Steven Universe Fanfiction

My Pearl

Chapter 3: Meetings


Today was one of their quieter days running the tea shop. Then again, the recent return of the ocean seemed to have given the people a new appreciation of their namesake and thus, a day outside in the glorious sun and surf seemed in order. Still, the two enjoyed the quiet as they did what they did to keep busy: cleaning the floors, the kitchen, tables, teacups and pots; rearrange some of the art hanging from the walls; discuss new teas and the idea of snacks; anything and everything about the shop. As the two were discussing adding bubble tea to the menu ("It is Beach City and I think customers would appreciate something other than iced tea to cool them off, dear."), the usual ringing sound of a customer entering sounded.

"Hello, welcome to Tea Dreams, table for one?"

The customer who entered was a rather rotund sunburnt man with a wild mane of faded brown hair that reached his butt; curiously, he was completely bald on the top of his head. Wearing a tank top, ripped jeans that ended at his knees, and a pair of sandals, the man softly padded into the building. While he looked like a tired middle-aged man, there seemed to be some sort of energy, an optimism that he exuded. Walking in, he seemed lost if not bashful with his face looking towards the ground and one meaty hand digging into the back of his mane awkwardly. A subtle nod and Patricia quickly retreats into the back before the customer can bring his eyes back up; black meeting earthen brown.

"Uh, hey, so this is new…you just opened up shop recently or…?"

"Well, I'd like to say we've been here a while but yes, we are relatively young compared to the other establishments here," Edward chuckles as he sticks out a hand, "Edward Feng."

"Greg Universe," he returns, meeting Edward's hands in a firm handshake.

"Quite the unique name, Mr. Universe."

"Oh, just Greg is fine. Don't need to feel any older than I already am, am I right? And uh, it started out more or less as a stage name but I guess it sort of stuck so…"

"Oh? What sort of act did you perform? Given your hair, I'd think that you were part of a glam rock band of sorts," Edward says as he leads Greg to a table.

"That was one of the genre of music I played but really I was just a guy in a one-man rock band trying to make it big by touring the country doing whatever I could," Greg replies casually as he sits downs, "while I like the music, I was never too into the fashion though. Way too over the top for me, ya know?"

"I understand," Edward replies easily, "by the way, was there anything in particular you were looking for? We have a variety of teas that might be what you're looking for at the moment."

"Oh, uh, I'm not too sure; to be honest, I've never had tea before and uh, well…"

"Ah, a first time consumer. Perhaps I can recommend the jasmine tea then. Simple but flavorful."

"Sure, sounds great."

"I'll be right back with your order," Edward says, turning towards the kitchen.

Upon entering, he sees that the tea is already set and the pot prepared.

"Bored?"

"Well, when you usually fill your days interacting with customers but then have to hide from your only customer of the day due to their mystery relationship with Gems currently residing in the city, then yes, that is one way of putting it. But it is necessary," Patricia frets, sighing.

"The fact that they haven't come after you might mean they're not as bad as we initially thought. The Garnet did see us, after all."

"And yet, it could also mean they're just biding their time to confront us one while we're alone."

"Fair enough, however, they will pay dearly if any harm should come to you."

"That is very thoughtful but while I admit you're stronger and more skilled than the average human…"

"Having you as a sparring partner helps."

"…even so, you might not be a match for them. We are an intergalactic race of conquerors after all."

"When I married you, I made a vow to live, fight, and die by your side. It still stands, no matter what."

"I know…I just worry about you…especially when you lose control…"

"I've been getting better," Edward snorts.

"Have you really or have we just not encountered another situation where someone or something could push you over the edge?"

Edward wants to retort back but he cannot deny it, gritting his teeth. Beach City is no Empire City nor is it the wild lands and vistas they escaped from in the early years of their acquaintance. If anything, Beach City is an eternal dream compared to back then.

