Orange stood with 5XP and 7XP, chatting quietly as they waited in the lower levels of White's palace, Orange's eyes turning to the doors every few moments in anticipation of her escort to the ship that would take her to Blue Diamond. She would be flying with a crew piloted by a Nephrite she wasn't familiar with, one of Blue's, who would also be taking her to Yellow's colony later in the month. But what really excited her was that she'd be going alone, without an escort guard. While she would certainly miss her new friends, the freedom of being without guards called to her more than she was prepared for. It wouldn't be like losing them in the palace halls or when it was just the Pearls escorting her. She'd be on her own, no protection, no bulky guards blocking her view, or advising her about things she honestly didn't care about. Just her, the ship's captain and her crew, none of which were made for fighting. The anticipation made her antsy, and the Carnelian's were too polite to tell her her fidgeting was annoying, so they had started a conversation to distract her, but she had gotten lost in their banter, somewhere between the latest gladiator fights at the arena and the new Howlites that had apparently taken up residency in White's palace. For what, she didn't know. She was simply content to sit there, her legs crossed and foot wagging to a random beat as she faded in and out of the conversation, solely watching the doors now.

Her impatience to leave was only made worse by her tiredness. She had stayed up so late with Pearl, she hadn't actually crawled into her own bed until after the sun had partially risen, and then she was being awoken all too soon. She was somewhat grouchy, but mostly just anxious. The prospect of seeing Blue, being away from Pearl for the first time in a long time, being on her own, and going to see a new colony being made. All combined together made for an itching feeling to build under her skin, making her want to get up and move to walk it out, but at the same time the mere thought of moving like that reminded her how tired she was, and reconsidered expending the energy she did have. She wouldn't complain if she was given another bowl of tablets just to munch on until she had to leave. 5XP had expressed an interest in the tablets, and eating as a whole, and while she had spit out the tablets after putting them in her mouth, which made 7XP gag, they both had begun to question what else could be found to try on Homeworld. Perhaps she could send one of them to get some tablets, give her something to mess with to keep her eyes from trying to close while she just sat here.

It took Orange longer than she would care to admit to notice that the Carnelians had stopped talking, standing beside her rigidly and facing to her right. They weren't saluting, but they were certainly in formation, as if facing a superior. Looking over, Orange blinked in surprise as she met Pearl's pale grey eyes, that serious expression of White's Pearl, not her Pearl, flattened out her soft features, blank and yet severe. It was an expression that commanded respect, in the name of their greatest leader. It even made her sit up a little straighter under its power.

"Ma'am." 7XP acknowledged Pearl, 5XP following her lead a moment later.

"Ma'am."

"Pearl?" Orange questioned as she stopped a distance from them, giving Orange a bowed diamond salute.

"White Diamond wishes to see you before you leave, my clarity." Pearl respond, not straightening up until Orange acknowledged her again.

"White? Do you know what she wants?" She asked, standing up and subtly stretching out the tiredness in her limbs, preparing for a walk through the palace and headship.

Pearl's hands fell to a clasped position in front of her, "No, my Diamond."

"I'll return, soon. Wait here." The young diamond ordered the two Carnelians, who saluted her in perfect unison.

"Yes, my Diamond!"

Orange motioned for Pearl to lead the way. "Okay, let's go."

Orange did not mind the lack of small talk, their long night together had been enough, and the silence she knew was more out of Pearl's professional attitude than anything to do with her. Orange waited in anxious silence as Pearl opened the doors to White's command room, the brightness of the room, or more specifically White, was not incredibly welcomed by her eyes, but she certainly wasn't going to voice this temporary discomfort.

"White?" Orange questioned as she approached the eldest Diamond, "Is everything okay?"

Orange had to push down the fear that White was canceling her plans, because she knew that wasn't rational, at least now with White Diamond. White didn't do things last minute and White knew what this meant to her. She, of all people, wouldn't take this from her.

"Everything is fine, my little gemling." White smiled down on Orange, "I wished to see you before you left."

