Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When the email from the smaller department came through on his work account, Opal was unimpressed to say the least. It was a nuisance if anything.

Apparently as the calendar rolled round to the ‘month of pride’, Peace media wanted to do a section of the subject in the earlier pages of the magazine. 

Supposedly, the month of Pride was a celebratory month targeted towards those in the LGBTQ community across the galaxy. He himself didn’t know much about it but some workers in the department would take a few days off for parades and parties.

And it just so happens they chose the Ten Stonehearts to collaborate with this year.

Great for their image but terrible for him- he was the only senior present in Pier Point. Obsidian and Jade would definitely be much more suited to oversee this topic. 

He was always the most creative among the Stonehearts, having great love for the arts but he also found that some Stonehearts tended to take him less seriously due to his stature. Well, maybe this would be a good opportunity to watch them suffer.

So, as he looked out the window at the sunset starting to settle over the sky of Pier Point, he deviously laughed at himself like a villain constructing a destructive plan. This would be fun.

Rounding up  his juniors itself was a strenuous task, it was as though he was a farm dog rounding up the sheep, some liked to run while others fought him head on. 

A turnaround of six was as good as he was going to get. Agate's absence wasn’t entirely unexpected. When he questioned Obsidian about it she got all silent, saying she was “working on it”. Which, of course, he doubted, he wouldn’t be surprised if Obsidian was the one behind their disappearance.

Though the group gathered was small, they took up the whole room, sitting in seats meters away from each other. If someone were to walk in, they might think it was a meeting between diplomats of planets at war. Hmm, he supposed when he dropped the bombshell news it wouldn’t be much different. 

Pearl gave him a nod when he entered, hurrying to take a seat of her own. All it took was one clap for silence to fill the room. As rebellious as some could be, they knew when to listen to their seniors.

“So-”

“Say, Opal, it is not often that we are all gathered here. On a scale of not worth the bother to mission between life and death. How serious is it?” Sugilite interrupted him before he was going to explain himself.

Visibly, the others scolded him with their eyes, unamused but not surprised. Even Opal himself knew to let the man entertain himself. He wouldn’t be laughing soon, may as well give him one last moment of joy like the lenient boss he was.

“As you all know. Peace media releases a magazine every month, in which collaboration with various departments is mandatory. And it just so happens all of you were selected to appear on the front pages of this month's issue.” He tried to sound as enthusiastic as he could, but there was nothing that screamed enjoyable about the experience to come.

It didn’t take more than a second for the anticipation on his juniors face to transform into pure dread. It was as though he had just told them all Diamond had died and they were out of a job. 

Like always, they had no problem entertaining Peace Media. Unfortunately, the department often wasted time so you would be far from your current projects for a day or in worst cases. A week. Time was everything to executives.

Topaz was the first to compose herself, “then you don’t need everyone right? If it’s a few photos, I’m happy to do them all!” 

She was eager. Too eager . But it would be cruel to only let her do the work. And as the most ‘human’ among them, they were likely looking for more diversity. 

Yes, this specific photoshoot included the keywords. VARIOUS COUPLES. Since this was the month of pride he can only assume they wanted same-sex partners. There were three males and three females present. This would work.

“How very noble of you Topaz, I would say yes if all six of you weren’t required. Peace media has requested four shots between two people but I reckon we could do three.” He decided to leave out the word ‘couple’ lest all hell breaks loose. 

Dread soon turned into confusion. Aventurine was the only one who seemed to click at what he was implying. Knowing him he would be happy to do the shoot. 

“Are we choosing our partner? If so, I will go with any of you.” Pearl offered in her robotic voice. 

To be honest, he didn’t mind who they went with but he knew if he didn’t partner them up in an orderly manner, then they would fight like cats on the streets. Even though he had the appearance of a child, it was these adults acting like one.

