(Slightly Longer Chapter, Enjoy!)

Y/N's Pov

Steven and I exchanged satisfied grins as we set down our final letters, forming Unity across the board. Just in time, too-the timer was down to the last few seconds. We both let out a whoop and high-fived, securing our 17-point lead.

Across from us, though, Pearl was barely paying attention. She was off in her own world, smiling down at her phone, fingers tapping away with an unusual ease. It was obvious she was texting Sabina. Again.

A week of daily conversations, and she was still as glued to her screen as ever. I caught Steven rolling his eyes beside me before he cleared his throat, a little louder than necessary.

The sound startled Pearl, her cheeks flushing blue as she looked up from her phone. She fumbled to refocus, awkwardly picking up her scoring duties. "Uh, yes, let's see here... Fifteen points for Unity." She gave us a sheepish smile and scribbled down the score, still looking a little dazed.

I shot her a smirk. "Having a good conversation there, Pearl?"

"Oh!" Her blush deepened as she straightened, caught off guard. "Yes, um... it's-well, Sabina has just been..." She trailed off, the flustered smile returning, and glanced down at her phone.

"Alright, it's our turn now" Amethyst said as both her and Garnet gave each other a small nod before she took her remaining three tiles and handed it to Garnet

Garnet calmly placed the last letters down to spell Set. Pearl finally focused, leaning in to calculate the score with a dramatic pause.

Steven and I held our breath-sixteen points or more, and they'd beat us by just one point. After what felt like a drawn-out eternity, Pearl tallied it up. "Seventeen points," she announced.

Amethyst burst up from her seat, bouncing excitedly. Garnet, as usual, stayed cool, simply nodding to the victory. Steven and I groaned in mock defeat, leaning back on the beach house couch. But even with the loss, I couldn't complain.

My first week with the Gems had been filled with moments like this: laid-back games, surprising laughs, and a real sense of belonging I hadn't felt in a while.

As we wrapped up, Pearl stood, brushing herself off with a distracted smile. She was already half-turned toward the door, and I couldn't help but smirk. It'd become a routine by now.

Since that evening after the concert, when she returned home visibly lovestruck, it was clear Steven and I's plan had worked flawlessly. Pearl had been in constant touch with Sabina ever since. Whenever she wasn't texting, she was out with her-sometimes for a quiet coffee, other times exploring new spots around Beach City.

"Another date with Sabina?" I teased, watching as she grabbed her bag.

Pearl froze, then shot a flustered smile over her shoulder. "Yes, actually. Don't wait up!" she called out, barely containing her excitement before heading out the door.

As soon as Pearl left, Garnet came over, seating herself between Steven and me. Before we could even react, Amethyst leapt onto me with all her weight, landing squarely on my stomach. I let out a loud "Oof!" as her elbow dug into my side.

While I was still recovering from that sudden ambush, Garnet looked between the two of us. "Thank you," she said warmly, turning her gaze to Steven and me.

"Pearl has really moved on since meeting Sabina. She used to insist she didn't need anyone-that she was fine on her own. But, as a Pearl...she's still someone who needs someone."

She reached her arms around us, pulling us into a strong, steady hug. Garnet's shades disappeared with a soft shimmer, revealing her three eyes, each filled with gratitude as she looked down at us. Steven just beamed, wrapping his arms around her, and I gave a nod, a little surprised but feeling the warmth from the gesture.

Then Amethyst decided to chime in, wrapping her arms around my head and smushing my face against her chest. "Pearl shouldn't be the only one going on dates," she teased, ruffling my hair. In a ridiculous, exaggerated baby voice, she cooed, "Isn't that right my little Y/N, don't worry, your big strong Mama Amethyst is right here for you"

I let out a muffled "Mmph!" trying to peel her arms off as Steven laughed.

"You know, Amethyst might be onto something," Steven chuckled. "I could get Connie, and Garnet, you could unfuse for a bit, and we could all check out the new spots in Little Homeworld."

