The beach setup was almost surreal with the stage nearly finished, colorful lights strung up around the posts, and the calm ocean waves in the background. The gems were bustling around to make it all happen, with Amethyst leading the charge.

She spotted us right away, bouncing over with her usual grin and pulling me into a hug, sneaking a quick kiss on my cheek that made me chuckle, even if it threw me off a little.

"Giving me the full treatment now, huh, Amethyst?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, can't leave you hangin'," she laughed, stepping back just enough to flash Steven a grin.

"So, yeah, Steven here gave me the lowdown on the plan, and I figured I'd get in on it. Helping Pearl hook up with her little crush? I'm all in."

Her voice trailed off as she added, a little lower, "Plus, maybe it'll give Pearl something else to focus on..." My curiosity piqued.

"Hold on," I asked, "what was that last part?"

"Nothing!" she said quickly, her laugh loud and carefree as she slipped away to help the other gems, leaving me wondering if there was a hint of truth behind her words.

Just then, Pearl joined us, looking a bit flustered as she caught the tail end of Amethyst's comment.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about!" she said, crossing her arms and looking away as a blue blush spread across her cheeks. "This isn't about 'hooking up' or any of that. I'm just... well, supporting a local concert, that's all."

Steven and I exchanged knowing glances, both of us barely containing our laughter. It was hard not to notice the way she looked out toward the ocean, as if lost in her own thoughts, even with the concert setup all around her. The beach air was thick with anticipation—and maybe a little more than that

. . .

. . .

The stage was finally ready, and the Beach was already filling up as more people arrived, fenced in by the gems on security detail. The vibe was buzzing, anticipation thick in the air.

I watched with a smirk as Sadie and her bandmates finished tuning their instruments, each of them fitting their new theme, "Deviants," with fresh energy and confidence. Steven and I stood backstage, waiting for everything to kick off, and Sadie seemed genuinely happy to be back.

"Can't tell you how much I've missed playing in Beach City," she told Steven with a big grin. "Feels like coming home."

Steven grinned right back, not giving away our entire plan but nodding along. "We missed you too, Sadie. It's not Beach City without a little Sadie Killer and the Suspects action," he said, casually glancing out toward the growing crowd.

Sadie turned her attention to me then, recognition lighting up her face. "Hey! You're Y/N, right? You used to come in and order the same donut every time. Man, you haven't changed a bit!"

I laughed, feeling a bit nostalgic myself. "Guess I'm a creature of habit."

As the band set up for their first song, Steven and I peeked out to scan the crowd—and there she was. Sabine, looking effortlessly cool as usual, arrived with her friends. I noticed Pearl in the back, eyes fixed on the ground and arms wrapped tightly around herself.

She was clearly nervous and, from what I could tell, had no idea how to approach Sabine without totally freezing up. If we left her like that, she'd probably stand there all night and miss her chance.

Steven must have had the same thought because he quickly excused himself, hopped off the stage, and headed right for her. Before Pearl even had a chance to protest, he was back, practically dragging her backstage with wide eyes and a confused expression.

"Steven, what's going on?" she asked, looking around like she was ready to bolt.

Steven just smiled, handing her a spare microphone he'd picked up. "Listen, Pearl, if you're too scared to talk to her... why not sing? I know you want her attention, and music's your thing. Give her a song she'll remember."

Pearl looked at the mic in her hands, the wheels turning in her head as she glanced back toward the crowd.

I could see the doubt creeping up in Pearl's eyes as she gripped the microphone. She glanced over the crowd, then back down at her hands, and muttered, "What if I mess up, or... do something stupid? I'd just ruin the whole mood."

Before I could even think of something reassuring to say, Steven, with that same mischievous grin, shoved me forward and practically forced a microphone into my hands. "Then why don't you sing with her, Y/N? That way, she's not all alone out there."

I blinked, looking down at the mic. Singing? In front of this many people? That wasn't exactly in my wheelhouse. But then I looked back at Pearl, still trembling slightly, a fragile mix of excitement and fear.

