What's Freedom? (Yellow Pearl x Human Reader)

Work Day

You rose the following morning to find a clean towel and wash cloth had been delivered from the laundry room ("I noticed you fetched one of each of those yesterday, [Y/N]"). A shower and a trip to the kitchen found you with a face full of--cinnamon? Pecan?

"Belgian waffles! As per last night's episode of the cooking show." Pearl handed you the fork and plate and stood at your side as you wolfed it down.

"Amazing."

"Might I inquire as to our agenda today?" She asked as she snatched the empty plate away to be washed.

"...Huh? Oh, what we're doing--well, today I'll be working at my store, and we could use an extra cashier if you'd like? I'll explain on the way."

She followed you out to the car, her elegant, businesslike stride inspiring you to correct your own posture. You were a business owner after all.

"So basically," you told her as you drove, "general stores are full of, well, general stuff that people 'buy'--that thing we were doing yesterday in town, you remember? And you recall the guy who was scanning the stuff so the machine adds up what it all costs? I thought that would be right up your alley."

"All right," she accepted. "And how will I know which of these 'alleys' is mine?"

------

"Dahlia, your ship has come in!" You announced upon entry through the doors. "Jorge won't have to cover your breaks after all." You gestured to the Gem, who was looking out the window in confusion for this "ship."

A squat woman with messed hair looked up from the cash register, not even pausing the flow of items over the scanner. "You found help?"

"Sure did. This is Pearl, my new roommate. See Pearl, it's basically just sliding items over that scanner until they beep. Dahlia here will fill you in on details."

You had to walk off at that point, as you saw some manager-ly business that needed your attention.

"Ma'am, your child may ride in the cart. Not you."

------

After signing off on two delivery trucks that you then helped your small stocking team unload, you were well overdue for lunch. You headed to the front to fetch Pearl--

"I don't care if the sale is over; I've been loyal to this store since you opened here!"

Uh-oh. Angry customer. You winced as you looked over to see how your new cashier was handling it...

"I'm sorry, but the sale ended yesterday and that's final." She was not at all phased, with the seasoned look of 'Buddy, I've seen all that anyone can throw at me and more.'

"Now is there anything else I can help you with?" She continued. The customer grunted in response and stomped out the door.

"Nice," you commented. "Hey Ron? Can you take the register until Dahlia gets back? Me and Pearl are going to lunch."

Pleased that you were satisfied with her job performance, your friend happily surrendered the counter to Ron and left with you.

-------

"You're a natural at this job!" You beamed at her, and her nose could not get higher.

"Thank you. The Dahlia human was quite thorough with her instructions."

"And you dealt with that one guy like you've had some...experience?" You hinted for her to explain as you pulled in to a drive-thru.

"Why yes; I've handled many a displeased Gem over the years. They're essentially the same complaints--" she mimicked a deeper, rougher voice, "--'I don't care if the docking bay is no longer taking permanent parking! I have been your Diamond's greatest asset since the start of this project and blah blah how dare you I'm worth a thousand of you--"