Garnet, if Pearl was with you right now what would you say to her?
Garnet took a moment, counting down the seconds until it was the right moment to reply. Finally, when she heard the creak of the porch behind her, she spoke. “I would tell Pearl that everyday I’m prouder and prouder of her. I’ve seen her struggle to become a better person, and I couldn’t be happier with what she’s made of herself. She inspires me to better myself and meet every new challenge head on. I’d tell Pearl that to me she has always been so much more than Pink Diamond’s pearl, and that I’m sorry for ever giving her a reason to doubt that.” Garnet’s voice lowered and her head angled down. “I hope you can forgive me, Pearl.”
Pearl gave a watery chuckle, pushing open the screen door. “Of course you know I’m here.” She walked in, coming to stand behind Garnet, facing her back. “You probably planned it this way.”
“I really am sorry.” Garnet’s voice remained hushed.
Pearl stepped closer, laying a hand on Garnet’s back. “I forgive you.” She could feel the tension drain out of Garnet’s body at the words. “I owe you an apology as well. You were right. What Rose did to Spinel-.”
“Pink Diamond.” Garnet winced, but she couldn’t keep herself from interrupting.
Pearl paused, resisting the urge to pull her hand away as she felt Garnet tensing again. “Yes, I suppose she was Pink Diamond at the time...”
“She was Pink Diamond the whole time.”
“No, Garnet, she wasn’t. She chose to be Rose Quartz. She chose to leave her status behind to begin a new life. She wanted to change. She may have kept her past a secret but one thing has always been true; Pink Diamond is dead. And Rose Quartz killed her.” Pearl stepped closer, sliding her arms around Garnet’s waist. “Calling her Pink Diamond is no different than calling Steven Rose Quartz. Or you Ruby and Sapphire. That’s not who she is.” Pearl could feel Garnet trembling. She pressed closer, molding their bodies together. “Please tell me you understand.”
“I want to hear your voice, Garnet,” Pearl pleaded. “I don’t want you to hate her.”
“I don’t hate her.” Garnet sighed. “I could never hate her. She gave a chance to...exist. She looked at me and saw only possibilities. I’ll always be grateful for that. For Rose.” Garnet’s body sagged. “I just wish she would have told me.”
“Oh, Garnet,” Pearl tightened her hold on Garnet’s waist. “I would have if I had been able to.”
Garnet was silent for a few moments. She brought her hand to cover Pearl’s where they lay on her body. “Would you,” she asked in a small voice.
Pearl tilted her head. “What?”
Garnet’s grip tightened slightly. “Would you really have told me? Even though Rose asked you not to?”
“Of course, Garnet. You deserved to know. And so did Amethyst and Steven. I always thought that. You don’t believe that I would tell you?” When Garnet’s silence stretched on for a few moments too long Pearl pulled away, tugging gently at Garnet’s shoulder. “Garnet, look at me.”
Garnet turned to face Pearl. Her face was blank.
“Really look at me.” Pearl brought her hand up to Garnet’s face, her fingers barely glancing the edge of Garnet’s visor. The visor disappeared in a flash of light, allowing Pearl to gaze deeply into Garnet’s eyes. Pearl didn’t like the emotions she saw swirling there. “What’s wrong?”
Garnet blinked rapidly as her eyes started to fill. “You...your relationship with Rose was so strong. You loved her unconditionally. In the beginning, when it was hard to stay together, I would watch you two and feel validated. If you could love each other and be happy, then so could Ruby and Sapphire. You and Rose showed me that it was possible to love.” Garnet’s breathing increased as she struggled to get her next words out. “I feel...I feel like I can’t compare to that. I can’t compare to a Diamond. I can’t-.”
“Garnet.” Pearl’s voice was low, carrying an edge to it that Garnet rarely heard. “Don’t you dare say such a thing. Love is not a competition. I don’t have a pro and con list or a Venn diagram of the two of you somewhere. What I had with Rose was...special, I’ll admit. But that doesn’t invalidate what I have with you.” Pearl cradled Garnet’s face in her hands, gently wiping away a tear that had fallen. “I love you. My feelings for Rose don’t change my feelings for you. Ruby and Sapphire’s feelings for each other don’t change your feelings for me.” Pearl paused, her hands falling to Garnet’s shoulder. “Do they?”
“No!” Garnet reached up, taking Pearl’s hands in her own. “I love you.” She laid a kiss on each of Pearl’s hands. “No matter what.”
Pearl smiled brilliantly, a light blush on her cheeks. “No matter what.”
Garnet let of Pearl’s hands, sliding her arms around her girlfriend’s waist. She rested her head against Pearl’s taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry about all of this. I’m not used to these types of feelings.”
Pearl chuckled, wrapping her own arms around Garnet’s neck. “Well, I am something of an expert when it comes to insecurity and self doubt. Next time it happens, talk to me.” Pearl sobered. “I spent so much time with Rose, but I rarely talked to her. I want this to be different. I don’t want us to bottle things up until it’s too late. Promise that you’ll talk to me, Garnet.”
Garnet laid a gentle kiss on Pearl’s gemstone. “I promise.”
