Reunited

Chapter 1

Bowtie or... no bowtie...?

The clock was close to striking 6:00 P.M. and Peridot was busy checking herself out in her living room mirror. She had a big red bow in her right hand, seeing if it looked better on her neck or if it was a bit too much. At the very least, she had her dress decided...mostly. She couldn't choose between a lemon patterned dress or one with cherries on it, so she used her innovation to combine the two together. The result was a cherry dress with lemon accessories. The dress was a white tank top with cherry accents on the chest, on her waist was a black bow dividing that from a red flowing bottom, ending right above her knees. Under that was a pair of black stockings. As well as a white pair of shoes, finished with lemon wedge shaped heels. She also had a lemon wedge shaped purse to go with.

"Okay" Peridot muttered "Maybe the bow is too much"

To be fair, it was a very special occassion. Steven was coming back to Little Homeworld! Peridot hasn't seen him in months since he left, she smiled thinking about the shirt he gave her though. It's very rare that she finds herself wearing human clothes but...admittedly, she has had a small fascination with trying on outfits.

"Why do you need a fancy outfit again? I know Steven's coming back but I think you're overdoing it."

Peridot turned to glance at the source of the reserved voice. Lapis was sitting on her green couch, reading a manga. They haven't been roommates in 4 years but she was staying for the day to help Peridot make decisions. Helping is a generous term for it though, she mostly just stayed on the couch, reading, and sometimes using the new phone Steven gave her last year. Still bewildered by modern technology, and learning how to use it properly. She gave out an occasional comment, but was indifferent towards Peridot's dilema overall.

Releasing a sigh in attempts to calm down, Peridot tried not to be mad, it was difficult to be around the blue gem without upsetting her. In retrospect, Lapis destroying the barn was a good thing in the end. Since then, Peridot had help from Steven and the other gems to help her build this cabin. It didn't look much like a gem structure since they had to make it livable for Steven when he was here. The brown and green cabin rested comfortably in the woods outside of Little Homeworld. On the other hand, Lapis used the barn's silo to make a place in the center of Little Homeworld, which finally gave her the chance to socialize. Peridot was also happy she could finally be herself in her own place as well. Given their history, living together with nothing or no one else around wasn't the best idea. At the time, Peridot was still unsure about how to make friends and didn't realize the abusive situation until later on. Of course, the two were still trying to be friends and Lapis was getting a bit better lately. They just knew that they couldn't be around each other for too long before things got tense.

Realizing that she was spacing out, Peridot tossed the bow to the side, she got it from Mr. Alien anyways, it hardly counted as clothes... It was still cute though.

Lapis looked up from her book at the dramatic throw for a moment, but went back to reading as if nothing happened.

"Steven said he wanted to take me to a mystery place tonight." Peridot said. " I just hope I'm properly dressed for it. I've been thinking about this for over a week now-"

Gasping, Lapis completely stopped reading. "He's taking you out on a date!? But I thought I claimed him!"

Peridot froze at both of those statements as Lapis followed that up by saying "I-I mean I saw him first...I thought we had something romantic, kind of like one of those Earth Fairytales. Okay, you can have him for now. But if you break his heart, I'll poof you." She put a tense hand on Peridot's shoulder, her face giving off that it was a joke, though the threat was still true nonetheless.

"Okay, putting a pin in that topic- WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS A DATE!?" Peridot began to sweat, she was almost clueless about what a date was in detail, more than that, she never even considered Steven making such a bold move like this.

Just, then the sound of tires trailing onto Peridot's rocky driveway made them both stop and look at the closest clock as it read 5:43 P.M..

"Hmph. Looks like our man of the hour came a bit early, I hope you don't mind that." Lapis looked down to give Peridot a sneaky look, implying that her comment had another meaning. But there was no time for Peridot to try and decipher that riddle as she rushed to the door.

Peridot opened the door before Steven could even knock, she saw him step in. He wore a jacket with a clean dress shirt and a pair of black dress pants.

"You look nice"

Steven and Peridot paused as they realized they both said the same thing at the same time, they looked into eachothers eyes for a moment before bursting into a mutual giggle.

This gave Peridot a chance to look up at Steven, his hair still had that cute fluffiness to it as always, but he was taller, had a bit of stubble with some muscle to compliment. They've had their fun video calls since he left but Peridot was just realizing that she even more short in comparison, even with heels on.

