Pearl's POV

It's quiet now. The sort of stillness that only exists at four in the morning. The moonlight spills through the window, casting its glow across the room.

I sit at Y/N's bedside, my fingers ghosting over his hair, brushing it aside from his forehead with meticulous care. He doesn't stir, doesn't flinch. He looks so peaceful, lying there, and for a moment, my chest tightens in a way that feels... unfamiliar.

I've done this before-tended to someone, cared for them while they healed. First with Rose, then with Steven. But this... this feels different.

Steven grew up. Rose... Rose is gone. I've moved on. I have moved on. Sabine is proof of that-a bright, wonderful chapter I've embraced. I have someone, and I'm content with her. And yet...

My hand lingers a little longer against Y/N's temple. There's a softness to him, a vulnerability that draws me in, like the pull of gravity. I tell myself it's gratitude. He brought Sabine into my life, after all. But deep down, I know there's more to it.

A soft rustle pulls me from my thoughts. I glance down to see Amethyst, curled up beside Y/N like a lazy feline. She shifts in her sleep, one arm draping over him protectively, snuggling closer.

My lips press into a thin line as something sharp and unpleasant flares in my chest. Annoyance.

It's absurd, of course. Amethyst is reckless, impulsive, a whirlwind of chaos wherever she goes. Yet here she is, wrapped around Y/N like a cocoon, as if she's the one taking care of him. My fingers twitch against the blanket.

He needs to breathe properly, I tell myself. Yes, that's it. He's still recovering, after all. That arm around his chest could be restricting airflow, and it's not safe.

Carefully, I reach out, my movements precise and deliberate. I lift Amethyst's arm from Y/N, her hand slipping away as I gently reposition her on the other side of the bed. She murmurs something incoherent but doesn't wake.

"There," I whisper under my breath, smoothing the blanket over Y/N once more. His breathing evens out, unbothered, and I sit back in the chair, folding my hands in my lap.

I glance at Amethyst again, irritation prickling at me. Y/N is... he's kind, considerate, always thinking of others. Too much, even. Why does he let her cling to him like that? Does he not see how reckless she is?

A small, bitter thought worms its way into my mind. He deserves someone better. Someone who will truly appreciate his gentle nature.

I exhale slowly, shaking my head. No. I won't entertain such thoughts. I'm here to care for him. To ensure his recovery. That's all.

Time skip

Y/N's POV

I woke up to the warm glow of sunlight spilling into the room. My head felt clear, and there was no trace of the dull ache from last night.

Thanks to Steven's magic healing kiss, I was good as new. Stretching out, I looked over and saw Amethyst sprawled out in a very Amethyst-like fashion on the couch.

I chuckled to myself before standing up, brushing off the blanket draped over me. "Hey, Amethyst," I called softly.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she stretched like a cat before grinning up at me. "Yo, feeling better, champ?"

"Good as new," I replied. "What do you say we head back to Little Homeworld? I didn't get to see much yesterday, and I kinda want to check it out properly."

Amethyst's grin widened. "Heck yeah! You know I'm always down for an adventure!" She practically bounced off the couch, looking more excited than ever.

As we made our way to the door, I couldn't help but feel a little buzz of excitement myself. There were so many gems I hadn't met yet, and Little Homeworld looked amazing from what I remembered before the accident.

But just as we reached the door, Pearl appeared, standing in front of it like some kind of guardian statue.

"Uh... Pearl?" I asked, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Sabine?"

Her lips pressed into a thin smile, and she crossed her arms, glancing between me and Amethyst. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Back to Little Homeworld," I said with a shrug. "I feel better, and Steven's healing powers took care of everything. Amethyst and I thought it'd be fun to explore some more."

Pearl's left eye twitched, and she let out a small, almost nervous laugh. "Y/N," she started, her voice lilting in that overly careful tone she used when she was particularly anxious, "do you not remember what happened last night? You were almost-"

"I know, I know," I interrupted, raising a hand. "But I'll be more careful this time, I promise. Plus, Amethyst will be with me. She's got my back."

Pearl's expression faltered for a moment before she can say anything Amethyst suddenly wrapped me in an unexpectedly tight hug. My face was smushed against her breasts, and I let out a muffled "Mmph!"

"No one dumb enough is going to hurt you if they know what's good for them isn't that right. You'll be extra safe with Mama Amethyst" she cooed,

Pearl's POV

I should have been relieved by his words, but the display of affection between Y/N and Amethyst gnawed at me like a splinter I couldn't remove. The way she beamed when he asked her to come along, how easily they laughed together... It was as if the memory of last night's accident hadn't even registered with them.

