The reaction is leagues less hostile than it would have been even just 8 months ago.

"Yes," Pearl says carefully, steepling her fingertips. "...I suppose I felt that a quartz soldier might understand, but I didn't care as much as I should have. I know it makes sense to you, but I'm still...I'm sorry."

Pearl doesn't want to bring up how it was unnecessary that she humiliated Jasper—she doesn't want to make any wounds any sorer. A pause.

"Also, Steven misses you. He's concerned."