Pearl regenerated and stretched, bending down to touch her toes. She returned to a normal standing position and was immediately pulled in a tight hug. She looked around and realized she was in Garnet's room. How strange. She chuckled and returned the hug, burying her face in Garnet's chest.
"You're acting quite affectionate, I haven't been gone for too long have I?"
"Barely a week." Garnet's voice cracked and Pearl pulled back to look at her. Tears were streaming down her face and Pearl cupped her cheeks to wipe them away.
"Garnet, what's the matter? I've been gone longer, and I've regenerated before. What's so different this time?" Garnet grabbed her wrist and turned her head to kiss her hand, pressing her face against her palm.
"I almost lost you." Pearl shook her head and stepped closer.
"I… I'm afraid I don't understand Garnet."
"Your gem… You poofed and I missed and your gem fell so far… It cracked, but Steven was able to heal you, but… I failed you… It was all my fault, if only I'd caught you, then-" Garnet broke off and sobbed lightly, tears streaming faster. Pearl gulped and pulled her down for a kiss.
"I'm fine, Garnet. Look at me! I'm alive! It's not your fault, don't blame yourself…" Garnet sunk to her knees and grabbed her waist, burying her face in her shirt.
"'M so sorry Pearl… So sorry… 'T won't happen again, I swear. Next time, 'll catch you. I promise." Pearl pulled her up to her feet and hugged her, patting her back as she sobbed into her shoulder.
"I know you will."