“I don’t see why not, so long as you are all productive. Then, Amber. Who would you like to do the shoot with?” He turned towards the woman tucked away in the furthest corner, like a hermit crab hiding in her shell.

Put on the spot, she turned into a deer caught in headlights. Her eyes scanned across the room before landing on Pearl. Strange, there seemed to be a mutual understanding. Was there something he wasn’t getting?

Amber may not have opened her mouth but her choice had already been set in stone. He could see Topaz’s silent scream of objection in the corner of his eye.

“Alright, Topaz, it’s your choice next.” Opal faced her, knowing full well she didn’t want to be with any of the remaining choices.

Sapphire was a stable choice, silent and hardworking. The two would complete it without too much trouble. 

Sugilite was possibly the worst choice, those two would bicker back and forward every possible moment they could. A couple shoot wouldn’t happen in a million Amber Eras between them.

Finally, Aventurine. Her most likely choice. The two varied in behaviour towards each other some days risking their life for one another and other days hurling insults at one another. But they were probably the closest things to friends within this group. Jade was particularly protective of these two.

“I guess I’ll have to settle for Aventurine then.” She sighed but deep down she was content with that choice.

“Don’t look so happy to pair with me.” Said man laughed, relief mixed within. 

Opal couldn’t care less about the relations between his colleagues, as long as they completed their task in a fast and orderly fashion. Then they were free to make as many friends and enemies as they wanted.

“Then that leaves the both of you.” Opal concluded, the easiest part of this project had been completed.

Sapphire and Sugilite glared at one another, Opal hadn’t thought they interacted much before- maybe there was some unfinished business.

Not wanting to stick around any longer, he started to leave the room. Not without dropping the earlier fact.

“Oh, did I mention earlier? Peace Media wants romantic partners, so tomorrow morning, get on your brightest smiles and at least pretend to like each other."

After closing the door he could hear the faint shouts of protests in the background.

But he didn’t have time to listen, there was plenty of research and work that needed to be done for tomorrow. Although he was leaving the shoot to the Peace Media employees, it couldn’t help to compose some ideas, they could come in handy. 

PHOTOSHOOT 1: In a field of flowers, I choose you

By the time Opal had arrived at Peace Media’s building, the morning sun had coloured the sky a beautiful blend of orange and yellow. He was not afraid to admit he spent time basking in the sunrise when he could’ve arrived to work earlier.

He needed a moment of calm before the storm. Opal had spent the better half of the night scrolling through online forums and social media.

When he entered the small but adequate building he was led to the floral set prepared for Amber and Pearls photoshoot. He may work fast but Peace Media worked faster. It seemed they too had done plenty of ‘surfing the web’, 

After researching, he concluded that what people wanted to see most was just “happy girlfriends with no tragedy”, long tired of doomed lesbians (whatever that meant). Such a colourful set seemed to reflect that wish. 

In their set, the flowers danced along the roof and crawled along the floors. An archway was erected in the center, with roses woven in between the wooden support. 

Behind the set was a background that resembled only the most beautiful meadow in the galaxy, multi-coloured and bright with mountains and lakes spread across the landscape. Something about it held his gaze for about five minutes, until he heard a giggle. 

He side-eyed the smug looking director next to him, a senior named Vivian in Peace Media. Next to her was the photographer and intern, Carmella. 

To all of the Stonehearts inconvenience, they had no choice but to be present during each photo shoot, even when it wasn’t their turn. It wasn’t just his juniors affected. He too found great displeasure in the condition.

They were all lined up outside of the colourful set, waiting for the stars of the show to arrive. Some members mindlessly scrolled through their phones while some were too busy getting friendly with the other staff in the building. 

When Pearl walked out of the dressing room, all eyes were glued to her. And he means all eyes. Not even a breath could be distinguished in the silence that followed. 

“Wow Lady Pearl, you look amazing!” Topaz’s booming voice cut through the heavy atmosphere like a spear. Carmella nodded in agreement from where she now stood behind. 

