Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Chapter 1 - Prologue

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“...can I have you one last time?”

The boy had no idea how such a disgusting phrase could exit his mouth. Still, he meant every single word he uttered. He thought to himself, if this truly is the end, then let me enjoy every last moment of it, every inch of her, every single thing that I can do right now, I WILL do it, every single thing that I want, I WILL have it.

The girl was stunned. How can a sweet young man like him say such a disgusting thing to her? To someone he claimed to have cared for since the moment they met, to someone he claimed to have cherished all those years they were together, to someone he claimed to have loved for all those moments they shared.

And then it clicked. He didn’t mean what she thought he meant, he was talking about something else. It is just as, if not much more intimate. She thought for a moment, seriously considering the proposition. She couldn’t think clearly, as the clashes of the ocean’s waves against the sands of the beach was just too deafening. 

They did do it a lot in the past, it was just never for this reason, never like this. She glanced at him. Oh, that’s rich. He’s staring at her with those puppy eyes, how cute. Even now at the grown age of eighteen, he still manages to do it.

Shut up waves. Damn it sand. God… DAMN IT. SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP. JUST. SHUT UP. EVERYTHING. EVERYONE. SHUT UP AND LET ME THINK.

…

Wait…

Why do I even have to think about this?

This is clearly wrong.

This can't happen, not like this.

…

She stopped thinking and gave him her hand, but not before saying,

“...you’re disgusting… you know that, right?”

He didn’t say anything. Instead, he quickly grabbed her hand, not wanting to waste the opportunity. He pulled her closer, but she relented. She instead took his hand up and twirled below it, initiating a dance. He reciprocated, lowering his body and giving his best dance moves. Although, he can’t help but feel a little sorrow creeping up his heart. It has been a while since they need to dance before doing it. The dance does make sense though, as their hearts are very much out of sync these last few months.

After a couple more moves, they feel somewhat more synced than before. He put his hand around her waist, much to her dismay, and bent her down while keeping their faces close. A familiar glow surrounds them, and just like that, it finally happened. They fused.

…

“She- he-... I’m such an idiot…”

A long hair that reaches the waist, limbs long and slender, glistening brown skin. Here they are. Together once again. Together one last time.

“Stevonnie, huh. Of course. ”

The fusion wanted to say more words, but why move their mouth when they can have a conversation internally.

Weird, this used to be so amazing. Now it’s just disgusting.

Heh, you said that but we’re still together, we’re not breaking apart!

Shut up yo-, me. I’m doing this out of pity for y- Steven.

I know, I know. I’m you after all. We’re… us.

…

The fusion kept having this internal conversation as they strolled through the beach. Their combined garments did make it a little hard to move around. It had been about a year since Steven stopped wearing his pink jacket, now he wears a blazer instead, still pink of course. He still cops a black shirt, although he lost the star, something about his therapist telling him to move on and let go of his traumatic past. Connie still rocks her collared polo shirts, tonight she wore a white one. They both wore jeans of course, so it’s not too much of an issue for the fusion, but it’s still two jeans instead of one. It’s all a bit rugged, but they still managed to just focus on their surroundings. Taking in the deafening sound of the waves, faint noise of the seagulls, light scent of the sea, and the beautiful view of the temple, glistening in the sunset.

They talked and talked about a lot of things. About how she felt distant after going off to college, how she found friends in class that are more relatable to her than him. About how he misses the thrill of fighting hostile gems with her, and how she was actually terrified during those times, only latching on to the hope that it ends, so he can be safe.

Growing apart huh…  never thought that can happen to us.

Oh, shut up. You know that isn’t all.

She’s right. Just growing apart isn’t the entire reason they’re having this fallout. It all happened half a year ago, when they had their first time. It was dreamy at first, he was so gentle, so caring. And then, out of nowhere, he returned to his old habit. Putting all his eggs in one basket. Relying on Connie, the first and only girl his age that he grew up with, on everything.

It was such a shame too, he was doing so well. He’s meeting new people, making new friends, all across the country. But alas, experiencing such extreme levels of intimacy does scramble one's brain, especially for a boy going through delayed-early-stage puberty.

Connie was getting tired of being lusted for during their monthly meetings, is sex all he can think about now that they're together? This is the Stevonnie proposal all over again! And to make things worse, one time she refused his up-front invitation to sex, and he started to glow pink! What the hell was all that therapy even for!

It started off fine, he would take her to a fancy restaurant and then end the night in a fancy hotel, which she has to admit was quite nice. But it didn’t take long before the omelette au fromage turned into square pizzas, and the silk sheets penthouse bed turned into the backseat of the damn dondai. She just couldn’t believe that this is the same boy who put together a romantic proposal to her just about two years prior. Yes. It was THAT bad.

…

Their stroll came to a halt. Realizing that the warm embrace of the sun had now turned to the chilly breeze of the moon. The sun had fully set, it is now the moon’s time. They turned their gaze to the glistening waters of the beach, basking in the moonglow.

They took a deep breath, exhaled, and once again, they glowed.

Now we see both teens again, although no longer hand in hand. They had their backs turned on each other. Both seemed to be disgusted about what they just did. It was wrong. Very wrong.

They stood there in silence, waiting for either of them to interrupt the eerily quiet sounds of the waves. He opened his mouth, but closed it right away. He couldn’t think of anything to say to her, after all he’d done, what the hell is he supposed to say? Thank you? Sorry? It’s just… too much.

Starting to feel dread for the silence, she scowled, and decided to talk first.

“That was gross… glad I’ll never have to do that again” she said to his dismay. He gave out an awkward chuckle, and then opened his mouth to retort with full audacity,

“Hey, we didn’t separate though, gotta admit you were just a little into it”.

“Oh shut up! I was only doing it out of pity. And you know that, you’ve always known that…”

He has no words. He knew she wasn’t talking about fusion there, and gosh is she right. He’d always known that, after the first few times, she wasn’t as into it as he was. Yet he couldn’t stop. It was just so incredible. If fusion is the ultimate connection between gems, then sex has got to be the ultimate connection between humans, right? He’s a hybrid after all, so he’s got to experience both of them with Connie in order to keep their relationship, uhh.. ultimate… wait, what the hell is he blabbering about? Dang it, he’s lost in his own mind again.

It has been like this since they started having.. relations. He admits he can’t handle it well, but he thought she wanted him as much as he wanted her, obviously that’s wrong.

He sucked it up as he sighed. Hoping he can compose himself so he can come up with a good enough response to quell her burning hatred towards him, or at least, what feels like burning hatred. Gosh, it’s so hot out here, he thought to himself as he’s grazed by the cool breeze of beach city night winds.

He gave up. That’s it, he’s just going to say whatever it is that comes first to mind.

“I’m sorry for all of this…” He said with a frown that she couldn’t see, as at this point, she refused to face him. Fearing that she might once again be entranced with his hypnotizing puppy eyes.

“You better be.” She replied almost immediately. It was obvious to him that he had fucked up big time. There might be no return from this now. This isn’t like the whole giving-himself-up-to-homeworld situation at all. This is straight up raw, uncut, betrayal. He betrayed her trust, her expectations, her attention, her… love…

“I’m smart enough to understand this situation and it’s resolve… but I’m not emotionally intelligent enough to not ask this…” He said with hesitation. He winced before asking the question, and then it came.

“Can we still be friends? Besties? Jam buds?”

“... no. ”

“Is that a not now?”

Connie is puzzled with that phrase. That does not make sense in their current conv-

She burst out laughing. She finally realized what he’s getting at. After wiping her laugh tears, she composed herself to retort to his hilarious question.

