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Chapter Text

“... and then Ruby screams at me like I did something wrong!” said Amethyst to the mirror, her shapeshifted Rose form staring back at her. She sat before the reflection with her knees to her chest, watching the imperfect Rose’s eyes turn harsh as she continued to vent.

“I mean, really?!” Amethyst said. “I didn’t do anything to her. I just wanted to see if she was alright. I was just trying to be nice and look where it got me!”

Amethyst folded her arms in a huff. She glanced back up at the mirror and saw Rose’s arms crossed in response. Amethyst groaned.

“Right, right, you’d never look like that,” muttered Amethyst. She brushed her white, curly hair back and rubbed her forehead. “How would you look if I told you all that, anyway?”

Amethyst put her knees back down, sitting in a more dignified fashion. She hid her legs back underneath Rose’s dress and straightened up. She uncrossed her arms and placed her hands gently in her lap.

She smiled. Rose’s reflection smiled back.

“Yeah ... yeah, that looks right,” Amethyst said. “Yeah, look who’s a classy B now, huh?” She chuckled. “Yeah ... R-Rose would have laughed at that joke.”

Amethyst forced herself to giggle, trying her best to sound how Rose did whenever she saw Amethyst’s antics. Her eyes even twinkled like Rose’s did when she laughed ...

But as soon as Amethyst heard her own laugh, she frowned.

“Doesn’t sound the same,” Amethyst muttered. “Not even close.”

Amethyst sighed. She’d give anything for Rose to actually be there, so she wouldn’t have to lie or pretend or whatever this was. Rose was the one who was always there for Amethyst, the one who was always patient with her. She was the one who found Amethyst after she had been alone in the Kindergarten for ... well, Amethyst couldn’t even remember how long. She didn’t like to think about how she was back then, hardly able to talk or think straight. It didn’t matter to Amethyst what she was before Rose and the Gems found her. All that mattered was she didn’t have to be alone anymore because the Gems were always there for her.

Rose was always there for her.

And now Rose was gone. And everyone else was so wrapped up in their own problems that Amethyst may as well have been alone all over again. Pearl had run away, Sapphire was too worried about Ruby to even care about Amethyst, and Ruby ... Ruby acted like she outright hated Amethyst.

She knows, Amethyst thought. She has to know. That’s the only thing that makes sense. She knows what a freaking nutcase I am.

Amethyst hated this, all of it. She hated feeling alone, hated knowing she’d never see Rose again, hated that this messed up ritual was the only thing that made her feel less miserable.

She locked eyes with Rose’s reflection.

“I could really use your advice right now,” Amethyst said. She traced her finger in the sand. “I wish I knew what you’d say. I guess maybe you’d say something like ...”

Amethyst smiled she could see the carefree smile Rose always seemed to wear. Even though she could hear her own voice, she imagined the words coming from the real Rose’s mouth.

“‘Ruby doesn’t mean anything by it. She just needs time. That’s all. They all do.’”

Amethyst’s chest felt warm at how authentic her own words sounded.

“Yeah ... that’s probably something you’d say.” Amethyst exhaled. “Maybe you’re right ... but what am I supposed to do? I can’t just keep doing, you know, this forever. I just ...” She lowered her voice. “I just want someone to talk to ...”

Without even thinking about it, she found herself slipping in and out of character as Rose.

“‘Well,’” Amethyst said as Rose. “‘What about Vidalia?’

“Vidalia has enough to worry about without me bothering her. She has a kid to look after. She doesn’t need me adding onto that.”

“‘What about Greg?’”

Almost surprised she had even said that, Amethyst folded her arms.

“What about Greg?” Amethyst said.

“‘Come on, don’t be that way,’” Amethyst said, imagining the gentleness of Rose’s voice. “‘You can’t blame him for what happened. And besides, I ...’” Amethyst’s voice cracked. “‘I know you miss him too.’”

Amethyst glanced at Rose’s reflection, then sighed.

“Yeah ... yeah, I do,” Amethyst said. She put her hand to her face. “It’d be nice to watch Lil’ Butler or something with him for a little while. And you know ...” Amethyst hesitated. “See the ... kid. I guess you’d want me to do that.”

Amethyst saw Rose’s reflection stare back at her. Amethyst nodded.

“Yeah, you would,” Amethyst said. She stood up. “I guess I’ll go do that.”

Amethyst gave a weak smile.

“Thanks Rose,” she said. “I knew you’d help. You know, I’ve always thought you were the only one who really understood me...”

Amethyst gave one last look at Rose’s face before she closed her eyes. She could feel her Gem glow and her physical form shift back into it’s original shape.

When she opened her eyes, it was just Amethyst in the mirror.

Short, sad, pathetic Amethyst.

Amethyst frowned.

“I just ... wish I had ever told you that,” Amethyst said as she turned to leave.

“Thanks for giving me a lift, Vidalia,” said Greg, stepping out of the pickup in front of the storage unit.

Vidalia slipped out from the driver’s seat and walked to the back cab.

“Hey, it’s no problem,” she said as she unfastened Sour Cream from his car seat. “Besides I wanted to take a look at Greg Jr. anyway.”

Despite himself, Greg laughed.

“Well, thankfully he has a better name than that,” Greg said.

Vidalia lifted Sour Cream from the truck and settled him on the ground. He immediately clung against his mother’s pants leg.

“Hey, now that I think about it, I’m curious ... what were you going to name your kid if it was a girl?” Vidalia said.

Greg scratched his beard.

“We never really decided,” Greg said. “I would have wanted to name her after Rose but um ...” Greg coughed. “Rose was pushing for the name ‘Pearl.’”

Vidalia raised an eyebrow.

“Oh wow,” Vidalia said. “That would have been ... awkward. I thought Pearl-- you know, the actual Pearl-- hated you.”

Greg shook his head as they walked towards the storage unit’s entrance.

“Nah,” Greg said. “Well ... I dunno, it’s kinda complicated. We kinda had a good talk a while back. Things are a little better now.” He paused. “I wish I knew where she was now. Nobody’s seen her since ...” Greg felt a lump in his throat. “Since ... you know...”

Vidalia nodded sadly.

“I see,” she said.

Greg peeked into the storage unit.

“Hello? Sapphire?” Greg called out. “You there?”

“Sapphire?” Vidalia asked.

“Oh, um, long story,” Greg said. “She’s one half of Garnet when she’s split into two people ... er ... two Gems, I mean.”

“... Oh, okay, that makes sense,” Vidalia said without any sarcasm.

“It does?” Greg said with a laugh.

Vidalia shrugged. Sour Cream mimicked his mom with a shrug of his own.

A moment later, Sapphire emerged from the shadows. To Greg’s surprise, another short, red Gem followed her.

Guess that’s Ruby, Greg said. Hope that means everything’s okay now.

“Hello Greg,” Sapphire said, stopping in front of him. “Steven fell back asleep a while ago. He did well.”

Ruby stood behind Sapphire silently, her eyes downcast.

“Oh, well, that’s good,” Greg said, trying not to stare at Ruby. “Everything ... alright?”

“Yes. Ruby came to help. Everything is fine.”

Ruby frowned and muttered something Greg couldn’t hear; at the same time, a cold draft hit Greg’s arms. Greg thought it might be best to drop the subject.

Sour Cream looked up at his mom.

“Mommy, it’s cold,” Sour Cream said.

Greg grimaced. Sapphire was silent.

Ruby glanced over at Sour Cream, hesitated a moment, then walked near Sour Cream. Greg could feel the air get warmer as she passed him.

“Hey, it got warm!” Sour Cream said. He smiled and waved at Ruby. “Thank you, red lady!”

“Um ... don’t mention it,” Ruby said, scratching the back of her neck.

Sapphire spoke before Greg could say anything else.

“We should be going now,” she said.

“Oh, well,” Greg started. “Thanks for--”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Universe,” Sapphire said. She floated past Greg out the exit. She didn’t wait for Ruby.

Ruby lingered in front of Greg, then flicked her eyes up at him.

“Hey, um ...” Ruby said softly.

“Yes?” Greg said.