Orange was a bit speechless at this. White wasn't exactly one to do send offs, and normally would have said her goodbyes the day before, especially when the day was already beginning in the city. It certainly made Orange feel special that White had put her own work off to see her before she left for two months. It's not like that was a long time for someone as old as her. But, no matter what it was, it made Orange feel flattered and she smiled all the same, matching White's beaming smile with one of her own- minus the actual light, of course. "I'll be back before you know it."

White regarded her with a vaguely veiled look of curiosity, "You still plan to return to me? You have not tired of Homeworld and my palace?"

"Of course. I..." Orange paused, her yes flicking down to the floor in her embrassment, and even a pinch of shame, "I enjoy my time here, with you, White." She forced herself to look up at White, meeting that kind look she liked to believe White reserved just for her. "I don't think I've ever told you. I'm sorry."

White picked up Orange, her nails pointed away from her in a very well practiced maneuver, gently placing her into her other hand, palm open and facing up, a sturdy platform for her to stand on safely so she was eyelevel with White. "I enjoy having you here as well, my little gemling. It is a welcome feeling I have forgotten, having willing company."

Up so close, Orange could see every detail of White's face, and her pale eyes that were normally lost in the bright luminescence that was her. Up this close, not even White could hide the softness of her gaze as she met Orange's, the way the much smaller diamond was able to read her and see the small lines under her eyes that Orange had come to associate with when one overworked themselves, and the tension of her upper body as she held herself up right. Orange felt bad for White, in that moment. She looked weary, and it was well hidden in her poise and constant smiles, in the curves and brightness that normally distract everyone else. Orange had seen that same look on Yellow, the one she blocked out with annoyance and angry snarls, so no one but those she trusted the most could even chance catching a glimpse.

Orange felt a certain bit of privilege to be able to see this side of them, and she didn't know if White had intended for her to see underneath her mask, but she had, and she held even more respect for the gem in front of her. She who would bare the title of head of their Diamond Authority, founder and leader to Homeworld.

White used her free hand to affectionately pet the back of Orange's head, "It is always wonderful to have you here with me."

Orange never took the time to think about how alone White must feel here, always on Homeworld while everyone else was traversing the stars. Did she await everyone's return, a welcome to see her family coming home? Orange was so excited about leaving, she had never considered there was anyone else but her small circle of friends that would genuinely miss her.

So when she was held so close to White's face, she acted on an old habit she had stopped doing since she had gotten bigger. She leaned forward, bumping her head against White's, at first startling the eldest diamond before she chuckled softly, accepting the soft head bump so close to her gem. A charming tradition they hadn't done in a long time, that seemed to cheer White up from whatever had been bugging her that morning before Orange had arrived.

As a child, Orange had used to attempt to hug White's face, eventually settling for nuzzling her head against her own as a way to avoid any unwanted limbs in eyes, or painfully banging into gems.

So close to White's face, Orange kept her voice low and soft, carrying her love for the eldest gem with it, "I'll be back before you can even miss me."

"Very well. I wish you well, Orange Diamond." White pulled away, Orange righted herself, sitting back on her knees with such a large smile on her face that knew she would feel it in her cheeks later. "Enjoy your time with Blue and Yellow."

"I will." Orange was a little surprised when White didn't set her down, instead holding her for a little longer, so Orange continued talking to fill the silence. "Blue is going to let me see her Tanzanite colony start it's Prime kindergarten. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works outside of a detailed explanation. Recordings just don't compare to personally seeing things."

White Diamond chuckled, "You will make a fine Diamond one day, with that keen interest of yours."

"I know." Orange grinned, feeling quite pleased with herself at gaining a complement like that from White. "I've begun to look forward to when I'll have that chance to have my own colony."

White tucked her head down a notch, settling Orange with a slightly more serious expression, but the warmth from their interaction was still plain to see. "That's a far away time. You should concentrate on now."

"I know." The younger Diamond nodded, "But I still look forward to it all the same."

White gave her a nod, of acknowledgment or agreement, she wasn't sure, and leaned forward to set her down, Orange jumping off part way as she had started to do, enjoying to little rush of the fall, her feet hitting the floor with a tatt! that echoed in the command room. "Go," White urged, "Your ship will be waiting for you, and a Diamond is never late."