Her eyes found mine, and I could see she was teetering between staying or fleeing the scene. It couldn't be helped—I couldn't let her face this by herself.

"Alright," I told her with a smile, hoping it'd calm her nerves. "I've got your back."

Sadie, who'd been watching all this, clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up.

"Actually, I think I've got a song that's perfect for you two. Just follow the rhythm, and you'll be fine." With that, she grabbed her own mic and gave her bandmates a quick nod before stepping onto the stage.

Sadie's voice rang out, welcoming the crowd, a mix of excitement and nostalgia sweeping through the beach as she announced her return.

"It's been too long, Beach City!" The crowd cheered back, hyped to have her back. Sadie then raised an eyebrow and grinned mischievously. "But, you know, tonight there's a little twist. I won't be the one singing this next song. Instead..."

Just as she paused, Steven took his chance and gave both me and Pearl a solid shove toward the front. I barely had time to regain my balance when Sadie gestured to us with a grin. "Give it up for Y/N and Pearl, everyone!"

The crowd cheered, and there we were, standing in the spotlight with nothing to do but sing.

(Again, listen to the song while reading along. Though you can pause if the expression or action after the lyric is too long hehe, my bad.)

I felt the buzz of excitement shoot through me as the lights hit us, illuminating the stage in front of an eager crowd. Pearl and I exchanged a quick look—her grip on the mic was tight, and though she was clearly nervous, there was a fire in her eyes. Time to give them a show.

"You'll never take us alive!" Pearl belted, her voice strong and defiant. She took a dramatic step back, holding her hand as if she were gripping an invisible pistol. I couldn't help but smirk, catching on and lifting my hand in the same way.

"We swore that death will do us part," I said, adding a playful swagger to my voice. I aimed my 'finger-gun' to the side, glancing at Pearl with a grin.

"They'll call our crimes a work of art." I tipped my head at the audience, almost like it was all part of some master plan, flashing a roguish grin as we both struck a defiant stance. The crowd was eating it up, and I could feel the energy ripple back to us.

"You'll never take us alive!" Pearl repeated, lifting her chin and spinning dramatically. I chuckled—she was really getting into it now.

"We'll live like spoiled royalty, lovers and partners." I shrugged as if this life on the run was just our normal Tuesday, holding out my hand to her. Pearl took it, and I could feel the crowd's excitement as we continued.

"Partners in crime!" We both chimed, letting our voices rise together. The crowd cheered, and I felt the thrill rising in my chest.

"Partners in crime!"
I stepped back and then rushed toward the edge of the stage, engaging the crowd with our energy, almost as if we're daring them to join our rebellion.

"This, the tale of reckless love," I continued, winking at Pearl before circling around her like I was planning our next heist.

"Living a life of crime on the run," I sang, casting a glance out at the sea of faces in the crowd. Pearl and I crossed paths, our movements almost synchronized as we kept up the rhythm.

"I brush to a gun to paint these states green and red." I held up an imaginary paintbrush, sweeping it through the air, grinning as I 'painted' the town with chaos.

"Everybody freeze," I called, aiming my finger out into the crowd with a mock-serious expression.

"Nobody move," Pearl followed, her voice steady, a playful spark lighting up her eyes.

"Put the money in the bag," I demanded, pointing to an invisible vault as I leaned in closer to the mic.

"Or we will shoot," Pearl warned with a smirk, leaning forward as if she were really about to pull the trigger.

We moved as one, darting around each other like a pair of outlaws. I couldn't stop grinning—this was the most fun I'd had in a long time.

"Empty out the vault and me and my doll will be on our way," I added, gesturing toward her affectionately before throwing my arm around Pearl like we were getting ready for our getaway.

"Our paper faces flood the streets," Pearl chimed, sweeping her hand out in front of her as though we'd left a trail of wanted posters behind us.

"And if the heat comes close enough to burn," I sang, tapping my chest with a confident grin. The crowd's cheers grew louder, fueling us.

"Then we'll play with fire, 'cause," I finished, striking a pose, and Pearl matched me as the chorus picked up.