My hands clenched into a fist as I watched them before I caught myself.

"Y/N," I said carefully, forcing a smile. "While I admire your optimism, I think it's best if Amethyst helps Greg around town today. He mentioned needing an extra set of hands, and she's perfect for the job."

"What?" Amethyst blurted, crossing her arms. "Greg didn't say anything to me about that."

"Well, I just spoke to him this morning," I lied smoothly, my tone taking on a sweet insistence. "He was very grateful that I could spare you to help him."

Amethyst narrowed her eyes suspiciously but didn't push further. Instead, she shrugged. "Fine, whatever. Guess I can hang with Greg."

I turned my gaze back to Y/N, my tone softening as I continued, "And since Amethyst will be busy, I'll go with you to Little Homeworld. That way, I can keep an eye on you and make sure nothing happens."

Y/N hesitated, looking between me and Amethyst. "Uh, are you sure? I mean, don't you have other things to do with Sabine?"

I gave him a gentle smile, ignoring the pang at the mention of her name. "You're far more important right now. I want to make sure you're safe."

He nodded slowly, clearly not wanting to argue. "Alright. Thanks, Pearl."

. . .

. . .

. . .

Pearl's POV

Standing close to Y/N, I couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride. He seemed so curious, his eyes lighting up at every colorful building and every gem that passed us by.

Little Homeworld was truly remarkable-a beacon of gem culture blending harmoniously with Earth. And yet, I found myself constantly scanning the area, my gaze sharp and calculated.

He didn't realize it, but I had already planned this walk in my head. I steered him away from the more rambunctious clusters of gems-the Rubies playing tag, the Amethysts sparring in the distance.

They were too unpredictable, too reckless. Instead, I gently guided him toward the gentler ones: the Jaspers working on sculptures, a Peridot explaining some new gadget to a Lapis.

"Pearl," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment, "you don't need to keep guiding me around like this. I can talk to anyone."

I tilted my head, smiling softly. "I know, but as your guide-and someone who has your well-being in mind-it's only natural I ensure you meet the... calmer crowd. You'll enjoy yourself much more this way."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I mean, yeah, I appreciate it, but..." He looked around before gesturing toward a group of rowdier Amethysts arm wrestling by the fountain. "They're just having fun, Pearl. It's not like they'd hurt me."

My chest tightened at his naivety. "Perhaps not intentionally, but accidents can happen," I replied swiftly, my tone gentle yet firm. "Trust me, Y/N, a Pearl knows best."

He groaned softly under his breath, the blush on his face betraying how he felt. "Yeah, you've said that, like, five times already."

I ignored the comment, adjusting the way his scarf was sitting on his neck, as though even the slight chill of the day might harm him. "It's my duty to look out for you," I said, brushing off some invisible speck of dust from his shoulder. "After all, what happened yesterday-"

"I know, Pearl," he cut in, holding up his hands. "I promised I'd be careful, remember? I don't need to be babysat."

His words stung, but I kept my composure, pressing my lips together in a tight smile. Babysat? Was that how he saw it? No, I was protecting him. Guiding him. How could he understand what it felt like to almost lose him, to see him so vulnerable, so fragile?

As he wandered ahead toward a group of Bismuths polishing metalworks, I trailed behind, my thoughts darkening. He didn't understand yet. But he would. For his own safety, I had to ensure that no harm came to him-not from overexcited gems, not from his own recklessness.

I straightened my posture and quickened my steps to match his pace. "Y/N," I called, my voice calm but resolute, "why don't we take a break? I spotted a quieter area near the garden that I think you'd love. It's beautiful and safe."

He gave me a look-half amused, half exasperated-but nodded anyway. "Alright, lead the way."

I smiled to myself. "A Pearl knows best," I murmured under my breath

(Play Tucked, By Katy Perry)

"No one knows..."
I glance around, making sure no one's getting too close to Y/N as he chats with a group of gems.

"Knows where my mind goes..."
A quick step to his side when a gem gets too excited. I nudge him gently away, a subtle smile on my face.

"I keep you on the low..".
Watching as he laughs with a few, I stay a few paces behind, just close enough to keep an eye on him.

"I must confess..."
He stops to admire a building, and I guide him forward, a soft hand on his back. "Come on, let's see more."

"I've been painting us..."
As he gets distracted by a bright gem, I gently pull him toward me, clearing the way with a smile. "Watch your step."