Orange turned to look at White over her shoulder, offering her an enthusiastic wave of her hand, "Goodbye, White. I'll miss you while I'm away."

White returned the gesture with a languid one of her own, a mere wave across the space in front of her instead of Orange's more hardy one, "I will see you when you return, Orange Diamond."

The walk back was just as silent as the arrival, and it wasn't long until Orange was standing before the doors that separated her from where she had left the Carnelian's, stopping to face Pearl, who did the same with her, that mask of seriousness wavering slightly under her companion's contagious smile. "Goodbye, Pearl." Orange whispered.

"Goodbye, Orange Diamond. Homeworld will await your return." Pearl responded, her eyes telling Orange all the things she couldn't say.

-----------------

Orange stood next to the Nephrite captain, who to her credit, seemed abnormally relaxed with her so near. Her shoulders were squared, her arms folded behind her back, but she still seemed quite at ease. This was her domain, and Orange was simply a very special guest along for the ride.

After she had typed something unknown into the screen in front of her chair, more than likely orders or a log, she turned to face Orange, bowing at the waist and holding a hand out in gesture to the empty captain's seat. "If you would like to take my seat, my clarity, please do."

Orange contemplated telling her no, that it was her ship, but then she thought better of it. She was a Diamond, and she couldn't be friendly with everyone she interacted with, and it would hardly be right for her to remain standing the entire ride. "I will." Orange nodded, maneuvering around the Nephrite and taking the offered seat, Orange being reminded she wasn't such a small gem anymore when she felt the need to cross her legs just to feel like she wasn't being squished.

Nephrite was obviously pleased with her choice, Orange recalling how fanatical gems could be when a diamond interacted with things, especially things they used personally. It was probably an honor to the captain to have a diamond in her chair.

Nephrite was eager to bark out orders to her crew, and Orange got the impression she was showing off when the gems under her command already seemed to be doing what she was shouting orders about, but she could have also been making sure everything went smoothly. It could cost her her rank if something happened with a diamond on board, and Orange wondered how far up the chain she actually was. Far enough to escort a diamond across open space, she supposed.

Nephrite was the model of a perfect underling, her back ramrod straight and arms drew behind her, standing next to Orange beside the chair, but never close enough as if she were equal to her. "We will arrive at Blue Diamond's colony within the day, my Diamond. Please, if you need anything, you need only ask."

"Good." Orange said rigidly, feeling awkward as she attempted to channel Yellow Diamond's personality, and felt weirdly like she was playing pretend with Pink's Pearl again. "I expect your crew will preform admirably, especially if you were hand picked by Blue Diamond. They seem to be very well disciplined under your command."

Orange could practically see the Nephrite preening under her phrasing words, and she felt a little more confident in dealing with this unknown gem.

"Of course, my Diamond! They are the best of the best. Only the finest of gems to escort you, my Clarity."

To say the ride to Blue's colony in the Hyperes system was uneventful would be a lie. Sure, nothing actually happened, but Orange loved the view all the same. New stars, unknown and unexplored planets and asteroids, obviously not suitable for the Empire if they were not on the chart, but they were a sight to see none the less. They had even passed by a stellar nursery, far off in the distance, but eye catching and breath stealing for someone like her. She got the distinct impression the crew were slightly less enthused than her, but she was hardly going to let them ruin her outing.

Her sightseeing was only ended when they neared Blue's colony and the viewing screen had to be replaced by the face of some no name Larimar, who had to double check their ship was who they identified themselves to be, and then to put on all the airs as she recognized it as a ship transporting a Diamond. Afterwards, it was watching the crew navigate the gravity of the moon Blue's base was on, eyes flicking from one gem to another, trying to catch everything they were all doing all at once.

Sure, Orange knew how to fly a ship like this, courtesy of Yellow, but it was an another thing to see experienced gems like this in their home court. This was their job, their purpose. No one would be better, except maybe another gem who held that same position.

Upon entry, Orange concentrated on the world they were landing on, a rugged, rocky world, that lacked so much vegetation and life that it appeared completely desolate and inhospitable. It was made up of mountain ridges, and deep crags, pits and craters were the planet had been hit by meteors, one so massive Orange could spot where a large, deep scar ran through a mountain, carving an oblong path through its surface. Clouds clung and clumped together to cover parts of the barren earth, peaks of snow and ice poking through like razors.