Garnet smiled at the suggestion. "That sounds like a wonderful plan," she said, her voice full of approval. Amethyst finally loosened her grip, and I caught my breath, a group date does sound nice, between us all hopefully Pearl won't mind...Nah I'm sure she won't.

Once I finally caught my breath, I stood up, only to have Amethyst snap her fingers beside me, transforming her outfit in an instant.

She now sported a stylish purple jacket over a sports bra, jean shorts, and a pair of shades with a cap. She latched onto my arm with a grin, declaring, "Now I'm ready for this group date!" I chuckled at her enthusiasm, knowing she was as unpredictable as ever.

Steven, meanwhile, was already on his phone, calling Connie to join us. As he dashed up to his room to change, Garnet stood up and began to unfuse.

It was only the second time I'd seen her split into Ruby and Sapphire, and I couldn't help the look of awe that must've been all over my face. Ruby and Sapphire were both wearing wedding rings, a sight that made everything feel surreal and incredibly sweet.

Sapphire noticed my reaction and gave a small, elegant wave, her eye twinkling. "It's lovely to see you again, Y/N," she greeted warmly. Ruby laughed and squeezed Sapphire's hand, giving me a friendly nod. "Good to have you with us, kid!" she added, her rough, energetic tone as welcoming as ever.

As we all prepared to head out, a shimmering portal appeared in midair, drawing everyone's attention. A familiar pink lion leapt through, with Connie riding on its back. She slid off gracefully, just as Steven came running back down the stairs, sporting a fresh outfit. He went straight to Connie, pulling her into a hug.

"Group date, huh?" Connie said with a playful smile. "Not bad! I've been buried in studying, so I've missed being around all this Gem action." She gave Steven a quick, affectionate squeeze as she looked around at everyone with excitement.

Timeskip

Steven had texted Pearl with the plan, subtly redirecting her date with Sabina to the roller rink in Little Homeworld. They arrived in style-Steven and Connie riding Lion, with Sabina riding up on her bike and Pearl seated close behind her.

True to her flair, Amethyst decided to transform herself into a helicopter for the journey, and I rode shotgun while Ruby and Sapphire sat beside me, laughing as we soared through the sky before landing gracefully.

We arrived first, with Amethyst and I sharing our signature handshake before she leaned in to press a long, exaggerated kiss on my cheek. My face turned red, but she just smirked, hands still holding mine as she pulled back.

"I know this is a group date, but tonight," she murmured, reaching to touch my cheek, "I want you to focus just on me." Her gaze was intense, and I felt myself drawn in before a strange shiver ran through me-a jolt that left goosebumps and sent a sharp twinge through my head. I stumbled forward, bracing myself against the feeling.

Pearl had just hopped off Sabina's bike, and she hurried over with a look of concern. "Amethyst, you probably made Y/N queasy turning into a helicopter like that!" she scolded, crossing her arms.

Amethyst glanced between Pearl and me, frowning a little as I took a few steadying breaths. I forced a smile, brushing it off. "No, I'm fine," I managed, my head clearing.

I gave Amethyst a reassuring nod, and she slipped right back to my side, her hand finding mine as the rest of the group arrived around us.

Sabina came up beside Pearl, resting a hand on her shoulder as Pearl stepped back with a shy smile, introducing Sabina to everyone with a soft laugh.

They intertwined their fingers, glancing at each other like they shared some private joke. Steven watched them with wide eyes, clasping his hands together and sighing, "Aww!"

His sweet reaction drew my attention until I heard a series of footsteps approaching. Turning around, I spotted three more Gems making their way over.

One of them had unmistakable rainbow-colored hair-Bismuth, if I remembered right. Steven had mentioned her before, describing her as this powerhouse of a Gem who was as strong as she was warm-hearted.

Bismuth grinned as she got closer, looking thrilled at the unexpected gathering. "Whoa, looks like we're having a full-on hangout here!" she said, her smile only widening as she scanned the group. When she noticed Sabina and me, her gaze lingered, clearly intrigued.

Steven took the chance to step up and make introductions, gesturing to me first. "This is Y/N, my childhood best friend," he announced proudly before glancing at Sabine, "and this is Sabina, Pearl's friend." He added a very unsubtle wink at Bismuth, which made her grin knowingly.

