Better or Worse – The Arcana x Steven Universe Future, Julian Devorak x Pink Pearl

[thecrazyalaskan]

Title: Better or Worse
Author: fireweed15
Fandom / Setting: The Arcana x Steven Universe / Steven Universe Future
Characters / Pairings: Julian Devorak x Pink Pearl
Word Count: 881
Rating: T
Warnings / Notes: Written for Round XI of the Hurt / Comfort Bingo: Motion Sickness

it's my bingo and I get to pick the crack ship ♡
and that's the only good thing about this piece, idk just take it

 

Despite the fact that Pink couldn't see out of her left eye, Julian insisted on covering both of them as they made their way from his car to… wherever he was leading her. "Almost there," he encouraged. "Mind the steps, now."

"Juliaaaaaaan—" Regardless of the gentle teasing in her tone, she stepped carefully. "Can't you tell me what we're doing today?"

"And spoil the surprise?" They were walking on level ground once more. "Perish the thought!"

"Okaaaaaaay…" He was adventurous like that—and it was only natural that it would rub off on her, too.

"Okay, we're here," he announced after a few moments more. "Okay, close your eyes—" He waited until she'd complied before gently working the cooler she'd been carrying from her hands. "And open them—"

She opened her eyes, blinking as the light reflected off the water. "Oh, the marina!" Her gaze fell on Julian who stood with arms gesturing widely to the vessel moored nearest them. "And a boat!"

"Not just any boat," he playfully corrected, reaching into his trouser pocket and flashing a few keys. "It's the Lilinka—" He hopped easily from the dock to the vessel's deck—"and she's one of the last skipjacks in Delmarva."

"That's interesting," Pink said sincerely, "but what does that have to do with us?"

"She also belongs to a family friend," he went on, standing below her, "and I have permission to take her out for the afternoon."

She gasped softly, hands coming up to her mouth. "You're taking me sailing?" she murmured.

"It's past time I take the prettiest girl in Beach City out on the bay," he said warmly, offering a hand to help her board.

Pink was no stranger to Julian's hyperbolic, poetic compliments, but hearing the praise made her blush all the same. She stepped down onto the vessel, swapping out her flats for a pair of special boat shoes (You look about Pasha sized, he'd teased) and following Julian to the topmost part of the ship.

"This is going to be fantastic," he enthused. "You'll love it, I promise!"

❀ ❀ ❀

She loved it for exactly two minutes.

Julian had always spoken about being "practically raised" on ships and boats, and it showed in the speed and skillful way he was able to get the ship out of its mooring and onto the open water.

Despite her offers of help, and at Julian's insistence, Pink stood at the bow of the ship, watching the waves. At first the sensation was simply unusual—and then it became uncomfortable. Despite the breeze on the water, she felt almost hot, her head aching like there was some outside pressure trying to crush her. Perhaps worse than that, though, was the feeling of… something deep in her—not in her pearl, per se, but—

The boat pitched with a swell, and Pink felt her vision start to swim, like she was going to faint or poof—and then the feeling of something surging up her throat. Despite her best efforts to act like she was enjoying herself, the feeling made her gag in a distinctly unladylike fashion.

Behind her, Julian signed contentedly, his footfalls becoming louder on the deck as he approached her from behind. "What do you think, darling?"

"It's nice," she mumbled, gripping the railing and willing herself to keep it together.

Julian glanced down at her, his brow furrowed slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"N-no, of course not—" It would have been a convincing lie, had she not retched miserably, her knees going weak as the ship pitched again.

"Easy, easy—" He stepped forward and loosely wrapped his arms around her, gently easing her to the deck and laying a hand on her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"Dizzy," she admitted, closing her eyes and allowing herself to relish the natural coolness of her human companion's hands. "And my—" A hand on her stomach, just over her pearl. "It's not my gem—"

"Nauseous?" Julian supplied, tilting her head to meet his gaze.

"Is that what this is? It's awful," she groaned.

"When did it start?" His voice was calm, even—a subtle reminder that his occupation was doctor.

"When we left the marina," she admitted miserably.

Realization colored his features, and his expression softened into sympathy. "You're seasick, darling—nothing to worry over." He lifted a hand to brush the backs of his fingers against her cheek. "You're alright." A rush of color touched his cheeks—"Though I imagine you're not especially comfortable, either."

"I'm not," she intoned, leaning her head into his touch. Stars, how she wished the water was calmer…

"C'mon, up we get—" Julian's arms tightened around her to gently haul her to her feet. "Let's head home and take it easy, okay?"

"I'm sorry," she said, letting herself be guided, her legs still weak from the seasickness. "I know you wanted to—"

"It's not just about me," he stressed gently. "If you're not having fun then… y'know, I can't have fun either. Now—" He settled her beside the steering gear, instructing her to keep her gaze on a single point on the horizon ("Speaking from experience, it, uhh… it helps.") as he started to guide their vessel back to the marina.

As far as dates went, it could have been better, but, she supposed, it could have been worse.