“It’s a no, Steven. Not now, not ever.”

—

Meanwhile, a few miles away, at the Little Homeworld.

“... Maybe It truly was, just, impossible.” those dejected words came out of her mouth. There’s only so much emotional distress such a little green gem like her could endure. It was tolerable at first, but now it had become too heavy of a cross to bear.

She glanced at the broken pot of flowers, green carnations. She knew this was coming, after all, her blue gem lover, well, likely former lover at this point, never seemed to be all there during their moments together.

It had been a year since they started calling each other girlfriends. Peridot initiated it, as she can’t help but feel a deep connection to Lapis, someone that had shared so many things throughout the years. Be it as serious as standing up to the diamonds, or as mundane as binging camp pining hearts, she’d always been there with her, for  her. Or so she thought.

In the early months of their special relationship, Lapis would at least make an effort to be there for her during their days off from teaching in the Little Homeworld. But not long after that, she would say that she’s busy doing whatever and just flew away.

She was getting fed up with the lack of attention from her lover, it was getting ridiculous. She had been giving her gifts after gifts as an effort to gain attention from her, just for her to say “well, thanks babe” over and over and over again. Is that all she can say? There’s got to be a way to squeeze more words of affection from her, she thought to herself.

Cut to a month ago, when Peridot was once again scouring the internet, desperately trying to find a meaningful gift adequate enough to reel in a more emotional reaction from her girlfriend. That’s when she stumbled upon something that truly depicts her. Botany. But she shook it off, thinking that well, this is a gift for Lapis, it should be about Lap-

She stopped her train of thoughts. She suddenly remembers some wise words that her long time friend once said a long time ago, when she first tried to befriend Lapis.

“...maybe instead of something she likes, give her something YOU like… a piece of you!”

That’s it. That’s the final nail in the coffin. She sought out the seeds of this curiously green flowers, and started cultivating it in secret, hoping she would accept it with a wide smile and maybe a bit of a chuckle and snort.

Oh, that lovely snort of hers… soooo, lovely… nyeheheh… no, no don’t get carried away just yet, 5XG, it’s time to get serious! Just wait for it Lapis, this will be the greatest gift ever!

Cut back to earlier this morning. Today is the day, the carnations have finally bloomed. She scoured the Little Homeworld for her lover, when she spotted her above the windmills. Lapis noticed her, and before the green gem could say anything, she flew and landed in front of her. Peridot took this as a little display of attention, and brushed it off, instead she started talking to her,

“Guess what babe! I have something very special for you! Meet me at the green house tonig-”

“That’s great, that’s great… hey uhh listen,” Peridot was cut off by her girlfriend. She cringed at this, but again, brushed it off as her trying to be more attentive to her girlfriend. Maybe Lapis has finally come around and will start paying her more attention! Maybe the flowers were not necessary after all!

“Listen Peridot… We need to talk. Can you meet me tonight at-”

“The greenhouse! I’ll see you at the greenhouse! Ok babe? See you later!”
She then stormed off. Lapis winced for a moment, but ultimately relented. She did get her appointment after all.

The sun finally sets, now is the moon’s time. Peridot waited with full anticipation for her girlfriend to come. Oh stars, she will be sooo elated to see my well thought out gift! She thought to herself. This one did take more effort than the other gifts, which consists of camp pining hearts merch, romance novels, a kindle, and many others.

As she’s lost in her thoughts, a creak sends her back to earth. Someone opened the door, she took a glance towards it, and sure enough, there she was, Lapis Lazuli in the flesh- form.

“Ah Lapis there you are! Here’s the gift I talked about this morning!” She couldn’t handle her excitement and didn’t bother with any suspense. She held the pot in front of her with the intent to give it to her lover.

Lapis stared at the pot. green  flowers huh… how… thoughtful. She thought to herself. She held out her hand but then hesitated, receiving the gift would only complicate things. After all, she’s trying to say something… harsh… to her right now. She pulled her hand back, much to Peridot’s dismay. The little green gem stared at her lover in confusion, but before she could say anything, her girlfriend took over the conversation.

“Listen, Peridot. You’ve been a wonderful partner to me ever since we started dating.”

I know. Peridot thought to herself. Maybe she truly is coming around and will be more attentive to me now! Lapis continued her words,

“Sadly, I can’t say the same about myself. I have been so… distant from you.”
Duh, obviously.

“And I didn’t do it on purpose I swear! Although I don’t exactly know why I did that… until a few weeks ago…”
Huh? What is this about….

“I finally understand it. We can’t be together… it’s just… impossible!”

Wait… what is she talking about…

“I mean, look at our dynamic! It’s so weird! Like, you were my captor and I was your prisoner, and the only reason we became friends is because we’re stuck together on this planet! That and Steven of course, he is essential to our relations.” She uttered in a quick manner as if she’s trying to get this over with.

“Ugh… listen. I got into this relationship thinking that maybe, I can be a good lover to you, so that we can share our moments together on this beautiful planet that we both love. But as it turns out, I still haven’t moved on. Come to think of it, were we ever friends? As painful as that sounds, I’m quite sure we never moved up from being barn mates.”

…Her blood was boiling, if she had any. She wants to retort with all her might. After all they’d been through, she’s still not enough?!

Although… she can’t help but think about her words… maybe they never did move up from barn mates. But still, she had to say something, anything, she’s so hurt that all she wants is to reply with some bite. 

And then, it came to her. The worst words she could ever say.

“Haven’t moved on? From what? From… who…? That clod jasper? Nyeh! Don’t tell me you’re still lamenting over how in control that fusion made you feel?! Is that what this is about? You not being able to control me?! I mean, that’s just-” 

*SLAP*

*CRASH *

She got cut off in between her words with a hard slap across her cheek. The slap was so hard that she dropped the pot in which the flower she worked so hard for is planted. She gazed at Lapis, her eyes fiery yet… watery…

“...You know what… I’m not even going to say another word to you… Bye, Peridot.”

She then stormed off the green house and flew away.

It truly was, just, impossible.

The green gem melted down to the floor. Slowly picking up her tablet and unlocking it. There’s nothing more she wants right now than to doomscroll TubeTube shorts, hoping the rot will consume her sadness. Upon clicking the unlock button, she gazed at her lockscreen. It’s a picture of her and her lov- former lover. She scoffed, and went into her gallery to find a new lock screen before doomscrolling. She swiped through the pictures she had taken over the years, recognizing the people in the pictures. Her students, the crystal gems, pictures of the barn…  heh, those were the days. And then, she finally reached it. Pictures of her and the shorty squad. The very day she received the tablet, from…

Steven. 

There he is, in the picture next to her and amethyst. She zoomed in to him as she reminisced about their time together. How they saved the world from certain doom together, no, before that. How he saved her, from her homeworld bounds.

She thought about those days, when he cracked her down as she hid in the bathroom. Until that very day. Where she was startled by the thunder, and how he taught her about the rain, and the earth. He taught her… everything… and he saved her… again and again… 

She fell into tears, remembering that she hasn’t seen him in over a year now. Sure they called from time to time, but these past few months he’d been out of reach for some reason. Is the old steven gone? Is he not here anymore? Has he… left beach city forever that day?...

No… no… he can’t be gone, it can’t be over! Who’s gonna save me? Who’s gonna fix this?!