"I'm sorry," Patricia says quickly, "It's just…you're something of a fright when you lose control and I can't help but feel like I should be able to do more and…"

"No," he interrupts, "You're right…about everything. Beach City doesn't have anyone that could be considered true enemies. If anything, I'd be surprised if anyone can be called evil in any way. Without anything pushing me to the limit, it was wrong of me to say I'm getting better about my control. And while I can't say much about my…episodes…I know the feeling in the aftermath isn't something I want to experience over and over again," he finishes with a sigh.

Patricia walks over slowly, grasping his hands in hers softly.

"Then…I guess we'll just have to get stronger…together," she says with a peck on the lips, "I made the same vow to you, remember?"

"That I do," Edward replies, gently placing his forehead against hers.

Their hands remain embraced together, their eyes locked to each other. There is love, there is fear; most important of all, there is determination. They will see each other through to the end and beyond if necessary and they wouldn't have it any other way. Edward breaks eye contact first though, a pensive frown forming.

"I get the feeling I'm forgetting something."

Patricia's eyes alight upon the tea set. Breaking away from their embrace, she touches the pot briefly: lukewarm.

"Oh my, we forgot our customer."

Edward's palm makes a resolute smack against his forehead.

"Well, it's not too much of a problem. The jasmine might come out a little bit stronger but it should still be as good if we just reheat the tea for a bit. Dear, if you could…"

"On it," and Edward is out of the kitchen towards the main area, where Greg Universe waits patiently performing air guitar.

"I see you've found something to occupy yourself with. We apologize for the wait, the tea should be out shortly."

"Oh, it's no problem but yeah, I was just working on some tunes my son and I came up with."

"Oh? You have a son?" Edward feigns.

"Yeah! Yeah…"

"I take it something is wrong?"

"Kind of…I mean, I did lie to my son recently about something super important…I mean, it wasn't really but it kind of was? I dunno, it's all so complicated and I was never that good with Gem stuff," Greg babbles.

"Perhaps you would like to start at the beginning?" Edward suggests.

Greg pauses briefly, not quite sure if he should continue on. Edward's sympathy proves to be a magnet as it draws the full story. Greg launches into this story, with minor details and anecdotes here and there. About how he was living with his son temporarily in the beach house at the temple, his son's healing powers and his used-to-be-broken leg, how he had lied just so he could spend a little more time with him and how it might've affected said healing powers forever, how he had fixed a Gem artifact with duct tape at the end of it all so he could make up for what he's done.

"He's a good kid, best I could ever ask for. I mean, he's forgiven me and all but ya know? I mean, he's a Crystal Gem too and he goes on all kinds of missions with them and I can't help but worry every time, wondering if it's the last time I'll see him and really, that's what scares me, especially now. I don't want the last thing I have with my son to be a memory of a time where I negatively affected him, ya know?"

"I understand completely," Edward replies, "I imagine it's tough to be a father in your situation but believe me when I say that you're doing a lot better than others might give you credit for. Other men would've cracked, never even dreaming of making it to…how old is your son now?"

"Uh, thirteen."

"Right, thirteen years old. You have a strength that others can only ever dream of. Be proud of that and your son," Edward consoles as he places a firm hand on Greg's shoulder, "Right, I truly am sorry, allow me to check up on that tea of yours, consider it on the house."

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

"I insist," Edward says before entering the kitchen, once again seeing the pot and tea ready to go on a tray Patricia is holding.

"We have learned much I think about the 'Crystal Gems' but…"

"Later, dear. Otherwise, the tea will become unusable" she interjects.

Edward hums in agreement before taking the tray. Pecking her softly on the lips, he returns with the tea.

"Again, I apologize for the wait, Greg. Jasmine tea as ordered. Normally, jasmine would have something of a light and sweet taste with minimal bitterness but we accidentally left it to cool a bit too long and had to reheat it so the flavor might be bolder than usual," Edward says as he sets the tray down and pours Greg a cup.

