later that night, you tossed and turned struggling to fall asleep. you couldn't help but have that nagging feeling in your core, like you should be remembering this place. not only that, but you felt strangely attached to that boy. for odd some reason, he just had that cheery air around him that not only contented you, but also struck you as familiar for some reason. you just didn't know why! you growl and grasp your head in frustration. what has that boy done to me!?

after a moment of internal frustrations, you finally get off the couch, shaking off your mane. maybe I can find something to do for the time. you look around the darkened home, glancing up at the loft where steven snored softly.

slowly, you walked up the stairs, flinching at the groaning creaks the wood gave when you pressed a paw and hoof into it. once you make it up, you almost immediately spot the small child nestled in his bed, sleeping peacefully. you slowly come closer not wanting to disturb him and peer at his sleeping form. he looked, so... vulnerable almost. drop the almost, actually.. he WAS vulnerable at the moment. again, you felt that fresh urge to protect this small child strongly pulse through you. much like those other gems... you shake your head, making a soft grunt noise. I don't even know this kid... but I feel like I should...

you slowly back up and lay down beside his bed. curling up, you clasp a hand to your head, rumbling in frustration.

why is that...
~~~~~~

you twitch slightly, feeling small hands stroke your mane, companied by light giggling. you purred tiredly but pleasantly, letting a light grin stretch face, enjoying the feeling of a soft massaging on your head and shoulders. after a bit, those small hands move to your face and part your long bangs, making you squint against the intensified light for a moment. sure enough, young boy Steven was kneeling in front of you, beaming as your eyes focused on him. "good morning, (name)." he whispers warmly, sliding his hands to your cheeks. you place a hand on his, purring in response. he giggles a bit more, giving you a warm fuzziness in your chest. what a nice laugh he has.

"STEVEN! GET UP, THE CORRUPT GEM IS MISSING!"

your eyes bulge as that familiar squawking voice sounded from below the loft you both resided. Steven looked over and quickly crawled over to the edge, peering down at the nimble gem with a respectful smile. "oh, don't worry! (name)'s right here!" he reassured, pointing a thumb to you. you slowly crawl to his side and peer down over the edge at her, giving an awkward but friendly grin. she stares at you for a moment and brings a hand to her head, sighing in partial relief that you didn't run off and partial agitation at the fact you were up there with him. "steven. why is it up there with you?? you know what that thing's capable of doing to you! especially when you're sleeping!" steven looked over at you, suddenly looking curious himself. You looked back at him, unsure of how to answer. He turned back with a shrug. "well... I don't know. I just woke up with her sleeping by my bed." a warm look enlightens his face. "she was probably just lonely!" he suggested. pearl made a soft "oh, steven..." before directing her steely attention at you. "you. get down from there this instant." she ordered firmly, pointing to the ground sternly.

not willing to upset the gem any further than she appears to be, you chuffed in response and nervously make your way down the staircase, sitting yourself before pearl, smiling nervously. she places a hand to her chin, staring at you in a sudden interest. she was probably expecting you to either resist or not understand her. but actually going through with a command? that was a first. But a welcomed one at that. but that look of interest lasted no more than a minute as she crosses her arms, looking thinly satisfied. "that's better." she mutters, walking towards the kitchen, you watching her do so for a moment. uhm... you then look up at Steven, who gives you a smile and thumbs up. you grin in excitement as you return the gesture to him.

It's a start!