“I, um ...” she said quietly. “I don’t know how much Sapphire told you, but ... I mean, just make sure you ...” Suddenly, she shut her eyes and grunted loudly. “Just don’t do anything stupid, alright?!”

Without another word, Ruby bumped past Greg so hard he nearly fell over. Before he could yell for her to wait, she had already run outside and out of sight.

Vidalia stared in silence. Sour Cream smiled at his mother.

“Those ladies seemed nice ...” Sour Cream said.

“Yeah,” Vidalia said, ruffling Sour Cream’s hair. Her eyes darted to Greg. “They were certainly ... interesting.”

“Y-yeah,” Greg said. He walked over to the crib. Despite Ruby’s ouburst, Steven was sound asleep, swaddled in his blanket. Greg reached down and touched Steven’s head.

“You did good, kiddo,” Greg whispered.

Vidalia peered over the crib. She gave a warm smile.

“Wow,” Vidalia said. “I’d almost forgotten how little they are at first.”

“Y-yeah,” Greg said.

“You okay?” Vidalia said.

“Yeah. Don’t worry about it.”

Greg tried to not dwell on Ruby’s words, but it was hard not to. Considering Sapphire’s warning earlier, it wasn’t hard to figure out this was about Amethyst. He couldn’t help but wonder ... why were they both trying so hard to keep Greg from seeing her? What could be that bad?

Greg shook his head. After all, there was no point in focusing on it. All he had to do was give Amethyst some time alone and everything would be fine ...

Sour Cream pointed toward the storage unit entrance, one hand still attached to his mom’s pant leg.

“Ame!” Sour Cream cheered.

The sound of Amethyst’s voice behind him sent a chill down Greg’s spine.

“Short stuff!” Amethyst said. “What, I don’t get a hug now?”

Greg turned to see Sour Cream run to Amethyst. She crouched down and wrapped her arms around him as he barrelled into her.

“Whew!” Amethyst said, almost losing her balance. “Careful, little guy!”

“Ame, do the face!” Sour Cream said, beaming.

Amethyst grinned. There was a flash of light as her face changed into a large replica of Sour Cream’s face. She stuck out her tongue.

Sour Cream giggled and clapped as Amethyst’s face shifted back to normal.

Greg stared at Amethyst, his heart pounding.

Well ... didn’t take long for that whole ‘just give her time’ plan to tank itself, Greg thought.

Amethyst caught eyes with Greg and gave a sly smile.

“Hey Greg. Whatcha looking at?” Her nose flashed white as it grew long and pointy like Pearl’s. “Do I have something on my face?”

Sour Cream laughed even harder as Amethyst’s nose shrunk back to normal.

“Oh, um ... no,” Greg said with a nervous chuckle. “It’s just ... you’re looking ... good.”

Amethyst walked up to Greg and Vidalia. Sour Cream followed, a bright smile stuck on his face.

“Pffft, like I ever look anything less than awesome,” Amethyst said. She glanced up at Vidalia. “Didn’t expect to see you here, V. You should have invited me if there was a party.”

“Oh,” Vidalia said, hesitating for only a moment before smiling. “Heh, come on, you know there’s no such thing as a real party without you.”

“Got that right,” Amethyst said, brushing her hair back with a conceited grin.

Vidalia caught eyes with Greg. Neither one of them said it, but Greg could tell by the look in her eyes they were thinking the same thing. Amethyst taking Rose’s death well was good, but the fact she was acting like nothing was wrong at all was ... off-putting. Ironically, the way she acted made Greg even more worried about her.

Greg cleared his throat.

“Amethyst, are you--” Greg started.

Amethyst cut him off.

“Whoa, check this little dude out,” Amethyst said as she peared in crib.

Steven stirred, unraveling the blanket he had been swaddled in.

Amethyst laughed.

“Look at that, he looks just like you, Greg,” said Amethyst. “Except, you know, cute.”

“Heh ... thanks,” Greg said, trying to hide his unease. He wanted to say he thought Steven looked more like Rose, but he had no clue how Amethyst would react, so he kept it to himself.

Steven shifted in his sleep, his tiny shirt lifting up just enough to see--

Greg felt a lump in his throat. His shirt was high enough that they could all see the pink Gem on his stomach.

Rose’s Gem.

Amethyst’s eyes were wide. Her smile faded.

“... whoa ...” she whispered.

Vidalia put her hand to her mouth.

“Um ... Amethyst, are you ...” Vidalia started. “You okay?”

Amethyst turned towards Vidalia. She seemed dazed for a moment before she gave an uneasy grin. Greg had never seen a smile look more like a grimace in his entire life.

“Um ... yeah,” Amethyst said. She chuckled nervously. “Yeah, I’m fine. W-why wouldn’t I be?”

Before Greg could say anything, Amethyst turned away, looking around the storage unit.

“So uh, w-what else is cool around here?” Amethyst said, no longer facing Vidalia or Greg. “Been awhile, I’ve almost forgotten all the junk that’s around here.”

“Oh, well ...” Greg started before Vidalia bumped him with her elbow.

“Hey Greg, before I forget, let me show you how that car seat straps in ...” Vidalia said, the look in her eyes making it clear that had nothing to do with what she wanted to talk about. She turned to Amethyst. “Amethyst, you think you can handle Sour Cream for a couple minutes?”

“Hm?” Amethyst said, turning back. She shrugged. “Oh, sure, no problem.”

Sour Cream tilted his head up, grinning from ear to ear.

“I get to hang out with Ame?!” Sour Cream exclaimed.

“Just for a minute, okay?” Vidalia said.

“YES!” Sour Cream said.

Amethyst laughed, rolling her eyes in an exaggerated manner.

“Ugh, this popularity ...” Amethyst said. “Why do I have to be so cool?!”

Sour Cream giggled, barely able to contain his excitement.

Vidalia walked out of the storage unit. Greg followed behind as they approached Vidalia’s truck.

Vidalia didn’t bother hiding her concern anymore. She crossed her arms, glancing back in the storage unit, obviously making sure Amethyst wasn’t close enough to hear.

“You saw that, right?” Vidalia said in a low voice.

“Yeah. Yeah, I saw,” said Greg. “You know, for a second I was almost hoping she really was taking everything that well ...”

“I know,” Vidalia said. She shook her head. “I don’t think anyone would genuinely act fine if they lost one of their friends...”

Greg sighed. He couldn’t even judge Amethyst for putting on an act. After all, he was basically doing the same thing. He could only hope Amethyst didn’t feel as hurt as he did, but he was starting to worry she might actually feel worse.

Vidalia rubbed her temple.

“You know, Greg ...” Vidalia said. “It-- it might be a good idea for you two to hang out for a while.”

Greg felt his chest sink.

“I-I mean, I don’t know,” Greg said. “I mean, I’m supposed to give her time to herself--”

“You already did, and she came here anyway,” said Vidalia. “I mean, she wouldn’t have come here if she didn’t want to see you.”

“Well, yeah, but ...” Greg scratched his head. “Okay, so this is gonna sound strange, but Sapphire can see the future ... sorta-kinda see it anyway--”

Vidalia blinked.

“Do you guys just have a chart somewhere that keeps track of all these freaking superpowers or--”

Greg tried not to laugh and failed.

“Well, anyway,” Greg said. “She was acting really weird about me seeing Amethyst. I-- I’m afraid if I hang out with her, something bad is gonna happen. Like I might end up hurting her or something. And I don’t wanna do that! She’s been through enough as it is.”

Vidalia considered for a minute.

“Well, okay, I get that,” said Vidalia. “But think about it: she came all the way here to see you. She hasn’t even done that to me since all this started. She’s reaching out to you. I get you don’t want to hurt her, but wouldn’t blowing her off now be kinda worse?”

Greg didn’t have an answer right away. What Vidalia said made sense. Just ignoring Amethyst seemed like a terrible thing to do. Greg had never wanted to do that anyway. But disregarding Sapphire’s warning when she was so concerned didn’t seem smart either. There had to be a compromise.

“Okay,” Greg said, thinking out loud. “Okay, maybe I can ... I dunno, maybe I can just hang out for a bit and if things get weird, then I can stop.” He looked at Vidalia. “Look, if I do this, I really need you to be there for Amethyst in case, you know, something does happen.”