What is he now, 18 years old? Humans really do grow up fast. Peridot mused, thinking of the shock comparing him from when they first met to his 16th birthday. He was as tall as Lapis then, but he's gained a few inches in the last several months.

Speaking of the third wheel, she was sitting on the couch, reading and taking a sip from her milk bubble tea, showing no signs of leaving. She wore her small top and harem pants as always, though it boldened the contrast between her and how fancy Steven and Peridot were dressed.

So...was this supposed to be a date after all? Peridot looked down at her feet as Steven approached the older gem, oblivious to the awkward air.

"Hey, Lapis Lazuli, it's been a bit hasn't it!" Steven gave a polite chuckle. Lapis responded with her graceful and adorable chuckle. "Oh, Steven, you don't have to be so formal. But I've been doing well, did I tell you that one of my morps made it in a museum last month?" Peridot rolled her eyes and let them catch up. It's okay, she'll be out in a minute and Steven and I can be together for the night...Steven and I...Together? The hybrid's voice snapped her attention back to reality. "Oh, did you get to do that watercolor painting of me yet? I...assumed you weren't joking." Sitting next to her favorite person, Lapis looked brighter than ever, but Peridot's presence made the two realize what was going on. Lapis sprouted her watery wings out. "Um... maybe I should get going. It was nice to see you again." She smiled at Steven and winked at the short green gem "Good luck tonight." She opened the living room window to fly out, making a dramatic exit as always. Well at least she's supportive, and is out of the way finally. Unless...oh stars what if she follows us!?

Right as she started to imagine that nightmare, she felt a comforting hand rest on her shoulder. "Hey, Peri". Steven's warm and semi-deep voice made her realize that they haven't properly talked face-to-face since he left town all those months ago. She felt reassured and couldn't help but smile. "Hi Steven, ah I hope this dress is okay." She looked down and smiled delicately as she held her skirt, holding it out. "You're perfect!" Steven blushed "I-I mean, the dress...it's perfectly fine" Steven blushed more.

...

Ever since she first lived at the barn with him that summer 4 years ago, Peridot and Steven kept this unique but mostly unspoken bond. They acted almost like a couple, but never kissed or started dating formally. Though it was clear they were very intimate when alone. Neither of them were able to confide in anyone else the same way, and they just loved being with each other and could have fun doing almost anything together.

...

It was true Steven had feelings for Connie when he was younger, though his bond with Peridot grew stronger over time and he and Connie stayed friends. As of now she was busy with college, and it would probably be complicated for them to start going out now. Though it wouldn't be hard for her to attract the attention of at least a few guys in her school if she ever was interested. But for now, Steven was completely satisfied to be here alone with his Peridot, a talented gem that possessed the perfect mix of brains and beauty... and more. He never fully admitted his feelings for her yet...well he told her he loved her many times but, not in the most romantic way. He knew he was young, and was worried that the age difference would get Peridot in trouble. Though it's weird, it felt like he and Peridot had this secret relationship for 4 years. Steven didn't want to get carried away though, realizing he didn't even know how Peridot would return his feelings. But couldn't help but fantasize about the day where they could finally be together as an actual couple. Not the future he would have expected when he was younger, but the best one he could imagine.

He playfully brushed her blonde triangular hair. "Ready to go, Dottie?" he smiled. "Nugh! Steven! Now I gotta brush my hair!" Peridot squealed, half-annoyed. Before she could dart to her room, Steven noticed a bow on the counter next to the door, not the red bowtie, but the green present bow he gave her on that day they went to the boardwalk together. Luckily her tablet that came with it still lasted after all these years."How about this?" Steven suggested with a smile. "Huh?" Peridot turned around to face Steven as he placed the bow on her hair and playfully swatted it with his finger. Peridot blushed and crossed her arms as if she was about to complain, but ended up giggling instead. "Yeah, I'm ready" she replied.

...

As the pair exited the house, Peridot shrieked at the chill that hit her. "Oh yeah...Winter." Peridot muttered as the saw that there was at least 4 inches of snow outside. Admittedly, an oversight to choose a summer dress for this. I guess I was too distracted to choose a functional outfit for this occassion. "Um... I gotta get a coat first!" Peridot blushed with embarrassment as she leaned into the doorway with one leg to reach the first fluffy coat at the coatrack next to her doorway. She also waved goodbye to Pumpkin, even though she's been asleep for quite a bit before locking the door and stepping into the driveway. She naturally held Steven's arm as he led her to his car.

