It was 9am the next morning. Normally Steven would be up and ready by 7. Sadly that wouldn't be the case after the night he had
Pearl never left his side the entire time. She knew he needed all the support he could get right now
The poor boy was still passed out on her chest. They had to move from their spots eventually. Pearl felt really bad for having to wake him up but she didn't have any other options
She started to gently tap him on top of his head. "Steven? Sweetie? You need to wake up."
After about 10 seconds, Steven fluttered his eyes open. He stretched out and yawned as he sat up. His eyes were still very red and puffy from last night
Pearl sat up next to him, patiently waiting for him to speak
"Pearl....I'm sorry about last night." He started blushing out of embarrassment
"Oh, Steven. You don't have to be sorry. I know how hard things have been for you."
"But I don't know why. I don't know why this is happening to me! I should be able to move past this but I can't! WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!" His body started shaking uncontrollably
Pearl instantly recognized what was going on. She herself has been through it after Pink disappeared
Steven started to tear up. Pearl then gently lifted up Steven's head by the chin so he was staring directly into her eyes
"Steven, it's okay. It's okay to be scared. It's okay to not know what's going to happen. But you aren't alone. Garnet, Amethyst, Greg, and myself are all here for you. It'll be okay." Pearl playfully ruffled Steven's hair, which made him giggle
Without warning, Steven leaned over and hugged Pearl tight. She was a bit taken aback at first but then returned the hug. Then Steven whispered something
"Thank you for everything." Pearl blushed a little at this. She wasn't sure why he was thanking her. It felt like she didn't help with anything. But she took the gratitude anyway
"You're welcome Steven." She hugged him tighter and pulled him close. She rested her chin on the boy's head and contently closed her eyes
They hugged for a few more moments until Greg barged in
"Hey Steven! I got a surprise for you!" He suddenly took notice of Steven's tired, red eyes. Greg was very worried and immediately rushed up the stairs
"Whoa son, are you okay?! What happened?!"
Steven nervously rubbed the back of his head as he tried to explain the trauma he's experienced. "I just had a really bad nightmare last night. But Pearl was here to help."
"Oh Steven.....I'm so sorry." Greg bent down to give his son a big embrace. Which made Steven feel a little better
Pearl just had an idea. "What if you two take a vacation? I'm sure it'll do Steven some good to get away from Beach City for a while."
Greg had a big goofy smile on his face at the thought. "That's a great idea! What do you say schtu-ball?"
Steven anxiously fiddled with his fingers. "I guess. But I don't want it to be the two of us. I want Pearl to come too." Greg and Pearl quickly glanced at each other in shock and then looked at Steven
Greg broke the silence. "Uh sure Steven. What ever you want." He gave his son a comforting smile and Steven returned it
Pearl bent down to Steven's level and grabbed his hand. "Of course I'll come Steven. I'll be right there with you the entire time."
Steven nodded back in reassurance. As the 3 of them walked down the stairs, Steven held onto Pearl's hand on the way. He felt very secure whenever she was around. Something about her presence was comforting to him
They packed some of their belongings in the back of Greg's van and were prepared to head out early the next morning