Pearl wilts a little further at the laughter, pulling away so she can turn her head aside, her body stiff with pride and tension.

"I mean, of course there isn't! But I'd still like to know exactly what the difference is to you, because other than my comparatively long lifespan as your companion, it often seems unclear to me."

"After all, they're humans, but I'm just a pearl." She knows Rose isn't going to like that, and there's a sharp edge to her voice as she says it.