Rock on

Chapter 35

Lapis' POV:

"Oh man! I'm stuffed," I said with my palm on my forehead. Clearly, the restaurant at the lighthouse made it their duty to bring out the biggest plates to feast on. "Agreed, at least we won't be having any empty stomachs later tonight," Peridot said with a small yawn as we made our way down the stairs toward the car. "Speaking of which, we need to get going. The band is probably waiting for us at the bar, once again," Peridot said in a bit more rushed tone than her normal self. I nodded in response as we skittered over to the vehicle.

It didn't take too long for us to jump onto the highway and head down towards the bar. I noticed it's a different bar than the one I was invited to a few months ago. New locations, new experiences, I guess. Before we had to get out and dust ourselves off, I heard a low yet long groan coming from Peridot's side. It sounded dragged and tired. "We don't have to do this tonight, you know? We could always just hang around at my place or yours. I'm sure the band won't mind," I said, trying to lift the mood ever so slightly. But I could swear I saw a sweat drop running down Peridot's forehead. "No, no, it's going to be okay. We're... we're going to have fun," Peridot said, almost like she was trying really hard to convince herself.

We walked into the bar, and another strong scent of alcohol and smoke hit my nose. Peridot came in from behind me; I could see she was also slightly disturbed by the atmosphere in the bar. However, we both shook it off and roamed around, in search of the rest of the Sharded Stones band members. At last, I spotted the band and waddled over to them, with Peridot following closely behind me.

"Lazuli! Peridot! About time, nerds!" Amethyst welcomed both of us with her hands behind her head, a smug smirk across her face as she eyed us getting closer to the counter. I gave an innocent smile and took my seat next to the rest of the members. "Yeah, took way too long, where were you two off running around to?" Jasper spoke in a low tone, her chin raised slightly as she waited for an answer. "Well..." I started, but was interrupted by Peridot who definitely made her presence known. "Ahem, we were getting something to eat before going to the bar," Peridot said, her eyes planted to the floor. "Not that it's any of your business," Peridot mumbled under her breath as she took her seat next to me.

Peridot was acting strange, more grumpy. I could see Jasper gnashing her teeth. Did something happen between those two? "Alright, shots have been ordered, we got some good cash grab the past few months, so we can have an all-drinking buffet if you really wanted to." Amethyst said in excitement. "Let's not go overboard," Garnet added after Amethyst's sudden outburst. "Garnet's right, not too much for tonight, we have another show tomorrow night," Pearl said softly and confidently. "Yeah yeah, but let's just have fun tonight, man! We've been so busy the last few weeks, we need a break," Amethyst spoke with triumph. "There might be a rave going on a bit later, sounds fun right?" Amethyst spoke with a grin as she leaned over the counter toward Peridot and me. "Yeah, sounds like fun, right Peri?" I said with a nervous smile as I looked over to Peridot, hoping for some kind of recognition. But none so extreme was given. An "mhm" was all that was heard from Peridot.

"Oh! Right on time, baby!" The drinks were carried over to our spot on a tray, a few shots, and what I would have guessed, one tequila. All were placed on the counter, ready to be taken as a shot. "Alright, ladies! Bottoms up," Jasper said with a grin as she took her first shot. Not long after, Garnet, Amethyst, and I took ours, while Pearl just gently took small sips of her tequila drink. I gasped for air once my shot was finished, then looked over to Peridot. All she was doing was swaying her shot in circles while eyeing it slightly. "Peri? You okay?" I was cut off by Peridot using her quick reflexes to take the shot, pinching her eyes closed. "I'm fine," Peridot said once she had finished.

"Alright guys, gals, and non-binary pals! Rave's on!" The DJ's speaker called out to all pupils. "Whoo! Whoo! Alright! I've got some glow sticks, use 'em well," Amethyst said loudly as she jumped over the counter, leaving a few glowing wristbands and sticks on the counter for us to take our own picks. Easily, everyone got their fair share of sticks and wristbands and left the counter, except Pearl, who was just enjoying her cool drink. I took my very own glow stick and looked over to Peridot, but she was nowhere to be seen. I scanned over the bar, just to see Peridot talking to the bartender.