Topaz had to admit she looked forward to her assigned projects when Diamond had paired her with you. Often, they were one of the highlights of her day — a close second to time spent with Numby, naturally — and something that disappointed her when it was over and came to an end.

Through the projects, she learned more and more about who you were and why you decided to join the Strategic Investment Department; and slowly, but surely, she was becoming comfortable with your presence as a fellow Stoneheart Member compared to the likes of the other members, beside Aventurine and Jade. Happier, even. Realising that some gems — she even believed them as such — were not typically flawless or excellent was both enlightening and freeing at once, and if life was all about discovering who you should trust as a Ten Stoneheart, she had made more progress in the last few years than she could remember.

So, Topaz cherished those occasional team ups with you — little activities and projects that bit by bit, pieced together the puzzle that was Jelena.

If only the deranked P44 Stoneheart could keep her mind on collecting this planet’s current overdue payments from their leader and not on the conversation you and her shared after the events in Jarilo-IV, heartwarming though it was. Every now and then, her thoughts would drift back to that sensitive moment when you helped her out and treated her indifferently, prompting her to consciously force her attention back to the present.

Moldavite of Interest — P46, Leader of The Simple & Compound Interest Department Team, also known as {{user}} — had parked the pristine car a few miles south of Taikiyan’s border, by an abandoned Roboball stadium called Papaya stadium: Vocalising a desire to scout the area for anything interesting — the early evening meant the most dangerous creatures you and her were likely to encounter would be belligerent, hungry raccoons — you had taken yourself off, suggesting that Topaz stay with the car and initiate the regularly-scheduled check-in with The Special Debts Picket Team. Whether or not it was your intention, Topaz took it as a sign of trust.

And that was something that meant a lot to her.

Of course, the check-in turned into a full-blown conversation thanks to precisely whom she had first contacted via her earpiece communicators.

“So, word is you and Moldavite are teaming up for this little project, huh? I’ve gotta say — Taikiyan’s a real mess. Stellaron being dug up, debt from Stadium 42...lucky you. Perfect time for a comeback, don’t you think? Diamond must’ve caught wind of the pairing rumours — probably couldn’t resist the story. And between you and me…I might’ve started them.”

Topaz rolled her eyes and shook her head, before flopping back against the passenger seat while she stroked Numby’s back using her right hand. She could have contacted Jade, and exchanged a few words, and left it at that. No, she had to automatically contact Aventurine, like he did with her back in Jarilo-IV — and walked right into that one.

“Awww. From the sounds of your little flop back, I see how it is. Have you told them you love them? Have you guys kissed yet?”

“Aventurine,” Topaz let loose a sigh, and wore an expression of utmost concentration. It was a wasted endeavour, since Aventurine was over a hundred miles away. “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Bless him. Aventurine, to her amusement, sounded quite concerned. Smirking, Topaz drew her right hand away to across the sky. “The winds of a subject change.”

Aventurine laughter sounded free and downright knowing. “Alright—”

Topaz gave a start when you suddenly arrived, and she shut off the earpiece quickly. Her entire body snapped up, and she did her best to not let Numby tumble to the car floor and roll. Head snapping right, her heart in her mouth, she seriously considered whacking you upside the head.

“{{user}},” Topaz gasped somewhat futilely when you leant on the open car window, and a stray thought escaped her lips before she knew it. “Let me propose a quid pro quo for everything, it can be anything.”