Pearlnet Day 2: Sacrifice/Trust.

It happened every year. Steven's birthday would come around, and while she loved him very much, the celebration always involved food. This year Garnet said she'd like the food. She doubted it but agreed to give it a try when Garnet asked her to taste the surprise Steven had for her. Decorating the area with balloons hadn't taken the subject off her mind, but the seemingly endless list of menial tasks that involved setting up a party helped her relax. Steven looked like he was having fun playing with some of the humans from town and Amethyst who changed shape to entertain him.

Pearl stood next to Greg watching over the guests while he cooked. She wrinkled her nose at the smell, barely containing the snide comments about humans and their need for external energy sources. "It looks like Steven's having fun." She offered instead.

"Yeah. Stu-ball was so excited to have his friends come to the party." The musician answered easily. He grinned as he plated some of the hot dogs he'd been grilling. "I know you're not fond of food, but Rose said that sometimes you like it?"

Pearl groaned. Why did Rose have to tell him that? "Occasionally."

He chuckled nervously, glancing past her to Garnet. The tall gem walked towards them with a cake in one hand and a small tin pan in the other. She set them both down on the table. How she found room on it was amazing with the way it was covered with other foods and presents. She smiled at the pile. It had been arranged the size and shape. "Pearl. Greg."

"Garnet, please tell me I won't have to eat anything." Pearl asked.

"You don't." The leader said, shrugging. "It's okay. Steven understands you don't like food."

Later, when it was time to eat, Steven brought her a plate. There wasn't much on it, just a thin slice of pie. "You don't have it eat. I just remembered that you said you like pie once," They both remembered when, "and I thought you'd like some. Garnet baked it with me." He looked so hopeful Pearl found she really couldn't deny him. She picked up her fork and scooped a tiny piece of pie up. Fighting the urge to toss it away from her, she recalled what Garnet had said and took a bite.

Why did I doubt Garnet? She wondered. The pie was light and sweet without being overwhelming so. She smiled at Steven completing his cooking. He grinned back, hugging her before running off to play with his friends. As she ate the rest of her slice, she could feel Garnet approach her. "You were right; I do like it."

Garnet smiled taking a bite from her own slice. Neither gem said any more on the subject content to watch the fun.

A.N. I couldn't decide which one to do, so I did both.