She glanced over to a pile of books she’d been reading while teaching her botany class. She snuck in some fantasy genre books as she feels like she’d known everything about botany at this point, and she needs a way to kill time during class. She picked up a book that tells on a heroic trope, a literary classic. She can’t help but draw parallels from the hero, to Steven. They are so similar… No… Steven does belong in a hero trope… he does save everyone… 

…

A hero…

My… hero…

He can fix this…

He can fix me…

My hero.

I want my hero.

—

Meanwhile, n miles away, Homeworld.

There is no concept of night here in homeworld. Sure, it gets dark after a certain time, but the activities continue. Gems are bickering left and right, some debating that zircon would have been a better prime minister than zircon, some are talking about the latest army detachment that had been freed from their duties as their colony had just been disbanded, and some are just strolling around, taking it all in. This squeaky and stretchy pink gem happened to be doing the latter.

It’s been a few months since the diamonds finally let her roam around homeworld without supervision. It can’t be helped really, after all, she is the only remaining gem from Pink’s court. Sure, the amethysts, jaspers, and other quartzes are from earth, but none of them were ever in her court here in homeworld. There is also Pink’s pear- Volleyball of course, but they don’t really talk about her because of her… upbringing…  Point is, None of them ever served her to the extent of her service.

These thoughts made her wonder, is that all she’s here for? Sure the diamonds adore her and truly love her. But do they… only think of her as Pink’s extension? The last remaining piece to a burnt down puzzle set? What is she to them, really?

As she thinks of these dreadful thoughts, her squeaky boots brought her to a similar circle on the floor. It was glistening below the homeworld moonlight, glowing from its reflective surface. She glanced up to it, sure enough, it was a warp pad.

She thought of stepping into it, and warping straight to earth to see her savior, no, hero, no, friend, Steven. But then she remembered, two years ago the diamonds told her that it is probably in everyone’s best interest that they don’t come to see Steven for a while, at least until he comes to them. Spinel knew this most likely has to do with Steven’s… moment… those years ago. It was pretty terrifying to see her friend in that state.

So with that in mind, Spinel warped back into the palace instead.

* Bling* (portal sfx)

She emerged to the inside of the palace. She stepped off the warp pad as a familiar voice calls to her,

“Spinel! Back from your nightly stroll, dear?”

It was white diamond, she really should’ve realized it was her before she even called out to her honestly, her lights truly are blinding after all.

“Oh, hello white! Yeahhh, there really ain’t much out there. Just the same old same old bickerings about the zircons, the disbanded colonies, ya know, those boring stuffs,”

She replied to white. She grinned as she picked the pink gem up. Spinel wasn’t startled by this anymore since she’s already used to living with these giant women. White then stroked her hair and poked her cheeks with her giant fingers.

“Oh, starlight. You’re so adorable.”

Spinel can’t help but grin at this. Just talking about her day gets this response from the diamonds, what was she thinking about earlier again? How she’s Pink’s replacement of sorts? How ridiculous, how can she even think of that. She is loved, she is appreciated, she is wanted. Nothing can ever go wro-

“Although sometimes I can’t help but wonder, will she be just like you if she were still around?…”

…

Why would she say that… 

White’s expression suddenly changed from adoration, to shock.

Spinel puts up a confused expression, not realizing that her cheeks are soaking from tears, her tears.

“Oh, stars! I’m sorry Spinel dear! I didn’t mean it like that, it’s alright! We all love you, it’s just that… sometimes, we do miss her, and regret everything that we did to her and-”
“Regret?! REGRET?! THAT’S RIGHT! YOU BETTER REGRET EEEVERYTHINGG. BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DID TO HER. SHE DID WHAT SHE DID TO ME!”

Spinel stormed off at her, extending her arm and aimed her pointer finger at White’s eyes. But why is she acting like this? Spinel wonders. At this point, she should be used to the diamond’s shenanigans and ramblings about their long lost family member. So why is it only now that she feels this way?

“Spinel dear, ohh I’m so sorry, I-”

She didn’t even bother to listen to the giant goddess anymore, she jumped off her hand and leapt back on top of the warp pad.

“Spinel, where are you going dear?!”

White asked in concern, fearing that she might do something dire on her outburst… there is a precedent for that after all…

“Earth. A place where I found someone .”

“Oh, no dear! We can’t see Steven yet, remember? He hasn’t come over here since… that incident… and we can’t risk something like that happening again! We-”
“We we we we we, who is WE? I’LL SEE STEVEN WHENEVER I WANT!”

“No, Spinel, dear, please! Listen to-”

* Bling*

It was too late. White couldn’t stop her, neither could she follow her. She can’t risk it. Not after what happened last time. But she knew that this can’t be good. Spinel hasn’t exactly been… stable since then. Sure, Steven helped her, but he didn’t exactly fix her. Blue and Yellow reported to have found her crying in Pink’s room sometimes, although they couldn’t think of any way to help her, they would just play with her as soon as she emerged from Pink’s room.

The chime of the warp path rings in her ears as she’s on her way to earth. Although she can’t seem to get her mind off him. His gentle gaze, his caring smile, his soft yet stern voice, his… soft lips…

She can’t help but remember about her reunion with him that day he visited homeworld. When she instinctively wrapped her arms around him and smooched him on the lips. Even with his lips tensed, she could still feel its softness… Oh stars… what is she thinking… 

Whatever, she thought to herself. That isn’t important right now. All that matters now is that she needs to see him. He can fix this! He always does! I mean, he did fix everything…  except for himself… but she’s not him! So surely he can fix her!... 

Hopefully.

-

END OF PROLOGUE

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 2 - What in Carnations?

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He stood there on the sands of the beach for a good minute, staring at her back as she walked away. This is the last time I will ever see her. He thought to himself. When Connie took the turn to the boardwalk, walked past the fry shop and disappeared from his view, he then turned around and walked towards the beach house.

He climbed up the steps of the house, at this point he wanted to just get inside and plop on the bed to cry. Before he could even reach the door handle, a familiar voice called to him from the balcony.

“Heyy there stee-man, how’s the- oh.” The purple gem halted her words as she saw her brother’s watery eyes.

“Not great huh… well why don’t we sit down and talk about it? I’ll even make you some hot chocolate!” She said to him with a caring gaze. Amethyst had always been there for him, even during Garnet's split up four years prior, she was the only one that put her emotions aside just to comfort him and be there for him. 

While Garnet and Pearl considered Steven to be Rose’s son, therefore their son, Amethyst knew she never had the capacity to be a mom, whatever that means. So instead of trying to be an imposing mother figure, she had always been the playful one, fun, laid back, yet still caring. She had always been like a sister to him, and she considers Steven to be her brother.

“Thanks for the offer Amethyst, but I think it’s best if I just head to bed for the nigh-” 

“No, no. You need a glass of sweet and warm chocolate, trust me, I would know.”

Amethyst interrupted his words and pulled him into the house to sit him down on the counter stool. He sighed and smiled at her. He knows that she really cares for him, but right now, he wants nothing more than to lie down and cry. 

As his vision was getting more blurry from all the built up tears, a cup, mug, of hot chocolate landed in front of his eyes. He wiped his eyes, and was about to pick up the mug when she held it down, shook her head at him, and opened a pack of marshmallows. He smiled at her, she did say sweet and warm chocolate. She put three pieces of marshmallows on the hot drink, and then turned the handle to him.

Steven picked up the mug, and upon examining it, he noticed that this is his “world’s best Stephen” mug, and chuckled at it. Amethyst grinned and then smiled lovingly as her brother sipped on the chocolate drink she made.

