I don't own Steven Universe. I'm just a kid with an imagination and a computer.

-Pearl's POV-

I'm in the beach house. I think I'm suppose to do something today but for once I can't remember what. Maybe opening a window for fresh can help me to remember.

What a gorgeous day! It's so sunny out here. And the bird calls create a perfect atmosphere. "I'm going out to meditate by the new cherry blossom tree." With my tree healing and the weather so nice this could be a very pleasant morning. Just me, and my tree.

"No. That can wait for another day." I was half way out the door when someone caught me by the arm. I turned to face Crystal. She had taken to changing her outfit every day so I never knew what to expect when I saw her. I didn't really understand why she did it. I see it as a complete waste of time, but she insists that it's "trendy" or what ever. I had to admit though, she always looked ready to do whatever she happened to be doing at any given moment... but at the same time her outfits held a certain flamboyancy that I could never figure out.

Today she happened to be wearing a plain white t-shirt with blue jean shorts that had a work belt on them. She also wore brown boots, work gloves, and an orange vest with a vertical yellow stripe on each side. Finally, her hair was up in a bun in the back and her eyes had tinted to a light orange. But her eyes were the thing I noticed most, because they were fixed in a look I'd become quickly accustomed to in the few days that she'd been living in the temple. They were in a dark glare. Not her intimidating glare, this was her 'I know your wrong, you should know your wrong, and I'm not going to say anything but you need to fix this now because if you don't I'm going to get even madder' glare.

Suddenly it clicked in my mind. We were all supposed to go to Fish Stew Pizza today to help repair their sign. Crystal had gone with Steven to arrange the volunteering day herself. She was mad at the Gems and I for being "rude" to the Pizzas. I honestly couldn't tell what she was talking about. Either way we had a job to protect people, not to be as polite as possible.

"Crystal, I know that your trying to be polite but-" She darkened her glare and quickly cut in.

"No excuses. No complaining. No shenanigans. As a princess I had to follow hundreds of rules day in and day out. If I didn't then my already numbered privileges were taken away. I managed to run away from my problems in the end. I doubt however, that you will have either the guts to try or the cunning to succeed. Fortunately I'm giving you only three rules that will only last for part of the day. This is a simple task. Garnet and Amethyst have already worked on the clean up. All you, me, and Steven have to do is put up the new sign. Make even one more argument, and you'll regret it. Do I make myself clear?" Crystal was really good at intimidation. I simply nodded my head and we were off.

-Crystal's POV-

Ah, intimidation. Perhaps the only thing mother had taught me that worked despite the setting. The problem is that if it's over used then people can just label you as a savage and move one. Unfortunately the Gems seemed to be lacking the respect necessary for me to stop my methods of using intimidation. Can't they just cooperate with me? I mean, I think I'm a good leader. Sure I ignored most of mother's lessons such as how to rule a kingdom or how to increase one's approval rating, but as a guardian I don't believe that any of those lessons will be necessary. I mean come on, a princess's duties are so different from the duties of the leader of the Crystal Gems... at least I think so.

At least Steven had been out picking up supplies while I dealt with Pearl. I know that he respects me, so I don't use intimidation with him. I would want to use intimidation with him anyway. Steven wouldn't be able handle it any way. I might end up reminding him of my intrusion in the temple, and I can't stand to frighten Steven. He's a great nephew and friend. And speaking of Steven...

"HEY GUYS!" Steven was already at Fish Stew Pizza. Next to him was the sign Mr. Pizza had ordered, a tool box, several pairs of goggles, and ropes & pulleys. We were the only ones at the Pizza shop. Kofi had closed it earlier because he was afraid that the construction noise would disrupt the restaurant patrons.

I stared at a picture of what the sign was suppose to look like. "Pearl, I need you to a fix pulleys here and here." I pointed to two places in the picture and Pearl went to work.

...Two Hours Later Because Construction Work Can Be Extremely Boring BUT Also Dangerous And Also Because It Would Take A Long Time To Write...

Finally, with one last hammer the last nail was in and the sign was hung.

"Okay then, we're done." I announced. "Pearl, you're free to go."

"Really?" I rolled my eyes, nodded, and she was off.

"...So, Crystal. What do you want to do now?" As if on cue both Steven and I's stomachs growled.

"I think we should get something to eat." I giggled. It's quite amusing how some problems simply solve themselves.

"Hmm... Oh, I know! We should go to The Big Donut! I can introduce you to Sadie and Lars and you can try doughnuts, or ice cream, or something else!" Steven's eyes started to get starry. Huh, just the way Rosy's would when she got excited.

"Sure. Just give me a second I need to change."

"Oh! Can I watch? I always miss this part and I bet it's hard, but cool too!" I rolled my eyes and smiled lightly. I lightly waved my fingers and some white sparkles danced around them.