Vidalia nodded.

“Of course. Amethyst is my best friend, of course I’ll help,” she said. “Hell, I’ll even watch Steven for you. That way if you need an out, just say you have to pick him up.”

“You’d really do that? I mean, I don’t want to impose--”

Vidalia rolled her eyes.

“Greg, please,” she said. “In case you haven’t noticed, I have some experience with children.”

“Well ... yeah ...”

“Shocking news, I know,” Vidalia said with a smirk. “Really, it’s nothing. Besides, it might be easier on Amethyst since ...” Vidalia bit her lip. “Well, based on how she looked when she saw his belly Gem thing ...”

Greg frowned.

“Yeah ... yeah, you’re right,” Greg said. “That might be a good idea.” He took a deep breath. “Okay, yeah ... let me try this.”

Vidalia smiled.

“Thank you, Greg,” she said. “I know this will mean a lot to her.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know,” he said.

When they went back inside the storage unit, Amethyst was sitting in the floor with Sour Cream. Her hand had shifted into a circular fan blowing air in the toddler’s face.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Sour Cream yelled into the fan as it spun. He chuckled. “It sounds all wobbly.”

“I know, isn’t that cool?!” Amethyst said.

Greg couldn’t help but smile. Despite everything, part of him felt more at ease having Amethyst around. She always had that effect on people.

Vidalia cleared her throat.

“Hey, Amethyst?” she said.

“Hm?” Amethyst looked up as her hand changed back to normal. “Yo.”

“I actually offered to watch Steven for a while,” Vidalia said. She nodded her head towards Greg. “Why don’t you do me a favor and look after this one a bit? You know, if you want to.”

The corner of Amethyst’s mouth curved upward. Greg could tell she appreciated Vidalia’s offer; it was all over her face. But being Amethyst, she closed her eyes and played it cool.

“Meh,” Amethyst said. “I suppose I could work it into my schedule.”

“Great!” Vidalia said as she walked to the crib. She lifted up Steven, cradling him. “Alright little man, I got you.” She turned to her son. “Come on, sweet pea, we gotta go.”

Sour Cream groaned.

“Awww, I wanted to hang out with Ame more,” said Sour Cream.

Greg couldn’t help but notice Amethyst blush when she heard Sour Cream say that.

“I know,” Vidalia said, “but you can play with your aunt Ame another time. Come on.”

“O-kay,” Sour Cream said with a sigh. He hugged Amethyst’s knee. “Bye Ame!”



Amethyst was stunned for a second or two before she patted Sour Cream on the back.

“Bye short stuff,” Amethyst said, her voice slightly shaky. “Take care.”

Sour Cream let go of Amethyst’s knee, then ran up to his mom. Vidalia gave Greg a quick wink and she walked out of the storage unit. Greg smiled and mouthed the words “thank you” as she left.

Amethyst had a genuine smile as she watched Sour Cream and Vidalia leave.

“Kids, huh?” Amethyst said, touching her knee. “They can be kinda cool sometimes.” Her eyes fell. “She always said she liked kids, you know.“

Greg frowned. He didn't have to ask who Amethyst meant.

“Look, Amethyst,” said Greg, “if you want to talk about--”

“No, I don't,” she said, unable to look Greg in the face. “I mean, thanks for offering but ... no.”

There was an awkward silence. They heard Vidalia’s truck rumble to life outside and pull off. After what seemed like forever, Amethyst chuckled.

“You know what I want to do?” Amethyst said. “What I really want to do?”

“What?” asked Greg.

Amethyst got to her feet and stretched, smiling at Greg.

“Wanna watch Lil’ Butler?” she asked. “I could use a good watch of the Hawaii two-parter.”

Greg couldn’t help but laugh.

“You know, that might be fun,” he said. “T-that was a really cool one. It’s just so ... beachy.”

“Greg, you live at the beach.”

“What’s your point?”

Amethyst burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. Greg had to say it felt good to hear her laugh like that.

Greg walked to the corner where he kept the box of Lil’ Butler tapes. He could hardly remember the last time he and Amethyst watched the tapes. Greg had spent as much time with Rose as possible as Steven’s birth got closer, so he hadn’t had much time for Amethyst. He had felt guilty about it, but at least now they could hopefully relax and feel a little better.

And, honestly, a watch of something dumb and happy sounded pretty good to Greg too.

He opened the box and pulled out a tape marked “Hawaii 1.”

Amethyst lept over the back of the couch and onto the cushion.

“Come on, hurry up!” Amethyst said, excited. “We ain’t got all day.”

Greg smiled, walked over to the TV, and slipped the tape into the VCR.

As he pushed play, he started to wonder why he was so worried before. It felt good to have a little fun considering everything that happened. Maybe Sapphire was wrong. Rose had said Garnet’s future vision wasn’t 100% accurate. Maybe everything would be fine. They were just watching Lil’ Butler ...

What was the worst that could happen?

Amethyst wasn’t sure how, but somehow watching the Hawaii special turned into a full rewatch of the third season. Not that Amethyst minded. Watching this show with Greg was the only fun she’d had all week.

Greg yawned as the credits rolled on the episode where Daughter Money’s nose got broken by a football.

“Oh wow,” Greg said, rubbing his eye. “I forgot how good that one was.”

“Hehe, yeah,” Amethyst said. Her face hurt from smiling so much. “Classic.”

“What’s the next one?” Greg asked.

“It’s, um ... ooh, ooh, I know! It’s the one where Lil’ Butler goes to work for the Richingtons for a week!”

“Oh my god, that one’s so good!”

“I know!”

Greg slid to the floor and searched through the box of tapes.

Amethyst watched Greg and smiled. She felt so much better after seeing him. She felt guilty for ever thinking any less of him. In her darker moments, when Rose had spent her final days with Greg, Amethyst had started to feel Greg was--

She shook her head, not even wanting to finish her thought.

Don’t be stupid, Amethyst thought. Don’t even go there. It’s not anyone’s fault. Just don’t think about it.

Amethyst didn’t want to think bad things about Greg. Rose wouldn't want her to either. It wasn’t worth dwelling on, she told herself. Just enjoy being around him.

Just don’t think about it.

Greg pulled a tape out of the box.

“Al-right, got it! Let’s just--” Greg glanced towards the front of the storage unit. “Wait, how is it night already?!”

Amethyst looked behind the back of the couch towards the entrance. It was pitch black outside.

“Oh wow,” Amethyst said. She chuckled. “I didn’t realize it’d been that long.”

Greg put the tape down. He went to the corner and frantically rummaged through a box of junk.

“Come on, I know that clock was around here somewhere,” he muttered.

Seconds later, Greg pulled a busted-up clock-radio from the box. It displayed 2:45 PM in green.

“OH MY GOD, IT’S ALMOST 3 IN THE MORNING!” Greg said, his eyes wide. “I was supposed to call Vidalia to bring Steven back. I-- I gotta go get him!”

“Huh?” Amethyst said.

“I gotta run and get the van. I knew I should have just brought that thing over here.” He turned to Amethyst. “Thanks for coming, Amethyst. I really had a good time. We should do this again soon.”

Soon? Amethyst didn’t want them to stop now. As stupid as it sounded, the thought of leaving filled Amethyst with dread. The only thing waiting for her at the temple were two Gems who didn’t care about her. Just picturing another shouting match with Ruby made Amethyst feel ill. It ... it was just too sudden. Why couldn’t they just watch Lil’ Butler a little more?

Why couldn’t she be happy just a little longer?

Greg was about to walk outside when Amethyst heard herself yell.

“Hey wait!” Amethyst said.

“What’s wrong?” Greg asked, stopping in his tracks.

“Um ...” Amethyst gave a nervous chuckle. “M-maybe you should just let Steven stay the night at Vidalia’s.”

“What? I can’t do that,” Greg said. “That’s--”

“W-well, think about it. It’s almost three now. Steven’s gonna be asleep and Vidalia probably is too. And, you know, if you pick him up, he’ll probably be up all night and so will you ... I mean, it-- it really makes more sense to just let him stay the night.”

Greg paused for a minute, scratching the back of his head.