“Sooo, wanna talk ‘bout it?” She asked him. He frowned for a moment and said,

“Not now, Amethyst.” He uttered as he chugged the warm drink. She sighed while cherishing the few moments she’s together with him. 

This is Steven’s first time home after half a year or so. Something happened to him during that time, all the gems thought of it. Although none of them want to press him on the matter as they fear a similar incident might happen again…

Earlier this noon after exchanging hugs with the gems, Steven went straight to the beach. He was just standing there, waiting for something… someone. The gems took a glance at this, taking the hint that they’re not his main concern for now. Garnet and Pearl decide to go back into their rooms, hoping that Steven will find the time for them later in the day. On the other hand, Amethyst decided to wait around in the house, hoping that Steven will be back soon and talk to her about what he’d been doing these past few months. That obviously, never came to be. He instead was out and about until the sun sets, and as he’s coming up the steps, she called out to him. 

After finishing the hot chocolate his sister made, Steven got down from the stool, and went up the stairs to his room. Amethyst didn’t bother calling out to him anymore, she just wants him to get better so they can finally have a clear conversation later… maybe in the morning.

Steven plopped down face first to his bed, coughing as he did so. It seemed as if his bedsheets had been collecting dust for a while, weird, isn’t his dad supposed to live here after he’s gone?  Come to think of it, why didn’t he see him earlier this afternoon when he got here? 

He stood back up to dust off the sheets, as he did so, a piece of picture fell from the bed. He picked it up and examined it, it was a picture of his dad with some teens he didn't recognize holding musical instruments. A new band? I thought dad stopped doing band management stuff after The Suspects broke up? Huh, whatever, good for him to keep busy. Steven figured that his dad is on tour again, just like when he was still living here.

After some rigorous dusting off, the bed is finally clean enough for him to lay on without concerns of itching and all that. He was about to break down and cry when his phone buzzed. He quickly picked it up and pressed the unlock button, thinking it might be Connie. Maybe she changed her mind! Maybe she still wants to be friends after all!

Those thoughts were crushed when he saw the lock screen and it displayed a data usage warning from his cell provider. To make things worse, his lockscreen is of him and Connie sitting together on top of a hill somewhere in the midwest. This was one of their monthly dates where he would take her to amazing venues all across the country. Obviously, this was before they had their first time, when Steven was still in his right state of mind.

He unlocked the phone hastily, wanting to forget all about it. Maybe it was all a dream, maybe he never dated her, maybe they’re still friends, jam buds. With this train of thoughts in his head, he opened the gallery, hoping to find endearing pictures of them from the past, when they were young and innocent. 

Not wanting to see recent pictures, he scrolled way back to their early encounters. Pictures of them at the movies, watching dogcopter. Connie’s first mission where they encountered Jasper. And of course, Connie’s redemption of her first mission’s “failure”, where they beat Jasper as.. Stevon-

Steven burst into tears. He threw his phone to the side, thinking of how bad he has fucked this up. Why did he let lust consume him? Why did he use Connie like that? Why did he stop calling his therapist? Why did he think that his newfound intimacy is the solution to all his problems?

He chuckled as he realized that his last question was indeed the answer to all the other questions. As he’s spiraling further down his dark thoughts, he glanced at his phone screen. Huh, it scrolled. Turns out he accidentally scrolled back up as he threw it aside. He picked it up, to notice a certain green gem in one of the pictures. He tapped it, letting the picture occupy the entire screen.

She was crying in this picture, hugging him while clenching on his red shirt that he gave to her as a parting gift. He didn’t pay much attention to her at that time, let alone everyone else, sure he was sad to leave beach city and all of his friends, but he was happier to leave his comfort zone more than anything really.

Intrigued, he started scrolling his gallery to find more pictures of her. Nostalgia rushed through him as he stumbled across pictures after pictures of them doing a lot of things together. Watching Camp Pining Hearts, making meep morps, and… huh…

He came across a picture of the night after they contained the cluster. Those were the days, He thought to himself… And then he remembered the time when they thought they were about to perish inside that cramped space of the cluster drill.

I love you Peridot…

Wow, thanks… 

There was no underlying intent under those words, he just genuinely loved her, platonic? Romantic? Who cares? It was just love . He wondered if he could ever feel that kind of love again. Pure, innocent love. Something he had forgotten the moment he felt… control… over the pleasures he experienced… no, the pleasures controlled him. 

He wiped off his tears and got out of bed. He peeked over the wooden wall to see if Amethyst was still in the beach house, luckily she wasn’t. He slowly and quietly tiptoed down the wooden stairs and opened the front door. He walked down to the beach and approached his car. The keys are now in the ignition, he twisted it and started the car as quietly as possible. 

He drove ever so slowly towards the Little Homeworld, he wants to meet this little green gem, wishing to talk about many things, reminisce on old times mainly, but also other things like what they have been up to for the last year or so, and-

Steven’s thoughts were interrupted as he saw a glimpse of a familiar blue gem zooming past above the dondai. He stopped the car abruptly and glanced up, surely enough, it was Lapis. He stepped out of the car to call out to her but quickly noticed the speed of her flight. Something happened. Something bad. He thought in distress. He quickly re-entered his car and drove to The Little Homeworld, this time even faster.

After parking his car hastily in front of the entrance, Steven rushed into the Little Homeworld. He glanced around noticing that every single building had their lights off, it was night time after all, but then he noticed one building, one very prominent building with its lights on. It was the greenhouse.

Steven dashed to it, seeing that the door is half open, he grows even more worried by the second. He finally reached the door, and opened it, and he called out,

“Peridot! Are you okay! I saw Lapis fly away, what happened!”

He looked around the greenhouse for her, she didn’t seem to be in here, maybe he was mistaken after all, maybe they just forgot to turn of the lig-

“Steven?...”

His head turned sharply to the sound of that familiar voice. There she was, lying down in a fetal position next to some dirt from a broken pot and some peculiar green flowers, clutching to some kind of thick story book? And her tablet was beside her with the screen on, it displayed a picture of… 

Me.

Steven walked up to her and she looked at him, with watery eyes that can’t seem to believe that he’s here. She stared at his eyes, but he wasn’t doing the same for some reason… he’s looking at… oh stars!

Peridot quickly snatched her tablet and tapped the lock button after realizing that Steven was eyeing at the screen which shows his face literally zoomed in. She let out an awkward chuckle and looked back up at him.

“Nyehehe, hii Steven! It’s… been a while huh…” She said with a dark green blush on her cheeks as she stood up from the floor. Steven can’t help but notice that her form has changed ever so slightly… he can’t quite put his finger on it though. Lets see, her visor is still pointy like last time, she still has the jumpsuit on with the yellow star on her chest, her stockings still has the dark stars on each knees, and her- wait. He glanced back up to her chest to notice that it looks a bit more… human-like… it looks quite familiar to something that he can’t quite- 

Wait, he can put a finger on it, he just needs to look someplace else to further confirm the idea. He shifted his gaze back to her lower body, and sure enough, it had also become more human-like. To further confirm his ideas, he extended his arms and then opened it,

“I’m home, Dot.”

That nickname hit the little green gem straight in the feels. It brought her back to the days when she hadn’t trusted the Crystal Gems, yet she trusted Steven. Taking the cue, she dove straight into his arms and gave him a tight hug,

“Welcome home, Steven.”

…

No fucking way.

