Chapter 4: Taking a Trip

It was dead quiet in the house, since the hub was destroyed. The silence stretched for a whole week, each person still dealing with what happened. Alex a little angry at Pearl for what happened to Luna spent her time with her cousin going over the play for the mayor was almost done with the script. If she came to the Beach House at all it was either to play with Steven, talk to Amethyst or Lapis, or to just ask Garnet if Luna woke up yet.

Amethyst spent mainly her time in her room, upset over what happened yet putting on a brave face for Steven, hoping beyond hope that this whole silent treatment would blow over. Lapis was mainly concerned about Steven, since she hadn't really grown attached to any of the gems just yet. She trusted them but now seeing Garnet's angry outburst at Pearl, and seeing how Luna was not here to keep Garnet's temper at bay, Lapis acted as Steven's body guard in case the fusion would take her anger out on him.

Speaking of Steven, he spent the majority of his time trying to fix things. He would watch Crying Breakfast Friends, with Amethyst, take Lapis to the local library, to show her more of the world, he wanted to show her why Earth was so important. Then he would take walks with Alex, maybe go see a movie or play at the arcade or jam with his dad at the carwash. If Garnet ever came out of her room, Steven asked her if she wanted to exercise. Either she would say not now, or give him a small smile. Small smile meant yes, and their exercise would end with her saying good job and ruffling his hair, the not now comment meant she would hide in her room.

With Pearl he would ask to go to her favorite tree, even sword fight with her and Connie, but like Garnet, Pearl was hardly ever seen and Steven tried to talk to her but like Garnet, got either a sad smile or barely two words out of her. The only gem who wasn't saying or doing anything was Luna, who continued to sleep and Steven who took the night shift left Luna on a pillow by his window to help Luna get plenty of moon beams. Finally after a week the silence would be over but another storm was brewing.

On the beach shore

Garnet was sitting alone again, her head was hurting from the constant fight Ruby and Sapphire were having.

We have to forgive Pearl.

I don't want too!

It's for the best.

She tricked us and hurt Luna!

Garnet managed to get it together but she didn't know how much longer she could keep up this fight. She was in no hurry to forgive Pearl; Pearl tricked and used her into fusing. Like Yellow Diamond, who forced those poor gem shards into fusing creating the monsters, Fusion was a choice, a special bond, the reason she even existed, Pearl broke that trust and Garnet could not forgive her ever. Sitting on a smooth rock, was Luna's gem. According to Alex, Luna should have been awake by now, almost two weeks and the moonstone slept. She walked over to the gem gently holding it. "Luna can you hear me?" asked Garnet. "Please if you can I need you to wake up, I'm so confused and angry, I need your guidance more than ever, and you asked me to forgive Pearl. Why would you ask that after what she did to you? What she did to me? "Please Luna, wake up soon," Garnet whispered, the moonstone remained silent.

Meanwhile

Steven was watching television with Lapis, Amethyst went off somewhere with Alex, Steven knew Amethyst was showing her the wrestling ring since her and Alex liked to fight, just then the warp pad went off and Pearl came out. "Hey Pearl, where you been?" he asked racing over to her, he hadn't seen her in a couple of days.

"Um looking for Peridot, for a few days straight," Pearl said rubbing her arm. Steven frowned sensing that she was still upset. "Steven, I know I disappointed all of you," Pearl said an upset looking on her face. "I know Garnet is very upset with me but I am going to prove to her that she can trust me again," Pearl said in a happy tone.

I would always trust you Pearl, everyone makes mistakes, you don't have to try so hard, can't you and Garnet just talk, his mind asked. Just then Garnet walked through the front door, stoic as ever.

"Oh Garnet, I was just looking for Peridot, she's bound to turn up somewhere right, any new ideas?" Pearl asked nervously hoping that Garnet would talk to her. Garnet just stared at her, having her visors on so Pearl couldn't see a facial expression. When it seemed like minutes had passed Garnet walked past Pearl, as if she was never there. Pearl's face broke and she uttered the words she should have said before. "I'm sorry," Pearl said hoping Garnet would know that.