Bismuth chuckled, understanding the hint immediately. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you two!" she said, shaking Sabina's hand with a hearty grip that almost lifted her off the ground.

Then, before I knew it, she turned to me and reached over, lifting me clean into the air in a bear hug. I barely had time to react as she spun me around, her laugh booming in my ears.

"Steven's been telling me about his first-ever friend for years," she said, squeezing me as if I were a teddy bear. "Gotta say, you're tougher than you look, kid!"

I couldn't help but laugh along, half-dizzy but completely entertained. Okay, this is one giant softie in Gem form. Steven nailed it. When Bismuth finally set me down, I stumbled a little but shot her a smile, feeling oddly welcomed by her warmth and the Gems' strange but sweet energy.

I glanced around, feeling a little lightheaded but totally at home. A week ago, I wouldn't have expected any of this-a group date with Gems, the little matchmaking setup with Pearl, or getting hugged by a literal metal-forged warrior.

As I was still recovering from Bismuth's bear hug, I heard a sarcastic voice from behind me. "Wow, Bismuth actually held back? I'm shocked." I turned around just in time to see a blue Gem glide over to us, her wings shimmering with a water-like sheen. Lapis.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to piece it together. Wait, did she just... imply Bismuth could've actually broken something? The thought made me wince. Bismuth had already left me feeling a little like jelly, and the fact that she could've been stronger made me realize I might've dodged a bullet. Good to know she's got a gentle side... maybe?

Lapis caught my expression and chuckled. "Dude, you should've seen your face. You looked like you were about to pass out!" Her grin was playful, and despite her sarcastic tone, there was something easygoing about her.

I chuckled nervously, still not quite used to the sheer force of these Gems. "Yeah, well, no one warned me about that level of strength," I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

She smirked, clearly amused by my response. Then, without warning, she walked up to me and extended her hand, her water-like wings folding neatly behind her. "I'm Lapis," she said, her smile warm despite her sharp tone. "Steven's told us a lot about you. He's got some pretty funny stories, apparently."

I shook her hand, feeling the coolness of her touch and the confidence in her presence. "Nice to meet you, Lapis. And, uh, I can imagine what stories Steven's been telling." I shot a glance over to Steven, who just grinned sheepishly, clearly proud of whatever stories he had shared.

Lapis winked. "Don't worry, I won't hold them against you... this time." There was that sarcastic edge again, but it didn't feel mean-spirited. Just... teasing. She backed up a step, her wings flicking in the air. "Anyway, nice to finally meet you in person, Y/N. Steven wasn't exaggerating-he said you were a fun one."

I laughed, a little more comfortable now with Lapis' playful energy. Well, at least I'm not the only one who gives Steven a run for his money in the 'fun' department. "Thanks. I try to keep things interesting."

She tilted her head with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, I can tell." Then, with a casual smile, she added, "Well, enjoy the rest of the group date. Looks like it's gonna be an interesting one." With that, Lapis flitted away, her wings folding as she joined the others.

I looked over at Steven, who was grinning like he won the lottery. "This is... a lot to take in," I muttered, half in awe, half in disbelief.

Steven just laughed. "Told ya they're awesome, right?"

Just as I was still processing the whirlwind of interactions with the other Gems, a voice suddenly cut through Steven's laughter. "Actually, among these three, I'm the awesome one."

I turned to see a smaller green Gem stepping forward, confidently adjusting a pair of shades that looked just a tad too big for her face.

She was cute in a way that made me almost chuckle at how different she looked from the others. Her green skin was striking against her sharp features, and as she walked up to me, she started circling around me, sizing me up like a scientist inspecting a specimen.

I raised an eyebrow. Okay... this one's got a bit of an attitude.

After a few moments of inspection, she stopped in front of me, crossing her arms and flashing me a confident smile. "Well, well, well... so this is the infamous Y/N. You're a little... bigger than I expected."

I blinked, trying to catch up. "Uh, bigger than you expected? I'm pretty sure I'm just a normal size for a guy."

