Thank you guys for 15K reads! I'm really glad that you guys are enjoying this story! Also, I realised that I am an idiot. There is a part in the chapter I was supposed to add in the last chapter, but I completely forgot so now it's in this chapter. It didn't affect the story in any way but it did really annoy me.

"(Y/N)?".

I glanced over in the direction of where the whisper came from. Jerry sat next to me, shuffling his desk over discretely. He leaned in closer towards me so that the teacher wouldn't hear us talking.

"I didn't get the chance to thank you - you know - for the other day", a smile arose from him, " It really helped me".

Trying to pretend to be attentive, I turned towards the front of the classroom. Then I replied, "I was just listening to your rant. It's no big deal".

Putting a bookmark on the page of his textbook, Jerry shook his head and shut the book. He began muttering a little louder, " It is a big deal--At least, to me! I didn't tell the others about it because I knew they would spin their old record and wouldn't really listen to me".

Looking at the clock on the wall, my gaze fixed on it as it was about to strike. My hand were suddenly gently held by his as he spoke, "I've been struggling to get this off my chest..." His fingers gently grasped my skin. It took me by surprise as my eyes widened at the sudden contact. Jerry smiled, but not his usual smile, something a little stronger. My face warmed up as I felt the tenderness of his thumb caressing my knuckles.

"Thank you! I'm really glad we became friends", he said, his voice getting a little softer when he noticed the teacher looking in our direction. He didn't let go of my hand. In fact, he held it firmer. I glanced behind me, noticing other people giving us weird looks. Retracting my hand quickly, I chuckled apprehensively.

"Uh, yeah. Me too", my voice was filled with a little uncertainty.

That was a little weird.

I still could feel it. An unexpected sensation of heat spreading through my body caused me to shiver. I shifted my eyes over to Jerry, who was still gawking and smiling at me. When he caught himself staring, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, letting out an uncomfortable cough before facing the front. I was literally saved by the bell as everyone began to pack up their things hastily to rush out of the classroom.

Frankie and I chatted contentedly amongst ourselves as the school bell rang to indicate that it was the end of the day.

"I just feel like they didn't put any effort into the villain names", Frankie spoke in a critical voice as we walked down the hall, conversing about a tv show we both watched. Other kids rushed past, gentle jostling our elbows without so much as a regretless apology. "I mean; Mister Destructo? How dumb is that? Why not something cooler, like; Ernesh: The Bloody Battler!".

I curled my lips in a smile, as it was impossible not to. "Not to be critical or whatever, but your name isn't something to gloat about either", I mocked as we approached my locker.

Her eyes narrowed as she scoffed. "Some friend you are. My real name isn't Frankie, you know?".

My head perked up as my fingers remained on the locker door. "Seriously?", my disbelief was palpable.

"It's Francesca. How did you not know that?", although she tried to look offended, I could see a smile peeking out behind her affronted frown.

"Then, why Frankie?", I asked.

She cast her eyes to the floor, a beat of no sound. As we stood in front of each other, a heavy and disheartening aura filled the room. It seemed to be coming from her, but I still felt it as my own bitter feeling.

"My aunt and uncle. We would watch all kinds of horror movies. But Frankenstein is their favourite. We've watched it so many times that I've remembered almost every line of every scene", she softly smiled to herself. "We don't watch it anymore. They're working too hard to keep a roof over our heads. Who am I to prioritise a silly movie over a warm bed? I'd have to be the most selfish niece in the entire multiverse! It just bothers me that I feel like an apparition confined in a haunted house. On some days, it's like I don't even exist to them because they're so busy. It kind of stings but, it doesn't hurt. I guess that's why I like school so much. At least here, the adults are paid to acknowledge me".

Her nonchalant attitude about something so demoralizing left my mouth gaping, bewildered. Her light-hearted laughter was a response to my expression. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble".

A question I had at the back of my skull was difficult to ignore. I didn't want to ask it, but I was also too curious for my own good.

"Do you live with your parents?".

"Nah, they're Adrenaline Junkies", she chuckled aloud. "According to my uncle, their lifestyle is too dangerous for someone my age. That's why I stay with them".