Directly in front of them was the sole life to the planet, Blue's moon base. It was smaller, in comparison to some of the ones Orange had been to before, but it was still a sight to behold, sparkling metal buildings to house the necessary gems that remained on base at all times, others that would be down on the planet, deployed to set up the kindergartens. Blue's building, the centerpiece to the small cluster of buildings, was light in color, the soft blue glass dome on top almost completely washed out in the light of the system's sun.

Landing was smooth, with minimal orders from the Captain, her crew knew what they were doing, and despite what must have been her best efforts, the Captain looked to be relieved to have finally reached their destination.

The Captain was the first out the door, checking everything was clear before returning and bowing to Orange, gesturing for her to step out. "My Diamond."

Orange stood at the open doorway, over the ramp where Nephrite stood bowed to her, taking in the sight of the base. Her eyes zeroed in on the cluster of gems in front of the base, lined in formation and saluting. A welcome for her. Just behind them, the imposing figure of Blue diamond stood, her hands clasped together in front of her, watery blue eyes focused solely on her. Beside her was her Pearl, as poised and demure as Orange remembered her to be.

"Blue!" Orange yelled, ignoring the way the Nephrite beside her jumped, running down the ramp towards the elder diamond, all pretense of acting poised in front of the ship's crew and everyone gone the moment she had spotted her.

Blue bowed down, arms outstretched to receive her, catching her in her hands and pulling her into a fierce hug, her cheek rubbing against the top of Orange's head as she poured over her with affection and tears. "Orange! Oh, Orange. I'm so happy to see you."

Orange wrapped her arms tightly around Blue's neck, holding on as she buried her head against her own, tears pooling in her own eyes. "I've missed you Blue."

After a lot more blubbering on both Diamond's parts, Orange allowed Blue to carry her inside, sitting comfortably on her forearm as the larger diamond held her close to her chest. Pearl walked in front of them, as to open the sealed doors for her Diamond, leading the way inside.

Blue ran a gentle hand over the back of Orange's hair, smiling at her fondly when she made to brush it back into place with reddened cheek. "You look so well. And you've grown."

Orange glanced down at herself, not even White had noted that little change, not that it was really a big one, and she had begun to think maybe she was imagining it. "Just a little growth spurt. It's nothing." Orange tried to wave off.

"It's not nothing." Blue shook her head, her free hand going up to cup the side of her own face as she sighed, "Oh, soon you won't even fit in my hand."

"I'm not even as big as Pink, yet." Orange pursed her lips, she had mixed feelings about her height. She was already as tall as their largest Quartz, but still shorter than Pink Diamond, still tiny in comparison to the others. Orange glanced up, her eyes flicked over Blue's taunt features, offering her a smile to try and calm her distress. "But, I can still get hugs."

Blue wiped at the last traces of tears in her eyes, smiling down at Orange, "You always know how to make me smile."

"I like to think it's one of my many talents."

"Your still quite boastful." Blue chuckled, "I feared..." the older Diamond's eyes flicked away from the gem in her arms, her smile slipping into a more somber expression than Orange had expected to see today. "I feared after staying with White...and after what happened...." Blue Diamond's voice trailed off, as more tears suddenly started to stream down her cheeks.

Orange blinked, looking down as she reached up, touching the tips of her fingers to her cheeks and feeling that they were wet. Taking a deep breath, ignoring the tears that were falling from her own eyes because of Blue, the younger Diamond reached up and gently touch her jaw, as it was as far as her hand could get, and pulling her attention back to her.

"It's okay Blue, really." Orange grinned a wide, toothy smile that she knew would reassure the incredibly empathic Diamond holding her, "It wasn't so bad, and look," Orange held her other hand up, away from herself and Blue, allowing her hand to glow brightly with an orange flare that licked at the air, "I can control myself a lot better, isn't this neat? I can't wait to show Yellow."