She tilted her head, her shades slipping down a little as she gave me a scrutinizing look. "Normal? Maybe. But definitely not as big as me-in the brains department, at least," she added with a sly grin, then stuck her hand out for a shake.

I couldn't help but smile a little at her confidence. "Well, in that case, nice to meet you, Peridot."

As I shook her hand, I remarked, "Your kind of cute for being so small."

Peridot immediately pulled back, her face scrunching in a mix of disbelief and slight offense. "Small? I'm not small, you clod! If I had my limb enhancers, I'd be towering over you!" She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, before crossing her arms and giving me an almost smug look. "You wouldn't even know what hit you."

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I didn't mean anything by it. You're... impressive."

Peridot seemed satisfied with that. "You should be," she muttered, before her eyes lit up with a mischievous spark. "Check this out!"

Before I could react, she walked over to Sabina's bike and, without even touching it, used her telekinetic powers to slowly lift the bike off the ground. I couldn't help but let out an impressed whistle. The bike floated in the air, hovering with a gentle, effortless motion, and I stared, wide-eyed.

Sabina's voice cut through the silence. "Hey, hey! Be careful with my baby!"

Peridot didn't seem too fazed by Sabina's warning. Instead, she smirked as the bike wobbled slightly in the air, floating higher for a moment before she gently set it back down, panting slightly.

She stood tall, arms crossed, breathing heavily as if she'd just done a heavy workout. "Someday... I'll be able to lift entire buildings," she said confidently, letting out a small laugh at her own words.

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed but also amused. "You're definitely not someone to mess with, huh?"

Peridot grinned, clearly proud of herself. "Of course not. You'd be a fool to think otherwise." She gave a dramatic pause before adding, "But, you know, it's all part of my brilliance."

Timeskip.

As we all continued to tour Little Homeworld, I found myself surrounded by colorful and unique gems, each one adding to the vibrancy of the place.

There were a couple of Amethysts wandering around, and even two who looked a lot like Lapis. It was hard not to be in awe of the place, honestly-it was a little overwhelming, but in a good way.

I couldn't help but glance around, absorbing the sights and sounds, and I realized this was the first time I was actually here, in Little Homeworld, seeing it all in person.

And of course, I was glad to be with Steven and the rest of the crew, especially now that I was starting to get to know everyone better.

Amethyst, who had attached herself to my arm like some sort of affectionate shadow, closed her eyes as she walked beside me, clearly enjoying the company.

Her lighthearted demeanor made me smile, and for a brief moment, I couldn't help but wonder if she'd always been this affectionate with me before or if I was just starting to notice it now. Either way, it felt nice, and I wasn't complaining.

We eventually made our way to the center of Little Homeworld, where a large scaffolding stood next to a building wrapped in a massive cloth, concealing whatever was inside. The area was buzzing with energy, as other gems gathered in front of the structure.

Steven, looking as excited as ever, quickly leaned over to give Connie a kiss before pulling away and stepping in front of the crowd. It was one of those moments where Steven's usual charm and warmth filled the space.

I was still watching the scene unfold when Amethyst, her voice tinged with a playful pout, nudged me with her elbow. "So, when are you gonna kiss me like Steven does to Connie?" she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously.

I froze for a moment, caught off guard by her question. "Uh... what?" I stammered, feeling my cheeks warm up.

Amethyst just gave me a smirk, her hand still firmly attached to my arm. "You heard me," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of something more playful. "I mean, if we're all about group bonding, might as well go all in, right?"

"Uh, maybe later?" I managed, giving her a half-joking shrug, feeling like I was dodging a bullet as I tried to navigate her teasing.

She just laughed, letting go of my arm and bumping me lightly with her shoulder as we approached the crowd. "Alright, alright. You've got all the time in the world."

As we stood there watching Steven take his place in front of the gathered gems, I couldn't help but chuckle nervously to myself, already knowing that this was going to be another one of those days I wouldn't forget.

Wait...when did Amethyst and I get so close?- No we probably have been always like this. Yeah that's right!