"It's ok really, I'm not much of a tea connoisseur to begin with so I'll probably say it tastes good anyway," Greg nervously chuckles, taking a sip.

"That is kind of you," Edward smiles, "If you don't mind my asking, you mentioned 'Crystal Gems' earlier. What is that exactly?"

"Oh, uh, I guess you could say that they're the magical protectors of Earth…and I guess my son's caretakers while I work and his mentors in all things Gem and magic related."

"…Your son is a Gem?"

"Well, gets it from his mother…"

"Rose Quartz…"

"Yeah…wait, how did you know that?"

Edward immediately slaps a hand over his mouth, whispering curses to himself. Before it can go any further, the kitchen door opens.

"Edward dear, I'm afraid there's something wrong in the kitchen. Water is dripping down from the ceiling, do you mind taking a look at it? I'll keep our customer company if you don't mind," Patricia says resolutely. Greg is gob-smacked by her appearance.

"Sounds serious," Edward groans, a frown settling into his features. As he passes her, they share a look.

Patricia moves towards the table and settles on the chair opposite of him with a sigh. Still slack-jawed, Greg rapidly cycles looks towards the door, Patricia, and then her Gem; once again on display surrounded by silver lace.

"Uhhhh…P-Pearl? When did you…? You uh, look different? Wait, what is going on?"

"Oh, where are my manners? You've already met my husband, Edward," Patricia begins with a smile.

"Wait, husband!?"

"And you are correct that I'm a Pearl though no relation to the Pearl you know; however ever since my husband and I married, I've been going by the name Patricia Feng. It's a pleasure to meet you," she finishes, bowing as she can in her chair. Greg reflexively and awkwardly returns it.

"Oh boy, so uh, 'Patricia,' huh?"

"Yes."

"But you're a Gem. Married to a human?"

"Our third anniversary will be coming up in February. Oh, I can see it now: a romantic walk along the boardwalk and the beach, a moonlit picnic at the base of the lighthouse overlooking the ocean, heartfelt moments in bed," Patricia gushes.

Greg blushes at that last thought but immediately panics when a loud Bam sounds from the kitchen, the door shaking ominously.

"WHO TOLD YOU!?" Edward exasperatedly cries out from the kitchen.

"No one, dear, you're just predictable like that," Patricia calls out teasingly. Her only answer is muffled grumbles. She can imagine the pout on his face.

"Oh, he's such a darling. That's why I love him," Patricia sighs, a gentle smile on her lips. If at any point Greg was lost, now would've been the confirmed point that he was lost in a universe of questions that may or may not have answers.

"Does it surprise you? Seeing a Gem with a Human?" She asks, which seems to snap Greg back into focus.

"No! No no no! I mean, I'm surprised because I didn't know there were any other Gems left on Earth. They always made it seem like the only ones left were monsters or just objects and uh, I'm surprised to see another Gem up and about is all. But no, really, if anything, I guess I'm happy for you two. I mean, I was married to a Gem once myself before…my son was born," Greg finishes, the word vomit ending sadly.

"…She passed during child birth, didn't she?"

This question causes a mirthless chuckle.

"Another Gem-related thing I'm not too sure about, unfortunately. Really, the easiest explanation is that Rose gave up her physical form to give birth to my son," a cautious frown takes over, "Um, if you don't mind me asking, how do you know Rose and uh, how did you come to stay here? I mean…"

"I suppose it's only fair that we answer any questions you have, my husband and I have been doing a lot of digging ever since we found out about you and your family. And please, don't worry, we mean no harm. We came here because we really thought we could just live our lives peacefully and I'd really rather not spend my limited time with my husband in a conflict that can be avoided," she replies sadly.

The kitchen door opens. Edward walks back in with another pot of tea: her favorite Earl Grey, if her sense of smell isn't mistaken. He pours a cup for her before settling into a chair next to his beloved, taking her dainty hand in his.