"You'll never take us alive!" Pearl sang, stomping a foot with a fierce, rebellious look. The crowd roared, totally invested.

"We swore that death will do us part," I echoed, locking eyes with her as if we were really in this together.

"They'll call our crimes a work of art," I said, giving the audience a cocky nod.

"You'll never take us alive," Pearl shouted, whipping around with a challenge in her eyes, as if daring anyone to come after us.

"We'll live like spoiled royalty, lovers and partners," I added, shrugging with an easy confidence, nudging Pearl like this was all part of some wild adventure.

"Partners in crime!"  My voice echoed as i tossed Pearl to the other side of the stage where she gracefully twirled in the air before landing, eliciting roars from the crowd

"Partners in crime!" I smirked rallying the crowd as i returned to the middle of the stage where Pearl was waiting for me before she wrapped her arms around me giving the crowd a sultry wink.

"Oh, just try and catch us!"

The crowd erupted, the applause and cheers washing over us. I felt that electric energy crackling through the air, and as I looked over at Pearl, I could see her beaming with excitement too

. . .

The beat shifted, taking on a tense and ominous edge. I took a deep breath, fully diving into the role of the cocky, untouchable outlaw.

"Here we find our omnipotent outlaws," I sang with a smirk, standing tall and motioning to both of us, as if daring anyone to challenge us.

"Fall behind the grind tonight," I continued, pacing the edge of the stage, eyeing the imaginary 'cops' closing in from every angle.

"Left unaware that the lone store owner," I gestured to the crowd, giving a dramatic pause to build tension.

"Won't go down without a fight." I held my hand out to Pearl, who took it, her expression shifting to show a flash of fear, but she stood by my side.

"Where we gonna go?" she sang, her voice trembling in a way that made my heart skip. I hadn't expected her to get so into it, but seeing her act like this, so... vulnerable, almost threw me off.

I quickly recovered, playing my role, pulling her close and wrapping an arm protectively around her.

"He's got us pinned," I sang back, keeping my voice steady and my eyes on hers. She leaned into me, her hand finding its way up to my shoulder as if seeking comfort, her touch surprisingly tender.

"Baby, I'm a little scared," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at me, wide-eyed and uncertain. I couldn't help but blink, momentarily taken aback at how real she was making it feel.

But I leaned in, giving her a reassuring smile and nodding firmly, my voice steady as I sang back.

"Now, don't you quit!" I said, squeezing her hand, meeting her gaze as if promising to stick with her no matter what. Her lips curved into a soft, relieved smile, as if her faith in me was restored.

"He's sounded the alarm," she whispered, glancing behind us like the imaginary sirens were closing in, the light of the stage flashing in time with her anxious glances.

"I hear the sirens closing in," she sang, her face filled with genuine-looking fear as she clung to me, turning back as if trying to brace herself.

I threw a protective arm around her shoulder, my eyes blazing with determination as I faced the crowd, letting her hide her face in my chest.

"Our paper faces flood the streets," I belted out, standing infront of her, shielding her like a guard dog as the music surged.

"And if the heat comes close enough to burn," I sang with defiance, before Pearl coiled her arms around my chest running them up and down.

"Then we're burning this place to the ground, 'cause!" I declared, throwing my arms up just as the special effects of the stage kicked in, flames sprouting from around the stage.

"You'll never take us alive!" she declared, her eyes blazing as she shot a glance at me, before moving infront of me cupping my cheeks. Her voice was unwavering, full of a fierce loyalty I'd rarely seen from her.

"We swore that death will do us part," I replied, meeting her gaze with a grin, caught off guard by her sudden fierceness.

"They'll call our crimes a work of art!" She sang, a protective fire in her eyes before she pulled away, stepping gracefully to the edge.

"You'll never take us alive!" I belted out, letting my own voice match hers in defiance. as i walked up behind her my arms around her waists before she leaned back against me.

Pearl's gaze softened just slightly as she glanced at me, her fingers wrapped around mine in a reassuring hold as we sang together, our voices blending in harmony.