“Well I ... I guess that’s a good point,” Greg said.

Amethyst was surprised her argument sounded as good as it did considering she was making up every reason on the fly.

“And actually, it’s probably not a good idea for you to be driving anyway,” Amethyst said. She waved her hand at Greg. “I mean, you look really tired. That’s like ... I dunno, not safe or something.”

Greg felt the bags under his eyes. He sighed and sat down on the couch.

“Ugh, maybe you’re right,” Greg said. “That seems like such a rotten thing to do to her though.”

“Pffft, are you kidding? Vidalia won’t mind. Trust me.”

“I should--” Greg yawned. “I should at least call or something--”

Amethyst touched Greg’s shoulder.

“Come on, you’re exhausted,” Amethyst said. “Why don’t you lay down for a bit? Let me call V.”

Greg rubbed his face with both hands.

“Yeah ... yeah, I could probably use that.” He smiled at Amethyst. “Thanks.”

Amethyst grinned as wide as she could. Inside, she was cheering. She had an excuse to stay. She didn’t have to go home and feel miserable. She had just a little relief.

Greg pulled some change out of his pocket.

“There’s a payphone around the corner,” Greg said. “This should be enough. You just put the money in and--”

“I know how a payphone works, Greg,” Amethyst said.

Greg nodded.

“Oh. Okay, then.” Greg rested his head against the back of the couch. “I’ll just ... rest my eyes for a bit then.”

“Sure thing, bud,” Amethyst said, getting up from the couch.

She walked outside. The payphone wasn’t hard to find, just right around the corner past a few other storage units. The phone dangled off the hook, the cord slowly swinging back and forth.

Amethyst held the phone to her ear. She checked the coinslot, which had a sign asking for 25 cents. Underneath in white letters it read “Quarters Only.”

Amethyst glanced at the coins in her free hand. There were two dimes and a nickel. She narrowed her eyes before shrugging and throwing the change over her shoulder. She held her index finger to the coin slot. Her fingertip flashed white as it contorted to the shape of a quarter. She stretched her finger down into the slot. After a moment of wiggling around, she felt an internal switch trip. The speaker of the phone played a dial-tone as she retracted her finger.

Amethyst chuckled under her breath, proud she had beat the system.

She dialed Vidalia’s number. It only rang once before there was answer.

“Greg, is that you?!” Vidalia said on the phone. She sounded distressed.

“Hello, are you interested in changing your long distance service provider?” Amethyst paused. “Psyche. It’s me, Amethyst.”

Vidalia didn’t laugh.

“Oh my god, Amethyst, is everything okay?!” Vidalia said. “I hadn’t heard anything from Greg and I was getting worried. I was about to get Steven up and come down there--”

“No no, everything’s great, for real.” Amethyst twirled the phone cord around her finger. “Listen, can you do me a favor?”

“Um, okay. What is it?”

“Well ... would you be okay watching Steven for the night?”

“Well ... yeah, that’d be fine, but what’s going on?”

“Nothing, I just thought it might be a good idea. Greg and I have just been hanging out this whole time and he could use some sleep, you know. He’s really tired ...”

There was a long pause.

“Now,” Vidalia said carefully, “when you say he’s really tired from ‘hanging out,’ do you mean ‘hanging out’ or ... ‘hanging out?’”

Amethyst cocked an eyebrow.

“What do you--” Then Amethyst realized what Vidalia was asking. She started blushing. “WHAT?! NO!”

“Well, I mean, you are calling me at three in the morning to watch his kid for the night so--”

Amethyst ran her hand through her bangs, her face feeling hot.

“That’s-- you have a dirty mind, V. Jeez ...”

Vidalia laughed.

“Okay, okay, sorry,” Vidalia said. “Yeah, I don’t mind watching Steven. That’s no big deal.”

“Awesome. Awesome ...” Amethyst took a breath. “Actually, is there one other favor I can ask you?”

Vidalia’s voice got serious.

“Yeah. What it is?” Vidalia asked.

“Yeah just ... if it’s okay with you, could you maybe like ... offer to watch Steven a few more times for Greg?” Amethyst said.

“Um ... okay, but why?”

Amethyst paced back and forth, still holding the phone to her ear.

“Well, it’s just-- I dunno, I just wanted to hang out with him a little more. I’ve had a really good time.”

“Now, when you say--”

“Not that kind of good time!” Amethyst said. “Come on, that’s not funny.”

Vidalia paused.

“Okay, sorry,” Vidalia said. “Yeah ... okay, yeah, I think I can do that. But is it okay if I ask you something? And just please be real with me for a second.”

“Yeah?” Amethyst said.

“Are you okay? Like ... for real?”

Amethyst stopped pacing. She was silent.

“Are you still there?” Vidalia asked.

“Yeah ...” Amethyst sighed. “I-- I dunno. I feel better today than I have all week. I mean, things have been awful at home and ...” She groaned. “I just don’t wanna talk about it.”

“... okay. Okay, I understand. Just remember, when you do need to talk--”

“Yeah, I know,” Amethyst said. “Thanks.”

That was one thing Amethyst loved about Vidalia: she was never pushy about things like this. Amethyst only wished everyone was so considerate.

“Well,” Vidalia said, “the kids are both asleep so I think I’ll turn in too. Tell Greg I said take care.”

“I will. Thanks, girl.”

“No problem. Bye.”

“Bye.”

There was a click followed by a dialtone. Amethyst hung up.

When Amethyst returned to the storage unit, Greg was already asleep, sprawled on the couch and snoring.

Wow, guess he really was that tired, Amethyst thought, looking down at him.

Amethyst thought she’d be disappointed he was asleep. After all, the reason she wanted to stay was so they could watch more Lil’ Butler and have fun, but somehow she wasn’t upset. Somehow just being there with someone who cared, someone who wasn’t judging her, someone who didn’t make her feel lonely ... that was enough.

Amethyst’s eyes lingered on Greg for a moment before she walked to Steven’s crib. She pulled one of the tiny blankets from it and gently placed it over Greg. It barely covered half of him, but at least it was something. Greg stirred in his sleep and pulled the blanket to his face. Amethyst gave a small smile.

Amethyst sat on the floor, her back against the bottom of the couch. She didn’t put on another episode of Lil’ Butler. She just sat and listened to Greg snore, enjoying the constant reminder she wasn’t alone ...

It happens tonight, Sapphire thought as she stepped out the temple door.

It had been four days since Sapphire watched Steven and had the conversation with Ruby. Since then, she’d tried not to think about the entire situation. She tried not to notice Amethyst was leaving the temple each night to spend time with Greg, despite Sapphire’s attempts to warn him. She tried not to realize that the possible futures where things didn’t go bad were dwindling to nothing. She tried not to dwell on the fact future vision made it clear anything Ruby might try would make things worse.

She tried not to think about any of those things. But Sapphire wasn’t good at not thinking.

When Sapphire emerged from the temple door, Ruby was sitting on the Warp Pad, waiting. But Sapphire knew Ruby wasn’t waiting for her. She’d already seen it. In a few minutes, Amethyst would try to leave, and no matter what Ruby tries, she won’t stop her.

When Ruby saw Sapphire walk up, she shifted her eyes down to the floor.

Sapphire stopped in front of Ruby. Sapphire had thought for a long time about what she wanted to say. Sapphire didn’t care if it didn’t change the final result. She had to say it. For Ruby’s sake.

“May I sit with you?” Sapphire asked.

Ruby glanced up, but said nothing. She simply waved one hand to the empty spot next to her. Sapphire sat next to Ruby.

To Sapphire’s surprise, Ruby spoke first.

“... tonight’s when it happens, right?” Ruby asked. She sounded weary.

Sapphire didn’t look at Ruby. She said nothing.

Ruby nodded.

“Yeah, I thought so.” Ruby said. “I could tell from how you’ve been all day. You always get quiet when you’re nervous.”

“I’m always quiet,” Sapphire said.

“Not this quiet.” Ruby said. She put her hands to her face. “I was afraid of that ...”

Sapphire took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry for getting so upset before,” Sapphire said. “I had no idea how you felt. I couldn’t help but think that I had hurt you by forming Garnet and sharing future vision with you. I ... I was in shock. I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you.”