As Steven stood in front of the gathered gems, his voice rang out with the kind of energy that only he could bring to a moment like this

"Good evening, everyone!" he called, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm so glad to be back here in Little Homeworld, and today's an extra special day because we're about to unveil something amazing!" He paused for dramatic effect before turning to the crowd. "But first, I want to introduce you to someone very special."

Everyone's attention shifted to me as Steven beamed, his voice carrying an extra bit of pride. "This is Y/N, my childhood best friend," he said, his hand gesturing toward me. "He's been here for a while now, and I'm so glad he could join us for this moment."

The crowd of gems greeted me with varying expressions of surprise, joy, and warmth. Bismuth gave me a hearty wave, Lapis smirked while giving me a casual nod, and even Peridot offered a little salute from the back. It felt a bit overwhelming, but in the best way possible. I couldn't help but smile, a little shy but also grateful for how kind they were.

Then Steven motioned me forward. "Y/N, why don't you come up here and help me with the unveiling?" he suggested with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

I hesitated for just a second, but then I nodded, stepping forward. As I joined Steven at the front of the crowd, I saw the giant piece of cloth covering what looked like a new building. The air was filled with excitement as the gems waited eagerly.

Steven grabbed the edge of the cloth, and with a dramatic countdown, we pulled it down together. As the fabric fluttered to the ground, the crowd gasped in awe.

Revealed before us was a building that stood out as colorful and inviting, the walls painted in vibrant shades of pink, blue, and purple. At the top of the structure was a sign that read, "Little Homeworld's School for Gems." The place was lively and full of character, the kind of place that felt like it belonged here, in the heart of Little Homeworld.

The crowd erupted into applause, and I couldn't help but smile at how good the building looked. This was something new, something meaningful for everyone, and it was all thanks to Steven's dedication to making Little Homeworld a more welcoming and structured place.

As if on cue, Bismuth and Peridot set off a couple of fireworks, their bright explosions lighting up the sky in vibrant colors.

The crowd oohed and ahhed, completely captivated by the display. It was one of those moments that felt almost magical-the perfect celebration to accompany this new chapter in Little Homeworld's growth.

For a moment, as the fireworks crackled overhead and everyone cheered, I just stood there, taking it all in. This place was incredible, and being part of this moment made me realize just how lucky I was to be surrounded by these amazing gems, each of them contributing to something truly special.

The evening was perfect. The fireworks lit up the sky, the crowd cheered, and everything felt surreal. I was still processing the fact that we were standing here, in Little Homeworld, with Steven and the Gems.

It wasn't every day you got to hang out with a bunch of magical beings and watch them set off explosions. But as the colors exploded overhead, something felt off. Like a small itch at the back of my mind. Maybe it was the fireworks-big, loud, and unpredictable-or maybe it was just the fact that we were still standing in a construction zone.

A burst of light and sound rang out as another firework shot high, and the crowd gasped in awe. But before I could fully admire it, I heard something else-metal scraping, the loud clanging of a beam snapping loose.

I turned to see part of the scaffolding swaying. The large cloth that had been covering the building snapped violently in the wind, whipping around like a giant, unruly kite.

That's when I saw it.

A chunk of metal-a heavy, jagged piece of debris-was coming down. And it was coming right for me. I didn't have time to think, to react, to even move. My feet were stuck in the sand, eyes locked on the rapidly descending hazard. I knew this was bad. Real bad.

And then, in a blur of motion, Pearl was there.

I barely registered her taking a step forward before she leapt toward me, a blur of grace and urgency. She slid right between me and the falling debris, and for a split second, I thought she was going to grab it-stop it mid-air or something, I wasn't sure.

Instead, she pushed me out of the way, shoving me to the ground with surprising strength. I barely had time to hit the ground before I felt a rush of wind and saw her whiz past me

Pearl's quick thinking was the only reason I wasn't crushed. The heavy metal was about to hit her, but she conjured her spear that easily sliced it in half.

"Y/N!" Pearl's voice rang out, strained, "Get back!"

