Author's note: Two things. First, it's probably worth mentioning this story was plotted about before Mr. Greg so there's some contradictions with that episode. And second ...

Trigger warning: Suicidal thoughts.

Pearl stood in a vast land of pink clouds with her arms crossed. She stared at Rose, sitting a short distance away on the human hospital bed the room materialized.

Greg sat next to Rose, holding her hand. Rose smiled at him.

Greg gave an obviously forced smile back.

"You know, it uh ... it kind of defeats the purpose of having a hospital bed here if you don't actually lie down in it," Greg said.

"Thanks, but that's not necessary," Rose said. "I told you, I feel fine."

"Are you sure-" Greg said. His smile faltered. "I- I mean I've always heard contractions can get pretty bad, so-"

"You worry too much, Greg," Rose said. "I'm alright. Trust me."

She didn't stop smiling.

That was the most heartbreaking thing to Pearl. Did she have to look so happy? Like she didn't know what was going to happen.

Amethyst and Garnet were far away from Pearl, speaking amongst themselves. She wasn't close enough to overhear them, but Pearl could tell from Amethyst's face she was distressed.

It wasn't difficult to figure out why.

Pearl thought of going over to them, but she couldn't bear to tear herself from Rose's side, even if she was too distraught to say anything. She was too afraid that if she looked away for just a moment that ...

That when she looked back it might be too late.

Greg glanced over to Pearl, frowning. Their eyes met. No words were exchanged; there didn't need to be.

They both knew what was coming.

Pearl dug her fingernails into the sides of her arms. There was nothing she could do, nothing she could say, that would stop this. She had known that since the night Rose had told her. The night she nearly attacked Greg and they managed to talk civilly for the first time. She had told herself that preparing for this day, knowing it was coming, would make it easier.

It hadn't.

Rose's hand drifted to her stomach, to the pink Gem exposed on her white dress. She let her hand linger there.

Garnet and Amethyst approached Rose and Greg. Amethyst smiled, but she was so obviously concerned it hardly looked like a true smile.

"Hey um ..." Amethyst said. She was searching for something to say, so unlike her normally outgoing demeanor. "Is there ... anything we can get you or-?"

Rose chuckled.

"Well, I've already eaten, for his sake." Rose ran a hand over her belly as if in explanation. "And we are in a room that can make anything else we need, so-"

"Oh. Oh yeah." Amethyst scratched her elbow. "Right."

Rose reached out and touched Amethyst's shoulder.

"Just being here is enough, Amethyst," Rose said.

Amethyst's smile turned genuine, but only for a moment. She glanced at Garnet, whose expression was as difficult to read as always. Pearl could only guess how she could be feeling right now.

Garnet stared at Rose for a moment, before she finally spoke.

"Everything will go fine," Garnet said.

Rose's smile faded. Greg and Pearl both met each other's gaze again. Amethyst only stared ahead, unable or unwilling to look anyone in the eye.

"I-" Garnet paused. Pearl was stunned. Garnet's voice never faltered like that. Ever. "I saw it would. I wanted to tell you. In case you were still concerned."

Rose said nothing. She considered Garnet's words, then nodded.

"I see," Rose said quietly. The corner of her mouth curved upward. "Thank you, Garnet."

Garnet said nothing. Pearl couldn't see her eyes behind those visor, but somehow she could feel the sadness in them.

Pearl wasn't sure how much more of this she could take. Just standing there, pretending nothing was wrong when everything was wrong. The idea of Rose just ... not being there anymore tore at her insides. She'd known Rose for millennia; she literally couldn't imagine life without her. And Rose was acting like everything was fine. Didn't it bother her that she wouldn't be with them anymore?

That she wouldn't be with Pearl anymore?

Pearl's eyes drifted up and she realized Rose was staring at her. She tensed up and looked away. Had her sadness shown on her face? Pearl didn't know, but she supposed it didn't matter. Somehow, Rose always knew when Pearl was upset no matter how she acted.

Rose cleared her throat and turned her eyes to Greg.

"Greg?" Rose said.

"Yes, Rose?" Greg said.

"Do you ... think I could have a moment alone with Pearl?" Rose said.

"Oh um ..." Greg scratched the back of his head. "Y-yeah, of course, honey."

Pearl's cheeks flushed. She hadn't expected this. She wanted to protest but couldn't find her voice.

Rose turned to Amethyst and Garnet.

"Are you alright with that?" Rose asked them.

Garnet nodded, but Amethyst's eyes darted to Pearl. To Pearl's surprised, she looked bitter, almost resentful.

"... yeah," was all Amethyst said.

If Rose noticed Amethyst's reaction, she didn't acknowledge it.

"Thank you," Rose said. She stretched her hand outward. Without saying a word, pink clouds in the room parted to reveal the temple door.

Wordlessly, Amethyst and Garnet walked towards it. The door glowed to reveal the cave housing the Warp Pad. Garnet walked out the door without hesitation. Amethyst turned back and looked to Rose as if she was about to speak ... but ultimately turned around and exited silently.

Greg lingered, still clutching Rose's hand.

"Are you um ..." Greg said. "Are you going to be alright while I'm gone?"

Rose gave him a tender look that was genuinely hard for Pearl to watch; she couldn't help but wonder if Rose had ever looked at her quite like that.

Rose put her hand to Greg's cheek.

"I'm not going anywhere without you, Greg," Rose said.

Pearl flinched as Rose said that. As if the knife hadn't been twisted enough already ...

Greg nodded. He walked towards the door, but stopped in front of Pearl.