“I’m not mad at you either,” Ruby said sadly. “I just--”

“Didn’t know what to say?”

Ruby glared at Sapphire.

“Did you just use future vision to know I was going to say that?” Ruby asked.

“No,” Sapphire said. “I just knew because I didn’t know what to say either.”

“... oh,” Ruby said. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Sapphire brushed her hair from her eye. “You had it backwards.”

“What?”

“What you said before,” Sapphire said. “You said you felt weak because you could see bad things happen but couldn’t stop them ... you had it all backwards.” She flicked her eye over to Ruby. “You’re strong because you see things you know you might not be able to change, but you try anyway.”

Ruby stared at Sapphire and frowned.

“Trying isn’t good enough,” Ruby said.

“Yes, it is,” Sapphire said. “Seeing how inflexible the future can be ... it’s easy to give up, to feel that there’s nothing to change, to not even try.” Sapphire clasped her hands together. “Before we met, I thought that was the only way to view the future, as simply inevitable.” Sapphire smiled. “But not you. Never you. That’s how you were able to save me when we first met. It’s one of the things I love most about you.”

Ruby’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red.

“There are going to be some things we can’t change,” Sapphire went on, “but without you ... Garnet would never have been able to change anything at all. That’s where her strength comes from. From you.”

Ruby nodded silently, a tiny smile creeping on her face.

“You know what Garnet gets from you?” Ruby said after a moment.

“What?” Sapphire asked.

“How sweet she is,” Ruby said. “Not to mention her good looks.”

Sapphire blushed and smiled back at Ruby.

“I don’t know,” Sapphire said. “I’ve always thought you were the hot one.”

Ruby snorted and covered her mouth.

“Did you actually just make a pun?!” Ruby said, trying not to laugh.

Sapphire shrugged. Ruby chuckled.

“That was horrible,” Ruby said. “I’m glad Garnet gets her sense of humor from me.”

They both laughed. Ruby touched Sapphire’s cheek, her hand reassuringly warm.

“Thank you,” Ruby said with the same tender look in her eyes Sapphire fell for thousands of years ago. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Sapphire said.

Before they could say anything else, the temple door glowed white. Ruby tensed up.

“Ruby ...” Sapphire started.

“I have to try,” Ruby whispered.

The glow disappeared as Amethyst stepped through the doorway. Her eyes went wide once they fell on Ruby and Sapphire.

“Amethyst ...” Ruby said.

Amethyst said nothing. She narrowed her eyes and started to walk around the Warp Pad, ignoring Ruby.

Ruby stood up.

“Amethyst, I want to talk,” Ruby said. To Sapphire’s surprise, Ruby didn’t yell. It seemed like she was doing everything possible to keep it together.

Amethyst didn’t even stop walking.

“Great, awesome,” Amethyst said without looking at Ruby. “Do all the talking you want after I leave. I got stuff to do.”

Ruby grabbed Amethyst’s wrist before she could walk away.

“Please,” Ruby said. “Don’t go.”

Amethyst didn’t turn around. Her voice took a harsher edge.

“Let go of me,” Amethyst said.

“Just listen for a second!” Ruby said. “I know you’re going to see Greg and I know you’re going to ...” She hesitated. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’re going to hurt him!”

“I’m not going to hurt anyone, except maybe you if you don’t let me go!” Amethyst said.

“I know you don’t want to hurt anyone! That’s why I’m saying this! I’m trying to protect you!”

Sapphire, unable to remain silent any longer, spoke up.

“It’s ... it’s true, Amethyst,” Sapphire said. “I’ve seen it. It’ll be an accident. You’ll be trying to help, but in the end you get upset and you--”

Amethyst turned around, glaring.

“Will you both stop talking like I have no control over my own life?!” Amethyst said through gritted teeth. “I’m not gonna hurt Greg and, really, whatever I do is none of your business anyway, so let me go!”

Amethyst tried to pull away, but Ruby didn’t let go.

“Amethyst, please listen to me!” Ruby shouted. “I know you’re angry! I know, I was angry too. It’s okay to be angry, but if you keep bottling it up, it’s going to hurt both of you!”

“Let. Go,” Amethyst said.

“You can’t just use Greg to run away from what happened to Rose forever!”

“I said LET--”

Amethyst started to twist around, her free hand swinging out. Sapphire yelled out.

“Ruby!” Sapphire shouted as she pushed Ruby out of the way. Ruby’s grip broke from Amethyst’s wrist as she toppled onto the Warp Pad.

“GO!” Amethyst shouted as her hand connected with Sapphire’s cheek. Sapphire fell to the floor, her vision dazed from the force of the blow.

Amethyst’s face went pale, horrified by what she had done. She clasped her hand over her mouth.

“SAPPHIRE!” Ruby shouted as she ran and stood over Sapphire.

Amethyst was shaking. She held out her hand.

“I- I’m sorry, I-- I didn’t mean--” she said.

Ruby glared at Amethyst, baring her teeth. The room instantly felt sweltering hot.

Amethyst hesitated for a moment before she ran away as fast as possible.

Ruby looked like she was about to chase Amethyst down, but stopped when Sapphire groaned. Ruby’s anger dropped in an instant. She knelt next to Sapphire.

“Sapphire, are you okay?” Ruby said. She brushed the hair from Sapphire face. “Oh my gosh, you’re bruised!”

Sapphire touched her cheek and winced.

“It’s ... it’s fine,” Sapphire said.

Ruby grimaced and glanced in the direction Amethyst ran.

“I’m gonna kill her!” Ruby yelled as she stood up.

Sapphire pulled herself up from the floor.

“Ruby, it was an accident and you know it,” Sapphire said. “I know you don’t really mean that.”

Ruby clenched her fists. She closed her eyes, silent. Sapphire could tell she was trying to compose herself.

“... there’s still time,” Ruby whispered. “I could catch up and--”

“Ruby ... I don’t think anything we could do right now would help,” Sapphire said.

Ruby locked eyes with Sapphire.

“No ... no no, maybe if I can just like ...” Ruby rubbed her forehead. “Maybe I could head to Greg’s and throw her out--”

“That wouldn’t make either of them any happier.”

“It wouldn’t be AS bad as just letting it happen! Well ... okay, maybe I can ... ugh! I dunno, I could break all the Lil’ Butler tapes or--”

“RUBY!” Sapphire shouted.

Ruby stared back at her.

“I’m sorry,” Sapphire said. “I know you tried ... I’m sorry.”

Ruby had nothing to say to that. She shut her eyes as they filled with moisture.

“Crap,” Ruby whispered. “You know, for a second, I really thought I could ...”

Sapphire touched Ruby’s shoulder.

“I know,” Sapphire said. “I’m so sorry.”

Ruby said nothing. She just gently took Sapphire’s hand. They moved closer together.

As they did, they glowed with a white light ...

Greg knew something was wrong the second Amethyst ran into the storage unit.

Greg hadn’t been waiting for Amethyst long; it had only been about fifteen minutes since Vidalia picked Steven up. He sat on the couch in anticipation. But when he heard Amethyst’s hurried footsteps and saw the pale look on her face, his heart sank. Something must have happened.

“Amethyst!” said Greg as she ran in. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

Amethyst didn’t say anything at first. She didn’t even look at Greg. Her breathing was heavy. She paced back and forth before plopping down on the opposite side of the couch. She put her hands to her face, shaking. Greg had never seen Amethyst like this before.

“... I’m fine,” Amethyst said finally.

“Don’t give me that, Amethyst,” said Greg. “Come on, you can talk to me. What’s going on?”

“I don’t want to talk about anything,” Amethyst said quietly. “What ... what tape of Lil’ Butler were we up to?”

Greg’s stomach felt sour. He remembered Sapphire’s warning.

“Look, maybe we shouldn’t do this right now,” Greg said.

“No,” Amethyst said, hands still covering her face. “Let’s just watch, okay? Don’t worry about it.”

“Amethyst--”

Amethyst dropped her hands from her face.

“Just let me have this, okay?!” Amethyst shouted, her eyes shut.