His assumptions are correct. Peridot had altered her form to be more human-like , essentially meaning she now has a pair of breasts and a plump and defined ass. This new form was a bit too much for Steven in his current state, he hastily yet carefully removed himself from the hug, and opted to hold her hands and look into her eyes. She was entranced by his caring yet burning look, she’d never seen him with such a sharp gaze before. He sensed a bizarre tension and broke the silence,

“So uhm, what’s with Lapis? Did something bad happen?” Peridot snapped back to reality and hastily answered him,

“Uh… yeah… that uhm, clod just broke up with me.” She said as she took her hands away from his, and folded it to comfort herself. Steven was taken aback by this statement. Broke up? Does that mean they were? Oh stars… I really missed out on a lot huh…

The young man then averted his gaze back to the flowers beside their feet. Knowing Peridot, she must’ve cultivated it herself. Steven bent down and picked up the flowers. He was about to put it on one of the tables before he changed his mind and thought that it might be better to hand it to her.

“Well, looks like I’ve missed out on a lot. But I guess she did too, huh? I mean, these flowers are beautiful, dot! It’s her loss, really.” He said in an effort to cheer her up. The little green gem blushed once again. These are your flowers, 5XG, he’s just handing it to you because he’s such a caring person, nothing else really!

It’s quite difficult to talk to Steven right now, as he quite literally just walked in on her fantasizing about him being her “hero” and all that cheesy stuff from earlier. She extended her hands and took the flowers from him,

“Wow, thanks Steven. These are carnations. It's supposed to symbolize love and devotion, and I also got the green ones, like me!” She said with enthusiasm. Steven doesn’t have the heart to tell her that having the flowers in green kind of changed the meaning a little, he knew this because he read a lot about flower symbolisms these past two years in order to give the most meaningful flowers to her girl- ex girlfriend Connie. Whatever, love is love anyway.  

Peridot added on,

“You’re always like this, Steven. You always know how to cheer people up. Even me. ” She muttered those last few words. They then sat down on a bench nearby and she started telling him all about her broken relationship with her blue gem ex girlfriend.

“Yeahh… sounds to me that she wasn’t really into it from the beginning.” Steven told her straight up. She nodded and then replied,

“I realized that just tonight. Oh how dull I was.” They began talking about how desperate Peridot seemed with all those gifts she gave her. To make things worse, on Valentine's day, Peridot gave her a painting of them that she painted herself . While Lapis gave her a box of not-even-valentine’s-themed Hershey's chocolate. The conversation then shifted to Steven’s relationship. Peridot was surprised upon finding out that both him and Connie, and her and Lapis, broke up on the same day.

“If this is one of my books I’d call it fate! Nyeheh!” Peridot said lightheartedly

“Fate? What do you mean fate-” Steven chuckled as he turned to face her, not realizing that she’d done the same.

Their words came to a halt as they stared deeply into each other's eyes.

There it is again. His fiery gaze. She’s never had anyone stare at her this way before, not even her ex. She snapped out of it and broke the enchanting silence,

“...Steven… why are you looking at me like that ?” Those words brought Steven back to earth, and to his horror, she noticed him basically lusting over her. Oh my stars, is this happening again? Did he just break another relationship? Is it over between them?

“STEVEN!”

Her scream startled him. He glanced at her, why is she… pinkish?

Oh. 

It’s not her that’s pink, it’s him. He’s glowing so bright that his light reflects off of her.

“Steven what happened!” He sucked it up, trying his best to calm down.

It doesn’t work. No matter what peaceful things he thinks about, he just won’t calm down. The crystal gems, the friends he met along the way, the-

He suddenly felt a familiar warm embrace all over his body. He looked down to see Peridot’s teary eyes staring right at him. She was hugging him ever so tightly. Suddenly, his light dimmed, and eventually died out. He’s not glowing anymore.

“Steven… What's wrong? Did I say something bad? I’m so sorry!” She said in a concerned manner,

“No, no, it’s not you, it’s me. This has happened frequently since… well I told you the story already…” He explained. It then clicked to her how he’s taking the situation,

“Oh… no, no Steven, it’s okay! I’m not gonna bail on you. I’m just curious about it…” She said, hoping it would clear things up to him.

“Oh… well… I was just… thinking about you earlier. You know, how we used to save the world together? And do fun stuff together? I just miss all that, I just miss… you. ” These words don’t help Peridot’s hero thoughts. She replied almost immediately,

“I miss you too, Steven… you saw my tablet earlier right? I was looking through old pictures and can’t help but focus on you… ” That’s it. Steven can’t take it anymore. He’s going to say everything and he means everything that he’s thinking about her.

“Well… other than that… I also like your new form… It’s… nice.” Steven blurted out without second thoughts. Peridot was pleasantly surprised by these words, but at the same time, she knew what he really meant. She also took her chance to say anything that comes to mind.

“Thank you, Steven! I made it so that it’s very similar to a human’s form so that me and Lapis could have some… fun … although as you might have already figured, we never came close to anything like that…” She said in a bit of a sad tone. Steven took the hint, or at least he hoped he took the right hint.

“Well, that’s alright, dot. As I said before, I think your new form is nice, very nice. ” He said in a low voice.

“...Also, there’s always next time! And who knows, maybe that time will come sooner than you think…” He muttered in a suggestive manner. Peridot blushed, even more than she already is. She hesitantly opened her mouth, preparing to say something so outlandish she herself can’t believe she’s about to say it.

“... soon huh… how soon?... like… now… soon…?” She said it. She said the most obviously seductive phrase of their conversation. Steven put up a surprised face. One that Peridot can’t see as she’s now covering her face with both of her hands. He wasn’t surprised by her words however, he was more surprised by the fact that he managed to turn their conversation in this direction. Steven was about to say more sweet nothings, when the little green gem unexpectedly opened her mouth to speak again.

“Well… I must admit. I also find your new form quite pleasant.” She said in a more composed manner. It’s true though, Steven’s always had his growth delayed due to his gem powers. At age sixteen, he looks more or less like the average fourteen years old. And now, at the age of eighteen, he finally looks like a proper teenager. He’s about three inches taller, a little bit leaner, and has clear muscle definition on his biceps that’s visible even under his organic pink blazer.

Now Steven is surprised by her words. 

“Uhmm, thanks? It’s mostly my diamond powers, really. Although I did do some working out in the wilds you know. Hiking, rock climbing, all the fun exploration stuff.”

…

“Well… if you really like it, why don’t you take a closer look?” Steven uttered those words as he took off his blazer. Peridot sat there, mouth agape. His muscles are really showing now, she thought to herself. Before she could realize it, her hands were already running through his arms. Caressing it with her fingers ever so gently, feeling every nook and cranny of his arm. The teenage boy didn’t dare say a word during all this. He has to admit, he quite enjoys this sensation. His ex girlfriend never did this, he thought to himself. It’s nice to be with someone that actually appreciates every inch of him. His trains of thoughts were abruptly stopped as she glanced at him again.

“...Since I already… experienced this new form of yours… It’s only logical and systematic that you… experience mine… ”

Boom. That right there sealed the deal. As Steven is still in trance over these words, Peridot reaches for the straps of her jumpsuit, clearly trying to get it out of the way of her new form for Steven to experience. The boy felt a little uneasiness creeping up his throat. Instead of helping her take it off, he instead held her hands and pushed it back up. Peridot frowned, thinking she’s being rejected. But then Steven opened his mouth, hoping to explain his actions to her,

“If we’re really gonna do this, I want to do it the right way.” Before she could say anything, he put one hand on her shoulder, and the other on her cheek, pulled her closer, and joined their lips together.

