“Charoite! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
The violet gem looked over her shoulder,then back over the cliff face. “Go away,Rose Quartz.” The young boy winced,hearing the venom in her voice. It wasn't too long ago that, in a fit of anger, she tried to kill him. She wasn't the first Gem to confuse him for his mother...and she probably wouldn't be the last. Still, Steven knew Charoite was a good person. She was just balled up into so much rage and sadness.
“Charoite...Can we just talk?...Please?” He stepped toward her tentatively, trying to make a move to comfort her. He only got an embittered reply.
“I have no words for you, Rose Quartz.”
“I told you-My name’s Steven.” He pressed gently. He was inches away from her now. She didn't try to punch him...At least that was good.
Silence rippled between them. Steven tried to think of conversation topics-anything to break the wall that was preventing him to reach her. Unfortunately, all he could do was awkwardly stand there, rubbing his arm. “If...” He began. “if you wanna say things to me...About my Mom...Please,don't hold it in. If somethings bothering you,you should let it out.”
Again, he was met with silence, but the violet gem was shaking violently. On reflex, the boy summoned his shield to fend of an attack. It took a moment to realize she was crying.
“I gave up everything...My Title, my rank,my honor...All for this damned rebellion. All for her...And what did it get me? I lost the love of my life. I lost my home...I used to be someone great! Someone respected! Now what am I?...A traitor...A deviant. A nobody.” She turned to him, her eyes swimming in tears. “Was this worth it? You cant even answer me can you,Rose?...You don't even exist anymore.”
A lump formed in Steven’s chest. Still he didn't back away. “Charoite....I’m sorry.”
“Sorry wont bring her back!! Sorry will never bring her back! She’s trapped on Homeworld and I’m-!....I’m stuck here...I’m just...right here...” She turned back toward the edge of the cliff, her head hung low. “It should have been me...I should have talked her out of joining Rose’s damn rebellion...”
Steven said nothing. He just placed a hand on her shoulder. This time, it wasnt slapped away.
