Peridot's Job
Steven considered it his job to introduce the newest Crystal Gems to human culture so when it was the weekend he took Peridot and Lapis out to the boardwalk. It did not go smoothly. For starters Peridot and Lapis hated each other. They sniped at each other through thinly veiled insults all the while trying to compete for Steven's attention.
Then there was the fact that both were aliens new to modern human culture. Lapis turned heads with her unearthly beauty but because she had bare feet she cut her foot on a piece of broken glass. Peridot soon came to her aid but not without lecturing the blue gem.
"Honestly you should have worn shoes. Even you can see that the boardwalk is filthy," scolded the little green gem.
"I am a courtier of Blue Diamond's court. A gem of my high rank does not wear shoes. I simply don't go where shoes are needed," said Lapis snootily.
"Well look around Blue Diamond ain't here and you're a Crystal Gem now you clod," snapped back Peridot.
Peridot had a different set of problems. Because of her bizarre appearance and behavior people pointed and stared at her. She tried to hide herself behind Steven as onlookers took photos. Steven felt distinctly uncomfortable.
"Okay ladies let's do some souvenir shopping," he laughed.
"That's a great idea maybe we can get some shoes for Lapis," said Peridot.
"Maybe we can get some clogs for Peridot," sneered Lapis.
"What did you just say to me?" Peridot was clearly enraged.
"I said you should be wearing clogs like the camp worker you are."
"I'm a fully trained technician and a medical professional not a worker or a useless courtier."
"Oh I'll show you useless," behind Lapis a wave formed.
The crowd screamed and started to panic. This was getting out of hand.
"Okay Ladies," Steven laughed uncomfortably. "I can see you're bored. How about we head to the arcade?"
When they got to the arcade Mr. Smiley marched straight up to Steven.
"Steven you know that the Gems are banned from my arcade," said Smiley.
"Ah Smiley these are new gems. You have my word that they won't break anything and besides you know Peridot," said Steven.
Mr. Smiley took one look into Steven's puppy dog eyes and folded. Peridot and Lapis were allowed in. In Steven's eyes the arcade turned out be a success. Lapis aced the video games while Peridot found the Whakerman and started hitting away. After Peridot got bored she went to the punching bag.
"Is the punching bag destroyed again? Ooh why does my hard work amount to nothing?" fumed Peridot.
"Maybe because you are nothing," observed Lapis.
Peridot stared at the blue gem. She had a burning look of hatred in her eyes. Steven was worried she might try something when Peridot became distracted.
"Hey you stop shaking that pinball machine. It has delicate parts that can't stand rough handling," Peridot continued to berate the unfortunate teenagers.
The two boys slowly backed away. Smiley looked with admiration. Peridot was merciless as she berated the two boys. He was looking for someone to help him run his arcade and Peridot fit the bill.
"Young lady how would you like a job," called out Mr. Smiley actually smiling this time.
"A job?" Peridot quizzically.
"Yeah repairing the machines and what you were doing now."
"I'm in but I have school to go to."
"Well let's talk it over."
The pair went into Smiley office really a broom closet with a desk and talked it over. As Steven waited Lapis tried the new dance game. A few minutes later Peridot and Smiley came out.
"I start out next Saturday in the morning," smiled Peridot.