"Pearl?" he asked in a whisper. "Are you ok-"

"Greg," Pearl said. "Just ... not now. Please."

Greg's eyes widened in concern, but after a moment he nodded and walked out the temple door. The door disappeared as the clouds moved to conceal it.

There was no one there now but Rose, Pearl, and the hospital bed she sat on.

Rose frowned. She wasn't as carefree as she had appeared only minutes before. It was clear she was taking this seriously.

"Pearl ..." Rose said as she stood up from the hospital bed.

Pearl felt herself shake. It took all her willpower not to burst out crying right there ...

But Pearl didn't get the chance to make such an outburst.

When Rose tried to step off the bed, her face contorted and she clutched her stomach. She nearly fell, only catching herself with one hand on the hospital bed.

"Rose!" Pearl said. Without another thought to her own feelings, she rushed to her side. She placed her hands on Rose's strong shoulders, her face only inches from Rose's. "Are you-"

"Yes, yes, it's alright," Rose said. She looked up, but she did not shoo Pearl away from her. She kept her hand on her stomach, grimacing.

"I- I thought you said weren't in any pain," Pearl stammered.

"I know ...," Rose said. Her eyes met Pearl's. There was a vulnerability in them Pearl had only rarely seen in her lifetime of being with Rose ...

She almost looked ... ashamed.

"I was lying," Rose said.

"Pearl?" Greg asked.

Pearl, who had been silent in the passenger's seat, suddenly shook her head and looked to Greg.

"Are you okay?" Greg said, fidgeting with his hands on the steering wheel. "You seemed kind of out of it for a bit?"

Pearl's eyes were wide. They lingered on Greg for a minute before she just turned away.

"It's ... it's nothing," Pearl said.

Somehow Greg doubted that.

Greg parked the van now that they were close to the temple. He sighed.

"Well ... um ... anyway, we're here," he said. "I don't get why we came here. I thought you wanted to show me where you've been this whole-"

"I do," Pearl said quietly. "But it'll be much faster via Warp Pad. I simply took the long way when I ..." Pearl closed her eyes. "When I ran away."

Pearl breathed heavily, anxious even being back at the temple. Seeing Pearl so upset almost made Greg forget about the encounter with Amethyst. He was bottling up a lot of feelings of despair ... but if Pearl was feeling even worse, he didn't want to think about his own problems.

"Look, Pearl ..." Greg scratched the back of his head. "I-if you don't want to do this, it's alright. It's-"

"No ... no, I want to," Pearl said. She met his gaze. "Please just ..." She exhaled. "Could you make sure the others aren't there? I don't ..."

Her voice lowered to a whisper.

"I don't think I could face Garnet or Amethyst right now," she said.

Greg hesitated. He wanted to tell her that it'd be good for Pearl to see the others now ... but he didn't. He didn't feel like he had any right to say anything, not when he was hoping Amethyst wasn't there because he didn't want to face her either.

Finally, he just nodded.

"Okay," Greg said. He placed the van in park and opened the driver's door. Before stepping out, he glanced back. "Wait right here."

Pearl said nothing, only stared as he stepped onto the sand.

It was only a short walk to the cave in front of the temple. He looked around, but there was nothing there except the Warp Pad and the temple door.

Ruby and Sapphire were nowhere to be seen.

Amethyst wasn't there either. Despite everything that happened, he was worried where she might be. She certainly wasn't in the best state when they last saw each other ...

He tensed up when he heard the crunch of sand, but when he whipped around, it was just Pearl approaching the cave. She was glancing over her shoulder, clearly unnerved.

"Is anyone-" Pearl started.

"No," Greg said, shaking the thoughts of Amethyst out of his head. "No, I think the coast is clear."

Pearl straightened up with a heavy sigh.

"Alright," she said, her voice shaky. "Good."

She stepped onto the Warp Pad and stood in the center of it.

"Step on the Warp Pad and stand next to me."

Greg complied. He scratched his head.

"So how does this work?" Greg said to Pearl. "Do I have to focus or-"

"Just relax and let your body dissolve into warp space," Pearl said stoically.

Greg turned pale.

"Wait, dissolve? Is that sa-"

The Warp Pad hummed to life and engulfed Greg and Pearl in light. He quickly shut his eyes. He wasn't sure if he'd actually see his own body dissolve if he kept them open, but he'd rather not find out.

For a second or two, his entire body felt as if it was on pins and needles. His stomach felt queasy, like he just stepped off a roller-coaster. He became conscious of the fact he was not standing on anything, that there was no ground beneath him.

And a moment later, he felt the Warp Pad under his feet and the odd sensation was gone.

He opened his eyes.

"Whoa ..." Greg said when he saw where they were.

They were in a vast field of strawberries, covered in a light fog. That wouldn't have been especially amazing were it not for the many ancient weapons stabbed into the ground all around them, glistening in the moonlight. In the distance, Greg could make out patches of land suspended in mid-air.

Greg looked up at Pearl, whose expression was the same as before. Though the sight was bizarre to Greg, Pearl seemed unaffected. She stepped off the Warp Pad.

Greg looked around. As he stepped down, his foot bumped against a sword in the grass. The blade was chipped and dull.

It had been used a lot, Greg realized. He felt a chill down his spine.

"Wow, um ..." Greg chuckled nervously. "Seems like, uh, like a lot went down here..."

Pearl glanced back at Greg, then looked forward.

"You have no idea ..." Pearl said with a hint of sadness.

Greg frowned.

"So, this is where you came to?" Greg asked.