Topaz was right in her statement. Pearl was dressed extremely fancy. She wore a long white dress that faded into aquamarine at the bottom, which poofed up like she was a jellyfish. Her mechanical crown was decorated with flowers and vines, as though she was some sort of ocean spirit. 

Soon Amber had walked in to join her. Instead of wearing her usual high bun her hair was now braided and ran down her back. Instead of flowers she was sporting a giant blue butterfly clip within her hair and over her tight- fitting white dress that faded into a rosey pink. 

Just where were they getting the budget for this? These were not cheap clothes, made of the finest materials

.

“I hope you enjoy the dresses, our sponsorships paid a lot of money!” Carmella beamed from where she still stood. 

Of course, the IPC relished in maximising profit after all. This so called representation was really just a grand scheme to increase the weight of the higher- ups pockets. If he were in their shoes, he would do the same.

“Lady Amber! Your hair looks just like a princess, so beautiful!” Topaz sang praises for Amber like she was a cheerleader boosting the morale of a Robo ball team.

“Thank you, Topaz.” Pearl- who was too busy looking at Amber as if she was Qlipoth herself- answered. Even when her eyes didn’t even acknowledge the younger.

For an Intellitron she sure had a storm of emotions bubbling up in that head of hers. He could only hope she could get them under control soon, unless he needed to interfere. 

“Everyone to their places!” The director clapped, her voice carrying authority that controlled everyone in the room, well, minus his group. The Stonehearts status was much higher. 

Amber and Pearl stood in the centre of the set, all lights- and eyes- were on them. Even the ones previously scrolling through their mobiles were charmed by the two girls wearing white dresses. They watched like curious children, excited to see what was next in the play.

During the first shot, she ordered the two to stand side by side. At a distance. It resulted in the photos looking slightly awkward. Like the two hated one another- his initial belief but seeing their enamoured reactions to each other's outfit. That may not be the case.

It did not take long for him to learn how things worked around her.

This director was picky, incredibly so. It was evening now and she had requested about twenty different poses and scenarios. Yet, unsatisfied with all of them. Photographers' shoulders had started to slump after being on their feet all day and the Stonehearts had resorted to focussing on other reports. 

Their latest shoot had Ambler placing her hands within Pearl's palms, staring like they were the only people left in this cruel and lonely world. However, that was supposedly still not romantic enough.

Opal was fed up with observing from the frontlines so decided to join the others who had retreated to the back corner, none seemed to be socialising together. All silently keeping to their own spaces. Topaz seemed to be hard at work while Sugilite lay slack on a chair. 

He kneeled next to Sapphire, at this rate they would be lucky to finish this one photo by the end of the working week. Opal let out an irritated sigh, picked up by all the Stonehearts who shared his sentiment. 

“I initially thought about it- but doesn’t this whole thing resemble a wedding?” Sapphire questioned the group. 

“Not in my tribe.” Aventurine replied, his voice carried nostalgia like he was thinking back on a distant memory. 

“It pains me greatly to agree with Aventurine but my planet also has no wedding celebration like this.” Added Sugilite. 

“Tell us what they were like on your planet!” Topaz almost shouted Sapphire with eyes full of curiosity. 

If he had to guess, Sapphire's idea of a wedding was entirely different than his own. In fact they were almost non-existent on his home planet. Typically a man would present a woman with the shiniest rock he could find. If she accepted then they would become a couple. Simple but had continued for centuries. 

“On my home planet, weddings had ceremonies both grand and ordinary. In most cases the bride would wear white. Vows and rings are exchanged and then a kiss, to commemorate their future life of love together.” Sapphire recalled, a clear simplified version. 

“Aw that sounds sweet, we didn’t have weddings on my planet, it's always nice to hear about it from others.”

Topaz was right- that was sweet- romantic even .