Steven looked between the two and Lapis silently bit her lip wondering what would happen. When a new voice broke out, "Who wants to go on a road trip," it was Greg holding a brochure looking very excited. When everyone looked at him, he sensed great tension. "Um is this a bad a time?" he asked looking a little nervous.

"No, please continue," Garnet said walking back. She handed Steven Luna's gem and he placed it carefully in his pocket for safe keeping.

"Well I got to drive over to the next state Keystone," began Greg.

"You mean the Keystone state?" asked Pearl.

"Right the state named Keystone; I met a guy on an internet message board who sells car wash brushes for real cheap. I just got to go to Keystone to pick them up," explained Greg.

"I don't like those brushes they feel weird on your fur," said Steven frowning. Lapis fought back a chuckle, Steven was so cute sometimes.

"Well do you like motels?" asked Greg smiling.

"Probably Alex and I stayed in one once I think," said Steven getting excited.

"Think you like to stay at a motel with your favorite dad?" asked Greg pointing to himself.

"I don't know if you are my favorite," teased Steven.

"What oh you kidder come here," chuckled Greg as he picked up Steven.

"I can't wait to get room service," Steven said excitedly.

"You're thinking of a hotel, we're going to a motel, they'll have a pool and free ice, and is next to the best diner in the world," Greg said happily.

"May I go too?" asked Lapis, she did want to travel and see more of the Earth.

"Sure Lapis, the more the merrier," smiled Greg, and Steven smiled at her too.

"I'm coming too," Garnet said.

"What?" asked Pearl not believing her ears.

"Even better my favorite dad and two of my best friends, this will be fun," cheered Steven.

"Road trip," said Greg.

"Road Trip!" cheered Lapis and Steven.

"Road Trip," Garnet said in her stoic voice.

"Wonderful I'll make sure Amethyst knows," Pearl said but trailed off when Garnet walked out the door. "Fine well good bye," Pearl said placing a fake smile on. Steven got down and hugged her.

"Be safe Pearl, and I recorded some Crying Breakfast Friends in case you and Amethyst want to watch it," Steven said.

"Uh thank you Steven," Pearl said blushing.

"This is going to be fun," Steven cheered racing to pack for the trip.

A few hours later

As Greg drove, Lapis who was sitting in the back with Garnet kept looking out to the window seeing hills and meadows. "Wow," she said. Steven sat in the front seat with Greg and was half asleep and Greg was getting tired, the only eerie thing was Garnet was dead silent. "Um Garnet are you okay?" Lapis asked getting a tad nervous. Garnet just twitched her hands and formed a thumbs up. "Um okay," Lapis said forming a nervous smile and looked out the window.

Finally they reached the motel, and parked. "The best thing about motels is you can park right by your door," Greg said smiling. Steven looked around to see a room resembling a room he slept in once when he was with Alex, except this room had two beds instead of one.

"The first thing I am going to do is swim in the pool, rent a movie, get free ice, it's going to be great!" cheered Steven jumping onto the bed.

"Let's check for bedbugs first," said Greg nervously, motels were known for them. He examined the bed carefully as Garnet carried in the bags and set them on the floor. Lapis was already turning on the television to see what channels their favorite shows were on. "Bug free," Greg said glad to know that. Then his phone went off and he goes, "Oh that is my que, mind holding the fort down for me?" he asked Garnet. Lapis again noticed Garnet's hands twitching and she was able to form the thumbs up sign. "Great I am off to see a man about some brushes, an internet man, if I am not back in an hour call the police," he said.

"You got it," said Steven. Once Greg was gone Steven immediately wanted to have fun. "Bounce with me Lapis, come on Garnet," said Steven trying to bounce on the bed. "Or we could look at brochures," he said his excitement not being contained. "Oh Keystone caverns," he said showing Lapis the brochure.

"Cool," Lapis said smiling. Garnet let out a grunt like she was in pain.

"Garnet are you okay?" Steven asked getting worried. Yet it was like she couldn't hear him.

"Calm down" said a gentle voice. Then some deep breaths followed as a new voice spoke.

"I don't feel like forgiving Pearl!" Garnet shouted holding herself slowly coming undone.

"You don't understand you must," said the calm voice.