Frowning, I glanced down, "Sorry".

She showed a toothy grin, "Don't be! It's not like I never see my parents. They visit whenever they can. And my uncle and aunt are awesome and treat me well".

As I opened my locker and took my bag out, Frankie suddenly gasped, catching my attention. "Jerry wanted me to give you this. It almost slipped my mind".

She pulled out a purple gift box from her bag and handed it to me. I took it from her with scepticism, taking a peek at it from all angles. I awkwardly opened the purple box, taking in the sweet aroma that suddenly filled the hall. It was a cupcake! It looked custom made, with a silky layer of white, buttercream icing and a pink heart made out of fondue on top. I raised a brow out it, wondering why Jerry would spend his time getting this made for me.

Frankie giggled a chuckle that spelt the world trouble for me. "He must think of you highly".

Her gaze caught mine. "What? What are you talking about?".

A sly smirk appeared on her face, " I'm just saying, not everyone goes through so much effort for 'Friendship'".

Though I was puzzled for a moment, I gradually began understanding what she meant. My stomach gurgled, as I gagged, "Don't try and put words into his mouth. Jerry doesn't like me like that".

Frankie shrugged and I could tell from her sharp glance that she didn't believe me for one second. My eyes dropped back to the cupcake. "I just helped him out with a problem and he owed me. It's just a kind gesture, that's all", I muttered, meekly to myself.

I slipped one of my arms through the strap of my bag and held the box securely in my hands. I began to contemplate everything. I helped Jerry get over rejection, so obviously, this is just a way of thanking me. I didn't want to overthink it. I took out my phone and switched it on, noticing the message Steven sent me while I was at school.

Stevie ⭐

YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE THIS!! PERIDOT IS A CRYSTAL GEM NOW!!!

In unbeknownst fashion, my body stiffened. A Crystal Gem? There was no way in my head for the words to process. Every horrible thing she has done was replaying in my mind. She was working with Jasper, who almost strangled me to death. She kidnapped Steven and took him to space. How could they be so naive into trusting her so willingly?

YOU

When did this happen?

Stevie ⭐

yesterday. its kind of a long story. but i promise you can trust her

YOU

I find that very hard to believe

Stevie ⭐

want to come over?? i dont you two have met properly

I hesitated for a moment, before typing a reply.

YOU

Sure whatever.

Stevie ⭐

awesome!! Love you soon!

My eyes widened as my face quickly became red. My phone almost slipped right out of my hands and my heart rate sped up so fast I began to feel lightheaded. Why would he send that? I had to reread the text multiple times, just to ensure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, or my eyes were tired from working all day.

Stevie ⭐

Siory

*sorry!!

i meant SEE you soon!!

not the other thing!

sorry!

im really sorry!!

I let out my air through my mouth and felt my heartbeat slowing down. I chuckled uneasily, my face still feeling hot and flustered. O-Of course! That's what he meant. I knew it wasn't something weird.

~

"Log date 7 11 2. Steven contacted his human pet so that she and I may share an indifferent relationship. At first glance, we shared a mutual hatred for each other. However, unlike Steven, his human pet had a surprisingly terrifying scowl that utterly horrified me. Steven also informed to address her as... '(Y/N)'. Of course, I was going to do nothing of the sort, but he then went on to explain how overbearing and relatively materially threatening she would be if she heard me call her a human pet again. So, to keep me from experiencing any physical damages, I'll address her as (Y/N)".

----

"(Y/N)! Stop teasing me! I said it was an accident!", Steven whined, hiding his glowing red face in the palm of his hands. I snickered, repeatedly poking his arm to tease and mock him.

"An accident?", I grinned, "Is that what you want to call it?".

Steven retaliated, "It was an autocorrect! I-I typed the wrong thing!".

As I let out a chuckle, my eyes flicked towards Peridot. She had her knees brought to her chest and was staring me down like I was some sort of vicious creature. It made me somewhat uncomfortable. I narrowed my brows and stood up.

"Are you sure we can trust her?", I asked Steven, apprehensively.