You’d expect a barrage of fireworks going off in the skies, but no, it’s just the moonlight shining through the glass ceiling of the quaint greenhouse.

The kiss went on for longer than they expected. His hands moved from her cheek and shoulder to her back and waist, holding her tighter, she returned the passion. She now has her arms circled around his neck, holding his face as close to hers as possible, hoping that with this, their kiss will never end.

But alas, Steven is still part human. After an extensive period of smooching, he hesitantly let go of her for a breather. Still, he looked at her as their faces part, and whispered ever so softly to her,

“I love you, Dot.”

…

“Wow… Thanks.”

—

* Bling *

Here she is again, planet earth. She can’t help but remember the sour memories from both times when she was here. The first time she tried to destroy the planet, and the second time her friend was in a… concerning state.

She took a glance at her surroundings. A familiar tower with a spinning thingy on top, and some funny looking colorful buildings. Little homeworld, She thought to herself. Although she can’t help but notice its eerie silence and darkness. She started walking around, boot squeaky and all, hoping to find someone, anyone .

As she walked around in uneasiness, she noticed a bit of light coming from further down the path. She hurriedly dashed to it, and soon realized that it’s a see-through building, how exciting! As she got closer and closer to the building, she started to see a figure in the building. After examining the wavy black clump in her view, it’s clear that it’s the back of the head of the very person she’s been looking for.

“Oh my Gosh! Steven! Steven! Steven! Ste-”

Her words were interrupted and her steps halted. Below his wavy hair were two green arms, clinging to his oh so tightly. She hesitantly walked closer to this translucent house. And there he was. It was indeed Steven. Although… He was pretty much tongue deep in a Peridot.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 3 - Lime Soda

—

After catching his breath, he went back to caressing her lips with his. She returned the burning passion by running her fingers through his curly hair. Steven moaned in pleasure and comfort as she did so. He pulled away for a second, not to catch a breath, but to catch a glimpse of her sweet little green face before pulling her back in. This time, he didn’t stop at lips, as he started to slowly stroke her lips with his tongue. Taken aback, Peridot jolted for a bit, but not wanting to end this train of pleasure, she loosened her lips, letting his tongue enter it.

The young man cheered in joy internally, now letting loose of his passion, he diligently fondled her tongue with his, making sure to taste every nook and cranny of the insides of her mouth. He curses the vestiges of his humanity as he starts to feel another need to catch some air. He pulled away once more, but not wanting to kill the mood, he came up with a witty line to spark some intrigue to her logical mind.

“You know… I’m a little surprised” He quipped,

“Why is that?... Oh stars, did I go too far? Do you think I’m too clingy?! Are you going to-”
“Peri, chill! It’s nothing like that really.” He replied in haste. He didn’t expect her to think what he was thinking earlier about himself, and not only that, she also managed to put it into words.

“It’s just that, you taste very normal…” He said with his brow raised. She didn’t know what to make of this, so she just asked him straight up,

“What do you mean?”

“You know, since you’re green and all, I’d expect you to taste like lime soda! Haha!”

Peridot winced, trying to make sense of that proposition. But then she looked at his playful expression, and figured that he’s trying to make some kind of joke, a Steven kind of joke. She dryly chuckled at this, while still thinking about a part of it that just didn’t quite make sense to her.

“I understand the lime part, but why soda? I don’t think I give off soda?” She said in confusion

“Well I got that one right now, seeing as you're so… spicy with all that tongue action back there, hehe” He said seductively, only to find the green gem with a peculiar expression, almost like she’s offended by that statement. She relented,

“But Steven, soda isn’t even spicy! If anything it’s friz-”
Her words were cut short as Steven pulled her by the waist and planted his lips on hers, once again. Peridot’s logic algorithm slowly fades away as she melted down in his embrace. They continued their salivary exchange until Steven slowly lowered his hand from her waist, all the way to her rear. The little green gem let out an audible shriek as he did so.

“Oh, sorry, Dot… too soon?” He said as he pulled his hand away,

“Nyeh, as I have said before, soon is now…” Taking this as a form of consent, Steven put his hand back into her plump behind. Squeezing it ever so gently, wanting to savor every single bounce he feels on his fingertips. Peridot let out a few soft moans as he did this, Steven grew even more motivated to experience this part of her new form as her moans are like music to his ears.

Man I am really liking this… new… form… wait, new?

He instantly pulled off of her and shot her a concerned look. Peridot stared at him for a moment, wondering what went wrong this time. After a few more seconds of silence, the young man spoke up since she didn’t seem to register his concern,

“Hey uh… if this is your new form… that means you were uhh…”

Oh… Peridot thought to herself, it finally clicked. She didn’t know how to tell him about it, knowing Steven, he will most likely be outraged on such things. She braced herself and finally opened up about the situation,

“Uhh, yeah… I reformed.” She said with a blush in her cheeks,

“Well, duh, but why? How? *gasp*... was it… Lapis?” His voice trembled as he proposed the ridiculous idea. Her expression changed to be as surprised as his, and then she explained,

“No, no! She didn’t do this! Neglectful as she might be, she never laid a finger on me! It was all me I swear-” She said it. She just admitted to Steven, the most caring and compassionate being on earth, no, on the whole entirety of the universe, that she harmed herself to the point of poofing just so she could have a new form.

“Peridot… that isn’t right… you shouldn’t hurt yourself like that…” 

There it is. She thought to herself. The display of compassion from Steven Universe himself. She wanted to retort, but had no words to say. All she could do right now is look at him with wary eyes, hinting that she doesn’t want to talk about it anymore, hoping he would approve and just continue caressing her with all his might. Broken as he may be, Steven is still Steven, he let go of his grip around her and leaned back on the bench instead. He pulled her to his side with his arm, and pushed her head onto his shoulder. He ran his fingers through her rigid hair, it was difficult, but he managed to find a way to do it that’s quite enjoyable for the both of them.

No words were exchanged, only caring looks and gentle pets among each other. The teenage boy finally concluded, it wouldn’t be right to progress further than this, she isn’t in the right state of mind right now.

…

Wait… come to think of it, am I in the right state of mind? The teen thought to himself. Why is he even doing all this again? To not feel lonely? To forget about Connie?... Oh, Connie…

As memories about his ex flooded his mind, he used his free arm to reach for his phone in his jeans pocket. He slowly unlocked his phone while maintaining his gentle pets on her hair, hoping it would distract her enough from the fact that he’s not all there.

He opened the gallery app once again, this time beelining for pictures of his ex. Selfies at college, pictures of their picnics, some frisky pictures they took post-action. It’s all there, all of their memories, now fading into obscurity, as the only mark of their relationship ever happening is those pictures. Silent sobs started to emanate from him as he fell deeper and deeper into despair. Peridot during all this was enjoying his hand on her hair… or was at least trying to enjoy it. She knows. She isn’t dumb. She knows that her companion is doing something that isn't supposed to be done during such an intimate moment.

The young man couldn’t bear it anymore. He held himself back from bawling, but in doing so, he didn’t realize that his hand had stopped petting his current companion. Without the distraction that is Steven’s gentle head pats, the little green gem couldn’t take it anymore.

“Steven… I might be gauche, but I’m not stupid. What are you doing with that ?” She said with a clearly annoyed tone as she pointed to his phone. The young boy was startled at her words, though he really shouldn’t be, he kind of had an idea of how squirmy he was during all this.

“Ah… sorry, Dot. It’s just… I still can’t believe that it’s over.”

