Spinel POV:

I loved Earth and humans and saw the true beauty of this planet.

It's not that I excuse Pink Diamond for what she did, because I still feel pain because of her.

When I was waiting in Pink Diamond’s garden, I was sad, very sad... All I could do was stand there, nothing moved, playing a game that ended thousands of years ago.

Even though that has ended, as I said before... it still leaves a small scar on my heart.

However, I met many gems. I met Steven! I also spent time with the Diamonds on Homeworld! I lived there with them, but I didn’t stop my visits to Earth to see Steven and play with him. The Diamonds were okay with that; they found a lot of awesome things to do in my absence, really crazy things.

But... one of those visits was a strange turning point in my life... when I met you, Scarlet...

______________________________________

Ten Years Ago...

*Sound of the warp pad activating*

"Steven! Your best friend has come to play!" I ran to Steven’s room but stopped when I didn’t see anyone.

"Oh! Are you playing hide and seek like last time?" I saw something covered with a bedsheet. "There you are!" I threw the sheet aside to reveal a pile of clothes.

"Wow, good trick, but it doesn't work on Spinel. I'm an expert at finding you, Steven~"

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I went downstairs to look for him, but no one was there either.

I raised an eyebrow, "Seriously? No one here today? Hmm, where could Steven be?"

The door to the house opened, and Amethyst came in. "Where did he put his money? Steven never forgets these things, he doesn’t even use a wallet to hold his money, this is nonsense! Oh, all these donuts will be gone before I get one for myself!" Amethyst yelled in frustration as she looked around.

"Someone doesn’t like playing hide and seek, I see?"

She jumped, not noticing another presence in the house, adding to my amusement. "Stars! Spinel, what are you doing here?" she said, looking at me before resuming her search for Steven’s wallet.

This girl never wastes time when it comes to sweets. Honestly, I am the same.

I approached her, pursing my lips in thought. "I'm here looking for Steven as I always do. I only come to Earth to play with him and check on him."

"Steven is standing in line while I get the money. Lars is making some delicious new pastries!" she replied, tossing sofa cushions and some other items aside, causing me to dodge flying objects. "Watch where you’re throwing that stuff, Amethyst!"

"Here it is!" she cried triumphantly, holding the wallet like it was a prize. I clapped for her little victory but was surprised when she grabbed my arm and pulled me.

"Spinel, you should try the cupcakes too!" We ran along the beach, and I tried to keep up with Amethyst's speed. "Slow down, Amethyst. I can stretch! Damn it."

I almost tripped over a damn rock while running, my calls falling on deaf ears.

After running, we finally arrived at the shop. "Steven! I got the money!" Amethyst shouted while some people in the place gave us weird looks. I rolled my eyes, while Amethyst released my hand and went to Steven. "What are you doing there? I asked you to stand in line!" Oh no, someone is in trouble.

Steven scratched the back of his head, looking apologetically at Amethyst. "I did, but all the cupcakes just sold out, sorry Amethyst."

"Nooo!!" She dropped to her knees. I rolled my eyes again at her exaggerated reaction. "Maybe we can try them next time? No need to be sad," Steven told her, trying to cheer up his friend.

He sighed and finally noticed me. Good thing he did, I was waiting for his attention. "Oh! Hi, Spinel! How are you?" I smiled happily and hugged him tightly, loudly declaring that I was fine. Steven sighed and returned my hug. This guy hates my hugs, and somehow I learned that he’s not one for friendly kisses. Damn him, he’s a tough friend.

He pulled away from the hug, looking at me warmly while Amethyst continued to lament her fate. She really must have wanted that pastry. "How are the Diamonds? They're not planning to come again, are they?" Steven shivered and looked at me fearfully, and I laughed. I really wanted to prank him, make him think they were coming. His face would be priceless.

"No, of course not. I came to spend the day with you!" I booped his nose with my finger.

Steven smiled at my usual enthusiasm while some of Amethyst's friends came and pulled her off the ground to drag her sad butt out of there, while Steven and I walked back to his house. "So, is there anything on your mind? How about playing volleyball? I enjoyed it last time."

It was the best human game I’ve ever played. You can vent your anger through it.

Steven looked at me, crossing his arms with a reproachful look. "It would’ve been fun if you hadn't aimed the ball at Howlite’s head where her gem is. I had to fix the gem, and she was good enough to forgive you right away."

"Hey! I thought we were supposed to aim the ball at the opponent's face!" Steven sighed as we entered the house, and his phone rang. It was Connie.

I groaned quietly. Connie was always with Steven, and I felt like she was competing with me. That girl sticks to Steven like damn glue! Okay, I might be exaggerating, usually, I’m the one who’s like glue, but she tests my patience with how close she is to Steven. And worse, he smiles and laughs with her like a fool, making me feel like the third wheel every time! She’s competing with me for the title of Steven’s best friend, I’m sure of it, and it annoys me even more.

Although I didn’t hate her in any way, she’s ultimately Steven’s friend too, and she knew him before me. All Steven’s friends are my friends and they’re good people. That’s what Steven kept repeating to me whenever he introduced me to someone.

Connie and I had met several times before.

I stopped thinking when Steven suddenly shouted excitedly, scaring the crap out of me. "Oh really!! Where?!" Steven shouted with excitement, and I looked at him in slight astonishment.

"Tomorrow?! Okay, of course, I’ll be there!" Steven paused in his call, glancing at me, making me raise an eyebrow. "Hey, Connie, can I bring Spinel?... Great! See you later!" Steven hung up the phone, crossing his arms while I narrowed my eyes at him, despite the anticipation and curiosity bubbling inside me. "Where are you taking me?"

As long as it involves Connie, I think I won’t like it. Steven grinned broadly, exclaiming.

"Get ready, Spinel! We’re going to a masquerade party!"

I blinked a bit, staring at him. Steven caught my puzzled expression and explained, "It’s a party like any other, but you have to wear a mask so no one recognizes you!"

Yeah, what about the damn voice? I didn’t get the point of a masquerade party, but it seemed fun. I wouldn’t be Spinel if I wasn’t excited.

I watched Steven go up to his room, and I ran after him, like Amethyst just an hour ago, not wasting any time looking for masks.