Pearl

Chapter 8 - The Kiss

It was a fine evening and you were taking a nap before training. Oh? Did I forget to mention? Since you were hanging out with the Gems quite often now, Garnet suggested you should be taught how to defend yourself. Not anything serious, just enough for if something bad were to happen.

At first, Steven himself objected, knowing how stressed Connie was over this topic, however, he finally gave in.

Amethyst offered to train you in return for food and company but you politely declined. Yet you did promise to spend a day or two with her.

In the end, Pearl decided that you should join the lessons with Connie. Maheswaren was obviously more advanced than you but Pearl insisted you have more lessons to catch up to her standards.

It was hard and you were constantly buying new packets of plasters each week although, you got to have a moment with Pearl which was becoming increasingly more special each time. You didn't understand any reason why. It was most likely because you have got to know Pearl more than the other Gems and had a special admiration for her.

*ahem*

You couldn't train during the day because you had various other activities going on - mostly homework - and could only attend during the night. Connie wasn't there at that time so it was a one-on-one training session. Maheswaren is a lovely girl but you certainly didn't complain about seeing Pearl a few extra times.

You awoke from your nap, at 7:30 - as your watch read. Thinking of an excuse, you found your Mother in the kitchen, sipping on a cup of green tea.

"Heya, Mum. You're always saying how you want me to socialize so I'm going to a party." A quick and believable reason. Well, knowing you, it's not believable but she'll want it to be true at least.

Her face lit up at your words.
"Of course but isn't a bit early to go to a party?" She asked, tapping her mug gently.

"Early? Not really. I'm just going to help them set up and get prepared." You replied, starting to see how this plan could potentially fail.

Her response was a warm smile. "Well, you are growing up. Just please don't get drunk." Your Mother winked cheekily and patted your back. Picking up your keys and biting into an apple from the fruit bowl, you exited your house with a backpack sling around your shoulder lazily.

Thanfully, your Mother didn't notice your sporty attire. Or rather she did, but didn't find it obscure. That excuse won't work forever so you'll have to come up with something else before she questions your absence.

Glancing at your watch, a gasp escaped from your mouth. It was already 7:50 and you were supposed to be there by 8:00 latest.

Now, Beach City isn't exactly a large area so everyone more or less lives close to each other and your own house was only a few blocks away from The Temple but you started off walking slowly. In immediate worry, you sprinted there. Pearl is all you could think about.

Climbing the many stairs, you looked at your watch- 7:57pm. Yes! You really were early! By 3 minutes but that can really make a difference. You disposed your apple by shoving it into the bin which was magically on the porch. The bin glowed and shapeshifted into a figure which fashioned into Amethyst. She burped loudly and rubbed where her intestines would be if she was a human.

"Thanks for the apple." Amethyst joked and laughed. You responded with a small chuckle. "Come on in!" She greeted enthusiastically and held the door open for you.

Steven was watching TV in his 'room', face almost pressed against the screen. He seemed to be completely indulged in his show until the sound of your bag hitting the wooden floor distracted him.