Chapter Text
Garnet stretched her arms above her head, relishing in the silence. She was in the two-hour lull between her last afternoon class and her first evening one, and she was determined to make the most of it. It was perfectly silent, save for the calming music playing through her radio. This was her favorite part of the day.
A loud pop song broke through her concentration.
She took a deep breath and dropped her pose, ready to scold Sugilite for changing the station on her radio again. Except -- she wasn't there. Sugilite was in the other room.
The song was coming from Garnet's bag.
Pulling it open, Garnet saw a familiar purple grin displayed across her phone screen. "AMETHYST" was spelled out across the top. She must have changed her ringtone in Garnet's phone the last time she borrowed it.
This would normally be fine, except -- wasn't Amethyst supposed to be at work? A call at this time of day meant something had to have happened.
Answering the phone, Garnet said, "Hello?"
"Garnet I need you to come home," Amethyst blurted. "Like, right now ."
"What?! Amethyst, don't you have work?" Garnet demanded.
"Yeah but I had to leave Garnet please I need you HOME."
"Slow down, what happened?"
"P-pearl. She. God, Garnet please don't question me I just need you to come home."
"No, I can't just leave! I need an explanation! What happened to Pearl?"
"S-she broke again. Relapsed. Whatever. Steven called me like half an hour ago and he was crying. I can't deal with both of them at once so I need your help!" the frustration in Amethyst's voice was almost at the point of tears by now.
Garnet could feel her own eyes burn. They'd left Pearl home alone with Steven for the first time in a few months -- she'd been getting better. Garnet had been a bit worried, but Pearl had assured her it would be alright. Something had to have happened. Garnet had learned to read Pearl rather well and that morning she'd been fine.
"I'll be home as soon as I can," Garnet said, taking a deep breath. "Don't panic. We'll be fine."
"Hopefully," Amethyst said. "I don't know. I'm almost home -- I called Peridot, but I need you to help with Steven."
"Did you call Sky already?" Garnet asked, packing up her bag.
"Yeah, straight to voicemail. I don’t know why I bothered, she doesn’t talk like ninety percent of the time. I texted her right before I called you and I think she's already gotten back to me. Just please get home. Bye."
The phone clicked off before Garnet could say anything else. She threw her phone into her bag and tossed it over her shoulder. "Sugilite!" she called.
Sugilite poked her head into the room, confused. "What's up? You were just on the phone, right? Because you sounded super worried."
"Don't bother yourself with it. I've got a bit of a family emergency to take care of, can you close tonight?"
"No problem, I guess. I'll tell the manager if you want. Is Sapphire okay?"
"Please. I have to leave. Sapphire's fine."
Sugilite waved her out the door, and Garnet ran. She climbed into her car and turned the key as she dialed up Peridot, who she hoped was already at the house.
"Garnet?" Peridot answered as Garnet pulled out of the parking lot. "Amethyst said you were just on the phone with her."
“I was. But I need to talk to you. Is Steven okay?”
“...yeah,” Peridot sighed. “He’s just shaken up. He’s still in his room right now.”
“How much did he see? How bad is Pearl?”
“Not much?” she said, unsure. “Amethyst said she found Pearl’s room locked. I don’t even think he knows everything that’s going on.”
“And Pearl?”
“No idea. Amethyst is handling all of that, she said she was the one who should do it. Since they’re dating, and she’s ‘dealt with it before.’ Apparently one of Pearl’s sisters is coming to help with that mess?”
“Amethyst has handled this before, I understand that part. It’s likely Sky coming to help. Just keep Steven company for now. I’m on my way home.”
“That’s what I’m doing. Amethyst told me to keep him in his room while she handles Pearl. But, Garnet, before you go…”
“What?”
“What exactly did Pearl do ? Amethyst won't tell me. I haven’t known her as long as you two. I have only a half-idea about what’s going on. Steven keeps asking and I don’t have an answer for him!”
“...I’ll explain it to you when I get there. Bye Peridot.”
“See ya Garn--”
Garnet hung up, taking a deep breath. She didn’t want to do this. She knew she’d have to talk to Pearl later. Something had to set her off, and if it was bad, it could throw off everyone. She vaguely remembered some things that might have happened -- anything with her blood family, for one. Of course, sometimes she just had episodes, and afterward, she was fine. Shaken, but fine.
...random episodes never left her in the hospital.
Garnet pulled into the driveway, only taking her phone inside. She opened the door quickly, running up the staircase. Lion followed at her heels, meowing in protest of being disturbed. “Shush,” Garnet said, knocking on Steven’s door.
The sound of Camp Pining Hearst faintly echoed from inside and grew louder when Peridot opened the door. “Thank god,” she said. “We’ve been waiting for you. I got him to stop crying, but now he’s barely talking.”
Garnet nodded and walked inside. “Steven,” she said gently. “Are you alright? Can you tell me what happened?”