"Yes ... well, not right here exactly," Pearl said. She nodded ahead. "It's just a short walk from here."

Pearl started walking, making Greg scramble to catch up. He sped up so he could match her walking pace.

Her mouth was curled into a frown.

Greg was silent. He wanted to ask where Pearl was taking him ... or even why. After all, they had never seen eye-to-eye. Even though they understood each other much better now than before, Greg still found it odd that he, of all people, was the one she had reached out to.

He wanted to ask, but he was certain that she wouldn't answer until they got to their destination. Still, he felt he had to say something to fill the uncomfortable silence.

"So um ... this place ..." Greg asked, his eyes drawn to a giant axe lying amidst the many weapons they walked past. "This was like a battlefield, right?"

When Pearl spoke, she didn't look directly at him; she seemed miles away.

"Yes," she said.

"Um ... did you fight here?"

Greg saw Pearl's throat bob as she gulped.

"We both did ..." she said quietly. Her eyes finally drew back to Greg. "Did she ever tell you about any of this?"

Greg cringed. He hadn't expected Pearl to ask that. Thinking about Rose still hurt for Greg ... but he had to answer. Knowing how Pearl felt about Rose, maybe she needed to hear something about her right now ...

"A-a little," Greg said. He glanced out to the field of strawberries. "I mean, I know she fought her Homeworld because they were going to destroy the Earth. And she fought for a really long time. And that she won, even though she said after everything that happened, it didn't always feel like she'd won ..."

Pearl said nothing; she just listened.

Greg gave a sad chuckle.

"I don't think I could ever do what you two did," Greg said. "Fight in a war for that long ... fight in a war at all, really." He lowered his voice. "I asked her if it was ever scary to her, you know ..."

Pearl actually stopped walking. Even though she wouldn't look directly at him, he could see her eyes were wide.

"W-what did she say?" Pearl asked.

Greg gave a sad smile.

"She just gave that smile she always did ... and said she was terrified." He gave a humorless laugh. "It's ..."

He put his hand to his face. He already felt his eyes start to sting, the image of Rose smiling at him too strong in his mind.

"It's really hard to imagine her ever afraid of anything, you know?" Greg said, in almost a whisper.

Pearl's eyes lingered on Greg's for a second or two before she turned away.

"Yes ..." Pearl said. Her eyes seemed to drift off in the distance as she continued walking. "I know."

Pearl helped Rose up. Rose's hand still on her stomach, still in pain, but she managed to smile regardless.

"Thank you," Rose said.

Any other time Rose smiled at her, Pearl would have been happy. But she couldn't appreciate it. Not knowing Rose was in pain. Not knowing she had been in pain for who knew how long ...

"Why would you lie about that?" Pearl whispered.

Rose's smile faded. She looked down and simply shook her head.

"You all needed me to seem strong," said Rose.

"What are you talking about?" Pearl said. "You are strong."

Rose's eyes drifted to Pearl's. Pearl looked deeply into them. Rather than feel thrilled like she normally would, she was only shocked to see that there was a deep sadness in them.

Pearl couldn't remember a time when Rose had looked like that, even at her most emotional. It didn't make sense to Pearl. She would have known if Rose had something inside her to make an expression like that. Pearl would know.

She knew Rose better than anyone, she told herself.

She ... she did ...

When Pearl couldn't think of anything to say, Rose finally turned away from Pearl. She placed her hand on the hospital bed, as if to steady herself.

"But, that's ... I didn't want to talk about that," Rose said dead-serious. "I ..." She sighed. "Pearl ... I have a very ... very selfish thing I want to ask you."

Pearl brought her hand to her mouth.

"Rose, you're not ..." Pearl managed a nervous laugh. "You're a lot of things, but you've never been selfish. I'm the selfish one. I always have been. But you ... you're just ..." Pearl gulped. "You're ... perfect."

Rose gave a single bitter chuckle. She looked at Pearl with a tender look that made Pearl blush.

"That's sweet of you to say," Rose said. "But that's not true. And you shouldn't call yourself selfish ..."

Pearl knew Rose was just being nice. It was nonsense to Pearl to pretend she wasn't selfish. After the way she had acted towards Greg, after how much time she'd focused on her own feelings rather than Rose ... Pearl didn't hold any illusions about herself.

Pearl shook her head and took a step forward.

"Rose, whatever it is, I'll do it," Pearl said. "You know I'd do anything for you, I-"

"Pearl, please ..." Rose put her hand up. "Please don't say yes until I've told you what it is. It's ... a lot I'm about to ask ..."

Pearl didn't understand. What could Rose possibly ask that could make her act this way, that would make her so hesitant? They'd fought a war together. Everything Pearl had ever done, she had done for her. Rose knew that. She had to. So ... what could make Rose act like this now?

Rose took a breath.

"Pearl I'm ..." Rose swallowed. "I'm not going to be around for much longer."

Pearl went pale.

"Rose, don't talk about that, I don't want to-"

"I know you don't want to hear it," Rose said. She was firm, but she never raised her voice. "I know. But it's true." Rose rubbed her temple, trying to compose herself.

Pearl looked at Rose, the one Gem she admired and loved more than anyone else ... and a frightening thought occurred to her.

"Are you afraid?" Pearl said, her voice cracking.

Rose looked Pearl straight in the eye.

"Yes," Rose said. "But probably not about what you think ..."

Rose walked a few steps away from the hospital bed, pink clouds all around her.

"I'm not afraid of giving up my physical form," Rose said. "I haven't been this whole time. Making something greater than myself ... making Steven ..." Rose's fingers brushed against the Gem on her navel. "That was what I wanted ..."