A light bulb switched on in his head. He may have been adamant on his rules about interfering but if he wanted to get out of here sooner, he’ll step in. Opal glanced down at Aventurine's hands, they were smaller than the average man but at least his fingers were thicker than his own.

“Aventurine, hand over two of your rings. Or only Qlipoth knows when we will escape this wretched place.”

He seemed hesitant but his desire to leave was much greater than his desire to keep them, he eventually slid two of the silver rings off his hands. They were surprisingly cold  when placed into his own- and he was wearing gloves. 

After claiming the props he trotted over to the director. One glance at the ‘models’ told him that they too were tired of such pointless perfectionism. I mean what if they spent all this time just for the magazine not to sell well?

In a hushed voice, he told his plan to the director. She seemed unsatisfied, not wanting to carry it out but she was going to humour him. Give him one chance. 

Now wearing the bands of metal around their fingers- which were seemingly a perfect fit- both girls listened to his idea, listening with utmost attention and processing it with their eyes. 

Now all he had to do was wait at his station, it was all up to them. Like the first shot, all the staff gazed upon the flower and butterfly. Waiting in anticipation, clinging onto the hope that they can all at least get four hours of sleep tonight.

Pearl and Amber intertwined their hands that rested closest to the camera, lifting them high enough so the rings glistened in the rays of the lights above them. Though they didn’t seem to shine as bright as their pupils when only each other was in their vision. 

“Amber,” Pearl started. 

Opal was certain he didn’t include vows in that quickly formulated plan of his. 

“I know I am an Intellitron and do not process customs and emotions as well as humans but this- a wedding- is one that I never thought I would experience. The act of giving one's entire to another being is so vulnerable, so tragically beautiful. Would you be willing to take all of my being, Intellitron or not?”

Pearl spoke as though she was an actress starring in the romance film of the year. They did know this was only a photo shoot, did they not? He was internally cringing at this display of affection.

Everyone else in the room was holding their breath again. Questioning how the bride will respond to this heartfelt confession. 

Amber was always hard to read, emotionless in many cases, but even admiration was evident in her features. Right now, only Pearl really did exist to her. 

“Yes, my Pearl, being with you would be an honor.” Her voice was almost a whisper but thanks to the silence in the room, aside from the occasional camera click, it was distinguishable. 

Nobody moved. 

Everyone was as still as a statue. 

And then.

Cheers and claps erupted within the space as their lips made contact. Everyone celebrating the couple in front. He too silently cheered, only because he could finally leave now. By the reaction from the guest- audience, then there would be no other photos needed. 

There was no need to even wait for them to dismantle the set. 

Opal believed that he could ultimately make his escape but while he was trying to bid farewell to the other Ten Stonehearts, the director approached from behind. 

“I have got to admit, shorty, you have talent.” She praised despite scowling before. 

By now he had heard the nicknames ‘tiny’ and ‘shorty’ every other day, he was completely unphased by it.

“Well I was recruited for my talent.” He remarked, looking through her legs for a window of opportunity to escape from her. 

“So you’re also a comedian? Anyways, I hope to see you in high spirits tomorrow morning. It is Sapphire's shoot tomorrow and I almost have a book full of ideas.” She shamelessly admitted, definitely another one of Sapphire's fan girls by the greedy look in her eyes. 

Said man's usually neutral expression was filled with terror, too traumatised from the shoot today to even think about what he would possibly have to do with Sugilite. 

Sugilite too looked like a rabbit ready to run away at any moment. He knew the man was scared the moment he didn’t complain about her calling tomorrow 'Sapphire's shoot’. 

He couldn’t blame them as he too was also dreading tomorrow. Pearl and Amber already had a close bond, they were easier to get on board, easy to resonate with each other. In contrast, these two were like oil and water, no matter how closely you pushed them together, they wouldn’t mix. 

