CJ

I sit on a park bench as I wait for Ruby to show up. I look around the park at the familiar trees. I've been here so much since Ruby and I began dating. This is one of the few place ms we can be seen together.

I hear footsteps and turn to see Ruby approaching.

"That's it," she sighs, "we're going to have to move to the outskirts."

"What'd you just say?" I question, a bit shocked.

"I know. I know. I used a contraction. Can we get back to the real problem now?"

"Yes. Of course. Sorry."

"We need to show Spinel that Silvers aren't bad. I think the way to do that is to meet up with him."

"You mean me and Spinel together in one room?"

She nods with a small smile on her face. I sigh as I try to figure out how this would work.

"Ruby," I finally say, "Spinel and I are not going to be able to get along. Trust me."

"Will you at least try?" She asks.

I look into her beautiful red eyes and groan as I give in. She gives an excited little squeak then jumps up and down. A laugh escapes me and she gives me a playful glare. I smile with her as I think about how much she means to me. I'd do anything for her.

***

I get home after my day with Ruby to see JJ and AJ talking on the couch.

"Hey guys," I sigh.

"Hey, Lover Boy," JJ responds then turns to face me, "everything okay?"

"I guess," I answer.

"Trouble in paradise?"

"Kinda. Ruby wants me to have a 'friendly' meeting with Spinel tomorrow."

AJ spits out her water as she looks at me in shock.

"You and Spinel in the same room without arguing?" she questions.

"Yeah."

"Good luck with that."

I roll my eyes at the two then make my way upstairs. I quickly change then lie in bed then fall asleep.

***

It's the next morning. Sunday. No work today. I slowly get out of bed and yawn then make my way downstair. I hear two voices and smile when I realize it's AJ and JJ.

"I can't believe CJ and Spinel are actually going to have a friendly meeting," JJ says to AJ.

"I know," she replies, "they've never gotten along."

I quietly make my way down the stairs and watch as they sit at the kitchen table as they eat bacon and eggs.

"Do you think it's a little strange that Spinel wants to meet him all of the sudden?" AJ asks.

"What do you mean?" JJ questions.

"I mean, they've never gotten along and now Spinel wants to be friends."

"I'm sure everything's fine AJ. CJ's seventeen. He can take care of himself."

"You're right. I'm just being stupid."

"You're not stupid just protective."

"She may be a bot of both," I say as i finally make my way into the kitchen.

They both jump and turn their attention to me as I let out a small laugh.

"How much did you hear?" AJ asks.

"Enough," I tell her.

"There's breakfast on the stove if you want it."

"Thanks, AJ."

I get breakfast and quickly begin to eat.

"Why the rush?" JJ questions.

"I'm going into town to get ready for tonight," I answer.

"What could you possibly be getting?"

A smile makes its way onto my face as I tell them abut my plan.

***

I walk to the park and see Ruby waiting on one of the benches. I take a deep breath then make my way over to her.

"Hey Ruby!" I greet.

She quickly turns and he mouth falls open.

"What did you do to your hair?!" she questions.

"I cut it," I laugh as I state the obvious, "do you like it?"

"You look amazing."

She kisses my cheek then gets a scared look on her face.

"What's wrong?" I ask her.

"Are you nervous at all?" she questions.

"Should I be?"

"Well, I am."

"Everything will be fine."

"I hope so."

Not a second later, Spinel approaches. My calm nerves suddenly come to life as I watch him walk closer and closer.

"Hi guys," he greets.

"Hi Spinel," I welcome.

"You too," Spinel replies.

We talk for a good half hour about a lot of stuff. From our families to what we want in our futures. I look to Ruby and see a huge smile on her face. I can tell that she's really happy that Spinel and I are actually getting along. We have a lot more in common than I thought. Maybe he can finally see that Gem and Silvers aren't so different.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Spinel looks at his phone and reads a text, he smiles.

"Hey I have to go, Pearl wants to meet up," he explains.

"Pearl?" I ask.

"My girlfriend," he explains, "want to meet up with us later?"

"Sure," Ruby replies, "just let me know when."

"Sounds good," he says, "talk to you later."

"Bye," Ruby and I say at the same time.

I'm so happy that I was able to be friends with Spinel. I look at Ruby and can tell she's overjoyed by all of this. I'm so glad Spinel and I are getting along now. Us fighting hurt Ruby far too much.

"What's with the smiley face?" I tease.

"I am just so happy," she tells me.

"Why's that?"

"Do I really have to spell it out?!"

I give her a pretend confused look as she sighs with a smile.

"Because my brother finally sees the guy I see," she explains.

"And what guy is that?" I say, fishing for a compliment.

"A sweet, kind, generous guy I love."

"You love?" I ask.

Her face gets bright red and she looks at the ground. I have never seen her so embarrassed. It's now or never. I take her chin and have her look at me.

"I love you too, Ruby," I say.

We smile at each other, both blushing. She is so beautiful. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I lean closer to her and she leans closer to me. Our lips meet and we kiss.