Steven was half-sitting half-lying on the couch, wrapped up in blankets, while Pearl sat next to him holding a cup of black tea, with lemon and honey, in her hands and would occasionally let Steven take a sip but not before he would cough up anything that was still in his throat to clear it. He was tired but didn't feel like sleeping so he just lay there enjoying Pearl's company as much as he could at the circumstances. Sighing Steven placed his head on Pearl's lap (who put his drink on the counter), letting her stroke his strands of hair, and looked at a basket of flowers... The flowers he choke out. He wanted to tell Pearl about Connie, that she didn't want to talk to him anymore, but at the same time his throat and lungs felt sore and he couldn't find a courage to tell her.
He knew he wasn't in the best state but he was more worried for Connie than himself. She was so mad at him. What if she won't talk to him anymore because she doesn't trust him after the incident? What if... He remembered when he told Connie 'I love you' before turning around and entering the ship. Maybe she just left him because of that? Maybe she just thought he was weird after saying? Maybe it's all because of those 3 words.
There was a sudden pain in his chest so he yelped and bend forward holding onto himself tight and trembling.
"Steven?!" Pearl exclaimed as she put her hands behind his back and neck and turning him towards her. He breathed out still holding onto himself but less tight now and glanced at Pearl with teary eyes as she gazed back down at him with tears now appearing in her eyes too. She hated seeing him so much.
"I will find the gems, Steven," she choked out as she stood up and put his head on a pillow, "hold on tight sweetie everything is going to be alright, I promise."