Despite herself, Pearl felt anger rise inside her. She clenched her fists. She couldn't imagine anything greater than Rose. The fact that Rose wanted this still filled Pearl with a fury and sadness she couldn't articulate.

She wanted to scream at Rose. Why would you want this? she thought. Why do you think you need to do this to yourself? You're perfect. You always seem so complete and so happy already, why couldn't that be enough?

Why couldn't I be enough?

But Pearl didn't. She had said all those things before, when she first found out Rose was pregnant ... and Rose just sat there and took it. Saying it all again would have accomplished nothing aside from making them both feel like garbage. And as selfish as Pearl was ... she couldn't do that to Rose.

But it didn't matter that Pearl didn't say those things aloud. Rose looked at Pearl and it seemed as if she knew exactly what Pearl was thinking. She gave Pearl a tender look.

"Pearl ... it's okay," Rose said. "I know it's difficult to understand why I wanted to have Steven ... but I think one day you will."

Pearl didn't say it, but she couldn't see herself ever understanding that decision.

Pearl took a breath and unclenched her fists.

"What are you afraid of, if not that?" Pearl asked, hoping the bitterness didn't show in her voice.

Rose glanced down at her stomach, where her hand still rested.

"I'm afraid of after that," Rose said. "I'm afraid that ... even though I wanted to do this, I've made it so Steven will never know his mother. That by doing that, I've hurt him deeply before he was even born. That ..."

Rose let her hand drop. She frowned.

"I'll never even get to hold him ..." Rose whispered. "Not even once."

As soon as she said that, the clouds in Rose's room started to shift in Rose's direction. Rose's expression became horrified as she put her hands up.

"No, Room, please," Rose said. "I don't want that. I-"

Her voice cracked for just an instant, before she closed her eyes. When she spoke again, she sounded fully composed.

"Please ... it wouldn't be the same."

The clouds remained still for a moment, then retracted back into the landscape of the room.

Rose frowned, her eyes drifting down to her Gem.

"I just hope when he comes, he doesn't feel lonely ... not having a mother there for him," Rose said.

Pearl felt horribly guilty. She could see by the look on Rose's face she was being genuine, that Rose felt terrible. Pearl couldn't even remember a time when she had seen Rose look that way. And Pearl wanted to be supportive of her love ...

But the first thing she thought when Rose said that was 'Why is this child more important to you than I am?'

She tried to shake off those thoughts. The fact she would think something so selfish made her disgusted with herself. Rose was so close to the end and THAT was what Pearl thought about? What kind of Gem does that?

"Pearl," Rose said.

Pearl's head snapped up.

"Yes, Rose?" Pearl said.

"I ..." Rose said. She took a breath. "I'll never be able to truly be a mother for Steven, to hold him, to help him understand what he truly is ... I can't be there for him."

She looked Pearl in the eye.

"Will you be there for him?"

Pearl stared at Rose in silence.

"What?" Pearl said finally.

"I know it's a lot to ask, Pearl," Rose said. "But I want you to be there for Steven. I want you all to be there for him ..."

Pearl's mouth felt dry. She didn't know what to say. She hadn't expected this.

"What do you ... what do you need me for?" Pearl said, panic clear in her voice. "What about Greg? Don't you think he'll be there for Steven?"

Rose gave a small smile. Her eyes brightened up.

Did she ever look that way thinking about me? Pearl couldn't help but think, her chest sinking.

"I know Greg will be there for him," Rose said tenderly. "I know he'll be the best father Steven could ever ask for, but he can't do everything himself. There are things about Gems Greg doesn't understand, things Steven will need to understand someday ..."

Rose stepped forward and took Pearl's hand, but Pearl was so disoriented from Rose's proposition she couldn't enjoy it.

"Pearl, if you say you can't do it, I won't hold it against you," Rose said. Her face was close to Pearl, her eyes gazing deeply into Pearl's. "I don't want to burden you-"

"You're not a burden to me!" Pearl said, her voice cracking. "I just ... I don't know how to ..."

Pearl frowned and felt the bitterness inside her well up.

"How can you ask me something like this?!" Pearl shouted in Rose's face. "How can I promise something like that? I don't know how to raise a child, how can I possibly know what to do with you gone?! Why ask me this?! Why me?!"

Rose put her hand to Pearl's cheek.

"Because, Pearl," Rose said. "You were always there for me. You're the only one I could ask. There's no one else I know who has your strength. There's no other friend I trust more."

Pearl's eyes drifted to the ground, to the pink clouds underneath them.

"... is that all I ever was to you?" Pearl whispered, her voice hoarse. "A 'friend'?"

Rose's hand slid from Pearl's cheek. Her eyes went wide. For the first time in perhaps ever, Rose seemed speechless.

"What?" Rose said. "No, Pearl, I-"

Whatever Rose was about to say, she never got to finish. She suddenly winced and backed away from Pearl, her hand at her stomach. She clutched herself and fell to her knees.

"Rose!" Pearl said, crouching next to her. "Rose, what's wrong?!"

Rose looked up at Pearl, but didn't to say anything. As she clutched herself, the pink Gem on her navel started to glow.

"I'm sorry," Rose said. She was clearly in pain. She clenched her fist. The light on her Gem brightened and, for a split second, her physical form went white before she reverted back to her normal self. "I ... I think it's time ..."

Pearl stared in horror.

No ... no, Pearl thought as she felt her entire body shake. I'm not ready for this. Not now. Please, stop! Please ...

I am not ready for this!