She sat down next to him on the bed. Peridot took her laptop back as Steven hugged Garnet, sniffling. “You’re home,” he said.
“Mhm,” Garnet hummed, hugging him back. “But, Steven, you have to answer the questions.”
“...I don’t know,” he admitted. “I went to see what Pearl was doing because I needed help with my workbook. But when I got up there…”
He wiped his eyes, tears welling up again. “Her door was locked, and I couldn’t hear anything inside. I got worried, so I knocked and heard something plastic hit the floor. She tried to tell me she was okay, but she sounded upset. I couldn’t get her to open the door. No matter what I did! Finally I asked her what was wrong and.
“She went really quiet, and then she started to cry. She kept repeating something, and then she told me to call Amethyst because she was hurt! What happened ? How did she get hurt?!”
Garnet hugged him tighter. “Pearl… is going to be okay,” she assured him. “I’ll tell you what happened once we visit her at the hospital. I think she’ll want to explain too.”
“Amethyst left with Pearl and another person just before you showed up,” Peridot said. “Amethyst said she’d text you once they got the all clear to visit her.”
“You might have to wait until tomorrow,” Garnet sighed. “For now, Peridot and I will watch you. Unless you want to stay with Greg.”
“...can Dad come here?” Steven asked.
“I’ll call him,” Garnet said. “Peridot, can you stay here?”
“Yeah, no problem,” Peridot shrugged. “Oh, Amethyst said to check Pear’s room for something.”
Garnet nodded. She stood, leaving the door open for Lion as she left. Pearl’s room was just down the hall, so she figured she’d go there first.
It was a catastrophe.
There were things strewn all across the desk and clothes all over the floor. Shards of a white mug were scattered in a circle, most stained with blood in one way or another. The air was heavy with the scent of drying blood and tears. Pieces of Pearl’s scissors were discarded here and there, the blades not in immediate sight. A bottle of painkillers lied in the middle of the mug circle (probably the plastic Steven had heard hit the floor). It didn't have any blood on it, which was a good sign. There was blood on the sheets, where it looked like someone had let a wound drip everywhere.
The whole scene made Garnet sick to her stomach. It was probably the painkillers Amethyst had been looking for. It was a brand new bottle -- no one had opened it yet, so if the seal was broken…
It wasn't. Garnet said a silent prayer of thanks and pulled out her phone. She began texting Amethyst as she moved into the hallway, not wanting to be surrounded by the smell anymore.
Garnet: Amethyst, what did you want to look for?
Amethyst: This is Sky. Pearl is conscious. Lots of cuts. Doctor said she'll recover. Soon hopefully.
Garnet: Good news. What was I looking for in her room?
Amethyst: Bottles and sharps --Sky
Garnet: Bottle is unopened. Mug shards and scissors so far. Do you have any idea what caused the episode?
Amethyst: Not yet. Pearl hasn't said. She wants to know if Steven is okay. --Sky
Garnet: Steven’s alright. He's a strong boy. He wants to know what happened. I think we should tell him.
Amethyst: She dislikes the idea. But trusts you. --Sky
Amethyst: im back. so the bottle was still sealed?
Garnet: Yeah. Does the doctor need pictures?
Amethyst: no. told him what you found and he agreed. they're taking her in for a thorough exam and maybe a blood transfusion. sky is staying overnight for sure, do you need me at home?
Garnet: No, stay with Pearl. You'll need to be there to keep us updated on her condition.
Amethyst: okay. can you or peri run a change of clothes down here? im still in my work uniform.
Garnet: I'll ask Peridot to get something to you. Call me when we can visit.
Amethyst: got it. just tell the nurse my name, she'll get it up to me. ttyl
Garnet: Talk to you later
Garnet dialed Greg’s number, quickly explaining the situation and that Steven wanted him there. Greg assured Garnet he'd be over as soon as possible, then hung up. Sticking her phone in her pocket, Garnet opened Amethyst's room and went inside. She gathered a quick outfit and overnight bag for Amethyst, with an extra coat for Sky just in case.
She walked back to Steven’s room, where Peridot was setting up another episode of CPH. “Peridot,” Garnet said, catching her attention, “I need you to take this to the hospital for Amethyst.”
Peridot stood, taking the bag. “Okay. How do I get it to her?”
“Tell the front desk her name when you get there. They'll get it to her.”
“Is Amethyst not coming home?” Steven asked.
“Not tonight,” Garnet sighed. “She has to stay with Pearl. Greg will be here soon, though.”
“I'll be back later,” Peridot said, maneuvering out the door with the bag. “You can keep my laptop until I get back.”
Then she was gone, leaving Garnet and Steven alone. Garnet sat down on his bed, pulling him into her lap and sitting the laptop on her knees. “Let's watch something,” she said. “To get your mind off of it.”
Steven nodded. “Can we watch Crying Breakfast Friends?”