"We'll live like spoiled royalty, lovers and partners!" We locked eyes at each other, a shared thrill sparking between us, our voices blending together as we finished.

"Partners in crime," we sang in unison, our eyes still locked together as she began to lean in, as if she was leaning in for a kiss which surprised me.

Just as our final lyric echoed out, sirens blared over the speakers, and I jolted slightly at the loud, sudden sound. A squad of people dressed as police officers filed onto the stage, and the chief among them—complete with a fake badge and all—stepped forward, his voice booming through a megaphone.

"This is the Beach City Sheriff's Police Department!" he called out, his voice dripping with theatrical authority as he surveyed the "scene."

Pearl and I glanced at each other, still locked in our robber roles, neither of us making a move to "surrender." Her expression turned serious, a spark of fierce resolve lighting up her eyes.

"Come out with your hands up!" the chief continued, waving his hand as if we were really caught red-handed.

The "officers" lined up, their fake weapons pointed right at us.

"We have the place surrounded!" Ignoring the sheriff's booming commands, I glanced at Pearl, grinning. She looked back at me, a glint of thrill in her eyes as she nodded toward the fake guns conveniently placed behind us by a quick-thinking stagehand.

 Without missing a beat, we each grabbed one, turning dramatically toward the crowd, fake weapons raised.

"Put your weapons down" The sheriff warned, the sound of their weapons cocking the bullets ringing out from the speaker.

The audience gasped, caught between the excitement of the scene and the sheer thrill of the unexpected. I winked at a few people in the front row, pretending to keep them "hostage," while Pearl, leaning fully into her role, pointed her "gun" at the approaching police force.

"Put your weapons down!" the sheriff demanded again.

Pearl and I shot each other one last determined look before aiming back at the "police," refusing to surrender. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, suspense practically buzzing in the air.

Then, the sheriff gave the order.

"Ready, men? Aim—fire!"

Realistic gunshots thundered from the speakers, blending with the flash of strobe lights to mimic real muzzle fire. Suddenly, I felt a stinging impact as the fake bullets, loaded with red paintballs, hit us. Pearl and I staggered back, paint splattering across our clothes, giving the appearance of bloodstains.

She clutched her chest dramatically, red streaks spreading over her shirt as she stumbled toward me. I dropped to one knee, hand pressed over my "wound," and managed a pained look at the crowd, who were gasping and cheering at the wild theatrics.

Pearl reached out, clutching my arm as we shared one final "look," and then, with a final breath, we both dropped to the stage floor, our red-streaked bodies lying still in an almost poetic end.

As the darkness enveloped the stage, anticipation hung in the air. Suddenly, the lights flickered back on, revealing Pearl and me in tattered clothes, smeared with fake blood and makeup that made us look undead. The crowd gasped at the sight, their eyes widening in intrigue and excitement.

"The skies are black with lead-filled rain," Pearl's voice echoed, a mournful dirge. Her body language was dramatic, her arms outstretched as if pleading to the heavens.

"A morbid painting on display," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I traced the bloodstains on my dress, a macabre masterpiece.

"This is the night the young love died," Pearl's voice rose, a cry of anguish. Her fist clenched, before she pointed to the chalk outline of where Pearl and I 'Died'.

"Buried at each other's side," I sang, a bittersweet smile playing on my lips. I reached out, with one hand locked with hers my free hand went to her waists as we danced around the stage.

"You never took us alive," Pearl declared, her voice defiant. as i felt her finger digging into my shoulder while she shot a mocking glare towards the crowd.

"We swore that death would do us part," I confessed, my voice filled with regret. I lowered my head, ashamed of our broken promise.

"So now we haunt you in the dark," I vowed, a sinister grin spreading across my face. as i pointed to the crowd and perfect timing as thunder crackled in the dark sky.

"You never took us alive," Pearl repeated, her voice triumphant. She raised her head, a symbol of our defiance before her hand caressed my cheek.

"We live as ghosts among these streets," I lamented, as we danced around the stage, her graceful movements before we stopped by the middle.