"The picture makes me blush..."
I catch his smile, feeling a warmth. He looks so happy here. I blink, shaking the thought away.

"My imagination at its best..."
He wanders slightly ahead, and I step in front of him as a large gem walks past. "Let's stick close," I suggest.

"I could put us on an island..."
A quiet thought flashes in my mind as I catch him reaching for something. I gently tap his hand. "Not here, alright?"

"I could put us in a mansion..."
The crowd's getting busier. I slip between two gems and lightly pull Y/N to the side, out of the way of some rushing feet.

"I could put us in a back seat..."
As Y/N talks to another gem, I watch closely, my steps keeping me near him. His laughter rings in the air; I can't help but smile.

"Yeah, you're anywhere I want you to be..."
I pause when he looks back at me, his eyes meeting mine. I give him a small, reassuring smile, making sure he's still in the safe zone.

"I keep you tucked away inside my head..."
I catch him glancing around at all the new gems, making sure no one's pulling his attention too far. Gently, I step closer, guiding him forward.

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby..."
He's laughing with Amethyst now, but I stay close, watching. His smile is contagious, but my eyes are fixed on the crowd, always ready to step in if something feels off.

"I keep you tucked away inside my head..."
As a gem bumps into him, I instinctively reach out, a light hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Careful there."

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby..."
Y/N looks over at me with a grin. I smile back, nodding, as I keep my position right beside him.

"Na, na, na..."
He turns his attention to a nearby structure, but I keep a gentle hand at his elbow, guiding him with a slight pull, just enough to keep him from wandering too far.

"Na-na-na-na..."
A small chuckle escapes him as he catches a few gems moving past, but I quickly shift in front of him, giving a brief, reassuring smile.

"Na-na-na-na..."
I stay vigilant as he looks at a few gems nearby, just standing at his side. There's a quiet tension in the air as my thoughts swirl.

"No, they'll never know about us..."
A group of unfamiliar gems pass too closely for my liking. I step forward, instinctively shielding him from the crowd as my attention sharpens.

"Na, na, na..."
I gently guide Y/N back into the open, always keeping my distance close enough to protect him. With every step, I monitor the surroundings, ensuring he's safe.

"Na-na-na-na..."
His laughter is still light and carefree, but I can't shake the feeling that I need to be here, always close, always watching.

"Na-na-na-na..."
As he glances back at me, I smile softly, my hand lingering just beside him. There's no need for words. He's here. And I'm keeping him close.

"As long as I keep you tucked..."
I pull him a little closer, just enough so that I can rest a hand gently on his back, guiding him toward the more peaceful part of Little Homeworld.

"Tucked deep, deep in my fantasy"
Y/N looks at the sky, and I step closer, making sure I'm always near. He's always just out of reach, but I won't let him wander too far.

"Cause in reality, we're a mistake"
The thought lingers in my mind, but I push it away. As long as he's here with me, nothing else matters. No one else matters.

"Don't need permission to"
I lightly touch his arm, just to feel his presence. He doesn't notice, but I do. He's safe right here.

"Do what I do to you"
I notice a few gems coming toward us, and instinctively, I nudge him away, guiding him gently but firmly.

"When all you are to me is a sweet escape"
I can't help but watch him, smiling softly. He doesn't know how much I need him, how much I've built around him in my mind.

"I could put us on an island"
I guide him to a quieter part of Little Homeworld, away from the crowd. Just us. Peaceful. No distractions.

"I could put us in a mansion"
His gaze wanders to the bustling area, but I gently pull him back, making sure he's never too far from me.

"I could put us in a back seat"
He starts to veer off, but I'm quick to step in, guiding him back to my side. No distance, no distractions.

"Yeah, you're anywhere I want you to be"
Y/N laughs, oblivious to the growing tension inside me. His joy is fleeting, but my worry is constant.

"I keep you tucked away inside my head"
His gaze shifts, and I catch myself tightening my grip on his sleeve, not wanting to let him go.

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby"
He turns to talk to another gem, and I watch, my thoughts racing. I step closer, my hand lightly brushing his back.

"I keep you tucked away inside my head"
His attention is diverted, but I won't allow it. I gently steer him back toward me, making sure nothing can get between us.

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby"
He looks at me with that innocent smile, and I breathe a sigh of relief. For now, he's safe. For now, he's with me.

"Na, na, na"
I hum softly to myself, feeling a strange sense of calm as I hold him close, keeping my eye on the horizon to make sure nothing disrupts our moment.