“Of course.”
Garnet pulled up Crying Breakfast Friends. They watched in relative silence, Steven occasionally breaking it with a soft giggle. She hugged him lightly, trying not to nod off in case Amethyst needed her. Lion was finally content enough to come into the room, and he curled up on the bed next to Garnet.
A knock on the door rang through the house. Steven sat up, looking towards the door. “That's probably Dad,” he said.
Garnet moved the laptop, and Steven bolted downstairs. She closed the device and stood, setting it on the desk in the corner. Greg and Steven’s voices drifted up the staircase. Greg sounded concerned, and Steven was still sniffling, but that was all Garnet could make out. She stretched in the hallway and walked downstairs.
Greg was hugging Steven, and he motioned up the stairs when he made eye contact with Garnet. She nodded. He had asked for details on what happened over the phone, but she'd only given him the basics. He'd known them long enough, Garnet knew he'd be able to figure it out.
“Hey Garnet,” Greg greeted. “Are you the only one home?”
“For now. Peridot’s dropping stuff off for Amethyst, she'll be back later,” Garnet said. She looked over at the clock, which read 6:00 in blinking red. “We should eat soon. Once she comes home.”
Steven nodded. Greg ruffled his hair, and said, “Works for me. Do you want to head upstairs and practice for a while?”
“Yeah,” Steven smiled, just barely.
They headed upstairs, and Garnet felt her phone buzz. Pulling it out, she opened her texts.
Peridot: so I got the stuff to Amethhyst. They wouldn't let me up.
Garnet: To be expected. Are you on your way back?
Peridot: yyesh. I'm in my car right now. Dropped by my plxe to get stuff and let Jsper know I'm not coming jome.
Garnet: That's good. We'll eat when you get here. Are you alright?
Peridot: Im ffinee. I'll be bvk woon. Who else is there?
Garnet: Just Steven and Greg.
Peridot: k
Garnet didn't dwell on Peridot much, figuring she could ask when she got back. She busied herself with random chores -- picking up the living room, organizing her desk, even calling to check in with Ruby and Sapphire -- to keep her mind off of everything. Amethyst texted her to let them know they could visit the next day, and that Pearl could be out of the hospital within the next few days. That was all decent news.
Peridot arrived home a poorly concealed, anxious mess. She didn't look Garnet in the eye for few minutes, instead getting a drink out of the fridge. When Garnet questioned her, she simply said, “I'll tell you later.”
Garnet sat Peridot at the table, silence hanging in the air for a while. Eventually, Garnet started off with, “So. How much do you know about what happened?”
“What Steven told you,” Peridot said.
A deep breath. “Alright. Well, the most basic answer is Pearl caused all of this herself.”
Peridot’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh.”
“She's had a long history,” Garnet continued, “of this sort of behavior. So it's not abnormal, per se, but still upsetting.”
“...and you left her alone?”
“Yes. She's a strong person, and she's been getting better. She hadn't had any issues in some time, so we figured we could try again. Amethyst needed a job, Pearl mostly works from home during the day, I have the gym. We established the system when Steven moved in.”
“But if she was fine, why did this happen?”
“We don't know yet. We have to ask her in the morning.”
Peridot shook her head. “Never took Pearl for someone like m-- like that.”
Garnet didn't respond to that. Instead, she asked, “Why are you so shaken up?”
Peridot went back to looking at her can. “You know that girl I said I was dating?”
“Mhmm.”
“I heard and Jasper...yeah…in the other room when I dropped by the apartment.”
“Oh.”
Peridot bit her lip. “I mean, it's trivial compared to Pearl’s issue, but it. Still stings. I knew they were friends and all, just didn't know there were benefits involved.”
Garnet hummed. She put a hand on Peridot’s shoulder. “We'll help you figure something out. Try not to think about it too much tonight. You can have the spare room or the couch. We're going to the hospital in the morning.”
“...thanks.”
Peridot took her can upstairs to the guest room. Garnet waited a few minutes, then went to her own room. Her phone was still on high volume when she went to plug it in, just in case. It wasn't too late, but she wanted to sit by herself for a while.
After a bit, Garnet made a light meal for everyone, with some help from Steven (she wasn't the best cook). Steven had largely calmed down and spoke during dinner conversation. He was, however, tired. So Garnet sent him (and Peridot) to bed right after dinner. Greg hesitated downstairs, and Garnet approached him.
“How is everything?” he asked. “Did she just…?”
“Yes,” Garnet mumbled, trying not be heard upstairs. “We'll be fine. Steven is gonna be fine. He's young, and the rest of us have dealt with it before.”
Greg nodded. He knew everything Garnet said was true. “That's good to hear. Well, I'm gonna hit the sack. Goodnight Garnet.”
“Goodnight Greg.”
Greg went upstairs, leaving Garnet alone. She followed suit after stretching for a while in silence. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.