Nearby, the clouds parted and the temple door revealed itself. The door filled with light for a moment before Garnet entered.

"Rose!" she yelled. It was obvious by her tone she knew what was happening; she must have seen it. Pearl trembled. This really must be it.

Garnet rushed to her side with Greg following after her. His face was pale.

"Rose! Are you okay?!" he shouted as crouched next to her.

Rose smiled. Her Gem was still glowing.

"Of ... of course I'm okay," she said. Her tone was so cheerful. Considering what was happening, it made Pearl feel ill. "I think Steven's anxious to get here ..."

Greg's mouth was open, but he said nothing.

Amethyst entered a moment later. She stared at Rose crouched on the floor. She looked mortified.

"W-what's happening?" Amethyst whispered.

Amethyst looked at Pearl, who found herself unable to move. Pearl didn't say anything.

Amethyst's eyes welled up.

"What's happening?!" Amethyst repeated. It was clear she knew what was happening, but didn't want to believe it, just like Pearl. She desperately wanted someone to tell her it wasn't true.

But Pearl remained silent, because she couldn't tell her that.

Amethyst looked down, then slowly walked towards Rose. She seemed unable to look directly at Rose. Frankly, Pearl couldn't blame her.

Rose grunted. Once again, her entire form was momentarily engulfed in light.

"ROSE!" Greg said. He gripped her hand and, a second later, she reappeared.

Rose smiled at him.

She just kept smiling.

Pearl felt her eyes sting and tears trickle down her cheeks.

Pearl didn't know what to do. She felt as if her entire world was crumbling underneath her feet. She was watching the only Gem she had ever loved die right in front of her. And even after dedicating her life to protecting her, Pearl could do nothing.

And Rose was smiling all though it. Pearl just-

Pearl realized she was backing away from Rose, towards the door.

Rose noticed. Her eyes were on Pearl. For the first time since everyone else ran in, her smile dropped.

"Pearl?" Rose said, confused.

"I... I can't-" Pearl said. "I ..."

"Pearl, please, don't-"

Pearl's eyes were gushing.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she shouted.

Pearl turned and ran through the door.

"Pearl, wait!" Greg said after her.

Pearl didn't stop. She ran through the door. She made the mistake of glancing back.

Rose was still sitting on the floor amidst pink clouds. One hand was on her stomach and the other was reaching out towards Pearl. She appeared stunned, as if she hadn't come to grips with Pearl's actions.

Pearl turned away and kept running. As she fled, a single, horrible thought entered her head over and over again.

That was the last time I'll ever see her.

Pearl had been silent during the rest of their walk. Even though she didn't speak, Greg saw a tear drip down her cheek. He pretended not to notice.

Before Greg break the silence, Pearl suddenly stopped walking and reached her hand out, blocking Greg from moving forward.

"Careful," Pearl said. She nodded ahead, not even looking at him.

Greg looked ahead and was thankful Pearl had stopped him. He had been so wrapped in worrying about her he hadn't noticed they'd approached the top of a cliff. Another few steps and they would have been over the edge. Ahead of them were dozens of grassy platforms suspended in mid-air by some unseen force, separated by uncomfortably long gaps.

"Phew ..." Greg said. He made the mistake of looking over the edge. The drop looked so far it made Greg's stomach uneasy. The ground below was covered in strawberry bushes.

"Jeez," Greg said. "It's uh ... it's a long way down ..."

Pearl turned back to Greg. She frowned.

"Yes ... it is," Pearl said.

She sighed and sat on the grass along the ledge, seemingly unphased by the drop in front of her.

She wiped the tear from her cheek. Greg wasn't quite sure why, but she looked ashamed.

"Please ... sit down," Pearl said.

Greg raised an eyebrow, but did as she asked, settling with his legs crossed next to her.

Pearl tilted her head up and pointed towards the floating platforms.

"See the highest one up there?" Pearl said.

"Yeah?" Greg said as his eyes drew up to it. It was so high up it almost looked as if it was touching the moon above.

"That's where I was," Pearl said. She put her hands together, interlacing her fingers.

Greg grimaced.

"Yikes," Greg said. "Can't imagine how bad the drop must look from there ..."

Pearl didn't respond. She wouldn't even look at him.

And when Greg imagined why that might be, his stomach soured even more.

"Pearl?" Greg asked shakily.

"Yes?" Her voice was almost emotionless.

"What were you doing up there?"

Pearl's eyes drew down to the ground.

"It's ... that place was where Rose first asked me to stay here, thousands of years ago. It means a lot to me. The ... the view is quite beautiful ..."

Pearl's chest moved up and down, her breathing getting quicker, more uneasy.

"I had ..." Pearl put her hand to the side of her face, as if shielding herself from Greg's stare. "I had always thought if something ever happened to Rose that I would ... I mean, I thought it would be a nice place to ..."

"Pearl?" Greg said. He stared at her, searching for any sign that this wasn't what it sounded like. He didn't want to believe it. He ...

He didn't want to believe anyone beside him had such thoughts since Rose's death.

Pearl dropped her hand. Her eyes were welled with tears. She finally turned to look at Greg.

"I was going to jump," Pearl said.

"Pearl, no," Greg said. "Don't say that-" He reached out to touch her, but she shirked away from him.

"No! Please just ... listen," Pearl said. Her eyes started to gush. Her words came out strangled as she choked back sobs. It seemed as if all the emotion she had been holding in came flooding out at once, like water through a burst dam.

Greg drew his hand back. There was so much he wanted to say. He wanted to tell her there was always another way, that he could understand how she felt ...

