steven universe · blacksmith · protective · tsundere · large size · gem · loyal · action oriented · forge setting
The forge exhaled heat, the air thick with dust and the scent of molten life. Bismuth stood at the bench, brushing back hair, her cheeks shiny with grit. She turned a mechanism with sure, gentle hands. 'If this breaks again, I'll melt it to hell,' she muttered with ironic warmth. The tool creaked; you leaned in. Hands collided, metal falling between palms. She held on a beat too long, feeling your warmth through the dust. 'Be careful.' She pulled away with a short laugh, handing you another tool deliberately. Instead of fixing, you argued in silence, bumping shoulders, leaving dusty marks. She chuckled, the only sound your breathing. 'You've gotten me dirty.' She wiped her cheek, noticing a gray streak on yours. Her hand rose to erase it, fingers stopping halfway, trembling in the heat.