He nodded, "Positive! She disobeyed Diamond Authority for us!".

My head slight sprung up as I suddenly remembered something. I took off my backpack and reached into it, taking out the purple box.

"What's that?", he asked, curiously peeking over.

I opened the lid, revealing the cupcake, which was now slightly mushed but still appetising. I took a piece off and offered him some.

"Want to try some with me?", I asked.

Steven nodded, eagerly, taking it from my hand and eating it. With each mouthful of delicious flavour, his smile became wider.

"This is amazing!", Steven gushed, his face full of pure bliss. "Where did you get it?".

I shrugged, biting into the cupcake to try some for myself. I thought Steven was exaggerating, but he was right, it tasted really good. "Jerry gave it to me".

After swallowing his food, Steven brows narrowed, somewhat dubiously. "...He did?", a glare fixed onto his face.

"Yeah? Why?".

"No reason", he responded, abruptly.

My eyes catching Peridot's suspicious gaze once more, I was curious to know what she was up. I turned down to Steven. "I'm going to go check on her. Love you soon!".

Steven twisted his face in a bashful look and turned his head to the side so he could avoid looking at me. A fluttery and warm feeling swirled in his stomach, even though he knew I was saying it as a joke. I looked as coy as I could as I saw how flustered he looked, sending Steven a sly glance.

---

"The Stev--Ugh...Steven, informed me that the best way I can establish a neutral relationship with (Y/N) is with telling of funny play of words and humorous dialogue. He calls them 'Jokes'".

---

I stood in front of Peridot, standing over her in a way that probably made her feel uncomfortable. She cleared her throat and took out a small book from behind her. She glanced down, examining the words carefully. "Um...Why did the chicken cross the road?", she glances up at me, expecting an answer.

I remained silent, my brows condescendingly narrowed at her. She continued, "The chicken wanted to get the other side of the road...".

An abrupt, forced laugh suddenly emerged from her. "Hahaha!...", she glimpsed down at her book, inspecting it with curiosity, "What's a chicken?".

"Hey, uh, Peridot!", Steven jogged up to us, an awkward smile was plastered on his face when he noticed that I wasn't speaking to her. "I've got a surprise for you in the barn! I think you might like it!".

---

"It seems the earth ones are constantly filling the voids of their life with meaningless distractions".

---

Steven inserted a VHS tape into the TV he had installed early that day. He pressed a few buttons and a show began to play. I squinted my eyes, leaning in closer as I began to recognise the video playing.

"Ugh! Don't tell this Camp Pining Heart!", I complained, slumping against the sofa with my chest puffed up. I knew that gushing series anywhere. My old friends were obsessed with it and even attempting to get me into it. But, it wasn't my style and frankly, I'm surprised it's anyone's style. Steven smiled, "It talks a lot about human connections. I think it might help Peridot to understand us".

Not wanting to watch such a corny TV show, I pulled out my phone and tuned everything out. My focus was no longer on the things around me and any voices were obscure. Peridot inspected the tv very thoroughly. At first, assuming that it was a waste of time, but suddenly, she gradually became more involved in the show. It was impossible to tear her eyes from the screen as she sat at the edge of her seat. Steven let out a chuckle when he noticed how involved she was getting. It gave him a sense of relief to see her in a non-threatening state.

"What is this strange ritual", Peridot pointed at the screen which showed the two main characters closing in for a kiss. In his seat, Steven started shifting uncomfortably.

"Uhh, that's umm—".

Peridot interrupted him, "Are they attempting fusion?".

Steven shook his head. " No, it's...called a kiss".

Peridot tilted her head like a clueless puppy, "Define this 'Kiss'".

Steven rubbed the back of his neck, wishing he chose a different episode. "I'm not the best person to ask this, but, it's something two people do when they really like each other".

A hum came from Peridot's mouth as she turned her back to face the television. Steven thought the topic was over, but Peridot asked in a low voice, as to not talk loudly over the show. "Steven?".

Steven glanced back at her, " Yeah?".

"If I'm correct, you really like (Y/N), right?".

Worried about where this conversation was headed, Steven began shifting his eyes to the side. " Uh...Yeah. I do".