“ It’s over, isn’t it? Isn’t it? Isn’t it over… ” He muttered in a low voice, mimicking Pearl’s song from all those years ago. The dot in Lapidot looked at him and wasn’t sure of what to feel. Sure, she’s a little pissy, knowing that her company is distracted by another person while he’s clearly being intimate with her at the moment. But at the same time, she understands the sentiment. During their make out session, she couldn’t help but wonder, Is this how it would’ve felt if I did it with her? Or would she taste more like seasalt and less like… jelly doughnuts… 

She knows that it’s unacceptable to think of such things while swapping spit with someone else, so she tried to brush it away as she took in the scent of her hero, trying to forget all about her aquatic ex-girlfriend. With all that in mind, she initially decided to not confront Steven about his negligence, but as she’s trying to distract herself with his gentle touch, which of course abruptly stopped at some point, she really just had to say something now.

“You’re still thinking about her aren’t you.” Peridot queried,

“Well, it’s really hard not to, seeing as I was just with her like a few hours ago. I don’t know what you expect of me, really, I mean, I’m here for you! But… I’m also not… all here… Ugh, I’m sorry, Dot, I really don’t know what to feel right now.”

She couldn’t have said it better, that’s exactly how she’s feeling too. Obviously she wants to comfort her friend during his lowest point, but that isn’t exactly an easy task to do for someone that’s currently in the same place in life.

“I get it… I’m currently experiencing the same emotions after all…” Her cheeks blushed in a deep dark green as she said so,

“Oh… oh of course, I mean, mine was a few hours ago but… how long- no, how recent was yours?” Steven asked, expressing a genuine concern for his green gem companion,

“Well… I was only on my third heartbreak song before you came…”

“Ah… that recent huh… must be tougher for you then…” Steven put his phone down and wrapped his arms around her once again, bringing her face closer to his chest, she leaned on him and sobbed.

“I did everything for her, you know… the gifts, the morps… even this…” she pulled herself back and glanced down at her new form in accordance with the latter.

“It’s alright, Dot. All that just means that she doesn’t deserve you, trust me, there will be someone else out there that would appreciate everything that you do for them.” He uttered those words with no ulterior motives. It seems that at this moment, the old ever compassionate Steven Universe has returned. Peridot however, couldn’t sense the shift in the sentiment, and remained set on the idea of an assertive Steven.

“Someone like… you ?... I mean It’s only logical, Steven. You’re overly compassionate and caring and there’s no way you’d not appreciate what I’d do for you…”

Steven was taken aback by this statement, he was flattered of course, but it just doesn’t feel right, sure they’d known each other for years now, and they’ve gone through a lot together, but in this situation, at this very moment? It all seemed too opportunistic, he couldn’t risk it. At this point, Steven didn’t realize that his old self was indeed returning, albeit slowly. He’s against the idea of locking it in with Peridot not because of his current predicament, well, that too, but subconsciously, it’s because he’s worried that it might hurt her in the long run.

“Peridot… I’m flattered, I really am… and at the same time… I’m sorry…? Look, point is, we can’t just jump into it, both you and I aren't exactly in the right state of mind right now.” Steven said in a firm yet gentle tone, how he managed to do that is beyond anyone. Peridot looked at her, disappointed, not from his words, but rather from hers . Logical? Which part of this was logical? Steven’s right, neither of us are in the right state of mind to jump into decisions. Still… facing another rejection this early does not feel great.

“So, it’s a no, then?” Peridot muttered with a noticeable disappointment in her tone. Steven debated whether or not to go in full cliche at this. Wanting to lighten the mood, he decided to just go for it. Oh well, cliche it is.

“It’s a not now, Dot.”

—

Her heart dropped as she witnessed her friend being so close with another gem. He’s leaving again, just like last time, he cared more about his other friends… just like she did. Everything started to crash in around her. The darkness of the Little Homeworld, the cold concrete that she stood on, everything in her surroundings seemed eager to crush her in, with the only source of light standing in front of her, beyond it is of course, her savior that’s embracing his other friend.

Memories start to rush in, terrible memories.

Here in the garden

No.

Let’s play a game

No, please

I’ll show you how it’s done

NO!

Sharp pain started emanating from her chest, her gem to be precise. It hurts, it really hurts. It feels like a thousand needles puncturing her very core. She closed her eyes, hoping for it all to go away, but instead, all she could see was images of her, smiling oh so happily as they played back in the days. And then came that day, when she no longer had a genuine smile on her face, when all she could put up was a clearly fake smile, when the very gem that was made to entertain her, could no longer do so.

The pink gem forced her eyes open, she’d rather stare at the dull grey concrete than memories of how much of a failure she is. She was about to turn around, and ran back to the warp pads to just go somewhere that’s not here, while she had an idea to look up instead. She just wanted to see him one last time, before drifting away somewhere no one could ever find her.

She braced for another sharp pain, and quickly glanced up. Sure enough, the teenage boy was still planting his face at that Peridot. She wanted to look away as she’d already gotten a good enough look at Steven’s face, but quickly noticed that she didn’t feel the pain that she had anticipated. Her gem still hurts, that didn’t change, but as she witnessed her friend being so intimate with another gem, the pain pulsating within her gem feels different somehow. This isn’t like the pain Pink Diamond made her experience… This is something else.

As she’s mesmerized by the tongue action of the two gems beyond the glass panes, she clutches her gem to minimize the pain inside it, she does this subconsciously as she’s experienced many kinds of pains before. She brought her right hand to her gem, facets clutched by her fingers, and she started to squeeze…

Mmpphh…

Ah…

…

Huh…?

This feels… different . She thought to herself. She wasn’t quite sure what she’s feeling right now, usually by doing this the pain would be minimized, not turned into this weird different sensation that she’s experiencing right now. Maybe tighter?

She squeezed the facets of her gem even tighter.

Hm….

?...

AHHH!

She jumped back a bit as she’s feeling disoriented from the pressure applied to her gem. This isn’t working, why isn’t it working?! She asked herself as she began to panic, thinking maybe she broke her gem somehow, and that she had to return to the Diamonds to get herself fixed, a most unfortunate scenario, really. With all that in mind, she started to brainstorm on other ways to relieve her pain, that’s when a simple yet bright idea came up to her mind,

Hmm, maybe less is more? She pondered. The pink gem released her grip from the facets of her gem. She looked at her hand, then to her fingers, and picked one finger to start her experiment. She slowly placed her index finger on the surface of her gem. Less is more, she repeated to herself. With a swift yet gentle move, she ran her finger across the surface of her gem.

Aah…

Hmmm…

…

… Oh…?

The pain is still there. Although, there is another sensation that’s rushing through her gem. Curious, Spinel did the motion again, this time, with all her fingers.

Aahh…

Hmmmh…

Yesss…

She couldn’t believe it. This feels… good…? To her, it felt like a hug, his hug. Focusing on the motions, she kept “tickling” her gem over and over again until… huh… the pleasure is wearing off?

She’s a little annoyed at this, but was too distracted over the fact that this is a new thing, something she just found out that she could do. Feeling quite intrigued, Spinel decided to relocate in order to experiment a little more. She looked up and away from her gem, only to once again see Steven and Peridot still making out. The pain returned to her chest, oh no… She thought to herself. She was ready to take off and run while she realized… Wait… the pain is back…

She strokes her gem once again, and sure enough, the sensations are back. She looks away, and voila, it’s gone.