"If you're not going to listen then just GO!" shouted Garnet just as a bright light appeared and two small gems fell onto the floor. Steven immediately recognized them as Ruby and Sapphire.

"You must move past this Ruby," Sapphire said calmly slowly getting to her feet.

"She lied to us so we form Sardonyx she tricked us, don't you feel used?" Ruby asked her voice filled with hurt.

"Ruby, Sapphire, I," Steven began but the two were having a conversation and probably forgot he was there.

"You are choosing to take it personally," said Sapphire in her calm voice.

"It's fusion Sapphire! What's more personal to us than fusion?" Ruby exclaimed shocked by how calm Sapphire was.

"I know you are still upset," Sapphire said.

"Oh so it's just me," Ruby said firmly.

"Of course not; can't you see, I am completely engulfed with rage," Sapphire said still in a calm tone.

"Well it doesn't feel like it," Ruby accused impatiently tapping her foot. Steven looked from one to the other unable to say anything and Lapis too was lost for words. Last time she saw these two was under a bad circumstance.

"The sooner we forgive Pearl, the better it will be for us all," Sapphire said as she began to float.

"You're not as above this as you think you are!" Ruby yelled smoke coming out of her head.

"Yes, I am," Sapphire declared landed gracefully on the bed. Ruby began to pace angrily over the carpet and Sapphire tried to reason with her before she literally set the carpet on fire. "You can't stay mad at Pearl forever," Sapphire said.

"Want to bet," argued Ruby as smoke circled around her.

"Ruby the carpet," Sapphire said. Ruby looked down seeing the burnt rug.

"I can't even AH!" Ruby yelled storming out of the room.

"Nice to you see again," Steven said gently.

"Nice to see you too," Sapphire said gently back.

"Um Lapis want to go for a swim?" asked Steven. Maybe he and Lapis can have fun until Ruby and Sapphire calmed down.

"Sure," said Lapis and Steven quickly got on his swimsuit and Lapis followed him outside. They found Ruby pacing angrily by the pool a burned area beneath her feet.

"Hey Ruby you want to swim in the pool with us?" asked Steven.

"It's fusion Steven, it's like Sapphire doesn't even care! And we're supposed to be the bigger gem about this. We're always the bigger gem! Well not this time, not about this!" Ruby yelled. Steven seemed upset but was determined to help Ruby calm down.

"Come on you can cool down in the pool," Steven said as he jumped in a bit of water splashed Ruby.

"I don't need to cool down," growled Ruby, water steaming off her.

"Come on Ruby the water is nice," Steven said as he splashed Lapis.

"It's on," Lapis said splashing him. Ruby just watched but not wanting to upset Steven went in but was still angry with Sapphire.

"Why does she always act like I'm being ridiculous," Ruby ranted but went under water where Steven couldn't hear her. Steven splashed Lapis as she splashed him.

"Ruby come on up and join our splash fight," Steven said splashing Lapis. Yet Ruby continued to rant. "Uh Ruby," Steven said getting nervous. Lapis began to feel some warmth from the water she could adapt to the heat but Steven couldn't. "Too hot" Steven yelled quickly getting out.

"Steven are you okay?" Lapis asked looking him over. She learned that humans were sensitive to temperatures and she looked over for third degree burns.

"I'm okay um let's go back inside," Steven said leaving Ruby to her rant as the water boiled and hissed.

"Okay," Lapis said gently to Steven yet gave Ruby a glaring look. "You go on ahead our catch up," said Lapis. Steven nodded and slowly headed inside. "Hey you could have burnt him you know," Lapis called to Ruby.

"It was an accident Lazuli, Steven knows that! Now just go away!" Ruby shouted the water almost gone.

"Gladly," hissed Lapis, going inside to join Steven and felt immense coldness.

"Sapphire," called Steven wrapping his towel around himself.

"Hello Steven, Lapis," Sapphire greeted calmly.

"Are you okay?" he asked his teeth chattering a bit.

"I'm fine," Sapphire said firmly ice appearing around her.

"Okay," Steven said climbing onto the bed. "Want to watch TV with Lapis and me, Alex got us hooked on an old show called Walker Texas Ranger," Steven said excitedly.

