26) Moving on now.

Emerald: So that's what that was all about. [Amethyst and Steven had just explained the situation to him.] Just as well anyway. Chances are he'll get far more along in his own Search than me.

Amethyst: Huh? What? [She sounded very sad as she spoke.] Sorry, I wasn't listening. The second coolest gem I've ever known is gone now..

Emerald: Uh-huh. With you being first right? *sigh* Better he head out and help us out than me worry about him being a threat. Though if he's as cool a guy as you say he is, then I've really got nothing bad to say about him. *clap* Later then.

Day 16_

Emerald: [He had just gotten back from running and was translating the book when some one rang his doorbell.] Am I just the most popular man in Beach City?

Emerald summons a sword. His eyes glow when he approaches the door and sees a surprise. He then opens the door.

Emerald: Amethyst? What're you doing here?

Amethyst: Oh, nothing much. Just figured that you and I haven't had a chance to hang out yet. Can I come in? [He motions her inside.] Whoa. Cool pad man.

Emerald: [He closes the door and dissipates his weapon.] Yeah.. You can thank Pearl for that. She was essential for this place. If not for her-

Amethyst: Yeah, yeah. So what do you do around here?

Emerald: Uh.. No much. Just this and that. Look, not to come off as rude, but is there anything I can help you with?

Amethyst: Nah. Just thought I'd come over and make sure you're not in any danger or nothing. Heh, if you were in danger and Pearl found out, ho-boy. She would freak and then she's gonna yell at me [She transformed into a purple Pearl and did her best to sound as annoying as possible.] 'Why didn't you protect him?' 'Why would you ignore this threat?' 'Why did you let my boyfriend wah wah wah!' Bleh.. [She returned to normal.] So I just thought I'd ask and skip the drama.

Emerald: ... Fine. But know this purple one. [Amethyst looks at him questioningly.] If you ever, EVER, turn into Pearl just to mock her at any point and time I will make you regret it. By lighting you on fire, smash your gem, and scatter the pieces to the far corners of the world. Do you understand my words?

Amethyst: Uh.. Little harsh don't you think? [He summons a sword and thrusts at Amethyst and brings his blade down at her head and she barely dodges. She summons her whip.] Hey! Okay, okay! I won't turn into her to make fun of her anymore!

Emerald: Good. [He dissipates his weapon.] *sigh* So is that all?

Amethyst: So, what are your thought on Steven?

Emerald: Good kid. Has a lot of potential, and is certainly destined for great things. Plus, who can hate the kid? I'm also becoming quick friends with his dad.

Amethyst: Yeah, he is. How about Garnet?

Emerald: Meh. I can respect her enough, I suppose she's a good leader. But her ego gets on my nerves. I can assume she's earned it well en- The guy humped a car while we were talking earlier.. *shudder* But yeah, she's essentially brute force and improvision. *sigh* I dunno.. How do you guys follow her?

Amethyst: ... She.. She has a presence. What do yo think about me!?

Emerald: ... *sigh* You annoy Pearl to much for me to like you.

Amethyst: *groan* (Okay girl, nows your chance. Roll with it.) So, what are your thoughts on Pearl?

Emerald: She's great. Her smile sparks a fire inside me, but in a good way. She's certainly one of the most interesting people I know, and I've met some colorful characters in my time. Her intellect almost makes me feel simple in comparison, and I genuinely enjoy that. I've spent most of my remembered life using every aspect of my mind to stay on top, and here comes another person, a gem no less, who may very well be smarter than I could ever hope to be. In many ways, she humbles me, and deep down I realize that I need that. She fills my soul with every feeling I've been so desperately missing for so long. *sigh* With that in mind, chances are you're just jealous of her. *chuckle*

Amethyst: Hm.. Hey what's that? [She points to the book.] Looks cool.

Emerald: Touch it and you'll spend some time in your gem. [Amethyst stops cold.] I've been working on that for weeks, and have actually made some good progress on it.

Amethyst: Okay then. [She holds her hands up.] So, what do you wanna do?

Emerald: I want to get back to my book before I have to go to work. But if you're so dead set on hanging out with me, god knows why, I get off at about 9. You can pester me then.

Amethyst: Cool. *claps* Well I better go. Later man. [She goes out the door.]

Emerald: *sigh* Finally.

Amethyst went home to a pacing Pearl.

Pearl: Well? What were you able to get out of him?

Amethyst: Well, he's definitely crazy about you. He's loves you for your mind and personality. So I'd go with plan 8.

Pearl: Huh.. Okay then. Heh, let's get this thing going then. I can't wait! *laugh*

Day 23_

Emerald: Yes. Yes! This is what I hoped it would be. Oh man, Pearl is totally gonna freak! *squeal* I should go right now and surprise her. [He began packing his notes and the book to show Pearl.] *laugh* She is going to love this. A little piece of home and something we can do together even. Granted she might be kinda angry that I kept this from her for three weeks, but when I explain that I had to be sure it was legit, she'll forgive me. Maybe I should get her some flowers. She enjoys Earths ability to produce such a vast array of life! Even if she is stuck he-.. Heh. Maybe just a stuffed animal? What do you think book?

Book: I think you need to calm down before you explode!

Emerald: ... Uh.. Yes.. Yes I should. [The book said nothing.] I- I'm going to go for a walk. And then I'm gonna.. *shudder* I think I'll visit Greg and ask him what to do. He can be oddly insightful at times. [He practically ran out of his home and to the car wash, where he met up with Greg and told him his dilemma as he was helping him wash the Mayors car.] And then I bolted when the book started talking to me. Penny for your thoughts?

Greg: .. Uh, I'm not sure why you came to ME about this Emerald. Wouldn't Garnet or Amethyst help you out better?

Emerald: Because A- you're the only person I know who has even dated a gem. B- You're the only human I've been able to make friends with. And C- I'm helping you out here for free and I don't even like the mayor. It's the least you could do.

Greg: [He thought this over as he was hosing down some soap.] Well, Steven said something about Pearl preparing something good for your date. Maybe you- Oh! Hey Steven!

Steven: *panting* Hey dad! Oh, Emerald! I was just on my way to talk to you.

Emerald: Okay kiddo. Shoot.

Steven: Pearl says that your date is on for next week. It's gonna be great.

Emerald: That's great. Anything else?

Steven: Nope. Bye. [He turns to leave.] Oh yeah! I didn't tell Pearl about the book yet. How's that coming?

Emerald: *laugh* Finished what was required this morning. Keep it under your hat though. It's a surprise. [He gives a wink and Steven laughed as he left.] *slightly panicked* Greg you gotta help a guy out here!

Greg: Oh right. Uh, as I was saying. Pearl has been going to the trouble because she likes you. I can tell you like her as well. Why else would you be here asking for my help?

Emerald: Because you're a cool guy and you're the closest thing to a friend I've got. Ya know, unless you count that one weirdo who keeps pestering me about some blog.

Greg: Hm.. Well, any way. Just be yourself, and wait until the date to tell her about the book.

Emerald: Hm.. So simple, yet still true. Thanks man, I owe ya one.

Greg: Just finish up with the mayors car and we'll be good.

Emerald: Cool.

Next chapter is date number 3. :D

Also to the guy who said the format to my stories was wrong, I sent a message asking why and haven't gotten a response back yet. I'd really appreciate anything you may have to share. Please?