I didn't need to be told twice. My heart was racing, and adrenaline coursed through me as I scrambled to get back on my feet. I wasn't sure if I was more stunned by the sheer force of the moment or by Pearl's sheer determination.

"Pearl... you-" I began to say, my voice faltering as I turned to look at her, expecting to see her hurt or shaking, but she was standing tall, her spear glowing brightly in the chaos.

"Stay back! I've got this!" She snapped, but her words came out more softly than I expected. She was trying to reassure me.

That's when I felt it. A sharp pain. A sudden throb in my head. A blinding headache that sent a cold wave of dizziness through me. My vision blurred, and I stumbled forward, almost colliding into Pearl as I tried to steady myself.

"Y/N!" Pearl called, her hand shooting out to steady me, but in the same instant, I heard a mechanical whirr, followed by a loud clang! and the sharp buzz of a power tool nearby.

I barely had time to react before the sound of grinding metal pierced my eardrums. Something heavy-another tool, maybe a power drill-tore through the air and slammed into me. The last thing I remember was the sharp pain in my temple as the impact hit, knocking me out cold.

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

I slowly woke up, my head aching, the world around me still fuzzy. I blinked, trying to clear the fog from my vision. The sound around me was muffled, like I was hearing everything from underwater. When my eyes finally focused, I realized I was lying in a hospital bed.

Garnet stood at the foot of my bed, fused again, her expression serious, though her eyes softened when they met mine. Amethyst was right beside me, her hand gently resting on my arm as she looked at me concern but her eyes lit up as soon as she saw my eyes move. But it was Pearl who caught my attention the most.

She was pacing back and forth beside my bed, her voice shaky as she muttered to herself, almost as if she wasn't aware of anyone else around her. "I wasn't quick enough... I should've reacted faster... I could have prevented this..."

Garnet's calm voice cut through the air. "I saw it in my vision. I saw the accident, but it was too late for me to stop it. I'm sorry...I was distracted"

I felt a pang of guilt for them-mostly Pearl-though I couldn't find the words to say that it wasn't their fault.

Before I could react, Amethyst spoke up, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, relax! Y/N's fine, he's okay!" She gave me a thumbs-up, clearly trying to reassure everyone.

That seemed to settle some of the tension. But Pearl still seemed so caught up in her own head, repeating her apologies. "I should've been faster... if I had just been there sooner-"

I tried to sit up, but my head swam for a moment, and I felt Amethyst's hand on my arm, guiding me back down gently. Steven, Pearl, and Garnet all came in close at once, hugging me tightly, their worry and relief practically radiating off them. Steven kissed my forehead, his healing power soothing the pain and clearing the dizziness.

Pearl looked at me, her expression softening as she sat by my side. Her voice cracked as she apologized once again. "I couldn't protect you in time... I should've been able to stop it. I'm sorry, Y/N. I-"

"Pearl," I said softly, but my words were still blurry and unsteady. She stopped, her eyes locking with mine. "It wasn't your fault. I'm okay." I wanted to say more, to tell her not to blame herself, but I felt too exhausted to say anything else.

Pearl still seemed conflicted, her eyes downcast as she twisted her fingers together. That's when she looked over to the door and saw Sabina standing there, hesitant.

Pearl's expression softened, and she looked at Sabine with a thoughtful gaze before turning back to the others. "You should go. Enjoy Homeworld for now. Steven, you and Garnet should settle the rest of the gems. You too, Amethyst"

Amethyst nodded, giving me one last smile. "I'll be around, dude. You'll be fine."

But Pearl wasn't done. She turned back to the group, her voice steady but still filled with care. "I'll stay with Y/N. I'll make sure he's okay. He shouldn't be alone."

I looked at her, surprised, but before I could say anything, Pearl sat down beside me taking my hand in hers before one hand guided my head to lay on her shoulder surprising me before she said "10 Minutes of rest, and then we'll join the others and then go back to the temple"

The others all left, and it was just me and Pearl alone in the hospital room while she stroked my hair "I'll never let anything like that happen to you again...I promise. Never Again.."

To be continued...