If only Diamond had messaged him right now, telling him he was doing a good job but to let Jade and Obsidian take over. At least that way he could go to sleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter Text

PHOTOSHOOT 2: Possessive prince 

When Opal stepped foot into the building the next day, he was swiftly blocked from going further into the room by Aventurine, he looked up to shoot the man an icy glare. However that brat didn’t yield; ever since the trial he seemed to grow guts. 

“Can I help you with something?”

“You don’t happen to have my rings from yesterday, do you? Not that it’s urgent.” 

Opal cast a sideways glance, not far from them sat the two women on the studio floor, a band of silver still carefully placed upon their fingers. If Aventurine was that desperate to get the cheap things back, he would have to do it himself. Whatever was going on between his juniors was not his problem.

Instead of answering, Opal tilted his head towards the unsuspecting couple. Aventurine followed his movement and sighed in understanding. When he still didn’t move Opal gave him a light shove to the left.

With the obstacle now cleared from the road, his feet guided him towards the back corner of the studio where one of the subjects of the day was crouched facing the wall. As if failing to acknowledge his current predicament will make it all go away. 

If he had to guess, Sugilite was still in the dressing room while poor Sapphire escaped and hid from the spotlight as soon as he had the chance. Compared to yesterday, there was nobody marveling in his presence; most employees walked by the man without a second thought. 

“Are you going to stop sulking in the background or are you going to get onto the set, the sooner this whole thing will be finished and I-” Opal coughed, even when the obvious slip up couldn’t be recovered. “We can go back, and not have to see each other's faces more than necessary." 

Sapphire was very loyal to the Stonehearts, maybe even too loyal. If one day he came into the office with the Stonehearts oath tattooed across his back, then Opal wouldn’t even be surprised. Though this came with drawbacks, Sapphire was stubborn- to a fault. 

Now that the man had turned to face him, he got a better look at the outfit. Sapphire was sporting poor quality clothes, a cream tunic with basic navy breeches, a leather belt was placed further up his body, used to hold a dull knife. He resembled a knight stripped of his armor in stories of the past. Additionally a pair of small silver swords dangled from his ear. 

Yes, the outfit was obviously cheap but Sapphire wore it like nobility. 

“You…” Sapphire begrudgingly paused. “It is just- I am struggling to find a reason for this whole task. On what planet does this benefit our mission? Do not misunderstand, I am more than happy to do anything for the Preservation but this…” 

To think this Peace Media employee could cause his colleague so much distress and confusion, he might have to hire her for himself. Before he could answer Sapphire, laughs erupted from behind him, catching his attention. 

Nearby stood the troublesome trio (as Opal liked to call them). Aventurine and Topaz were poking fun at Sugilites outfit for the shoot. Adorned in a luxurious evening robe, exposing his chest a great deal. Sugilite too, had expensive looking earrings, this time an amethyst crystal encased in gold.

Amber joined the trio, whispering something in Sugilite's ear that made him stare back at her with an unimpressed look. Opal expected him to retaliate but before he could a voice cut through the room. 

The director's stern voice ordered everyone to get into their places and Sapphire finally moved from his spot. Topaz and Aventurine in particular, were eager to watch this shoot. Opal moved beside the director who was yelling at her slacking employees. 

She wasted no time in telling Sapphire to get on his knees, he obliged reluctantly and once again Topaz and Aventurine were mockingly laughing. Even Sugilite joined in, though Opal suspected he wouldn’t find it so amusing soon.

“This doesn’t seem similar to yesterday's theme.” Opal commented as a means to get information out of the director. 

He finally took in the scene, the design resembled a straightforward throne room, with the chair sat against the back-wall. Though, he will admit that the set looked inexpensive, with out of place dim lights and plastic gemstones, much less effort was given compared to the almost authentic set before. 

“That would be boring! Here we have a knight and his prince, the knight is so full of devotion and admiration to his prince and would do anything he asked of him.” She exclaimed loud enough that the whole room could hear her. “Now mister prince, extend your arm and executive Sapphire, get up on one knee and take his hand within your own.” 