Blue gasped, her mood shifting from upset to amazement rapidly as she watched Orange roll her fingers, making the aura of light around her flip and move before finally extinguishing it. Blue's eyes were practically shining in awe at the little gem in her arms, "Look at you. I'm so proud of you, Orange!"

"Really?" Orange breathed out, always surprised when she heard that word directed at her.

"Of course I am." Blue brushed the long bangs that fell into her face back, it immediately falling back into place, "You've come so far from that little gem who threw a fit when Pink had to be separated from you for the first time. I didn't think I'd ever get you to stop crying."

Orange's cheeks lit up and she tucked her chin down, adverting her eyes from her fellow Diamond's, "Please, Blue. That's embarrassing."

Chuckling softly, Blue looked away briefly as she followed Pearl into the next room, the main level of the moon base, and taking the staircase to the upper levels. "Is it? Oh, and I only have so long with you, then you'll be back on Homeworld. I've become so used to having you around at this time of year."

"We can visit when you return to Homeworld, Blue." Orange reminded her gently, "And, I'm only a call away."

This seemed to comfort Blue considerably, if her wide smile was anything to go by. "That's true. Thank you, Orange."

"I don't like it when you cry. So, let's not dwell on what we wish wasn't changing." Orange looked behind her, twisting slightly to look up the remaining stairs. "Isn't your colony waiting for you to start the kindergarten?"

Blue's mouth fell open into an 'O' shape, looking incredibly surprised. "Oh! Let's hurry, you wanted to see them set up the injectors, didn't you?"

Orange held on a little tighter as Blue ascended the stairs a little bit faster than before, her tone curious as she asked, "Yes. Are the Lapis Lazulis done? Have I missed them?"

"They have moved on to the next part of the planet. Unfortunately not every part of this planet is viable." She responded, entering the open room on the second level, a very familiar orb levitated off its raised platform, white and glowing in the dim blue light of its base.

Orange couldn't stop the disappointed frown forming on her lips at the news, "Oh. That's an unfortunate waste."

Blue chuckled, "That is what Yellow said."

Blue, with a very well practiced move, bent over, lowering enough for Orange to safely slip from her arm and land on the floor. Cocking her head back, Orange looked up at Blue, her cheeks tinted slightly as she rubbed at the back of her neck. "I guess I've picked up more from her than I thought."

"She'd like that you see it the same way." Blue Diamond turned to the orb before them, Pearl waiting In front of it, her hands clasped together and head bowed in respect, silently waiting for them. "Come," Blue guided her to the viewing Orb. "Look."

They both waited as Pearl interacted with the orb, a quick series of flicks with her hand brought about at first the orb lighting up in a brilliant blue, taking on the outline of the planet Blue Diamond was colonizing, it's continents being outline across the globe before it dissipated into pure light, projecting outward until it filled the room with a view on the planet. Orange didn't know where, exactly, but it was barren and rocky, just in the distance was a view of a cliff side, dropping off into the planet's ocean. The water reflected the sun on the black water, turning it an interesting greenish color.

Another flick of Pearl's hand, and they were given an aerial view. Looking around, Orange observed they were actually standing on a high cliff that dropped incredibly far down, enough that it had Orange stepping back in caution, even though she wouldn't actually fall. Movement ahead of her caught her attention and her head snapped up, her eyes going wide and mouth falling open at the sight before them.

Flying in the air above the organic ladened plateau, were at least a dozen blue colored gems, all with large wings made of moving water, swishing through the air around one another. They grouped into threes, working together as they rose water around them from a nearby stream that cut through the bedrock, flooding the area repeatedly. Orange could make out an area they had already moved on from, and an area they had partially finished. The organic plant matter had been soaked until the loose soil had become so soddened that it had been ripped up and dispersed from its original growth. Other groups of Lapis Lazuli were coming through the cleared, muddy areas, using their powers to work crevasses into the very earthen foundations the others had cleared. Behind even them were deeper cuts in the rock, baring drier, craggy rock of the planet to the air. It would not be long before they had created complete chasms in this section.

Orange made an unintelligible noise of awe from her open mouth, "The Lapis are amazing."

Blue Diamond's eyes swept over the working gem approvingly, "They are quite useful for terraforming these areas."