Greg flinched. He wasn’t sure what to do. He was worried for Amethyst and he had a bad feeling this had something to do with whatever Sapphire was warning him about. But when he saw Amethyst that upset, he didn’t have the heart to say no to her.

“O ... okay ...” Greg said. “I’ll just-- I’ll just put a tape in.”

“Thank you,” she said. She still refused to look Greg in the eye when she spoke.

When Greg knelt next to the box of tapes, Amethyst asked, “I didn’t do anything to hurt your feelings, did I?”

“What?” Greg said.

“Like ... I haven’t hurt you, right?”

“N-no, why are you--”

Amethyst’s eyes met Greg’s.

“You mean that, right?” she said. “You promise I haven’t?”

“Yes, I mean that. Where did that come from?”

Amethyst crossed her arms and hugged her shoulders.

“I just ... needed to hear that,” Amethyst said.

Greg was bewildered, but he didn’t press the issue. He knew Amethyst wouldn’t have given him a straight answer anyway, at least not until she calmed down.

Greg took one of the Lil’ Butler tapes from the box, put it in the VCR, and pushed play. He sat next to Amethyst on the couch.

She was mostly silent as they watched that episode. But then when that finished, Greg put in another tape.

And then another.

A few tapes in, almost two hours later, Amethyst was smiling and laughing like nothing had ever happened.

Greg tried not to wonder if she actually felt better or was just pretending.

“Wow,” Amethyst said with a laugh as the credits rolled on the episode they just watched. “I still can’t believe one. I mean, Daughter Money hits reverse on the car and it crashes through the kitchen? How is no one more upset about that?”

Greg laughed with her. He was still worried, incredibly worried, but at least Amethyst was smiling now ...

“Yeah,” Greg said. “Well, I mean, they are super rich.”

“Yeah, but still, she crashed a car in the house. You’d think Lil Butler would have a little bit more to say than just ...”

Without warning, Amethyst’s body glowed. Greg backed up as her form shifted into a purple recreation of Lil’ Butler, white mustache and male-patterned baldness included. Amethyst stood on the couch.

“‘I’m not cleaning that one up,’” Amethyst said in a decent imitation of Lil’ Butler’s childish tone.

Greg snickered.

“Whoa, that’s not a bad impression,” said Greg. “Heh ... sometimes I kinda forget you can change into anything.”

Amethyst’s body lit up for a moment before she settled back into her normal shape. She smiled.

“Pretty cool, right?” Amethyst said.

“Well ... yeah, actually. It’s a pretty neat talent.”

Amethyst glanced down at the floor. It was hard to tell in the darkness of the storage shed, but it looked like she was blushing.

“Oh wow ...” Amethyst said quietly.

“What?” Greg said.

“Nothing, nothing,” Amethyst said. “Just ... nobody’s ever called that a ‘talent’ before ...” She tilted her head back, grinning ear to ear. “Hey, wanna see something even cooler?”

Greg nodded. The tape had ended and the TV was stuck on white static, but Greg didn’t mind. Seeing Amethyst have fun made Greg happier than any episode of Lil’ Butler could have.

Amethyst slid off the couch and stood in the middle of the floor.

“Okay,” Amethyst said, holding both hands in front of her. “Okay, check this out. This’ll be great.”

Amethyst glowed and changed again. This time, to Greg’s surprise, she settled into a purple image of Greg himself. Greg couldn’t help but laugh seeing it.

“Hehe, pretty cool right?” Amethyst said, her normal voice unchanged despite looking nearly identical to Greg.

“Haha, whoa, that’s ... that’s pretty good,” Greg said. “Wow, you even got the receding hairline right ... not sure how I feel about that, haha.”

“Yeah,” Amethyst said with a chuckle. “Not to mention the ‘I don’t care’ beard you rock now. Now personally, I much prefer--”

Amethyst lit up once again as her body changed into to a younger version of Greg. Greg was shocked; aside from being purple, she looked exactly how he did when he first met the Gems. No beard, long brown hair ... she had the black shirt with the sleeves torn off he always wore.

“--the original model!” Amethyst said.

Without even meaning to, Greg began laughing. He ran his hand through his hair.

“Oh wow! That’s amazing!” said Greg.

Amethyst smiled back at him. It was weird to see, considering he was basically watching himself smile, but Greg didn’t mind.

“Thanks,” Amethyst said. She struck a dramatic pose and pointed to the sky. She cleared her throat and began to speak in a purposely bad impression of Greg’s voice.

“‘This song goes out to all the weird rock things in the audience,’” Amethyst said. “‘It’s a brand new song off my new album. It’s called ‘I Live in a Van (But You Live in My Heart).’ The ‘But You Live in My Heart’ part is in parenthesis. That- that’s important.’”

Greg clutched his stomach, doubled over laughing. He laughed so hard he found himself gasping for breath.

“Oh god, that’s-- yeah!” Greg managed to say between breaths.

Amethyst, clearly pleased with herself, kept doing her impression.

“‘Now I gotta tell you guys, my amp is broken so you won’t get to hear how it actually sounds now. But I’ll just strum the electric guitar here and ... you know, even though it’s not hooked to anything, you can use your imagination.’” Amethyst paused. “‘Did I mention I’m a professional?’”

Greg laughed even harder. He teared up.

“Oh god, I actually did something like that once,” Greg said.

“Pfffft, haha!” Amethyst said. “Seriously?!”

“Hehe, yeah!” Greg said. He took another breath. “Oh man, that’s amazing! You have to show Rose, she’ll think it’s hilarious!”

In an instant, Amethyst stopped laughing. Her smile was gone. She stared at Greg as she glowed white and shifted back to normal.

“What did you say?” Amethyst said, so quietly Greg strained to hear her over his own laugher.

Greg tried to stop laughing long enough to speak.

“I said you should show that to Rose,” Greg said, still snickering. “I just think she’d ...” Greg stopped. He suddenly realized what he had just said. “She ... would ...

“Oh ...

“... right,” he whispered.

Greg fell back against the couch. Amethyst said nothing. Greg rubbed his temple.

“You know,” Greg said, trying to ignore the heaviness in his chest, “it’s funny. We were laughing so hard there for a second I guess I kinda ... forgot ...”

Greg sat, looking ahead at nothing. What seemed like an eternity later, Amethyst smiled nervously.

“H-hey, it’s um ...” Amethyst glanced back at the TV. “Hey, we forgot to put in another tape. Let me go and-- yeah.”

Amethyst picked up the box of tapes and started flicking through it.

“Yeah, w-what’s a good one?” Amethyst muttered. “There’s um ... there’s the one where they try to--”

Amethyst kept talking, but Greg hardly heard her.

She would have thought it was funny, Greg thought. Rose would have laughed so hard at Amethyst’s impression. He could almost see the goofy look on her face she always got before bursting out laughing. She would have had that glint in her eye she always did when she thought something was wonderful.

She would have been so happy.

She--

Greg felt something inside himself give way. His eyes burned. He covered them as he felt tears pour out. Despite his efforts to stop it, a sob escaped his lips.

He saw Amethyst through the gaps in his finger. She saw Greg and looked mortified.

“Greg!” Amethyst said as she threw the box of tapes to the floor. She ran up to him. He felt her hand grip his shoulder. “H-hey, it’s okay--”

He could hardly hold it together enough to speak.

“I’m sorry,” he said between short, painful breaths. His voice sounded so high-pitched, so crackled, that he hardly even recognized it as his own. His stomach was tied into knots. The tears didn’t stop. “Oh god ...”

“No no, it’s fine,” Amethyst said. She tried to smile. “Look, it’s okay, Greg. Come on ... I know, w-we could watch your favorite episode. Y-you know, the one where they go on the Japanese game show. Come on, i-- it’ll be--” Amethyst’s fake smile dropped as she suddenly pleaded, “Please stop crying, Greg!”

“I’m sorry,” he said. He dropped his hands to his lap. His vision blurred from the tears. “I just ... I miss her.”

Amethyst let go of his shoulder and took a step back. She looked more solemn and serious than Greg had ever seen her.

“I know you do ...” Amethyst whispered. She glanced at her feet. “Hey, um, Greg ...”

Greg looked at her. She didn’t make eye-contact.

“Stand up for a second,” Amethyst said.

