Lapis's eyes immediately lit up, and she stared at me in utter surprise. That distinct sparkle in her glossy eyes had returned, and her shoulders tensed up. "C...c-come with you? Wh-what do you mea-" "Come with me to Empire City, Lapis. There are so many different opportunities out there...we can thrive...you and I." I cut her off, and explained in very low voice. After about another fifteen seconds of her bright eyes watching me intently, I could slowly see them dull once again as they panned down to the floor. She emptily chuckled.

"Peridot...I'm still...going to art school. I still want to...become an art director." Lapis then murmured, scrunching up her eyebrows. I tilted my head, and pursed my lips for a moment. That's right. I can't force her to make a choice between me and her potential career. I sighed quietly and was attempt to form any sentence at that point. "I could make it happen." I then stated. She looked back up at me quickly with confused eyes. "What?" "It can still happen. You can still go to art school. I could make it happen, Lapis..." I assured, leaning forward. "I want you to come with me. We can make it work." I finished.

I was then taken aback as I spotted more tears spill down the bluenette's cheeks. Did I say something wrong? Can she not do that? However, at that point, I really was set on this. I furrowed my eyebrows, and maintained a stern expression to exhibit my determination. If she doesn't want to, then you will leave without her. Don't lose sight of what you still want, Peridot, I thought. My expression then began to soften as soon as that thought popped into my head. What you still...want... "I never thought I'd ever hear those words from you again, Peridot." Lapis then piped up, and I snapped out of my train of thought.

I parted my lips, and a hot blush suddenly crept onto my face, nearly spreading to my ears. I shook my head and grunted, clamping my hand over the lower half of my face hurriedly. I quickly glanced away, furrowing my eyebrows much deeper now. "J-just come with me. Before I change my goddamn mind." I grunted, refusing to look back at her. I was startled by the noise of Lapis chuckling again, and my hand tightened over my face. "Okay. I'll go." she stated, and I carefully side-glanced her. A crooked smile was displayed across her lips, and I couldn't tear my gaze away anymore.

The bluenette then slowly placed her hands on the floor in front of her, leaning a bit more forward. "Peridot." she whispered softly. I gave her a very quick once-over, then lowered my hand from my face as soon as I felt my blush start to die down. "Please let me kiss you." she then whispered, and my stomach violently lurched. I could now nearly hear my own pounding heartbeat in my ears, and I attempted to gulp as quietly as possible. "I..." I turned away again, shutting my eyes tightly. God, is this a dream? Is this really happening? Did I go in a downward spiral and start doing drugs after I got fired? Am I imagining all of this?

"Please."

...no. I'm not imagining any of this. This was all very real. My heavy eyelids lifted back up, and I reluctantly peered back over at Lapis, who was now a lot closer than I expected. I then fell into the inevitable trap of eye contact with her. I almost screamed in frustration at how easily it was to fall into this trap over and over again with no escape. Now it seemed nearly impossible to not kiss her now. However, I said nothing in response, and just sat there motionlessly. Fuck, I can't move. Lapis only inched closer, and I didn't exactly do anything to stop her at this point. Lapis looked very hesitant at first, but when I remained still and unmoving, she took that as more of a cue to continue.

Before I knew it, the very small space between us was finally enclosed. Lapis's eyes fluttered closed first, and a burning red blush was spread across her tear-stained cheeks. My eyes became half-lidded as I slowly began to melt into her embrace. I wanted to keep subtly looking at her, but the deeper she kissed me, the heavier my eyelids became. I finally closed my eyes fully, and that is when I started kissing back with nearly the same energy as the bluenette. I raised my hands, and gently rested them onto her shoulders.

Much like our very first kiss, this felt so...longed for. This kiss felt like something I'd been waiting for since the day we separated. This close contact brought out more emotions I had no idea I was even repressing in the first place. God, I missed her. I missed her so much...I missed the way she looked at me. I missed the way she talked to me. I missed the way she touched me so softly. I definitely...missed the way she kissed me. My arms then snaked around Lapis's neck, and I leaned back only a little bit to pull her closer now. Her hands rested on the floor on either side of my hips.

My finger traced along the hairline on the back of her neck.

I definitely missed her.