"Steven it's not that hard. You just need to concentrate on changes and they'll happen. So if I want to fix a length," I wiped my hands down on my jean shorts and they grew to actual jeans. "Clean up," I waved my hands over my dirtied white shirt, and it became a new, fresh, white shirt. "Change an item's look," I quickly crossed and uncrossed my arms and my vest changed to be solid pink. "Or change something completely," I clapped my hands together and suddenly several things changed all at once. My boots became pink flats, the work gloves became a two loose pink bracelets on my right wrist, my hair released from it's bun and gained a pink head band, and my work belt adjusted to become a shoulder bag. "It'll just happen."

Steven just looked really impressed and stood gaping while I buttoned the star button on my vest and blinked to make my irises pink rather than orange.

"That... was amazing."

-Lars's POV-

I hate restocking. Sadie usually has to do it but she can't because she's out sick. Now I have to run this entire place while she lies in her bed all day reading magazines or watching TV... lucky.

*Ding Ding* Oh great, customers. "Hey, are you here Lars?" Oh great, Steven. He could be cool, I'll admit it, but he's still really weird. He'll never be as cool as people like Tiger Millionaire, even if he can impress Jenny, Sour Cream, and Buck Dewey.

"Just a second." I lifted up a large box full of random chip bags and placed it on a shelf. Whipping my hands on one another, I turned to get to the main counter.

When I got there I saw Steven looking at the ice cream fridge and pointing things out while explaining them to... himself?

It was then I noticed a girl standing next to him on his left. Must be one of the Crystal Fems. I rolled my eyes, crossed my arms, sat down on a stool, and waited for them to pick something to buy.

"And then those are Lion Lickers. Nobody actually likes them. I prefer Cookie Cats" Steven needed to get with the times. It was Cookie Cats or what ever that people didn't like.

"Hmm, I can agree to that. They don't exactly look like Lion either." That voice, it was different from that of the other Crystal Fems. Was it Steven's girlfriend? No, she wasn't that tall.

"I'll just get some doughnuts then. Hi Lars!" Steven walked up to the counter while the girl stayed back towards the front of the store, and I stood up just so that I could look down at Steven. "I'd like two of the usual please."

I ducked down to get the doughnuts. "So, one for you and," I stood up with the bagged pastries, "one for your gi-girl-"

The girl had silently moved to the counter while I'd been bent down. She was giving me an odd look but she, she was gorgeous. Her hair was dark and long, and her eyes sparkled in such a way that made them seem pink. And her outfit was cool, but cute at the same time. And that figure... she was just so perfect.

I lost myself in her face and almost missed Steven's introduction. "Lars, this is my cousin Crystal. Crystal, this is my good friend Lars."

My hand wobbled as I handed Steven the bag and he placed the correct sum on the counter.

They left, and after they did I shakily leaned myself against the nearest wall. I replayed that melodic voice in my head and thought about her beauteous face.

Crystal, what an elegant name. I think I may have a crush.

-Crystal's POV-

I shivered as Steven and I left The Big Donut. It was apparent that Lars liked me.

I heard his heart rate increase when he saw me. His eyes widened just so, and his body shook ever so slightly from weakening.

Unfortunately, this was a real crush, not simply some suitor. With all of the suitors Mother brought to the palace, it was quite easy to exploit weaknesses, as none of them were truly driven by love. With real love, getting rid of Lars could be a problem.

Oh well, that could wait for another day. At the moment, I'm actually interested in trying a doughnut.

...

We got back to the Beach House and I pet Lion lightly on the head before entering.

Taking a seat at the kitchen island, I saw Amethyst napping under the coach cushions on the floor. Steven took a small plate out of a cabinet and put a few doughnuts on it, and placed the dish on the rug next to Amethyst's head. She mumbled a thanks, reached over, and grabbed a pastry, before shoving the whole thing into her mouth in one bite.

I absentmindedly grabbed a chocolate doughnut and took a small bite while watching the ordeal. Hmm, it was warm and flaky with rich and creamy frosting. Good, but I think I need a drink to wash it down.

I took out a cup and opened the top of the refrigerator. Wait, milk should be in the lower one. Right, the top compartment was the freezer.

I almost closed the freezer, when I noticed something pink poking out from underneath a sheet of ice.

I glanced around, then shout a few red sparks out of my fingers to melt the ice.

Reaching in, I took out a package with a cat face on it. Was this, a Cookie Cat? I thought they stopped making these. Wait... idea!

I created an orb of pink energy and muttered(though the echo still made the spell a bit loud) "Gemino" several times, until there were around 32 Cookie Cats.

I placed them all in the freezer, took one out, and closed the freezer.

Carefully opening the package, I looked at the ice cream sandwich, half vanilla, and half strawberry. I carefully bit and ear and savored the cold, rich cream.

I think I have a new favorite food.

FINALS ARE FINALLY OVER! Also, I'm sorry for taking so long to update. My life can be calm for awhile, and then it just becomes extremely hectic at random intervals.

Anyways, I updated so I'm counting finishing this chapter a self victory. I mean after all, I wrote this while studying for six different finals, writing a mini play, and finishing up some school projects, so I'm amazed I got this done this done today. If anything I'm a day or two ahead of schedule for when I thought I'd be done with this.

So, please review, and if you have any requests for a future chapter just message me.