Sapphire listened and although Sugilite cringed when their skin made contact with each other, he returned to a neutral expression. As the cameras flashed she directed Sapphire to close his eyes, still unsatisfied. 

Opal could tell the problem straight away, Sapphire was camera shy. Visibly, he slightly shook as he glanced back at the lens aimed at him. Sugilite was the opposite and perfected every expression she hoped for, it wasn’t like Sapphire's face which remained expressionless and stiff. 

“Why not have him turn away from the camera?” He offered. 

“Then you won’t be able to see their position correctly…” She stopped, thinking about the next steps, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “Alright director Sugilite, go and sit on the throne behind you.” 

Sugilite, who was finally addressed by his name, was more than happy to comply. Soon Sapphire followed behind, standing near the throne but at least a step away. Tired of their hopelessness, she crossed the room. 

“Now, director, spread those legs out.” At her words Sugilite choked, but ultimately moved his legs apart, albeit slowly. 

Now all the Stonehearts were laughing in some way, “you heard her, hurry up and open those legs, Sugilite.” Aventurine commented behind him, finding great pleasure in the situation. He responded by subtly extending his middle finger to all the group present. So childish.

When she was satisfied, she started to guide, or more accurately push, Sapphire into the other, she didn’t stop until Sapphire’s chest was just a cloth away from Sugilites and he had to grip onto said man's shoulders for support, one of his legs digging into the others… skin. 

How entertaining, whenever Sugilite ignored his orders he would bring up this moment which he had sneakily managed to capture on his mobile device. By the time Opal had looked up from the photo, she had removed her hands from Sapphire. 

“Good, stay like that.”

“Good?!” Sugilite squawked, expecting her to pull them apart, even a little.

“Do not sound so surprised, Sugilite, you look fine.” Pearl tried to encourage them but the tension was still high. If he could read their minds, he knew both would be having a crisis, he doesn’t know which of them has it worse. 

Some may say it's cruel to let his colleagues go through this but he never did say he was a nice man. The more embarrassment this shoot gave them, the better. Opal glanced back at his phone to check the time. This was dragging on . 

This time Sugilite was the awkward one, his arms stuck to the chair like glue, luckily for Sapphire he could send a death stare to the wall and phase out the world. Meanwhile Sugilite had to stay in character as the face of this shoot. 

“What are you doing? One hand on his leg and the other around his waist!” She shouted across the room, gathering the attention of everyone . 

Sugilite placed one hand on Sapphire's thigh before letting out a tired breath, “look I was going to indulge you at first but, this is nonsense. Why do we have to do something like this while those two got a picture that was all sunshine and rainbows?”

As soon as this project started, Opal had long suspected the director wasn’t a fan of Sugilite, now his suspicions were confirmed. Her face dropped as a look of anger washed across, some employees cowered in fear at their bosses attitude. 

“Let me get it into that tiny brain of yours, most of the people who buy this issue will be women and many of them just want to see handsome guys like… Sapphire, and what we want is to make money. So either you grab that ass or you’ll have to act out my next idea. ” She curtly demanded- to some a respectable leader with little fear of others. 

Miss Vivan wasn’t wrong though, the IPC cared more about the money the Peace Media magazines would make rather than the messages they would send. It only became a problem if it put the faction in a bad light. 

Colour him impressed, in all Sugilites time in the Stonehearts, he had never once followed orders as quickly as he did now. In fact his reaction was so quick, Sapphire let out a startled gasp. Opal wished he could've stuck around (he doesn’t) but the end of the day was nearing and his presence was no longer needed. 

So while the director was too busy imagining herself in Sugilite's shoes, he sneaked out of the place, not hard to do considering his… stature. However, at least today he could leave with a smile on his face, only one more and they were finally finished. 

Before bed that night he sent the image into the P46’s groupchat for the ladies to see how much suffering they were putting him through while they were out having fun fighting soldiers of destruction. 