"They're clearing out the heavily forested areas, aren't they? Preparing them to be made into kindergartens?" Orange turned to look up at Blue, wanting to reaffirm what she believed to be happening.

Blue turned her head, nodding her head once, "Yes. This planet is so heavy with plant material, in comparison to its moon. It is all in the way."

Orange turned back to the Lapis Lazuli, a little envious as she watched them soaring over the open area. "Do you think I could meet some?"

"Of the Lapis Lazuli?" Blue's voice was full of incredulousness that the younger Diamond didn't catch right away.

"Yeah." Orange grinned, "I haven't seen any on Homeworld."

"Of course not," Blue chuckled, "Most are deployed for our colonies, there is no need for them to be on Homeworld for long."

The younger gem raised an eyebrow, "So I can meet some?"

Blue looked away, unwilling to meet Orange's curious eyes. "I can't promise that Orange."

Orange shrugged, "Maybe we can go down to the planet then. That would be easier, wouldn't it?"

Orange took a step back when Blue's face morphed from pointed evasion to alarmed, if not verging on frustrated annoyance. "Absolutely not. That's dangerous, Orange. You could get hurt."

Orange looked away from Blue's intense eyes, her mouth turning down, "Okay."

Blue sighed, reaching forward to touch the top of the youngest Diamond's head, turning her attention back to her, "I know you want to see. Please be patient." Blue did not wait for Orange to respond, motioning towards Pearl with her other hand, "Now, let's move to the Prime Kindergarten site."

Orange's eyes lit up as she watched the projection around them change to a much more rocky area, flat faces of rock, the lines of sediment in layers making a beautiful contrast against darker rock. Around the area were gems moving around with giant injectors, long tubeular machines moving slowly across the surface on metal legs. The giant gem shaped structures on top glittered in the heavy light of the planet. Some of the injectors were stationary while others were already drawing up the rock face, stopping to drill into the rock and place within the material that would eventually form a new gem.

"It's amazing." Orange's eyes sparkled, allowing the moment that had just occurred to slip to the back of her mind in favor of what she was seeing now.

"It is, isn't it?" Blue hummed, "Bringing life to such a desolate place."

Orange paused, before turning to look over her shoulder at Blue, "Are you sure we can't go down?"

Blue narrowed her eyes at the younger gem, her tone taking on the slightly whining sound Orange recognized when Blue's patience was wearing thin, and she was pushing her luck. "Orange."

The younger gem tried not to show her disappointment, looking away so she couldn't see her face and keeping her voice light, if slightly joking, as if she was speaking with the Carnelians. "Okay. I had to ask."

"You're so adorable." Blue breathed out in an awed tone, a complete change from her frustration a moment before, "Your curiosity is so endearing."

"Adorable?" Orange's voice was slightly higher pitched, her face scrunching up at the word, unable to hide the annoyance that tinged her voice as she turned back to her, "I'm not really a kid anymore, Blue."

"Oh, but your still so..." Blue paused, and Orange knew she was rethinking what she was going to say, "you're very young to me, Orange. Believe me, when your centuries older, you'll feel that way to younger gems too."

"Hmm." Orange hummed, her lips pursed in her annoyance.

"Don't pout." Blue's tone had taken on that authoritative tone she rarely used with the younger Diamond, but had obviously foreseen a worsening outcome if she didn't try to reign Orange in now. "Now, you've seen the kindergarten. How about a tour of the rest of the base?" Blue turned before Orange could even agree, Pearl hurrying to turn the observation orb off so she could keep with Blue Diamond.

Orange remained watching the scene of the kindergarten until it faded away. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Pearl pause to reguard her with an unreadable look before she had to move to keep up with her own Diamond. Orange turned around to look as Blue started to walk away from her, obviously believing Orange would already be following her.

"Things have been updated recently. I'm sure you'll like to see it." Blue said.

Orange closed her eyes for a moment before opening them, a smile stretching out on her face. Jogging, she was quick to catch up with the two before Blue could even notice, "Sure, Blue. I'd like that."

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Authors Note:

So i've been thinking of making an ask Orange Diamond and Pearl blog, but i wanted the audience's opinion. yay or nay?