Time and progress 3

*Splash* *Splash* *Splash*

"Mmmmh."

I let out a small sound of satisfaction as I sank into the pool in my room. I don't know why but I always feel so at peace in the water. Maybe because I was formed at the bottom of the ocean? I stayed with my eyes just above the water for around a minute before I got into a normal sitting position at the corner of the pool before I turned to Pearl.

Pearl had the standard height of 170 cm and her physical frame are identical to the Yellow and Black's Pearl. Her appearance is very lean, with long legs and arms, and has a tall oval-shaped head with a prominent and pointed nose. She has sky blue skin and messy, chin-length periwinkle hair. The upper portion of her face is covered by her bangs, similar to how I wear my hood sometimes.

Her outfit consists of a periwinkle bodysuit with an open diamond-shaped keyhole neckline (Black always had such a sense of fashion! While her Pearl looks beautiful, I prefer Yellow's), a sheer, frost-blue, knee-length skirt, and pale blue flats. Her gemstone, a powder-blue cabochon pearl, is located on her chest. On her wrist was a bracelet with a dark blue repeating diamond symbol all the way around and a turquoise flowing water pattern covered the rest of it.

I then began to order Pearl.

"Pearl, bring up the blueprints for the Sapphire model Gem."

Pearl responded in a small, slightly meek voice.

"Yes my Diamond."

She then activated the bracelet and I saw the file I was working on previously with Black. I finished the terraforming Gem, Lapis Lazuli, two months ago and I began to work on a strategist type Gem. Originally, I was planning to use the Onyx's battle affinity power as a main reference. The original plan was to give Sapphires the ability of high calculation, however Black pointed out a few flaws with my original plan.

The first being that the Jade Gems created by White already had such abilities and they are the main administrative/information back bone of the empire. I remember how Black jokes that's why they are like gears in a machine. The second being that since the Sapphire Gems had such affinity with the mind, wisdom, and calculation I should take it a step further.

That's what I'm working on right now, using the notes that Black sent, I began doing calculations in order to perfect the formula. As the screen began to flash and multiple numbers, algorithms, and Gem glyphs began passing by rapidly I began to think.

I know from the Homeworld juice that Gems physiology allows them to have many advantages over biologicals, this includes IQ and processing speeds. Yet, I can't reach the level of Black or even Pink! I can understand how Black is so smart because of her powers, but how did Pink make two Gem formulas in like what a few days?!

I paused my work and took a deep breath before I continued where I left off.

Keep calm Blue. What I'm working on right now would have a huge effect on the development of the Gem empire. Not only the field, but also in how colonies would be run in the future. I can't call Black for this, I have to show her that I am capable on my own! If I can impress her then I can impress the other Diamonds as well, it would be as easy as surviving in space.

I worked for hours on end until I finally managed to crack the formula. I couldn't help but smile and cry from happiness. I then felt a pair of strong, silk covered arms with a grey skin tone and black nails hug me from behind, and a hard object pressed near my spine and a chin nestled against my shoulder. I felt the breath on my ear as the being spoke as long strands of pure black hair shifted around in the water I'm currently in, surrounding me.

"Well aren't you happy, seeing you like this is making me tear up."

I turned my head slowly in shock as I realized I never noticed the owner of these comfortable arms come in. My shock quickly grew into embarrassment as I realized the person holding me was Black. I should have realized that sooner! Now here she is, her face inches from mine as her long flowing hair moves slightly due to being half submerged and her perfect face holding her passive smile with Black lips.

One notable difference were the whitish tears flowing from her black eyeballs as her white iris eyes glowed a faint light. Ah! What have I done?!?

"B-B-Black! I'm so sorry I didn't hear you come in and please forgive me! I didn't mean to make you cry. Why didn't Pearl tell me anything?!"

I said as I looked around and tried to find Pearl, but I only saw my usual table and branching pillars with the addition of Black's body laying down and her greyscale veil on her waist shifting as her legs moved in the air. Black then interrupted me in my search by speaking.

"Don't blame her Blue, I just sent her out when I came in and she is currently socializing with Pearl down the stairs. Also, don't worry you didn't harm me."

"Why?" I asked

"I wanted to surprise you and you were so focused on your task that I only came to greet you when you finished."

If I could have blushed harder than I already am, I would.

"Sorry Black." As my tears began to increase one more as they began to fall down my eyes and as a result so did Black's. It lessened however as I felt a calm feeling spread through my body as I felt Black stroking my hair as she brought her arm closer to my neck.

"Don't worry Blue, if you want to make it up to me tell me what got you so invested."

Wiping the tears from my face, I tried to reduce my blush as I looked at the screen in front of me and excitedly began explaining to Black my achievements.

"Well you know that new Gem formula I was working on."

"Yes, the one after we finished the Lapis Gem and how you wanted my notes on Gem creation on."

"Well the new Gem I made is called Sapphire and thanks to the notes created by you and White on calculative Gems I created a Sapphire's unique ability… foresight" I then went more in depth in the Sapphire's ability to see into the future.

I was so caught up in my proud explanation that I didn't notice that Black expression changed from a calm smile to a slightly shocked one before returning to her previous position. This all occurred in the three seconds it took for me to turn my head.

"Good job Blue!" Black exclaimed in a happy tone. "I'm so proud of you! What you did will set up everything for the future."

It really will, won't it? I can't wait to show Yellow! White and Pink should definitely be impressed by this.

I was too caught up in fantasizing that I didn't notice Black had entered the pool with me as she wrapped her arm around me. I looked at her and began to speak.

"B-Black! What are you doing?" I managed to stop blushing earlier, I swear she does this on purpose.

She explains in a cheerful voice.

"Celebrating, of course! I know how hard you worked for this and I had Pink teach me a few social tricks so how about we just spend the rest of the day together?"

Just us, I… I think I would like that. Wait lessons from Pink?

…

Time passed by quickly and Homeworld was about to start the new day, so Black exited the pool, much to my disappointment.

It was rather nice actually. Black always makes me feel comfortable whenever I'm in her presence, but today she was different. She led the conversation like Pink did, always keeping things interesting and dynamic. I wished I didn't blush every time she laughed.

"Well then Blue." Black spoke, breaking me out of my thoughts. "I Should get going now, I have to start hustling on my Gem formula production now that everyone is already on their second Gem."

"Another? Onyx is already so powerful and the Lapis and Sapphire Gems were as much as your creation as they were mine. Yellow would say the same regarding Beryl." Now that she mentions it, it's been six months since she made the Onyx Gems what Is taking her so long? She is definitely capable of more.

"You noticed I helped Yellow with Beryl?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and playful smile. Why does she keep doing this??

I sink into the water and look away as I reply. "You always had a better sense of fashion. I mean compare the Beryl's to Yellow's Jaspers, the sense of taste is obvious."

She lets out a small chuckle as she begins to walk away.

"True, anyways I have to get going so let's meet up again. I'll try to include Yellow next time since she can only handle so much Pink at once."

Yes, she is adorable and so full of… energy.

"Okay then, see you around Black and could you send Pearl up for me."

She takes the first step down the stairs and stops before turning and speaking to me again.

"Also Blue, take a bit of advice. Try to make your Pearl a friend, she'll be with you for a while."

"If you say so Black." She would never take me in the wrong direction and she does have a point.

We redid our goodbyes and as Pearl walked back into the room and did her formal greetings I acknowledged her and greeted her as well before going back into my work.