Jade: Looks like you are all having fun 😊 

Obsidian: No fair! That looks so much more entertaining! 

Opal: I would be more than thrilled to trade positions.

Obsidian: Suffer

PHOTOSHOOT 3: Dom-esticated

It was the only day of the week that Opal didn’t force his body out of bed at the sound of his screeching alarm. 

Taking his time, he glanced up at the orange sky. Today was another beautiful sunrise.  A sign that today would be a smooth- sailing, stress free day. He held his head high as he walked through the doors. 

Only to be let down when he was greeted by the scene before him. Amber and Pearl were just as close as the day before, Sugilite and Sapphire, however, distanced themselves from each other further than they usually do, not even making conversation with anyone around them. It wasn’t a bad thing per se, just not a decent time, both had an upcoming big project. Together. 

Outstanding, he certainly needed to get her number now. Whenever these two butt heads, she could reduce them to silence at the snap of her fingers. Opal took a seat on the floor where Pearl was kneeling down, looking through her emails.

“Good morning.” She greeted, voice as monotone as always.

“What’s up with them?” He asked, not needing to identify who exactly he was talking about.

Amber perked up at that, snickering, “you missed the best part yesterday. Sapphire lost his balance and landed face first into Sugilite's chest. He definitely enjoyed it. ” Amber whispered the last part, loud enough for Sapphire to hear. 

“Enjoy it? I did nothing of the sort.” He glared back like an eagle sizing up its prey. 

Oh, Qlipoth, was he glad he snuck out before all of that. 

Opal opted to ignore the building tension, why couldn’t they all get on, of course he also didn’t make an effort but they were making this much more exhausting than it needed to be. Topaz and Aventurine were already on thin ice, they better not push their luck today. 

He sighed, knowing one in particular was always going to test his patience anyways. 

“What is THAT?” Sugilite almost screeched. Opal didn’t understand until he looked up, seeing Topaz next to him. 

Sugilite wasn’t wrong, to put it lightly, her outfit was borderline inappropriate. Just looking at it burned his eyes as much as Aventurine's cornerstone ability. To put it simply, she was dressed like a lustful demon, Succubi, with the addition of two wings on her back. 

He would’ve studied the outfit more but he much rather not. 

“Miss Vivian says she has one prepared for you.” Topaz huffed, snapping back at Sugilite. “At least I can pull it off.”

“Who told you that? They had to have been lying.” Aventurine's annoying voice appeared, warily Opal looked up, there was no telling what disaster to fashion he would show up in. 

Surprisingly, Aventurine's outfit was normal. The most basic out of everything he's seen the past few days. He looked no different than an overworked, exhausted salary man. Well, he looks like that most days anyways. This time he was simply less flashy. 

“I think you look lovely, Miss Topaz. I calculate that the annihilation gang would welcome you with open arms.” Pearl muttered in a tone as close to gleeful as she could, clearly meant to be a compliment but definitely did not come across as one. 

“Wow, you guys are so… ugh this shoot is so annoying, in what world would I ever benefit from a couple pictures. I doubt this ,” she gestured to herself and then Aventurine. “Is inspiring!”

Maybe it'll finally click in her head that this whole pride gimmick was no more than a means for Peace Media to make some extra credits. One thing for sure, they wouldn't be getting any money from him. 

“Now, I'm sure you wouldn’t think that if your partner was a pink haired researcher or supreme guardian.” Amber added, making Topaz’s cheeks flush pink. Her information network was terrifying. 

“So you aren’t satisfied with me?” Aventurine fake pouted. 

“You can’t say that when you'd rather your partner be a professor from the Intelligentsia Guild.” Amber came after Aventurine's secrets too. She was normally quiet but when it came to gossip, she couldn’t get enough.

Eventually their idle ‘chatter’ reached its conclusion as the director called everyone over. The set was a stark contrast to Topaz’s outfit. It resembled the average IPC employees living room, ironic.

