The sun was at its peak, beaming it's hot rays down on Pearls back. Ick. Sunshine. She thought, squinting her eyes to attempt to protect them from the suns glare. She was walking along the sandy beach, carrying a small brown bag with 5 donuts in it after a trip to the donut shop.

Even though it was the last day in September, it was still quite a hot day. Seagulls flew overhead while the crashing of the waves seemed in time with the thin gems breathing. The rest of the Crystal Gems were sitting; lounging in the air conditioned beach house, while Pearl had been nominated for a donut run on what truly and honestly felt like the hottest day of the year.

"Why should I have to get donuts." Pearl mumbled to herself, nearing the temple. "I don't even eat." She climbed up the steps to the house part of the temple, and was greeted with an excited Steven sitting by the door while waiting for donuts. Peridot and Amethyst weren't too far away either, obviously waiting for some sweets.

"Pearls the donut master!" He eagerly yelled, jumping to get his donuts. Pearl gave him the Donut bag, in which he, Peridot and Amethyst pounced over to get their treats. Garnet and Lapis watched from afar, wondering if they themselves would get anything.

Pearl took advantage of the distraction and snuck over to her room, where she could get some peace, quiet and solitude. Garnet, of corse, noticed, but didn't say anything.

Garnet noticed a lot of things. Like the increased amount of time she spent in her room, her attitude, and obviously her motivation. Even Lapis seemed to do more than her, and all she did was read and watch trashy reality TV. Garnet would eventually need to talk to her, but decided to postpone it, to wait and see if it would just fade away.

It was now October, nearing Halloween much to Stevens excitement. Garnets prediction was wrong, as Pearls mood didn't fade. If anything, it grew stronger, starting to become noticeable by the other gems.

The gems (and Connie) had decided to play soccer, seeing they had an even number with Garnet un-fused. (Quick A/N- Omg guys I predicted Hit the Diamond)

"Ok!" Steven yelled, the other gems lined up on the wall of the barn. Peridot stood beside him. "We're picking teams! Ruby, your with me!"

"Amethyst!" Peridot yelled.

"Connie!" Steven yelled.

"Sapphire!"

"Lapis!"

"Pearl!"

"Alright let's play!" Steven ran out onto the chalk-drawn soccer field on the grass, with 2 makeshift nets from branches.

Lapis and Sapphire each took a net (it means they played goalie, to any of you non-soccer players) with the rest of the players playing outfield. Pearl just lazily kicked the ball away, not really paying attention to whose team it was going to. Ruby and Sapphire exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing. 'We need to talk to her.'

The game of soccer went relatively well, with only slight amounts of cheating from future vision and lighting the ball on fire. The game ended with a tie, mainly because the ball was kicked into another town.

"That was fun." Connie said, taking a bite out of a hotdog. "Mmm hmm!" Steven exclaimed, with a mouthful of food. He glanced over in Pearls direction. Pearl just sat the table, staring at her food and not bothering to even try anything.

"What's wrong?" Connie asked, trying to follow where Steven was looking. It's Pearls business if something's wrong. He thought. She'd tell us if she wanted to. "Nothing!" Steven said, and continued his conversation with Connie.

But the truth was, Pearl wasn't in the mood to eat. She never really was, but today it felt stronger. She stared at the food a newly- fused Garnet had given her, feeling like she'd seen it somewhere before. The whole day felt like she was re-watching a movie, like everything was just so predictable. She couldn't bring herself to laugh when Garnet burnt a hotdog just by holding it, or even when Garnet said 'Ruby said hi'.

Pearl just looked around. Lapis was dying laughing, while Pearl was pretty sure Peridot was choking on her food. She just didn't seem to enjoy anything anymore.

Later that night at the temple, Pearl sat on one of the water pillars, cursing herself for not acting normal. She was arguing in her mind, trying to decide on whether or not to tell Garnet.

You should've laughed. That was funny, there must be something wrong with you. One side of her head argued.

It wasn't that funny. Not your fault you didn't laugh. The other side bickered.

But you just feel sad for no reason. You should tell Garnet...

No way. This is your life, not Garnets. And this isn't even real. It's just made up in your head. Imagine how weak she'd think we were if we went crying to her because we're sad. We're strong.

Then why do we feel so weak?

Because we let ourself!

Garnet would know what to do!

Then let's just be Garnet! SNAP OUT OF IT.

Pearl felt overwhelmed, unsure of what choice to pick. She laid down, scrunching her knees up to her chest and hugging them with her arms. Hot tears fell down her face, not for any reason in particular.

"Oh great. I'm crying for no fucking reason." Pearl said aloud.

"Let's see how shitty tomorrow is."