Fluff The Angst : Peridot is gemetically incapable of fusion
Garnet wasn’t surprised to find Peridot on the Temple door, hand raised to knock on it; Future Vision had been the very reason Garnet preempted the knocking. But she had elected not too Look too closely at what would happen after that, and so was taken a little aback when Peridot began by asking, “Does your offer to fuse still stand?”
Blinking once behind her visor, Garnet said, “Yes.”
“Oh!” Peridot’s face turned an ever darker shade of green, and she wrung her hands before belting out, “Then may we attempt fusion?!”
Smiling, Garnet said, “Yes.”
They went outside onto the deck to try– it was unwise doing so inside the house, since they had no idea how large they could end up being, and the porch was an easier surface to dance on than sand.
It felt much like the first time they had tried, back when they’d still been building the drill. Peridot wasn’t as stammering and nervous, not trying to bolster herself with props. She didn’t fear fusion now– she anticipated it, quite eagerly. But as Garnet led the dance, she could still feel some hesitance in her partner. Only understandable, of course, and Garnet did her best to sooth it, with soft smiles and gentle touches and warm encouragement–
Garnet felt that familiar warmth and connection flowing through her. Could feel that light radiating from her gems. Peridot’s was glowing too, a bright beacon from her head. Garnet lifted her up, pulled her close– the light grew brighter–
“Oh,” Peridot said, finding herself still in Garnet’s arms, dangling in the air.
Garnet put her down gently. “Don’t worry. It’s perfectly fine if it doesn’t work the first time–”
“BUT IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME!”
Peridot’s visor had gone a little foggy.
Garnet didn’t press. She stood there silently, and after a little sniffling, Peridot provided an explanation.
“I’ve been dancing with Lapis– a considerable amount, as part of our continued development of our musical skills and– nothing has happened. Not once. A few times our gems have glowed but… nothing. Lapis thinks– thinks it’s her. She hasn’t said as much, but she’s become reluctant to dance, and I can just… tell.
“But that was a very small sample size, so I have attempted with others. Well, not attempted, per say. Nothing as formalized as what I have conducted with you. But during my ‘hanging out’ with both Amethyst and Steven, similar incidents have occurred. We have been enjoying music. We have been happy. Our gems have glowed. And still we have not achieved fusion.”
“That’s why I went to you. You are the… expert on fusion. But if I can not succeed with even you as a partner, then the conclusion is inescapable. I am the one incapable of fusion.”
Garnet sat down on the porch, crossing her legs. Peridot blinked at her.
“It doesn’t matter,” the fusion said.
“It doesn’t matter,” Garnet repeated.
Peridot looked confused. Confused, and angry. “Do not attempt to soothe my feelings. I know how important fusion is to you, so–”
“Fusion is important to me,” Garnet agreed. “But it’s not the most important thing.”
“Relationships,” said Garnet. “Romance. Friendship. Family. Love.” She smiled at the human words. “Those are what make fusion special. And you have all of those in abundance.”
“But– but– surely fusion is–”
“Just another way of experiencing them.” Garnet laid a hand on Peridot’s shoulder. “And I am sorry you might not get to have that experience. But it’s not a big problem. After all, humans can’t fuse either, and they get along just fine.”
“But I’m not a human,” she muttered.
“Humans and Gems are not so different,” Garnet said. “Human society is built on relationships, fusion or not. And our species are capable of building relationships without it, too. Look at Steven and his father, or Pearl and Connie.”
Peridot pressed her lips together, and said nothing. She seemed a little comforted, but not much.
Garnet considered saying something more, but decided she wasn’t the right person– or people– for the job.
Peridot’s head jerked up at the flash of light.
Ruby and Sapphire grinned at her.
Ruby grabbed her by the hand, and tugged. “C’mon,” she said.
“Let’s go for a walk down the beach,” said Sapphire.
“But–” Peridot shook her head. “Okay,” she said, allowing the others to lead the way. In a small voice she said, “Wow, thanks.”
The three of them went off together, hand in hand.