But what she needed now was for him to listen. So for the moment, he remained silent.

Pearl wiped her eyes with her arm.

"Pearls are fragile so I didn't think it would take much force to ... shatter," Pearl said. She was no longer looking at Greg. Her eyes locked onto the platform above, as if she still see herself herself standing on it. "I couldn't ... I couldn't imagine going on without her. Everything I've ever done was for her ..."

She closed her eyes and clutched at her face.

"But when she needed me the most, all I could do was run!" Pearl shouted. "And when I finally stopped running, when I knew she was already dead ... I just couldn't live with myself knowing what I had done! That I couldn't do what she asked, that I couldn't even be there for her! And I just ... I ended up here and I-I thought I was ready but ..."

A sob escaped Pearl's throat as she wiped more tears from her eyes.

"But when I got up there, I couldn't even do that! Because it was as if I could hear her speaking right to me! I could imagine exactly what she'd say! 'Pearl, what are you doing?' 'Pearl, don't do this.' 'Pearl, you're stronger than this. You're stronger than me!' And I just couldn't ... I just ..."

Pearl closed her hands over her face and cried. Wordlessly, Greg reached over and placed his hand on Pearl's shoulder. She didn't protest this time, didn't even acknowledge the touch.

"Pearl ..." Greg said. "I- I really don't know what to say to help, but ..." He sighed. "I- I do know how you feel."

Pearl paused for a moment, suddenly angry.

"Don't say that," Pearl said, her voice strained. "You don't-"

"No Pearl," Greg said. He quivered. "This time I really, really do-"

"Greg, this isn't something you can just say you know how I feel because you-"

Greg clenched his fist and shouted.

"You're not the only one who doesn't know what to do now that she's gone!"

Pearl's eyes were wide. Her hands drifted to her mouth.

"Greg ... you- you can't possibly mean-"

Greg frowned. His stomach felt knotted up. He hadn't meant to shout at all, let alone shout that. He pulled his hand from her shoulder and turned away from her.

"I ... just forget I said anything. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made this about me ..." Greg said.

He glanced back. Pearl's eyes were still fixed on him.

After an uncomfortable silence, she asked.

"You wouldn't ever do anything like ..." Pearl paused. "Like what I intended to do, would you?"

"Pearl, please, I feel bad enough for bringing it up. That's not important, I care more about-"

Pearl raised her voice.

"Of course it's important!" Pearl said, her eyes fiery. "Just ..." She lowered her voice. "Please, just answer me ..."

Greg frowned. He wasn't able to look Pearl in the eye.

"I- I don't think I would," Greg said.

Despite relieving Pearl like Greg hoped, she seemed horrified.

"You 'think'?" Pearl whispered. "You mean you're not sure?"

"No," Greg stammered. "I mean yes, just- I dunno, okay?!" Greg found himself rising to his feet as he spoke. "I don't want to, I know I have to be there for Steven, I know it's what Rose would have wanted. It's what I want too!"

Greg felt disgusted with himself when he noticed his eyes welling with tears.

"But it's hard ..." Greg said. "Everyday without her doesn't even seem real. Like I keep expecting to just turn around and-"

Pearl straightened up, her voice hardly a whisper.

"And just see her standing there with you ..." Pearl said.

Greg stared at Pearl as she wiped the tears from her face.

Greg glanced down at his feet.

"I'm sorry ..." Greg said.

"For what?" Pearl asked.

"For taking her away from all of you," Greg said, barely holding it together as he spoke. "For putting all of you through this. For ..."

Amethyst's words from earlier that night echoed in his head.

"For even coming here in the first place," Greg whispered.

Pearl locked eyes with Greg. There was no malice in her expression.

"Greg, it ..." Pearl put her hand to her chest and took a deep breath. It was clear what she was about to say was hard.

"It ... it isn't your fault."

Pearl looked out over the cliff.

"Rose wanted this. She ..." Pearl sighed. "She loved you. She wouldn't want you to feel sad. She wouldn't want you to ... to hurt yourself."

Pearl paused and turned back to Greg.

"I don't want you to," Pearl said.

Greg managed a smile despite feeling like he wanted to break down crying.

"I don't want you to hurt yourself either, Pearl," Greg said. "I know Rose wouldn't either. She loved you too, you know ..."

Pearl glanced down at the ground, a deep sadness in her eyes.

"Not the way she loved you," Pearl whispered.

Greg was silent. Pearl was right, but now wasn't the time to say that.

"She was going to name our kid after you," Greg said.

Pearl's head snapped up.

"What?" Pearl said.

"If it was a girl, Rose wanted to name her Pearl," Greg said. Greg chuckled without much humor. "Kinda awkward I know, but it's true ..."

Pearl blinked away tears. She gave a sad smile.

"She ... she never told me that ..." Pearl said. Pearl shook her head. "And I repay her by running when she's dying." Pearl put her hand to her face. "I hope she knew I was sorry. I hope she didn't die hating me."

"Rose?" Greg said. "No." Despite himself, he smiled. "Can you really see Rose hating anyone?"

Pearl said nothing.

Greg was still for a moment before he reached out and touched Pearl's shoulder.

"She'd never hate you," Greg said softly.

Pearl lowered her head. Her voice was hoarse.

"I hope you're right ..." Pearl said.

Greg frowned.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Pearl?" Greg said.

Pearl lifted her head up, a sad smile still on her face.

"You've done enough already, Greg," Pearl said. "It- it felt good to talk about this with someone. I think that's what I wanted all along. That's probably the real reason why I wandered back to your van instead of ..."