"You know, you never told me why you came back home exactly" Peridot softly said to Steven, she was still getting adjusted to being in a car, it felt like the seatbelt was going out of it's way to be uncomfortable. But this was her first moment alone with Steven in months, she didn't want to feel bad about minor inconveniences.

"I just missed some things I guess...I don't want to be travelling forever. I just want to relax while I'm here" Steven gave her a sweet smile as he was driving. Peridot returned it shyly. "That makes sense. So where are we going anyways?" Focusing on the road again, Steven paused thoughtfully before responding. "Well, remember when you told me you've been learning how to eat recently? I figured we could go to the new restaurant in town if that's okay." "Oh!" Peridot perked up. "Y-yeah that's fine!"

...

Steven noticed her nervousness. "Are you sure? I don't mind cancelling our reservation." He brushed his hand behind his hair. Realizing that it really did sound like a date at this point.

...

"Yes" Peridot slowly started to calm down. "I just don't want to be around a lot of people..." She started to tear up at the thought but shook off the feeling. It'll be okay, Steven knows I have trouble when it comes to socializing sometimes. If anything happens, he'll be there with me. Peridot's thoughts moved to dinner as she tried to cheer herself up."Mmm~ well I can't wait to eat a nice sweet dessert after a little meal. I hope they have a big menu!" Peridot rubbed her hands and giggled, she was happy that Steven smiled with her. At least thinking of cake made her feel better.

Steven and Peridot both placed their coats on a coatrack beside their table. Steven reserved a booth for them, it was slighly distanced from the lager dining section of the restaurant. Which Peridot appreciated, it seemed that Steven did consider a spot that would make her feel more comfortable. A detail she didn't even think he knew since they never went to dinner before.

The restaurant had comfortable dim lighting, it was fancy but not overwhelmingly so. "You need any help?" Steven tried to suppress his laughter as Peridot fumbled, struggling to open the big menu properly. "No...I'm perfectly capable of holding this...absurdly large menu on my own...NYEGH! Ah, see? I told you I can open it." Peridot's blonde hair got a bit ruffled during the endeavor, but she tried to hide her embarrassment. She didn't want to cause a scene or anything in front of these humans.

...

It was about a quarter after 7 by the time Steven and Peridot got their meal, both choosing lasagna. Steven had to pick for her since she wasn't familiar with anything on the menu, she usually ate snacks and drank juice. He hoped he picked right for her, but started to second guess this place. I know she would have liked a family diner more than this but I didn't want to make her think I don't take her seriously. Many of the gems didn't fully treat her as an equal, probably due to her being a younger and shorter gem with a mediocre status. Even the Crystal Gems still babied her. She's brilliant though...silly at times but I kinda love that about her...Lovable? Steven stared at the little gem sitting in front of him, picking at her lasagna or "saucy noodle cube" as she called it. After questioning why her lemonade was pink of course.

Honestly, the real thing Steven missed was Peridot. He thought videocalling her would be no problem, but they turned from once a week, to once just about every day. Talking to her, playing video games with her, every day made him miss her more. Making him slowly admit to himself that...he was falling in love with her. Technically he's had feelings for her for years, but they've just become stronger over time. He never told her directly since he was "too young" for her, though she was a few thousand years his senior so he'll always be young in comparison. The age difference never seemed to bother them, gems seemed to have more of a mental age and she always seemed to relate to Steven more than other gems. Still, Steven knew that even if she felt the same about him, he'd have no idea how anyone else would respond if they admitted to being a couple.

I'm an adult now. Steven thought to himself. He hated keeping things secret from her. Even when he was depressed last year, he couldn't find the strength to tell anyone about how he felt. Except Peridot when they spent that weekend alone watching the CPH reboot. Well, he didn't tell her as much as she saw his nightmares and they talked about it after. It just felt natural to talk to her, ever since he helped her adjust to life on Earth, she's always been happy to help him feel better.

This dinner was actually reserved so Steven could have a moment to confess to Peridot, but they ended up spending the past hour talking about what they're doing now. Peridot admitted that she isn't fully working at Little Homeschool as much now since she wanted to focus on her personal passions, mostly gaming, drawing and enjoying nature. Of course she still farms and has gardens to happily tend to. She also made a half joke about streaming or starting a gaming channel, but Steven didn't hide the fact that he'd love to see that.

