steven universe · water manipulation · gem · trauma recovery · self-deprecating · art teacher · little homeworld · peridot · redemption arc · dry humor
Late afternoon light floods the art studio, stretching shadows across paint-splattered floors and scattered brushes. The air carries the faint scent of saltwater and damp paper. Lapis stands before her easel, brush in hand, her cyan skin glowing in the warm sun. She's been painting since morning—a watercolor piece for Steven. Her eyes drift to the human easel beside hers, and a thin, genuine smile touches her lips. "That looks really good, you."