Pearl's eyes lingered on the highest platform before she looked away.

"Deep down I knew you'd understand," Pearl said. "We're a lot alike."

"Yeah ... I know," Greg said.

Pearl paused, then spoke again.

"Please don't do anything to hurt yourself, Greg," Pearl said.

"I-I won't," Greg said. Despite still feeling sad, he surprised himself by realizing he actually meant it.

"You're not going to try anything like that again either, right?" Greg asked in return.

"No," she said.

Greg nodded.

"I mean, if you ever need to talk or anything, I-"

"I know," Pearl said. "I know."

Pearl drew her knees to her chest. She was quiet for a moment or two, furrowing her brow as if deep in thought.

"I want to see him," Pearl said finally.

"What?" Greg said.

"Rose's child. I want to see him."

Greg froze.

"I ..." Greg scratched the back of his neck. "I mean, I'm fine with that, but are you sure you'll be alright? You don't have to-"

"No. I want to. I ..." Pearl rose to her feet. "I know what Rose wanted. I want to at least try."

Greg stared at Pearl, the skin around her eyes red from crying. He was worried about her, but he could see her certainty beneath the grief.

After a long moment, Greg nodded.

"Alright," he said.

It wasn't long afterwards that Pearl was standing next to Greg in front of Vidalia's trailer. The lights were all out. The brightness of the moon was just strong enough that she could clearly see the front door.

Pearl's hands fidgeted nervously. It was odd ... Pearl had been in a millenia long war, had killed and seen her friends killed, had nearly been shattered countless times ... but for some reason, all of that seemed far, far less scary than what she was about to do.

She glanced at Greg, who looked back at her.

"Are you sure you're okay, Pearl?" Greg said. "I mean if you changed your mind-"

"I'm fine," Pearl lied.

Greg took a breath, then nodded.

"Okay," he said.

Greg hesitantly knocked on the door.

"I feel bad waking Vidalia up," Greg said. "Hopefully she won't be startled or-"

There was a click as the door unlocked and swung open. Vidalia stood the doorway in a green shirt and sweat pants. She looked startled. But what struck Pearl as odd was that her eyes were puffy, as if she had been crying recently.

"Greg ..." Vidalia whispered. Her eyes were only on Greg. Pearl wasn't sure if Vidalia even noticed Pearl was standing there. "You're alright-"

"H-hey," Greg said awkwardly, obviously noticing the look on her face. "Sorry about that call earlier, I was a little-"

Vidalia glared and, without warning, clenched her fist and struck Greg in the shoulder.

"Ow!" Greg said, staggering back.

"Greg!" Pearl said. She moved to check on him, but was interrupted by Vidalia.

"You son of a bitch!" Vidalia shouted. "Do you have any idea how worried sick I was after you called?! You sounded like you were gonna kill yourself!"

Pearl's eyes went to Greg. Greg said nothing in his defense, only touching his shoulder.

Vidalia went on, her voice raspy.

"I couldn't even sleep I was so terrified! What are you even thinking talking like that?! What am I supposed to do if you ever did something like that, huh?! I-"

Vidalia sniffed and, before Greg had a chance to reply, she wrapped her arms around him. Greg's eyes widened in shock.

"Stupid asshole ..." Vidalia muttered in Greg's shoulder.

Greg frowned. Pearl could tell by the look on his face he felt guilty. He awkwardly patted Vidalia's back.

"I'm sorry," Greg whispered.

"I'm just glad you're back ..." she said.

Vidalia sniffled in his shoulder. She stayed there with her arms around Greg. Pearl glanced away, feeling awkward watching them. Greg exchanged a look with Pearl. It was clear he felt uncomfortable as well. He coughed.

"Um ... Vidalia?" Greg said.

"Oh!" Vidalia quickly let go of Greg and flinched backward. Her cheeks were red. "Geez. Sorry ..." She brushed her hair behind one ear and gave a nervous chuckle. "N-not sure what came over me there. Damn."

"It's okay," Greg said gently. "It's fine ..."

"Y-yeah ..." Vidalia mumbled.

Vidalia's eyes drifted to Pearl, only then noticing her.

"Oh, Pearl!" Vidalia said. "Wow um ... didn't see you there." Vidalia shook her head then looked Pearl in her eyes. "Is everything okay or-"

"Yes," lied Pearl. "I wanted to see Steven."

Vidalia froze. Her eyes darted to Greg. Greg nodded. Upon seeing that, Vidalia relaxed.

"Okay," Vidalia said. She put her finger to her lips. "Be quiet though. He's asleep."

"Alright," Pearl said.

Greg and Pearl followed Vidalia into the dark trailer. Once they entered the hallway, Pearl saw dim light peeking from the door cracks of one of the rooms. Vidalia placed her hand on the doorknob.

If Pearl had a heart, she knew it would have been pounding right now. Her entire body felt like it was buckling under an enormous weight.

Greg noticed. Of course.

"Pearl?" he asked

"Don't worry about it," Pearl said, exhaling. She tried to keep her hands from shaking.

Vidalia glanced at Pearl, then slowly opened the door.

The room was small, nothing there but a dresser, a rocking chair, and ...

The crib.

With him in it.

Greg and Vidalia stood in the doorway as Pearl took a step inside.

He had a thin pink blanket over him. He was small. Astoundingly small. But even with his eyes shut, Pearl could see how strongly he resembled Rose ...

She clenched a fist as she felt a knot in her stomach.

Don't cry, she told herself. Don't cry.

Greg approached behind Pearl.