"Na-na-na-na"
He shifts slightly, and I instinctively move a little closer, my hand brushing against his. He doesn't notice, but I do. I'm always watching.

"Na-na-na-na"
I smile as he talks with another gem, but it's not enough. I can feel a tightness in my chest. I walk toward him again, gently guiding him back toward me.

"No, they'll never know about us"
The thought strikes me, and a small, almost secretive smile tugs at my lips. No one will ever understand. They don't need to.

"Na, na, na"
He laughs at something, and I can't help but soften. His happiness is a comfort, but my mind won't let go of the worry.

"Na-na-na-na"
His eyes wander, and I feel a slight pang of anxiety. I place a hand on his shoulder to steer him back, feeling a rush of possessiveness, though I try to mask it.

"Na-na-na-na"
He stumbles a little, and I'm right there to catch him, my grip tightening ever so slightly. My heart beats faster with the need to protect him.

"As long as I keep you tucked"
He looks up at me, unaware of how tightly I'm holding on. I can't let go. I won't let him go

"Oh, I'll keep you..."
I watch him move away from me, trying to give him space, but it's hard. He's just a little too far...

"Yeah, I'll keep you, baby"
He laughs with the others. I want to trust him, I do, but my mind races. I can't help but keep an eye on him.

"No one knows"
I look away, pretending to relax, but my thoughts are consumed by him. Always.

"Knows where my mind goes"
His back is to me, and my heart skips. Where is he going? Is he okay?

"I keep you on the low"
I smile, hiding my concern. He doesn't need to see it. He doesn't need to know how much I worry.

"I must confess..."
I try to breathe, to let go. But I can't stop. I need to be sure he's safe.

"You're someone that I should forget"
I tell myself I should let go. But I can't. I just can't let you go Y/n!

"I keep you tucked away inside my head"
I can't do this anymore. I can't just let you wander off like this. I need you close, right here with me.

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby"
I reach for his arm, pulling him closer. He doesn't get it. He never understands how dangerous it is out there. I'm the only one who can protect him.

"I keep you tucked away inside my head"
He tries to pull away, but I don't let go. He's not leaving my side. Not again.

"Where I can find you anytime I want to, baby"
I tighten my grip. "Where do you think you're going? Don't you understand? You need me!" I force the words out before he can argue.

"Na, na, na"
I see him trying to break free again, but I won't let him. Not this time. He's not going anywhere.

"Na-na-na-na"
I pull him back to me, my voice sharp now. "Why can't you just listen? It's not safe! You don't get it, do you?"

"Na-na-na-na"
I shake my head. I can't let him slip through my fingers again. I won't.

"No, they'll never know about us"
My breath quickens. I'm not just trying to keep him safe anymore. I need him with me. Always. I won't share him.

"Na, na, na"
I pull him closer, feeling the anger rise in my chest. He's not going anywhere. Not while I'm here.

"Na-na-na-na"
I feel him struggle, but I'm resolute now. He doesn't need anyone but me. No one will understand. But I can't let him go. Not now.

"Na-na-na-na"
I clutch him tighter, knowing that as long as I'm here, he'll be mine. And no one else will have him.

"As long as I keep you tucked"
I whisper it like a promise. "You'll be mine. Forever."

. . .

. . .

. . .

Y/N's Pov

I managed to slip away from Pearl, weaving through the busy paths of Little Homeworld. My chest loosened with relief-finally, some space.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciated her concern, but it was suffocating. My legs carried me straight into Bismuth's shop, drawn by the rhythmic hammering and the glint of steel.

The place was a haven for creativity and chaos. Bismuth looked up from her work, her broad grin practically radiating pride. "Hey, if it isn't Steven's pal! What brings you here?"

I couldn't hide my excitement, my eyes darting around the shop. "This is so cool," I said, running a hand over a polished tool. "You used to make weapons for the Crystal Gems, right?"

Bismuth straightened, mock-offended. "Used to? I still do!" She reached under the table and pressed a hidden button.

The wall behind her flipped, revealing a dazzling array of weapons-gleaming swords, spiked maces, intricate spears, and stuff I didn't even have names for. My jaw practically hit the floor.

"Whoa," I muttered. "This is like a treasure trove."

Bismuth chuckled, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Here, kid, check this out." She handed me a sleek sword, its blade shimmering like liquid light. "Fresh off the anvil. Let's see what you can do."

She pulled out a stand and set a watermelon on top. "Give it a swing," she said, stepping back.

