It was two months later when Peridot decided to return. On a rainy day in September, Steven was playing video games in the Temple when a flash of lightning lit up the beach. After the accompanying thunder had died down, he heard someone frantically banging on the front door. Wondering what crazy person would go knocking at their door in this weather, Steven went to investigate. He opened the door to find the last person-or in this case, Gem-he expected to ever see again.
"Peridot?!"
The poor gem was absolutely soaked with rain, shivering and desperately hugging herself in an almost protective way. Her hair covered most of her face, but her characteristic scowl was clearly visible. Steven stepped aside to let her in, but he was shocked. What was she doing here? He thought she had left him all those months ago. However, something seemed different about her now. He pushed the observation aside and went to grab her a towel and a blanket.
Peridot was sitting hunched over on the couch when Steven returned. He wrapped her in the blanket and handed her the towel, which she took silently. She wouldn't look him in the eye. After a few moments, Steven opened his mouth to say something, but she interrupted him.
"You're probably wondering why I'm back here." Steven nodded. She continued, "Well, let's just say it's because of you."
"Me? What did I do?" Steven asked, confused. Peridot glared at him. He shut up immediately.
"A-hem. Anyways, it's because of you. How, you ask? Well, before we... broke up, I was performing my routine self-examination scan when I discovered something shocking. To me, of course, though I doubt you won't be surprised. I discovered I was carrying, or what you humans call pregnant." Steven was taken aback. Pregnant? That's why she left? More importantly, it was HIS child? How was this possible?! A memory from a few months ago came back to him: they were at a party, Peridot was drunk, and they had... oh dear. That's how it happened, wasn't it? Steven was suddenly snapped back to reality by a loud sniffle from Peridot. He looked over to see tears dripping down the Gem's face.
"Peridot? Are you all right..?" He asked, scooting closer to her. Peridot turned away from him, but was stopped by his arms wrapping around her shoulders. She let out a sob and buried her face in the blanket. "Hey, shh, it's alright..." Steven soothed, nuzzling her hair. Peridot looked up at the hybrid, green-faced and teary-eyed. "I'm here for you..." He pulled her closer and kissed her gemstone. "You'll be okay..."