"Sure, channel 28 you're favorite episode will be playing," Sapphire said.

"Alright the one where Walker pretends to be a principal," Steven cheered sitting next to Lapis. Yet, Lapis could feel Steven getting colder so, she wrapped as much as the blanket around him as she could. Steven was worried about Ruby and Sapphire and maybe he could ask Sapphire to talk to Ruby. "Hey Sapphire," he began but was cut off by Sapphire.

"Even if I do Ruby won't listen," Sapphire said.

"What?" asked Steven getting confused.

"You're going to ask me to talk to Ruby but it won't help," Sapphire said.

"But she seems really upset," Steven said still shaking from the cold.

"Yeah she almost burned Steven in the pool," Lapis said firmly.

"I am sorry to hear that but none of it matters, we can't stay mad at Pearl forever and she can't stay mad at me forever, she realize this come back and see that I am right," stated Sapphire.

"Are you sure?" asked Steven a little skeptical.

"I can see the path of fate as it stretched towards the horizon, Ruby can't avoid the inevitable, she's just letting her emotions get out of hand," Sapphire explained.

"But not you though right?" asked Steven looking at her, Lapis now wrapping her arms around him to keep him warm.

"No," said Sapphire more ice covering the bed.

"Clearly," mumbled Lapis.

"I'm going to the bathroom," said Steven.

"Also, inevitable," said Sapphire.

"Uh Sapphire, the toilet is frozen," said Steven shaking.

"Such as fate," she said.

"Am I fated to pee outside in the grass?" asked Steven feeling agitated.

A pause was heard before Sapphire responded, "Yes". Steven left and Lapis glared at Sapphire but before she could speak Sapphire said, "I know Steven was cold yet he will be okay".

"So glad you care Ruby burns him, and you freeze him, I need some air," Lapis said going outside. Sapphire looked away and remained silent unable to say anything.

Lapis saw Greg pull up and Steven coming back from a bush. "Hey guys I brought dinner," he said.

"Hey dad how did it go?" asked Steven.

"Well, he wasn't an axe murder so that was good, but why are you in your bathing suit and where is Garnet?" asked Greg looking around. Steven and Lapis frowned and Greg poked his head in and saw Sapphire sitting on one of the beds.

"He's not going to like that it's square," she told him.

He shut the door and said, "Ah geez where is the other one?"

"She's pacing in what used to be the pool," Steven said pointing to a still pacing Ruby in an empty pool.

"Something serious must have happened for Garnet to split up," said Greg showing Steven the pizza, it was square.

"Square pizza what is wrong with this crazy state!" Steven exclaimed.

"Son, they're will come a time in your life when you can accept all kinds of pizzas," said Greg,

"Dad what can I do about Sapphire and Ruby both are so upset and Garnet and Pearl are so upset," Steven said frowning.

"Even people who love each other can hurt each other without meaning too, I am sure that everything will work out," Greg said eating pizza.

"Maybe, I just hope it's soon," Steven said.

"We'll go to sleep and take them to the best diner in the world and they can have the best breakfast in the world," Greg assured.

"You really think that will help?" asked Steven. Lapis just shrugged but Greg had an answer.

"Nothing like good breakfast to bring people together," he assured.

"You really are my favorite dad," Steven said smiling.

"I knew this pizza would put me over the top," Greg said. They decided to sleep in the car, for the room was way too cold to sleep in and finally they had breakfast at the best diner in the world.

At the diner

"Thank you," said Greg as his breakfast was placed in front of him.

"Thanks," Steven said happily. Even Lapis ate the smiley face eggs and bacon. Sapphire and Ruby remained quiet as Ruby looked at the food like it was a foreign object.

"What's the matter not hungry?" asked Greg.

"Gems don't need to eat dad," Steven reminded him.

"Garnet likes to eat sometimes," Greg said.

"Well Garnet's not here!" yelled Ruby folding her arms and tapping her foot. Steven and Greg exchanged nervous looks and Greg was trying to calm the situation down.

"Boy this really is the best diner in the world," he said.

"I really love bacon," said Lapis smiling when the table began to shake.

"You're shaking the table," stated Sapphire.

