot (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe) & Original Character(s), Pearl & Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Peridot & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl & Pearl & Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond & Blue Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Greg Universe & Original Character(s), Greg Universe & Steven Universe, Peridot & Greg Universe, Greg Universe & Vidalia, Sour Cream & Steven Universe Characters: Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe, Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Bismuth (Steven Universe), Garnet (Steven Universe), Pearl (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe), Ruby (Steven Universe), Sapphire (Steven Universe), Original Gem Character(s) (Steven Universe), Original Fusion Character(s) (Steven Universe), Lars Barriga, Rhodonite (Steven Universe), Rutile Twins (Steven Universe), Padparadscha (Steven Universe), Fluorite (Steven Universe), Harold Smiley, Rose Quartz | Pink Diamond, Sadie Miller, Connie Maheswaran, Jasper (Steven Universe), Famethyst (Steven Universe), Greg Universe, Pumpkin (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Blue Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Vidalia (Steven Universe), Sour Cream (Steven Universe) Additional Tags: Crystal Gems, Post-Episode s05e29-32 Change Your Mind, Post-Gem Ascension, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Gap Filler, Character Development, Developing Friendships, Team as Family, Team Bonding, Team Feels, Established Relationship, I Will Go Down With This Ship, Sibling Rivalry, Dysfunctional Family, Dysfunctional Relationships, Difficult Decisions, Awkward Conversations, Mystery, Arguing, Triggers, Before Battle, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Gem Fusion, Homeworld Gems - Freeform, Reunions, Male Friendship, Friendzone, Plans For The Future, Funland (Steven Universe), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, Forgiveness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Breakfast, Puns & Word Play, Nostalgia, Unexpected Visitors, Homeworld is Horrible, True Love, Confessions, Best Friends, Female Friendship, Birthday, Heart-to-Heart, Past Jasper/Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe) - Freeform, Teasing, Platonic Female/Female Relationships, Relationship Advice, Hair Braiding, Embarrassment, Multiple Personalities, Implied/Referenced Mind Control, Loss of Identity, Loss of Control, Memory Alteration, Desperation, Past Relationship(s), Moving On, First Meetings, Ocean, Moral Lessons, Alien Cultural Differences, Class Differences, Compare and Contrast, Possession, Dominance, Forced Gem Fusion, Foreshadowing, Partial Mind Control, Sharing a Body, Existential Crisis, Existential Angst, Trapped, Morally Ambiguous Character, Moral Dilemmas, Star-crossed, Implied Sexual Content, Wrongful Imprisonment, We Just Love Each Other, Pets, Distrust, Leadership, Self-Doubt, Self Confidence Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Wet Dream, Dream Sex, Implied/Referenced Sex, Mentor/Protégé, Subliminal Messages, Confrontations, With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility, Promises, Acceptance, Redemption, Caretaking, First Impressions, Everyone Needs A Hug, Everyone Has Issues, Interactive Fiction, Beach City, Beach House, Refugees, Homeworld Hierarchy (Steven Universe), Pearl Solidarity (Steven Universe), Conflict Resolution, Protective Siblings, Wet Clothing, Father-Son Relationship, Father Figures, The Talk, Pregnancy, Surreal, Surrogate Pregnancy, Poor Life Choices, Forced Pregnancy, Cliffhangers, Public Display of Affection, Fusion Pregnancy, Gemlings, Gem Egg Hell, Gemitals, era 3 Series: Part 8 of The Gem Ascension Universe Summary:

In order to function as a team, as guides to Homeworld immigrants, and as eventual galactic ambassadors of peace, the Crystal Gems first and foremost must work out what they mean to each other. Friends? Family? Something beyond the platonic boundary?

That's for them to figure out.

Fanfiction.net version

So, the first update of the year, where I finally lay my cards out on the table and prove my Stevidot fusion is the absolute worst kind of person ever.

Here’s hoping I update again in time for my birthday, I guess? Got until Saturday for that...