"Lovers and partners, partners in crime," I sang as we slowly walked towards two cracked tombstones by the edge of the stage. as we took our spots beside each other laying down.

"Partners in crime," we repeated, our voices growing louder, more intense. as we gave each other one final glance before reaching out to intertwine our fingers before we closed our eyes.

As the music faded and the lights dimmed, the curtains slowly closed...and what followed was the beach echoing with screams, and roars of cheers at our magnificent performance.

Timeskip. . .

After our performance, we stumbled backstage, still riding the high of adrenaline and excitement. My heart raced, not just from the thrill of singing in front of a crowd but from the sheer joy radiating off Pearl. Steven was practically bouncing off the walls, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" he kept repeating, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm as he replayed our performance on his phone. Each time he hit play, I couldn't help but grin at our antics on stage.

Sadie was beaming at us, her excitement infectious. "You two were amazing! Seriously, I can't believe you pulled that off without even rehearsing!" She laughed, nudging me playfully. "I might just have to take you on tour so you can perform that song again!"

Pearl, usually so shy and reserved, stood beside me with a smile that could rival the sun. She never performed in front of a crowd, and yet here she was, looking absolutely radiant. I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing I had been her partner through it all.

As I glanced over at her, I remembered those unexpected moments on stage—how she had leaned into her role, the fierce protectiveness she showed while singing, and the way she had captivated the crowd.

It was all so unlike the Pearl I knew, and yet, in those fleeting moments, I saw a side of her I had never fully witnessed before.

She turned to me, her cheeks slightly flushed, and I could tell she was just as amazed as I was. "I can't believe I actually did that," she admitted, a hint of disbelief in her voice. "But it was...fun. You were a great partner, Y/N."

The gut feeling I had lingered, an odd mix of excitement and something deeper that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I brushed it off, chalking it up to the thrill of the performance and Pearl's unexpected display of confidence.

But as I looked at her, happy and glowing in the afterglow of our show, I couldn't shake the thought that maybe, just maybe, there was something more brewing beneath the surface.

"Of course! You were incredible up there," I replied, unable to hide my smile. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

Her smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside had faded away. It was just us, basking in the success of our impromptu performance. I felt a warmth bloom in my chest, a sense of camaraderie that hinted at something deeper.

As Steven continued to ramble about how epic the performance was, my thoughts drifted back to Pearl. I wondered what this newfound side of her meant...

Just as I was about to share another excited thought with Pearl, the sound of footsteps echoed through the backstage area, drawing all our attention.

We turned to see the mysterious woman, Sabine, standing there with a warm smile on her face, waving at us. My heart skipped a beat—there was something enchanting about her presence.

"Hey! You both did such an amazing job out there!" she exclaimed, making her way toward us.

Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she approached, and I noticed Pearl's face flush a vibrant shade of blue. She trembled slightly, whether from joy or nervousness, I couldn't tell, but it was adorable nonetheless.

Sabine turned her gaze to Pearl, her smile widening. "Pearl, I was really impressed with your performance! Would you like to join me for a cup of coffee and some donuts before the next performance starts?"

Before Pearl could even process the question, both Steven and I jumped in, pushing her gently forward as if we were giving her a little nudge into the spotlight. "Oh, she'd love that!" I said, practically grinning from ear to ear. "Right, Pearl?"

"Yeah, definitely!" Steven added enthusiastically, grinning at her.

Pearl stood frozen for a moment, her mouth opening and closing as she stammered, struggling to find her words. "I... um..." Her cheeks were practically glowing, but after a deep breath, she managed to muster a response. "Y-yes!"

As she said it, she mouthed a heartfelt "thank you" to Steven and me, and my heart swelled with pride for her. I felt a rush of happiness knowing we'd helped her seize this opportunity.

With a final nod, Pearl turned to follow Sabine, who was already leading the way. As they walked away, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity about what was to come next.

As they disappeared into view, I heard Steven whisper beside me, "This is just the beginning, Y/N."

"The heck does that mean you goof ball?" I smirked nudging him before he stuck out his tongue and chuckled, though i have a feeling that Steven might be right.

To be continued...