Greg wasn’t sure why Amethyst said that, but he nodded and did as she asked. Amethyst still wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“Turn around,” Amethyst said.

“Wha--” Greg asked. Amethyst cut him off.

“Just ... turn around.”

Greg was even more puzzled by this, but he still turned around; he didn’t want anyone to see him like this anyway. He rubbed tears from his eyes as he stared at the wall.

He heard the whooshing sound of fabric brushing against the floor.

“You can turn back around now,” Amethyst said.

Greg did.

He instantly wished he hadn’t.

His heart skipped a beat, because for a split second, he thought Rose really was in front of him, towering over him with her big, flowing dress. But when he noticed the purple skin and the Gem on her chest, he realized it was Amethyst.

Amethyst smiled with Rose’s mouth. He couldn’t believe how little it looked like Rose’s actual smiles.

“Well?” Amethyst said in a low voice. “How do I look?”

Greg opened his mouth but no words came out. He felt a chill run through his entire body. He felt his hands start to shake.

If Amethyst could tell how horrified Greg was, she didn’t show it. She laughed.

It didn’t sound like Rose’s laugh at all.

“Pretty cool, huh?” said Amethyst. “I-- I mean it’s not perfect but I think it’s pretty good.”

“Amethyst ... what is this?” Greg said.

Amethyst frowned. She brushed her curly hair-- Rose’s hair-- back.

“It’s ...” Amethyst gave a weak smile. “I mean, I was just thinking, if you want, I can just-- I could stay like this. You know ... while I’m here.”

Greg felt the blood drain from his face.

“I mean, that’d help, right?” Amethyst went on. “I could just look like this while we watch Lil’ Butler and, you know, you wouldn’t have to feel so sad. I can stay like this as long as you want. That’d be fun, right? It’d be--”

“Amethyst.”

Amethyst stopped talking. Greg turned away. He wasn’t able to look straight at Amethyst. Not when she looked like that.

“Please ...” Greg said, his eyes getting wet once again. “Change back.”

Amethyst stared at Greg in disbelief.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Did I not get how she looked right?”

“It’s not that,” Greg said. He didn’t face her.

“I mean, I know it’s not exactly like her but--”

“It’s not that, Amethyst.”

“Why aren’t you looking at me?” Amethyst said. “Don’t you want to see her again?”

Unable to stop himself, Greg heard himself blurt the words out.

“You’re not her, Amethyst!”

Realizing how harsh he sounded, Greg finally managed to look at Amethyst. She took a step back, Rose’s dress brushing against the floor. Her eyes were wide and her expression was empty, almost hurt.

“I ... I’m sorry,” Greg whispered. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh--”

“You think I don’t know I’m not her?” Amethyst said. She was whispering, but there was a harsh edge to it. “You think I wouldn’t bring her back for real if I could?”

“I--” Greg couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Amethyst glared, her lips quivering in anger. It was so unlike an expression Rose would make that it Greg cringe.

“You think you’re the only one who misses her?!” Amethyst shouted.

“No, Amethyst, I know you miss her. But it’s just ...” He held his hand up, shielding his eyes from Amethyst. “I can’t-- this isn’t right. Please change back. You don’t understand--”

Amethyst clenched her fists.

“I don’t understand?!” Amethyst said through gritted teeth. “Are you really saying that? Are you REALLY saying I don’t understand?!”

“Amethyst, I didn’t mean it like--”

“No, Greg, let me tell you something YOU don’t understand! You don’t know what it’s like to have someone who always watched over you for thousands of years and then just--” Amethyst screamed the next words. “Just have them just suddenly GONE! Because of you!”

The last words hit Greg like a gut punch. He straightened up, trying to remain composed.

“I know you’re upset, so I’m gonna ignore that,” Greg said. “I know you don’t really mean that.”

“Oh!” Amethyst said. “Oh, you-- you know that? Really?”

Greg turned his back to Amethyst.

“Amethyst, please, don’t do this,” Greg said.

“No, Greg, you wanna talk about how we really feel so bad? How about this?” Amethyst let out an angry chuckle. “Let me ask you something I’ve been wondering for a while ... what-- what exactly was the conversation like when you and Rose just decided all this would be an okay thing to do? Huh? How about that?”

“Stop it,” Greg said, dead serious.

“I think that’s a fair question!” Amethyst said, her voice cracking. “Come on, don’t be shy! I’m really curious! Did you both just-- just not realize it wouldn’t be hard for us?”

“It wasn’t--”

“Was it easy for you to just go along with it?”

Greg felt his blood boil from anger.

“No,” he said. “It wasn’t.”

“Oh well, that makes it all okay then, I guess!” Amethyst said sarcastically.

“Please just change back,” Greg whispered.

“Is that all you’re thinking about?!” Amethyst screamed. Greg didn’t look back, but he could picture the bitter smile on her face. “Okay, I got it. You don’t wanna say how it went, fine. You liked my last impression so much, here’s one of how it must have gone ...”

“Don’t.”

Amethyst suddenly sounded chipper. It didn’t sound like Rose, but the tone was so close it made Greg want to clutch his ears to block it out.

“‘Hey Greg,’” Amethyst said, irritatingly cheerful. “‘I love you so much, let’s have a baby.’”

“Stop it,” Greg said.

“‘He’ll be so wonderful. I bet he’ll look just like me. It’ll be great. All you have to do is help me kill myself.’”

“Stop.”

“‘That won’t be so hard, right?!’” Amethyst said, her voice straining as she got louder. “‘Come on, you love me, don’t you? It’s not like what our friends think ever mattered! Don’t worry about everyone we’ll be making sad.’”

“I’m serious, Amethyst, stop it.”

“‘Don’t worry about how I’d still be alive if you’d just never come here.’”

Greg clutched his face with one hand.

“I’m warning you--” he said.

But Amethyst still shouted.

“‘Don’t even worry about how our baby will never even know the amazing Gem HE MURDERED!’”

That did it. Greg twisted around. He felt his face turn red. He glared at Amethyst.

“Get. Out.” he said.

Amethyst’s expression softened. To Greg’s horror, for just a moment, Amethyst looked like Rose did when she was upset. By the way her lip quivered, Greg almost thought she was going to apologize.

But instead, Amethyst narrowed her eyes and walked away. Greg watched her leave the storage unit.

Because Amethyst never changed back. Greg had to watch Rose walk away from him, saying nothing.

Once Amethyst left, Greg couldn’t help but think of what she said.

Rose would still be alive if you’d just never come here.

She’s right, Greg thought. She’s right.

For the second time that night, Greg sat down and cried.

Amethyst didn’t return home. Instead, she wandered back, almost dazed, to the mirror she had stashed away on the beach.

She looked at her reflection, still changed into Rose. Seeing Rose didn’t comfort Amethyst like before. She felt everything except comfort. She felt anger, disgust, sadness, so many horrible feelings she didn’t know what to do with all of them.

Her own words echoed in the back of her mind. Thinking about what she said to Greg made her feel sick. She hated herself for saying such things; she hated herself even more that some part of her meant it.

Amethyst stared at the mirror. Amethyst’s eyes burned as Rose’s eyes started to well with tears.

“Why’d you do it?” Amethyst asked. “I just want to know why. I mean ...” Amethyst brushed her curly hair away. “I mean, I know I can be a huge pain ... and Pearl can be kind of uptight ... and Garnet can be hard to talk to ... but I didn’t think we were that hard to be around. Is that the reason? Were you just tired of having to deal with us?”

Amethyst inched closer to the mirror.

“I mean, I’m not saying I wasn’t listening to you before,” Amethyst went on. “I heard everything you said about wanting a baby, wanting to make something that’d be better than yourself. I heard all that. I know that’s what you said the reason was.”

Amethyst sniffed as she rubbed tears from her eyes.

“And I want to believe that, I really do!” she said. “You have no idea how much I want to believe that we didn’t do anything wrong!” Amethyst started breaking. “But I can’t help but feel like you were just ... done with us, like you abandoned us! I can’t help it! It’s like-- what else am I supposed to think? What am I supposed to do now?! What? Come on, tell me!”

Without even realizing she was going to do it, she started shouting.