"I'm surprised you feel anything at all to be honest," muttered Ruby.

"I don't need to feel, I saw," Sapphire stated.

"Everything is just so crystal clear to you isn't it!" Ruby yelled shaking the table harder. Greg and Steven's plates rose and they grabbed them looking shocked at Ruby.

"This will pass, she will eventually burn herself out," explained Sapphire.

"That's what you think! I'M AN ETERNAL FLAME BABY!" Ruby yelled forming a gauntlet and smashing the table. Steven looked beyond upset tears streaked down his face as Ruby and Sapphire continued arguing.

"Hey it's okay we can still save this, let's just bag these up to go and," Greg said but Steven had enough. He smashed his plate on the floor and stormed out. Both Ruby and Sapphire stopped and realized what happened.

"Ah geez," said Greg.

"Well I hope you two are happy all he wanted was to have fun and you two couldn't quit acting like children for two seconds. I don't care if you want to forgive Pearl or not but you both hurt Steven and you both will apologize now get going before I send you there through the tidal wave express," growled Lapis getting just as angry. Ruby and Sapphire exchanged looks and raced after Steven. They found him outside the diner with so much hurt on his face.

"Steven!" they called.

"I was so happy when Garnet wanted to come on this trip with dad, Lapis and me. Home is awful, here is awful I thought you wanted to have a fun time but everyone has been acting awful too. It just came with us I don't understand is it is it me?" he asked tears in his eyes.

"No Steven it's all us," Ruby said hating that look in his eyes.

"But we made him feel like it was his fault. I keep looking towards the future where everything is solved as if it doesn't matter how you feel in the present no wonder you think I don't care," Sapphire cried realizing how blind she had been.

Sapphire, no this is all my fault I didn't want to look for a solution I just wanted to be mad. You're right, you're always right I was being stupid," Ruby said seeing how hurt her true love was. Once again she let her anger take control and she hurt the ones who truly loved her.

"I don't think you're stupid!" Sapphire snapped.

"I'm sorry," Ruby said wishing she said it earlier. She reached for Sapphire revealing her one eye.

"You honestly think I am not upset over what happened, I was just trying to do the right thing," Sapphire said.

"I know," Ruby said gently. Sapphire still leaked a tear as Ruby wiped it away, and Ruby knew one thing to make Sapphire happy. "You know what is nice about being split up?" she asked.

"What?" asked Sapphire.

"I get to look at you," Ruby said pulling her closer. Sapphire broke out a laugh trying to pull away.

"Be serious," Sapphire chuckled.

"There's my laughy Sapfy," grinned Ruby pulling Sapphire closer.

"Shh you're embarrassing me in front of Steven," Sapphire said blushing. Steven looked away as Ruby held Sapphire bridal style and kissed Sapphire's cheek and neck.

"Hey kiddo I paid the damages to the diner and to the booth anyways I am all vacationed out ready to go home?" asked Greg. Before Steven could answer a flash of light appeared and Garnet stood before them.

"Not before we get our free ice," she said fixing her visors.

"Garnet," Steven said hugging her.

"I am sorry Steven," Garnet said.

"Just glad you are back together," stated Steven hugging her. Garnet ruffled his hair and stood before Lapis.

"Thanks for knocking some sense into me," Garnet said smiling.

"Anytime sorry I was a little harsh," Lapis said.

"Forget it, friends?" Garnet asked, giving her a thumbs up.

"Friends," said Lapis giving her a thumbs up smiling. Greg smiled and just then his phone rang.

"This is Greg Universe, hi how you been. Really um right now? Okay mind if I bring some friends okay see you in a few hours," said Greg hanging up.

"Who was it dad?" asked Steven.

"An old friend, I know I said I was ready to go home but Steven, remember when you were excited about apple farms?" asked Greg.

"Yeah," said Steven.

"Well that is where we have to go to an apple farm just a few miles from here, what do you say up for one more road trip?" asked Greg.

"Yeah, we are going on another road trip!" Steven exclaimed racing to the car.

"I'm going to call Pearl, you guys head to the car," Greg said. They nodded and soon they were headed to another adventure unaware of what awaited them.

To be continued…

Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and please review.