Peridot face lit up with realisation, "So, you want to kiss her?".

Steven let out a sudden gasp as his face glistened the colour red. His eyes darted towards me, desperately hoping that I didn't hear. Luckily for him, I was too engulfed in my phone to pay any attention. A breath of relief left his lips, but that didn't steady the heavy feeling he felt in his stomach.

"So, you do not wish to kiss her?", Peridot asked when she didn't receive an answer.

Steven stammered, dumbfounded, "No!! Of course not!", he stopped, rethinking his answer. "I mean, that's a complicated question--".

"What's this about kissing?".

Steven noticed that I was now staring at him and Peridot with an expression of somewhat irritation.

Peridot went on to fill me in, " I was just asking Steven if he wanted to ki--".

Steven leapt over to Peridot, covering her mouth with his hand before she could finish her sentence. He felt a cold chill whisk through him as he began sweating restlessly.

He turned back to the television, "Hey, don't get distracted! This is the best part!"

----

"Log date 7 12 2. Although the cluster should be our main priority. Steven is more interested in spending valuable time interacting with his (Y/N)".

----

Steven threw the ball to me and I just managed to catch it before it slipped out of my grasp. In unison, we both took a big step back.

Peridot grumbled, "You two should be assisting with the drill!".

"Relax Peridot". Steven smiled as I tossed the ball to him. He held his arms out and caught it before taking another step back. "We still have time".

"What are you even doing?", she asked, approaching us with caution. Her eyes suddenly widened, "Is that sphere remotely detonated?!".

I sent her a calculating glance, "It's not going to explode. We're just playing 'Catch'. It's a game. You throw the ball to the other person and they catch it. Then, you both take a step back to create distance. If the other person doesn't catch it, you start again".

Peridot scoffed, " This so-called 'game' seems repetitive. Why would you participate in such a ridiculous time-consuming activity?".

"Because it's fun!", Steven cheered. He threw the ball back to me, but this time, I wasn't able to catch it on time as it bounced off my body and onto the ground. In triumph, Steven grinned.

"Don't get cocky!", I snarled at him, picking up the ball as Steven and I made our way to the middle in front of each other. I turned to face Peridot and forced a small smile onto my face. "Do want to play? I'm sure even a martian can catch a ball".

She mumbled something to herself, and it sounded argumental. She suddenly approached us cautiously, making the same amount of distance Steven and I did. I tossed the ball at her as it bounced off her head.

"EEP!", Peridot cried, holding her arms out to guard herself.

Steven sent me a disgruntled look, " (Y/N)...".

I knitted my brows, "What?".

"Gentle".

"Urgh! Fine", I grumbled and (gently) tossed the ball to Peridot. This time, she managed to catch it. As she stared at the ball for a moment, she let out a chuckle of delight.

"Interesting...This repetitious activity could prove to be entertaining!", she chirped.

"Huh, not bad", I smiled as Peridot glanced up at me. She pressed her lips together, as I noticed her face turning a dark shade of green. Was she blushing? I let out a quiet snicker at her bashful expression. She must not be used to getting compliments, especially from me.

"Alright, now take a step back", I told her as we all followed suit.

With a little too much energy, she hurled the ball at Steven. I noticed how high the throw was and knew there was no way Steven could catch it with his height. But suddenly, he reached up as his limbs began to glow a bright pink and extended into the air. My pupils dilated and my mouth gaped wide as Steven caught the ball without any difficulty.

"When did you--?!".

A smirk crossed his lip, "After the whole birthday fiasco, I've been practising really hard with this new power, and now--", he narrowed his arms back into their original size, "I can grow my body at will! Pretty cool right?".

Peridot, who was at first gawking in dismay along with me, shook her head and spoke, "May we proceed with the repetitive activity?".

---

"So...After some careful consideration, I have decided that perhaps (Y/N)...isn't as bad as I anticipated her to be. I still have a lot to study about her intriguing lifestyle, but for now, she has slight my approval".

---

Steven stopped the tape recorder with a smile and whimsical huff. He felt his body rest at ease, knowing his two friends were (sort of)