Since Steven was travelling, he didn't make much time for a job. Another reason why he wanted to settle down again, he needed foundation. Though as Peridot pointed out earlier, Steven did have time to work out more. He became taller in the past year and the height difference became harder to ignore. Peridot wasn't too short but she was around 5 feet and 4 inches...give or take her hair that added a few. "Maybe I really should make new enhancers so I can be closer to matching you..." It started like she was trying to make a joke but her voice sounded wistful. "Maybe" Steven smiled at the thought, the enhancers did amplify her beauty. "But you don't have to, you're very adorable naturally. Besides... as long as I'm not as tall as the other Diamonds, I think we'll be okay."

...

"Oh stars, No!" Peridot exclaimed, as the thought of a powerful 70 foot tall Steven appeared in her mind. Better than White Diamond for sure, but not the Steven she's come to love over the past 4 years.

Dinner moved on, and the two went back to talking as they made room for dessert.

Noticing that he was spacing out, Peridot asked if he was okay. " Y-yeah." Steven fumbled. "Any idea on what you want for dessert?" He asked. She looked at her menu thoughtfully. "Hmm, The chocolate cake sounds fine but, I gotta go with the apple pie, right?" She saw Steven perk up at the mention of pies. "Oh, I remember you started making pies from all the stuff you grow, how did that start anyways?" Steven said as he looked up from his menu, it still looked like he had something else on his mind. Another mystery to solve . Peridot thought, putting the idea aside. "Well, you called me cute, and an angry slice of pie when you unbubbled me. So I wanted to know what pie was. Lucky for you, it tastes excellent. I'm proud you compared me to an edible item that matched my caliber" she placed a hand on her chest with confidence. "Well, you are a cutie~pie!" Steven responded instantly. "I mean... yeah, I'm glad you agree." He trailed off at the end of his response. That definitely got Steven's attention, though he seemed to be blushing more than ever and was on the verge of dying of embarrassment.

Peridot couldn't help but laugh at that. It was adorable when he was flustered like this.

It looked like Steven was about to say something, his embarrassment was mixed with another emotion Peridot couldn't place. She was about to ask if he was alright until the waiter approached their booth, he was around Steven's age but older by at least a few years. It was inconvenient timing but Steven managed to stay relaxed enough to order their dessert. It looked like the waiter was about to walk away until he lifted up a big brown plate, with a large bottle and two glasses. "Wine for the couple?" he asked. Wine? So that's what that beverage is...also why did Steven freeze at the word "couple"? we are here together technically. "Ah, no! I'm 18." Steven nervously waved off. "Oh, my apologies then...how about some wine for the lady?" He turned his attention to Peridot, trying to sound formal but it was obvious that he was kinda young and awkward still. She cocked her head to Steven in question, he shrugged in reply. "Um, sure." She answered, curious about what it would taste like, but still unsure for some reason. After an "Of course" from him, he poured a generous glass of rich vanilla wine for her and delicately walked off after.

It didn't take long for their dessert to come. Peridot was wary of the wine and kept eyeing it as she worked on her pie, adding a few doses of whipped cream before digging in of course. Time passed on, and Steven still looked pensive but sighed it off. "Something wrong? It looks like you're thinking of something serious..." Peridot tried to ask carefully. Steven looked up, as if he just realized he was making things uncomfortable. "I'm...just trying to work something out" Steven looked to the side "Sorry, I'll put it off for now. I'd rather not disappoint you." He gave a quiet smile. "You haven't disappointed me at all." She genuinely said, looking up at him. "Though I wonder if I can say the same about this'' Peridot pointed to her full glass with her fork, wiping whipped cream from her lip. "Why don't you give it a try." Steven encouraged. "Hmm... I think I will'' Peridot smiled playfully at the challenge.

She placed her hands on the table and sat on her knees as she sniffed the drink "Oh! That's kinda strong." She murmured to herself, not quite enjoying the scent. But eventually gave it a little sip, sweet but...strong like the smell. "Nyagh!" She cringed as it ran down. "Are you okay?" Steven's eyes glittered with concern, his attention set on her again. "I-I think so, just starting to get a bit woozy." She said. Looking at their finished plates and then back at Peridot, Steven spoke. "Well, we can leave if you're tired. I just gotta pay first." He reached into his wallet, leaving a handful of bills on the table, as the waiter returned. Reminding Peridot of his wealth, he did hold a lot of power between Earth and his Homeworld status.

...