“You said you were always going to be there for me!” Amethyst screamed. “When you first found me, you said that and I still remember it ...” Amethyst clenched her fists. “Did you already know back then you were lying?! Come on, please! Just ... say something! Tell me that’s not true! TELL ME I’M WRONG ABOUT YOU!”

Amethyst stared at the mirror, at the image of Rose. It was silent.

Amethyst clawed at her face, wet with tears.

“But you can’t say anything, can you?” Amethyst said. “Because you’re just a stupid reflection.”

She glared her imperfect version of Rose.

“Because you’re dead.”

She clutched one hand on her Gem as it glowed. She could feel her whip materialize as she pulled it free.

“And you’re never! Coming! BACK!”

Amethyst closed her eyes and swung the whip forward. She heard the mirror shatter. When she opened the eyes, there was nothing there but jagged pieces of glass. She choked back a sob and fell to her knees.

Then, she heard a voice.

“Amethyst.”

Amethyst twisted around. Standing just a few feet away from her was Garnet. Her visor was down, but it was clear she staring at Amethyst.

Amethyst froze, still morphed as Rose. After a moment of hesitation, she shifted back to her normal self.

Amethyst laughed without humor.

“Oh, oh GREAT!” Amethyst said. She sniffed back tears. “That’s just perfect! NOW you show up! NOW! Guess you saw all that, didn’t you?!”

Garnet didn’t say anything.

“AWESOME!” Amethyst said. “Well, guess what?! You were right! You were both right all along! I hurt Greg!” She forced a grin as her eyes welled up. “I’m just a horrible Gem that hurts everyone around her! Go ahead and rub it in!”

Garnet said nothing.

Amethyst got to her feet, gripping her whip.

“No, wait, I’ve got a better idea,” said Amethyst, getting choked up. “Why don’t you just stick me in a bubble like you idiots should have done when you first found me?! Put me with all the other monsters where I belong! Come on, do it! You know I deserve it! You know what I did! You know there’s nothing good about me!”

Garnet was silent.

“WHY ARE YOU JUST STANDING THERE?!” Amethyst shouted. “Just beat me up or yell at me or ... JUST DO SOMETHING!”

Garnet walked forward in response. Amethyst flinched. Garnet stood in front of Amethyst, her head tilted down. Amethyst started to shake.

And then, Garnet crouched down on one knee and wrapped her arms around Amethyst.

Amethyst clenched her teeth as Garnet brought Amethyst’s head into her chest.

“Is this a joke?!” Amethyst said bitterly. She clutched her whip. “You think this solves anything?! You think you can just hug me and that--” Her breathing got choppier as she started to tremble. “You think that--”

Unable to hold it in for any longer, Amethyst dropped her whip and buried her face against Garnet. She felt Garnet hug her tighter.

“I’m sorry,” Amethyst squeaked out. A sob escaped her throat. “I’m sorry for everything.”

“I know,” Garnet said. “We’re sorry too.”

Amethyst couldn’t get any other words out. She just sat there, crying over all the things she’d done as Garnet held her.

Greg took a moment to catch his breath before he slid the quarter into the payphone. His eyes were red.

He dialed Vidalia’s number. After a couple rings, she picked up.

“Hello?” Vidalia said.

“Hey, it’s me,” Greg said, leaning against the phone box.

“Hey Greg,” Vidalia said cheerfully. “You’re calling a little early.”

“Yeah ... yeah,” Greg said. He cleared his throat. “Would you ... would you be okay maybe watching Steven for the night one more time?”

“Sure! Why? You and Amethyst planning another all-nighter?”

Greg winced at the mention of Amethyst.

“No ...” he said quietly.

Vidalia’s tone immediately changed.

“Why? What’s wrong?” she said. “Did something happen?”

Greg couldn’t bear to go into it. He sighed.

“It’s-- I just need some time to think, I guess,” Greg said. “I-- Look, I really want to thank you for all you’ve done, Vidalia. You’ve been a good friend. I want you to know that.”

“Greg ... you’re scaring me,” Vidalia said. “What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing,” Greg lied. He didn’t sound convincing. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

Vidalia paused.

“Promise,” she said.

“What?”

“Promise me I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Vidalia, I’m fine, I’m not going to--”

“Promise!”

“Okay, okay! I promise!” Greg said. “I’ll be okay, really.”

“Okay ...” Vidalia whispered.

“I’ll, uh ... I’ll see you in the morning.”

He went to hang up the phone, when he heard Vidalia shout “Greg!”

“Yes?” Greg pulled the phone back to his ear.

“Y-you’re a good friend too,” Vidalia whispered. “Don’t, you know ... forget that.”

“I-- I won’t,” Greg said. “Good night.”

There was an uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah ... g’night,” Vidalia said.

When Greg hung up the phone, he thought he heard a sniffle on the other end. He told himself he was hearing things.

Greg walked away from the storage units. He tried his best not to think about the argument with Amethyst. Instead, he thought of Rose. How much he wished he could talk to her about this, how she would have somehow made him feel better like always ...

Thinking of that almost made him feel worse.

Without meaning to, he ended up walking back to his van parked on the beach. The place where they’d always spent the most time together alone ...

Greg opened the driver’s side door of the van. He’d left it unlocked. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the keys.

He didn’t know where he wanted to drive. He just hoped it might clear his head. He could go around the city, up the beach ...

Off a cliff, maybe.

He shook his head.

Don’t even think like that, Greg thought. Don’t even joke about it. It’s not funny.

But he wasn’t sure he was joking.

Greg was about to turn the key in the ignition when someone called out behind him.

“Greg?”

Greg turned around and Pearl was there. She was sitting on Greg’s comforter in the back of the van. She stared at him with wide eyes, startled.

“PEARL?!” shouted Greg. “What are you--” He paused, then added, “Have you been here this whole time?!”

Pearl shook her head.

“No,” she whispered. “No, I’ve only been here for little while ...” Her eyes drifted away from Greg. “What day is it?”

“Uh ... Tuesday.”

Pearl nodded slowly.

“Right. So that means ...” Her eyes darted back to Greg. “Has it really only been ten days?”

Greg frowned and nodded.

“Right,” she said, nodding back. She seemed dazed, drained of all feeling. Seeing the normally emotional Pearl this way was unsettling to say the least. “Feels longer ... doesn’t it?”

It took everything Greg had not to burst into tears again. Fearing they would, he turned back towards the windshield.

It was funny. This entire time Greg wanted to talk to Pearl because he felt she would be the one other person who could understand how he felt. Now that Pearl was here, he found it hard to get any words out.

He could feel Pearl’s eyes boring into the back of his head. The back of the van open with a loud creak. Sand crunched outside as Pearl walked around to the passenger’s door. She opened the door and sat down, glancing over at Greg.

“Why did you come here?” asked Greg.

After a moment’s silence, Pearl took a breath and started to speak.

“You know ...” she said. “When you first came here and Rose fell for you ... I mean, really fell for you ... I would always see her sneak out at night. And she’d always come back late, with that big goofy smile on her face. And when I’d confront her about it, she’d always get embarrassed and make up some excuse about what she was doing and--” She let out a humorless chuckle. “I’m not naive. I knew she was coming here. To see you.”

Greg didn’t say anything.

Pearl tilted her head up.

“And, of course, you know me,” Pearl said. “I was jealous. Insanely jealous. And spiteful and angry. For a long time. I never got used to it, not even a little.” She sighed. “And I was so jealous that I ignored the most obvious thing about those nights.”

“What was that?”

Pearl’s eyes were glued to the ceiling. She gave a sad smile.

“Those were the nights she was the most happy ...” Pearl said.

Greg stared at her.

“Are you ... okay, Pearl?” Greg asked.

Pearl turned to him, the sad smile still on her face. He looked in her eyes and saw how deeply sad she was.

“Right ...” Greg said. “Sorry. Dumb question.”

“It’s alright,” Pearl whispered.

There was an awkward silence between them. Greg felt like they both had a lot to say but neither knew where to start.

“So ... where have you been?” Greg asked.

Pearl glanced down at the floorboards between meeting Greg’s gaze.

“I’ll show you,” she said.