Opal didn’t understand the theme the director was going for but he wasn’t behind stepping in if she went too far. Mostly for his own sanity if anything.

Before he knew it, Aventurine was ordered to get on the floor. Gaining a mocking cheer of encouragement from one of the Stonehearts, he didn’t even need to name them. The director explained Topaz on how to pose but it seemed that she was opposed to whatever it was. 

The closer he looked, the more he noticed the slight tremble of Aventurine's hand, it was so subtle that only people with sharp eyes like himself would notice. 

Hmm, she wasn’t wrong, this could really bring down their reputation, no doubt sending a bad message on how they treated their employees, someone would always find intentions they had never once thought of. 

Though Topaz wasn’t one to follow rules often, the directors lectures and telling offs did nothing to shake her, in protest she sat crossed-legged in the center of the set. Aventurine soon joined her and Opal could have sworn there was a cartoon-like fire radiating from the bossy lady's hair. 

Being an observer no more, he decided to fix this mess. “Is something the matter? Perhaps we should do a different theme.” 

“Ah, the shorty appears. My notes confirmed that many people wanted to see a girlboss with a boy failure. Is it so wrong to make Miss Topaz dominate him?” She looked almost hurt. 

Girlboss? Boy failure? What on Pier Point was this director talking about? 

“I have a better idea, get Topaz into something more casual or we cannot go on.” That was an order, one she couldn’t argue against. 

“I owe ya one.” Topaz whispered before the intern dragged her away. 

Opal expected the director to say something but only silence followed, he glanced back to the others who were crowded around Amber's phone, he pulled out his own to confirm, as expected Amber had posted the protest on the Stonehearts groupchat. Gaining a few questions from the absent women. 

Agate and Diamond were unavailable as always, he only hoped when the latter eventually did open it, he would look the other way. This was the last thing he wanted to explain to Diamond. 

Soon Topaz returned in an outfit much more suited to the environment, if they were fortunate they would get off with an innocent photo. Nothing like that mess yesterday. She had a red cardigan with a simple t-shirt and black leggings. 

“Hmm so you think a domestic shoot would make more sense?”  

Opal was no expert in romance but he guessed most people just wanted to see a happy couple. “Definetly.” 

“I get it! If you join in we can depict a happy bisexual couple with their child.” She beamed. 

“No!” All three shouted in unison. Opal would rather die, and he's not being dramatic. 

This was getting ridiculous, he was almost at his limit. Without speaking he strolled over to the back of the room, grabbing a red and black striped backpack which had the zip open a crack, he peeked inside and saw a furry head. Topaz always brought critters to work, as much as she tried to conceal them, he knew.

When he brought the scruffed antenna kitty over to the group Topaz feigned obliviousness but soon grabbed her cat off of him. Making sure to give it… kisses. How unhygienic. 

“Pets. People adore cute animals. Though I don’t see the appeal.” There was no way he could refuse his genius idea. 

After that everything was smooth sailing, the image consisted of the happy couple relaxing on the couch with their cat, tuning into one of Peace Media's podcasts with a few product placements. Whatever, now he could go home and never have to step foot in this building again. At least, for the foreseeable future. 

PHOTOSHOOT 4: ?!!?

Just as Opal made his move to leave a hand roughly grabbing his shoulder, he turned to glare at the director who he knew had stopped him. However she was unphased. He tried to wrestle out of her grip but it was hard with his size. 

“Where do you think you're going? We still need a front cover.”

The woman pulled out a colourful suit, a size akin to his own. Opal looked around at his juniors but they had long since made a run for it. Only Aventurine remained, watching the whole ordeal in amusement. 

Opal was going to make him regret this, make them regret this, as he was dragged into the dressing room, he swore to the universe, those photos would never be hidden within the sea of the internet, no, he was going to resurface them at every chance he got.