I grinned, testing the weight of the sword. It felt perfect in my hands, light but strong. "Alright, here goes-"

Before I could finish, a cold, vise-like grip clamped onto my wrist.

The sword fell from my hand, clanging loudly on the floor as a sharp pain shot up my arm. I stumbled to my knees, letting out a surprised groan.

"Y/N," came a voice-soft, almost gentle, but with a chilling undercurrent.

I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat.

Pearl stood over me, her face terrifyingly blank, but her eyes... her eyes burned with something primal. Her usual grace was replaced by an aura so sharp it felt like it could cut through steel. Her shadow loomed over me, making her appear taller, almost inhuman.

"Y/N," she repeated, the softness in her voice doing little to mask the fury underneath. "You're never allowed in here again."

Her gaze shifted to Bismuth, who-despite being a literal tank of a Gem-looked uneasy. Pearl didn't raise her voice, didn't make a scene, but her very presence screamed danger.

Bismuth chuckled nervously, holding up her hands. "Uh, no problem, Pearl. I didn't mean to overstep."

Pearl's expression didn't falter. Without another word to Bismuth, she turned her attention back to me, her grip tightening painfully as she dragged me to my feet.

"Pearl-ow! You're hurting me!" I protested, trying to wrench free. But her grip was like iron.

Her voice, though quiet, trembled with a mix of fear and anger. "Do you have any idea what could've happened?" she muttered, almost to herself.

I stumbled as she yanked me out of the shop. "What? It was just a sword! Bismuth wouldn't let me hurt myself-"

"You don't understand," she snapped, her eyes briefly meeting mine. They weren't just angry-they were desperate. "What if you slipped? What if you lost a finger? Or an arm? Steven's magic can't fix everything!"

I gritted my teeth, wincing as her nails dug into my arm. "Pearl, you're overreacting! I'm fine!"

Her head snapped toward me, her expression freezing me in place. "No, you're not." Her voice dropped, a barely audible whisper. "You don't understand what it's like to almost lose someone... I won't let that happen to you."

My heart pounded, not just from the pain but from the intensity of her words. Pearl had always been protective, but this... this was something else. Something darker.

The moment we were outside, I couldn't hold it in anymore. My wrist throbbed, her grip leaving an angry, red handprint, and my patience was hanging by a thread.

I wrenched my arm free, finally breaking away from her grasp. "That's enough, Pearl!" I yelled, my voice louder than I intended. A few Gems nearby stopped what they were doing, their curious gazes turning toward us. Great, now we had an audience.

Pearl froze, her rigid posture reminding me of a soldier at attention, but her blank, furious stare was locked on me. It made my skin crawl, but I was too frustrated to care.

"I've barely been able to enjoy this visit," I snapped, rubbing my sore wrist. "You've been breathing down my neck the entire time! Guiding me like I'm some helpless kid who can't handle himself!"

Her silence was infuriating. Not a word, not even a flinch. Just that same cold, unreadable expression. It felt like yelling at a brick wall.

"And you know what?" My voice wavered, but I didn't stop. "I wish it was Amethyst here with me instead!"

That finally got a reaction.

Pearl stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate, but there was something unsettling in the way she closed the distance. Before I could react, her hands shot out, grabbing my cheeks with an iron grip. Pain shot through my face, and I winced, my words cut off as she forced me to look at her.

The blankness in her gaze melted into something sharper, angrier. "Amethyst?" she said softly, her tone eerily calm. "If it were Amethyst, do you have any idea what could've happened?"

Her grip tightened, her fingers digging painfully into my skin as she leaned closer. "She's reckless. Careless. Always drawing in rowdy crowds and unnecessary chaos. Do you think she'd keep you safe? Do you think she'd protect you the way I do?"

I tried to pull away, but she held me firm, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "I know best, Y/N. A Pearl always knows best."

Her words sent a chill down my spine, but before I could respond, she summoned her spear in a flash of light.

"Pearl, wait-" I stammered, panic bubbling up in my chest.

She grabbed my wrist again, her hold even stronger this time, and started dragging me forward. I stumbled, nearly losing my balance as she pulled me along like I weighed nothing.

"You don't want me protecting you, huh?" she said, her tone cold but trembling with anger. "Fine. Let's see how well you survive without me, then."

The Gems around us watched in stunned silence, their murmurs filling the air as Pearl stormed off with me in tow. My wrist ached from her relentless grip, but the real pain was in the pit of my stomach.

Whatever this was, it wasn't just concern anymore.

It was something far more dangerous

To Be Continued. . .