After the Credits

Bubbled

After the events of the day…

The long, looooong day he had just experienced… Steven was in total agreement with Amethyst.

Together they stumbled into the house and collapsed onto the couch.

His mom… he had learnt so much about her today.

And he didn't know how to feel.

"I'm not leaving this couch." Amethyst said. "For like, ever."

Oh that's how.

He knew how to feel. He felt tired.

Really, really tired.

"I'm not leaving for two forevers." Steven explained. "I'm going to live here now."

"Mnnn." Amethyst agreed, and then sighed. "I… beat Jasper. Sort of."

"Yeah."

"I mean, we did. Together."

"Yeah." Steven smiled. "Is it everything you expected?"

"No." Amethyst sighed. "Jasper… wasn't what I expected. "She was… a lot more like me than I thought. Even though she came out right, she still wasn't… right… you know? She had her own problems. Insecurities. Failures… She just didn't show it. And at the end of the day she lost, even though she was so perfect. I'm the opposite. I'm not perfect at all," She said into a pillow, "but at least I'm wanted. Now… I feel kind of sorry for her… you know?"

"…Yeah. She wanted to fuse with Lapis again. She got on her knees."

"Please no. We'd all be dead. Malachite was really strong. Alexandrite is a four gem fusion, if you count Garnet as two. But we were not going to win at all before those melon dudes showed up. I still feel the spot where she punched us."

"I guess it doesn't matter now… unless I can heal her."

"Ugh. Just give me a month first okay?"

"Yeah…"

"…Sigh."

"…Sigh."

"Do you think mom really… did that?"

"…Garnet said so, right?"

"Did you know?"

"It was before I was born. But I guessed it." Amethyst. "Even though they never like to talk about the war."

"…Are you ok?"

"Me? She's your mom Steven. Shouldn't I be asking you?"

"Everyone did ask me. And I'm ok. Are you ok? Wasn't she like your mom too?"

"…." Amethyst didn't say anything for a long time.

No one had EVER said that.

And she didn't know what she was supposed to say back.

She just reached over and clasped Steven's hand. "…I'm fine."

"…Wanna play Lonely Blade?" Steven asked.

"Pfft. Only if you step up your game dude."

"I learnt that combo you know."

"Let's do it. Bring the TV over here." Amethyst challenged. "And the console. And some chips."

"…I'm not getting off of this couch."

"…I'm not getting up either."

"…Sigh."

"…Sigh."

Kindergarten Kid

"Where did it go?"

"Home."

Peridot dashed into the barn excitedly.

Then she started to scream excitedly about something or other.

"Isn't it amazing Lapis?" Peridot asked.

"Mn Hmm."

"Are you listening?"

"Nope." She turned the page.

Peridot dropped her hands slowly.

Well, that was lapis.

"Didn't you notice the bubble that just suddenly appeared?" She asked.

"Sure." Lapis replied.

"I did that!" Peridot pointed at herself. "With my exceptional powers!"

In response, a Lapis raised a hand over Peridot's head. She still had her eyes tracking the words of her manga.

At first, Peridot thought the other Gem was going to pat her head, or ruffle her hair, or some other common earth show of affection.

Which was silly.

She was grinning widely.

"Like this?" Lapis asked, and in a moment Peridot found herself in a large blue sphere. With a tap she found herself floating far above the floor, beside her own bubble.

"Uh… right." Peridot said.

Peridot knew very well that Lapis wasn't a normal gem. Such a simple action must be like walking for Lapis.

And here she was making a big deal out of such a small bubble.

"Um… Am I bothering you?" Peridot asked slowly.

"It's Hunny just joined a new hair salon in the big city." Lapis explained. "It's not going well."

"Er… I'll… shut up and let you get back to your book."

"Thanks."

"…."

"…."

"…."

"…."

"Um… I was really proud." Peridot said slowly. "I never bubbled anything before. I didn't… know I could. I'm an Era 2…"

The book snapped shut.

Lapis looked at Peridot floating over her head, face as implacable as ever.

And gave a silent thumbs up.

"EEeeee!" Peridot squealed happily. "Lapis!"

She would have tackled and hugged the taller Gem, but bounced in to the wall of her bubble.

That's what home meant, Peridot thought.

Lapis went back to reading.

Five minutes later Peridot realized she was still trapped in a bubble.

Know Your Fusion.

"Give us the play by play."

Pearl was happy. No, she was overjoyed.

Pure and unfettered.

That's what she kept telling herself.

She had to portray that. She had to give that to them. Her support. Her unconditional love.

Steven and Amethyst FUSED!

Sure, Steven had fused with Connie before. But that was a human.

It was, after all, a secret concern as to whether he could even fuse with another Gem.

Everything was unknown with Steven.

She was so proud. And relieved.

She felt so bad about raining on their parade. But it wasn't about her, even her regret.

She'd apologize later. Right now it was a happy time!

But she couldn't quite hold it.

After hearing the full story from Steven and Amethyst at last, something they should have done from the start, Pearl was becoming progressively more depressed.

"Uh… Pearl?" Amethyst asked.

"What's on your mind?" Steven asked.

"Oh!" Pearl gasped. "Oh I didn't mean to lose focus you two. I'm just… You've both done so, so well. Steven, you've come so far! And Amethyst, you were always full of potential. But now you've become… become…"

"Pearl?" Amethyst asked.

"Strong," Pearl said with a half smile, "in the real way. When did that happen? Why couldn't I notice? Of all people?" Pearl half covered her face in embarrassment. "Oh, it's just such a mess."

"Well…" Garnet said slowly. "That's Sardonyx."

"Sugalite is impulsive." Pearl ticked off on her fingers. "Opal falls apart the second Amethyst and I disagree. And Sardonyx is supposed to be precise and clever but the truth is… she get's carried away more than anyone."

"Pfft!" Amethyst scoffed. "That reminds me. What was up with that audience!"

"It was fun." Steven decided.

"It was cheesy!" Amethyst laughed.

Pearl smiled awkwardly. "I'm just disappointed in myself. I don't' mean to lower the mood."

"I know what would help." Garnet said abruptly. "A toy."

Steven and Amethyst gasped.

Steven jumped to his feet. "Pearl! You want to learn some yo-yo tricks?!"

"Huh? I don't know. I'm not very good at that sort of – Oh!"

Before she knew it she was dragged outside by a gem on each of her arms, Garnet right behind.

But that was good too.

Let them get carried away together.