Steven decides to look for Pearl in spots where she usually goes to. Places like her room, the location of her now-destroyed cherry blossom tree and finally the sky arena.
There, he finds her.
She's casually sword fighting against three holo-pearls to get things off her mind.
While fighting, she does a spin attack that cuts all three holo-pearls in half. She sighs, puts her sword back in her gem and turns around, only to be startled by Steven.
''STE-VAHN!'' She yells out as she nearly falls back.
''Hi Pearl. Sorry for sneaking up on you.'' He apologizes.
''What is it, Steven?'' She says, managing to pull a smile.
Steven grabs her by the hand and starts dragging her towards the warp pad.
''Steven what are you doing?!'' Pearl asks as they step on the warp pad.
''No time to explain! Dad will be home any minute now!'' Steven replies as they warp back to the temple.
They warp to the temple and Steven drags Pearl to the living room couch.
''Now sit here and don't leave!'' Steven orders Pearl.
''Steven what-'' She tries to seek answers, only to watch Steven run through the door.
''…Okay?''
She then awkwardly sits there.
Someone knocks on the front door, and a few seconds later, Greg enters. He is alone.
''Steven?'' He calls out.
''Greg? What are you doing here?'' Asks Pearl, confused as to why Greg came over.
''Oh, hi Pearl. Uh- Steven said he wanted me to check what's wrong with the microwave.'' The human answers.
''What? The microwave is fine. Trust me, I would've known if it were dysfunctional.'' The Gem replies.
''And you would've fixed it by now...'' Greg rubs the back of his head, noting Pearl's proficiency at repairing things.
''You haven't seen Steven around, have you?'' He becomes suspicious.
''He was here just a minute ago. He told me to sit here and then he just… ran off.'' Pearl replies.
''Ran off? To where?'' Greg asks, confused.
''I… don't know…'' Pearl raises an eyebrow.
''Well that's weird.'' Greg comments.
''I should probably go check on Yellow and Blue - make sure they're not getting into any trouble.''
He walks towards the door.
Peal sighs and Greg notices.
''Hey… Pearl?'' He stops and turns around.
''Yes, Greg?''
''How come I haven't seen you talk to those two since we got home? Is… Is there something wrong?'' Greg asks.
''I… uhhh…'' Pearl struggles to reply.
Suddenly, the temple gate opens and out comes Amethyst, making her way out of her room.
She walks past Pearl and Greg, not noticing them. She makes her way to the fridge, takes out a carton of eggs and eats it whole.
She burps out loud and turns around, finally noticing the two.
''Oh hey Greg!'' She greets the human. ''Did Pearl tell you about how she's jeaaaaaaaaalous?'' Amethyst asks, teasing Pearl.
''AMETHYST!'' Pearl yells out, face blue from both anger and embarrassment.
''Amethyst… nooo!'' Steven cries out quietly, frustrated as he secretly watches this whole thing play out through the window.
''Pearl, what is Amethyst talking about?'' Greg asks, raising a brow and crossing his arms.
Amethyst laughs as she runs from Pearl's wrath.
''Pearl…?'' The human continues, still confused.
Pearl, refusing to turn her head, just looks away.
Greg crosses his arms and widens his eyes.
''Does this have something to do with Yellow and Blue? Is that why you were acting weird lately?''
''I can't keep this going, can I…?'' Pearl sighs in defeat.
''Yes. It's true. I have been envious of the other two Pearls…'' She says, resting her face on the palm of her hand.
Greg snickers awkwardly.
''What for, Pearl?''
No answer.
''Pearl, if you don't want to tell me, I underst-.'' Greg adds.
''Ever since we came back, I feel like I've become a-'' She stops before finishing her sentence.
She closes her eyes and sighs.
''-a third Pearl.''
Greg notices this and does not hesitate to reassure the Gem.
''Pearl, you know that's not true!''
He walks over to Pearl and sits down next to her.
''Those two Pearls are fun to be around and I'm glad they're getting used to being here on Earth…''
He smiles.
''…But to Steven and the others, you're irreplaceable.''
He looks down at the floor, still smiling.
''And… you will always be my favorite Pearl.''
Pearl lifts her head and looks up at Greg with teary eyes and a blush.
''Besides, as fun as those two are, they're kinda driving me crazy. Especially the Yellow one… I talked with Vidalia and she agreed to take them off our hands for a while.'' He sighs.
''Me and Steven are going hiking up north next week. You can join us if you want.'' He continues.
''I'd love to.'' Pearl puts her hand on Greg's and smiles.
''You know Steven probably planned this, right?'' Greg says, suspicious.
''To be honest, at this point, I wouldn't be surprised.'' Pearl smirks.
Steven sees that the two are getting up and notices his dad heading towards the door.
He panics and pretends to act casual by making an awkward pose.
''Hi dad!'' Steven greets his dad.
''Microwave?'' Greg jokes, reminding Steven of his little lie.
Steven shrugs and they both laugh.
The End