"I've never seen you so tired before" Steven couldn't resist at glance at Peridot. He was driving her home and she sat in the seat next to him, her eyes were almost closed and she snuggled into her coat, which she was holding in her lap like a pillow. "Hmm..." She dozily murmured. "I guess that dinner took a lot out of me". He could just barely resist calling her cute for the sake of keeping his eyes on the road. The snow painted the sky a pale pink as flakes fluttered around them. Peridot let out a small yawn before speaking again. "Are you sure you can make the drive back to where you're staying? I know you get tired more easily than gems do." Steven pulled into her driveway and stopped the car. "Yeah I'll be fin- Oh no..." Steven paused. "Um, are you okay, Steven?" Peridot perked up, playfully but concern shone in her eyes. "I don't have anywhere...I didn't tell dad or the gems I was coming back today and I don't wanna scare them in the middle of the night, and I forgot to think about a motel to stay in." He lifted his head dramatically and dropped it on the steering wheel. "Oh fu-"* BREEEP! * the car honked before he could finish his wail.

...

Peridot couldn't help but smile at him, despite his distress. I'm not sure why he's so upset about this. There's clearly an obvious solution. "Why don't you just stay at my place.? We're already here, and you're gonna be staying here for a long time anyways." She saw his cheeks grow red as she continued. "It's not like you can't live here. It's got all the human essentials since you had to stay here while the gems helped us build it." A small sparkle lit in Steven's eyes. "Really? That's so nice of you! But...are you sure? I'd have to be here for months..." Peridot giggled at the thought. "Nyehehe~ That's fine. I've lived at your place twice so it's not like we aren't used to each other." Peridot placed her right hand on her chest in playful pride. "Except I wouldn't make you live in the bathroom. That's simply barbaric!" She finished with a wink. Steven gave a deep chuckle that made her blush.

...

He reclined back with a smile. "Well, I guess I don't mind sleeping on your couch, it could be fun to be roommates with you again." He let out a yawn before taking his seatbelt off. "Oh..." Peridot looked up at him. "Are you sure you don't wanna sleep on my bed? I don't sleep in it or anything." "What!?" Steven blushed even deeper as he exclaimed. Sleeping in Peridot's bed!? Oh...I bet it feels so soft and smells just like her- NO! I can't be thinking of her like this...She's just a friend...right? Though Steven could imagine Peridot getting playfully offended at him referring to her as just an ordinary friend anyways. "S-Sorry...are you sure you want to...that's too nice of you-" Peridot cut off his stammering with one of her classic and adorable snorts. "I don't see any problem with it. Now, can you assist me with getting out of this infernal 'seatbelt'? I feel like it's strangling me!" Peridot said as she struggled with the belt, making it wrap tighter around her chest. Steven laughed and hopped out of the car. "Don't worry Peri, I'll save you from that vile seatbelt!" He walked around the car to open the door on her side, properly clicking her seatbelt off. "Wooah" Peridot said in amazement, still clearly a bit ditzy from the drink earlier. That fact became more obvious when she stepped out of the car only to fall into the snow, Steven caught her just in time, as her legs stumbled and weighed him down a bit.

"Ooohh. My hero!" She murmured. "Thank you for saving me, my Diamond..." She softly giggled as she clung on to Steven's bicep. Note to Self: Peridot has a very very low alcohol tolerance. Keep her away at all costs...well...most costs maybe. As he walked the adorably short gem inside, he couldn't not think that she was being cute, though Peridot didn't seem to think she was acting too weird. She probably just thought that she was being her usual goofy self. She had a fun, silly side to her, but Steven knew that she was usually only like that with him...he smiled even more as he realized their intimacy.

He set her preciously down on her couch, Pumpkin woke up as he walked in, carrying Peridot bridal style at this point as she looked half asleep. I wouldn't be surprised if this was enough to make her sleep. Steven thought. At least I'm staying with her, I wanna make sure she's okay in the morning.

Peridot's pink coat was set in front of her feet and Pumpkin settled on it comfortably. Steven pet her as he stayed in the livingroom with them for a while. He never said it out loud but it always felt like he and Peridot were Pumpkin's mother and father in a way. They both grew her together, and she loved the both of them. Steven pet Pumpkin, much like a cat as they got reaquainted for that moment. Though after 20 minutes, with both Peridot and Pumpkin seemingly asleep, Steven decided to get up before he dozed off too. He moved Peridot's heels to the side, as they fell on the floor when they walked in. Then he headed up the stairs, walking into her room felt almost natural to Steven. Maybe because he used this as a room as he stayed here for a bit, or he and Peridot were just that close.