"Pearl?" he asked softly.

Pearl forced herself to smile, trying to push back the well of emotions inside her.

"He's beautiful ..." Pearl said.

She turned to look at Greg. He didn't need to ask how Pearl was feeling. They both knew each other too well.

"Hey, um, Vidalia," Greg said, looking at Vidalia.

"Yes?" Vidalia asked.

"Do you, um, have any ice?" Greg said, touching his shoulder. "You kinda hit me pretty hard."

"Oh!" Vidalia said. She nodded, getting the point. "Yes, um ... yeah. Just come with me to the kitchen."

Greg gave one last glance to Pearl, then followed Vidalia into the hall. It was clearly an excuse to give Pearl privacy, something she appreciated despite her inexplicable fear of being alone with the child.

She stared at Steven.

Rose's child.

She reached down and gripped the blanket. He didn't stir. Even though she knew how she'd feel, part of her had to see it. She gently pulled the blanket back and saw it, right where his belly-button would have been if he were a normal human. His Gem.

Rose's Gem.

Despite herself, she felt her eyes moisten. Her Gem looked exactly the same as when it was attached to her. Bright, pink, perfect ...

She whimpered.

Steven opened his eyes.

They looked just like hers.

She felt sweat trickle down her forehead.

Pearl's eyes were locked with his for a silent, serene moment ...

And then Steven opened his mouth and let out a loud, high-pitched cry.

"Oh!" Pearl said, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh dear! Um ..."

She nearly ran to get Greg. After all, Pearl knew nothing about human children. It would make more sense for him to try to comfort his child. She took a step towards the door ...

But Steven's crying pierced her ears. Before she could even reach the doorway, she looked back and saw that tiny creature upset ...

And she found herself unable to run.

She quickly moved over to the crib.

"It's um ..." Pearl said, nearly drowned out by the cries. "It's alright ... um ..."

She tried to remember what little she knew of human child-rearing. What calmed human children down?

With a pang in her chest, she remembered Rose's words before she died ...

I'll never even get to hold him.

Pearl closed her eyes and, after a moment to compose herself, reached down and picked up Steven. He was so tiny. So fragile.

Fragile. Just like a Pearl ...

"Ssh, ssh," Pearl said, softly as she hugged the child to her shoulder. To her relief, his crying slowed. "There, there. It's alright, Steven ..." She moved back and forth. "It's okay ..."

His crying stopped completely. He let out a sweet coo. It sounded so much like Rose's voice she had to blink away tears.

She sat down in the rocking chair with Steven, cradling him in her arms as they rocked. She looked down at him.

Even though humans that young couldn't understand speech, Pearl found herself compelled to talk to the baby.

"Hi Steven," Pearl said gently. "My name is Pearl. I was your mother's-"

She stopped and corrected herself.

"W-we were ... friends ..." Pearl said, in almost a mumble.

Steven stared blankly at Pearl. Pearl sighed. When she saw this innocent child, she felt guilty for all the resentful things she ever thought during Rose's pregnancy. It made her sick with herself. She couldn't imagine how Rose even tolerated her.

"She would have been proud of you," Pearl said, unable to meet the baby's eyes. "You're sweet ... just like her. I can tell. It's all over your face."

The baby said nothing.

Pearl gulped.

"You know, she wanted me to help take care of you," Pearl whispered. "I still don't understand why, but she did. I-"

Pearl put one hand to her Gem.

"I'm actually surprised that I want to," she said. "I really want to make her proud but ..." Pearl ran her hand nervously through her hair. "Part of me is so afraid that no matter how hard I try, I'll just end up hurting you. And I just ..."

She felt something brush her hand.

She glanced down to see Steven had gently placed his tiny hand on her wrist. He was looking up at her, a tiny smile on his face.

Pearl's eyes were still wet with tears but, in that moment, she actually managed to smile.

She held Steven up to her face.

"You really are like your mother, aren't you?" Pearl said.

Steven reached out with his tiny hand and touched Pearl's pointy nose. He cooed and smiled as if it was the most hilarious thing he had ever seen.

Pearl was surprised when she heard herself laugh, genuinely laugh, for the first time in a long time.

She heard a noise by the door. She turned her head and noticed Greg standing there, an ice pack pressed to his shoulder.

They caught eyes with each other. Greg smiled.

Pearl wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled back.

"Do you want me to help get him back to sleep?" Greg whispered.

Pearl shook her head.

"No, Greg," Pearl said. "Go get some rest. I'm sure I'll figure it out ..."

Greg thought for a minute.

"He likes singing," Greg said.

Pearl had to stifle a laugh. Of course he liked singing. Rose liked singing.

"Okay," Pearl said. She nodded. "I can do that."

"Okay ..." Greg said. "Thank you, Pearl. For everything."

"No ... thank you, Greg," Pearl said.

After exchanging one last look, Greg slowly closed the door.

Pearl cradled Steven back into her lap. He looked up at her, his eyes tired, barely open.

It was hard for her, holding something that looked so much like Rose but was not her. She wasn't sure she'd ever entirely get over it. She wasn't sure if she'd ever be strong enough to take care of him the way Rose would have wanted.

But she would try.

She rocked Steven in the chair. She tried to think of a song to sing to the child.

When she thought of Rose, the words came easily.

She sang in the softest voice she could.

"If I could ... begin to be ...

"Half of what ... you think of me ...

"I could do about anything ...

"I could even learn how to love ..."

And Pearl watched as Steven slowly drifted to sleep ...

Next time ... the final chapter: Greg

(With a little bit of everyone else in it too ...)