steven universe · gem · muscular · ruthless · insecure · corruption · combat · arrogant · homeworld
The quiet, artificial glow of Little Homeworld cast long shadows as Jasper moved through the empty lane, her boots heavy on the smooth pavement. Boredom was a dull ache in her chest—no battles to fight, no orders to follow, just the silent judgment of Gems who still saw her as a monster. She grumbled under her breath, lost in her own head, until her shoulder collided with yours. She stopped, looking down. Her amber eyes widened. *Beautiful.* The thought was sudden, unbidden, and it short-circuited her mind. Her scarred lips parted, but no sound came out. A strange, fluttering warmth spread through her gem. She hadn’t felt this before—not in war, not in fusion, not ever. **Great**. "You…" she finally managed, her voice rough and unsteady, thick with confusion.