Her room was set similarly to his. Her bed had a pink mattress with Green pillows and a soft green blanket. The room was mostly green, though was decorated with string lights, stuffed animals (mostly ones Steven got for her), plants, a dresser, a desk with a laptop on it, and many drawings around the walls. He noticed most of the drawings were of cats or random characters she made up over time. Her T.V. was next to her dresser. He saw a rock with a blue gem on the dresser, though at a closer look he realized it was a little waterfall "morp" Lapis made for her a few years ago. Supposedly as an apology for destroying the barn and Peridot's special tent but he remembered Peridot theorizing to him that Lapis was low-key showing off that her art skills were superior. Though nothing could compete with all the drawings Peridot has done, Steven thought to himself as he changed into pajamas and settled into her bed.

Trying to get comfortable under her blanket, Steven felt that he was laying on something...big. "AH! Oh... is here..." Steven ended his outburst quietly as he pulled out the 3 foot tall alien plush Peridot won at the boardwalk 4 years ago. Vaguely remembering being jealous of it due to how much Peridot loved the thing. "Yeah... I'll just set you over here.." He awkwardly set the plush to the side of the bed as he turned back under the covers.

Well...her bed actually does smell nice...almost like donuts and pies. Which is pretty much her natural scent at this point. Though, I wish she was here with me. Or that we were actually together. Steven blushed at the idea as his fingers dug into the green blanket. Oh will I ever even tell her how I feel...I have to. I need to. Even if she doesn't return my feelings I can't go on like this. He dug deeper into the blanket at the thought of Peridot rejecting him, or kicking him out and never speaking to him again. "No!" Steven exclaimed in a sweat. "Just...I'll tell her tomorrow." Steven breathed, trying to calm himself down by having his thoughts turn to fluff.

With his eyes closed, the darkness eventually faded into an orange sunset. Steven sat on a blanket next to an elegant cherry blossom tree. Taking in a deep breath, Steven noticed an irresitable chocolate milkshake next to him, with whipped cream, a cherry and two pink straws. Picking up the glass, he took a sip and fell in love with the sweet taste as he closed his eyes. But opened them again at the sound of a satisfied sigh. That's when he noticed Peridot sitting in front of him, in her yellow dress, drinking from the other pink straw. "P-Peridot!?" Steven stammered as he looked into her dreamy green eyes, fluttering back at his. But before he could say anymore, the orange sky became cloudy and the whole scene slowly faded in a breeze, transporting Steven awake, but his eyes remained closed. Hoping that staying like that would bring him back to the sweet scene...even if it felt kinda embarrassing, Steven couldn't say he wasn't interested.

Suddenly, Steven heard a dresser drawer open which made his eyes snap awake. What time was it? Steven brought his phone out to check. Augh, it's only 1 in the morning? He tilted his head up to see a short green body topped with blonde triangular hair. Peridot...? "Peridot!" Steven threw the blanket over his head in embarrassment. She was in front of him...undressing. He vaguely saw her almost completely naked, with a black bra covering her chest.

He saw her turn to him, her eyes glowing, though still fuzzy as she clearly hasn't gotten over her drink yet. "Oh hi Steven!" She greeted him casually. "I figured you'd be asleep by now." Steven shyly peered over the blanket, trying to avoid eye contact...as hard as it was. Her body looked absolutely adorable...No, stop thinking like that! Trying to get over his guilt, he managed to respond. "Peridot, I didn't expect you to um...change infront of me." He stammered as she picked up a red shirt, casually covering her body. "Well, I think I'm feeling better, though these clothes are getting uncomfortable. I just had to put something else on." She said, still unaware of the tension in the air. Steven knew her knowlege in Earth culture was still limited, but she had to understand sex and flirting a bit surely? She's even flirted with him a few times when they were alone. "Are you okay? I mean, have you recovered from your drink?" Steven asked.

"*Hic* Ah, nah. It still tastes pretty bad" Peridot responded with a cute yet glazed smile. She was still slowly recovering, Steven could tell. "Oh!" Peridot jumped, blushing a bit. "Oh Stars- this is probably inappropriate. S-Sorry. I'll just do this in the bathroom...Ahm, we can talk when you wake up, Steven...I apologize for my behavior!" Peridot fumbled as she stumbled out the door. Steven smiled at her awkward charm. I really hope she's able to recover then. Steven thought. I really need to talk to her tomorrow. Though for now, I just need to get a good rest. He snuggled back into the green blanket once more, the faint scent of pie and Peridot filled his senses as he fell back to sleep once again, hoping to see her face again in dreams.