"Before I start though, how much do you know about Gems and Homeworld?"

"I've been told why they came here and why Rose rebelled against them."

"What about roles in society? Our caste system?"

"Uh, nothing about that."

"Hm, the short answer is that all Gems have a role in Gem society based on what they are. Myself and the Pearl you know in particular were made-to-order servants and attendants, created to fulfill our chosen's every need and want. I was chosen to serve a Quartz general that was sent to deal with the rebellion," she pauses to take a sip, letting the tea run its course.

"Looking back on it, the timing couldn't have been worse. Rose Quartz, an astounding warrior and general in her own right, fighting against the forces of Homeworld alongside a Pearl, something meant only to heel, to obey. The concept that a Pearl could learn anything other than service was mind-boggling. If one Pearl could do that, what did that say about the others?" The grip on her hand squeezes slightly, comforting.

"Anti-Pearl sentiment and rumors ran rampant amongst Homeworld forces, wondering if we could betray Homeworld at a moment's notice like the one Pearl or if Rose Quartz had some special ability with Pearls in particular that would make us rise against them. Despite all of this, I served my master faithfully as any Pearl could. But things like this tend to boil over and end badly after some time," she sighs.

"Vermarine Quartz was whom I served. She was everything a great general was to be: proud but humble, always learning, collected yet fierce, versed in the art of war, a hulking figure made for battle; if anything, she was very much the definition of a war god. She was the hero of thousands of battles for Homeworld…until she came to Earth," Patricia pauses to take a sip of tea, "Rose Quartz thwarted her at every turn, so much so that it became suspicious that she was able to do so consistently. Many suspected a traitor within the ranks and given the feelings running amok within the Homeworld forces, I was eventually sentenced to be shattered. She never believed the rumors nor did she ever believe that I would betray her but everything was…I believe the phrase is 'going to Hell in a handbasket'…so I volunteered to be shattered, if only to alleviate the pressure she was under not only from her superiors but her own comrades and be of some use to her."

"As Fate would have it, Rose Quartz and her rebel forces attacked the day of my shattering. To be honest though, I only saw her just long enough to commit her to memory before being forced to retreat into my gem. After that, nothing; everything else I know is second-hand knowledge from someone who handled my cracked gem or whatever archives and data I could access from what limited Gem tech remains on Earth. If anything, I can only recall voices I hear every now and then; maybe a conversation but goodness knows I can't remember it. The next time I reformed, it was to the sight of the man I would call husband sputtering in a fountain dedicated to Rose Quartz," she giggles softly, looking over towards Edward whom returns it with equal feeling.

A moment settles in, enforcing a quiet that is probably the only proper reaction to a tale like that. There is no apology or sympathy that can be expressed to offer condolences to one that had survived such a thing. The ringing tone of the door sounds, allowing a boy to dash in with excited huffs and puffs, stars shining in his eyes.

"Hey Dad!"


Author's Note: A tad shorter than what I wanted but it felt right to end it there. Also, this seems to escape me whenever I make these so I want to thank those who are following, placed this on their favorites list, and those who reviewed. I'm sincerely glad you enjoy it enough to do any of those things. I'm also thankful to those who read this (if the Stat count is anything to go by. lol). So really, thank you all and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

Devin Sands: I suggest Google'ing "governess dress" and looking through images (disregard the fetish-y/NSFW ones) and then combine your imagination and the description provided in the Prologue. Really, the only change that Patricia might enact is whether or not to show her gem (placement said in the last chapter and to be clear, where one's sternum is, the change also in the last and this chapter and also to make this clearer, the silver lace surrounding her gem). If for some odd reason you're still having difficulty, I just don't know. I usually trust readers to their own imagination and I want to guide people along rather than spend 20 pages describing their look/fashion alone. Another review of yours asked what kind of Pearl Patricia was, she's a Cream colored Pearl.