…

Oh no…

Spinel didn’t quite understand what this is, but surely it can't be good. Eh… Whatever. Spinel gave in to her curiosity, and kept “polishing” her gem while she watched the two gems embracing and touching each other, the pleasure kept building up. She stroked and stroked, until…

* Bling!*

She lets out a little moan as her gem glows. Her limbs grew numb and became spaghettified, rendering her powerless, and finally, she fell to the ground.

…

Oh stars… 

This can’t be good…

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 4 - Cherry Blossom

—

“Yet you still kiss me…” Her tone forlorn. 

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but to my knowledge, friends don’t kiss, at least not like that.” The lime colored gem eyed her companion as she said it with conviction. The teenage boy chuckled awkwardly, not quite sure of what to say to her. He enjoys being with her, that’s for sure, he’s just uncertain on what to make of this, she’s special, but not Connie level special, at least not yet. To him, Peridot is a special- oh, there it is.

“We are friends, Dot.” He said with a smirk,

“ Special friends.” He added, his smirk grew into a wide grin. It was ridiculous, she snickered at that corny-ass statement. She can’t help but smile at the boy, albeit still feeling a little sting in her heart, but that’s okay. The green gem nuzzled closer to him, and whispered

“Then make me feel special, Universe,” In a playful yet flirty manner, he put up a soft smile and replied,

“Sure thing, Dot…” As he leaned in to kiss her once again, but before he could do so, his eyes grew numb and he let out a heavy yawn. Peridot let out a small sigh as she looked at him longingly, she’s got to admit, he’s particularly adorable when vulnerable like this.

“I guess, we’ve had enough for the night… You should head home and rest, your human half needs it after all.” She said with her tone somber, she didn’t want their time to end, but, seeing as how things are going, she figured it might be best to let him go for now.

“Ah, geez, sorry Dot, I guess the long drive and constant emotional stress really got to me huh… well, I’ll see you tomorrow! Or later today actually,” He said in a weary tone as he glanced at his phone’s lock screen and checked the time, it is now 1 AM. Still unsure on how to leave, he stood up from the bench and put one hand on the green gem’s head, giving her more pats,

“Look, Dot. Tonight has been amazing, sorry if I can’t give you what you need, but I just want to say that, you’re amazing, and I hope we can do this again sometime…” He said the last sentence in a bit of a suggestive manner,

“Heh, of course I’m amazing… It’s alright Steven, you were more than adequate , and it’s only logical that we continue this… experiment in the future in order to reach a conclusive result!” She said in a smug tone, seemingly back to her usual self, but in reality, she just wants to indulge in that pleasure with him once more. 

They shared one last hug for the night and the young boy walked out of the greenhouse with a smile on his face. Somehow, this doesn't feel wrong anymore, he thought to himself. He made it to his car which was parked haphazardly, evident of his urgency while driving here earlier. He was about to start the car when he noticed a familiar tightness in his jeans. Oh boy.

“Gosh darn it, why now? Urghh, why do I have to be so moral all the time…” He thought to just drive home and handle it in the bathroom, but seeing as it might distract him on the way home, and there’s literally no one in the vast darkness, he decided to just handle it right here on the driver seat of the dondai. He undid the button and zipper on his jeans and pushed it down to his knees. He made sure to take out a box of tissues and put it on the passenger seat next to him. He pulled down his underwear and-

“ooOoOoooh what’s that!” Steven jumped as he heard the familiar cadence, he instinctively summoned his shield as he turned around, and sure enough, there she was.

“SPINEL?! WHAT ARE YOU- HOW DID YOU- URGGHHH WHAT??” The startled teen glowed pink, he could barely arrange his words, though he dissolved his shield and pulled his underwear and jeans back up. The magenta gem twisted her head sideways, why is he screaming? She thought to herself, oh no… did I do something wrong? Of course I did… I’m me… same old Spinel… once a loser always a loser… why did I ever think I could-

“S-Spinel? Hey uhh, what’s going on?” He said with actual concern this time, his glow faded as he noticed her expression grew more and more melancholic. The teen gazed at his friend’s black eyebags and dark eye streaks, it didn't help her expression really, it all only made her appearance even more somber. She looked more and more desolate as he kept calling out to her, filled with concern, Steven cupped her face and tilted it upwards, bringing her to eye level with him.

“Hey, come on Spinel, tell me what’s going on, why are you here? I won’t be mad, I swear.” He wasn’t so sure with that last statement, but it felt like the right thing to say at the moment.

“...It's the diamonds, Steven… They never moved on…” The teen was about to ask more on the topic, although he’s starting to see where this is going. Ah, I get it… mom.

“They treat you like her too huh…” Those words came out of his mouth involuntarily, he gasped and covered his mouth immediately. She tilted her head once again, this time in genuine curiosity,

“ Too…? But I thought- I thought they understand that you’re not her?” She queried. The teenage hybrid started to quiver, he didn’t quite know how to explain it to her, like how he did with the diamonds that didn’t see him as Steven but instead Pink Diamond. She was, after all, not a human, but at the same time, neither was he, at least partly.

“Alright look, when I explained how family works to the diamonds, they didn’t quite understand it. All it did was complicate things… So basically I told them that while yes, I am in fact not Pink Diamond, I am still her son, and then of course they asked me about that too. After further explaining how a mother-son relationship works, they came to the conclusion that I am somewhat my mom, at least partly? And yes, while that is true, that doesn’t mean I’m her, you know. While I do carry her legacy, and I am the rightful heir to the Pink Throne, I also don’t have to live up to her… And that’s where it stings… they understand and accept that I am not her, yet they want me to be just like her. And they wonder why I never visit.” 

The cerise haired gem stared at him, mouth agape, she didn’t know he went through all that. She thought that his issues with the diamonds had been solved long before they even met her, it never occurred to her that she and him are that similar. Sensing an awkward silence, Steven tried to say something, anything, he just didn’t want to hear a word from her, not yet, not like this,

“Ah well, sorry for dumping all that on you… anyway, is it comfortable to be leaning like that?” He pointed out to her awkward slouching position she’d put herself in since she was hiding in the supremo’s backseat and had to lean over the passenger seat to observe Steven’s… activity from earlier.

“Ah, uhm, sorry what?” Spinel was clearly zoned out from his words earlier,

“Hahah, come on, sit here” He chuckled and then patted the passenger seat next to him, signaling her to sit there. Spinel stretched herself and relocated to the front seat, not once did she move her gaze at him, unsettling, yes, but Steven appreciated the enthusiasm nonetheless. Another wave of awkward silence struck the both of them once again, the jester is obviously still taking it all in, while Steven scours his mind for more things to say, anything really. The hybrid was about to ramble about random things he encountered during his road trip while the gem suddenly opened her mouth, to his relieve of course, he didn’t exactly have a particular story he wanted to tell her,

“Wow, Steven… While yeah, you did mention about us being parallels to each other, about how Rose left you and Pink left me… I never realized we’re that similar…Say, this must not be a good thing to say but… I’m glad to have someone that’s going through the same thing as I am…” The magenta gem said with a somber yet serene tone, Steven smiled, he was about to say more Steven things when she quipped,

“Anywayss what were you doing just then?” She can’t help but ask as she is genuinely curious. The teen gem started to stutter as he didn’t know how to explain what he was doing, let alone why he’s doing it… But then again, he’s sleepy and quite ready to go home, so he just braced himself as he’s saying it truthfully,

“Well I was uhh, trying to relieve myself… it’s a human thing to do-” 

“Relieve? What? Why? Are you stressed? Suffering? And I interrupted you just like that?! Oh stars, Steven I’m so sorry I-” Spinel interrupted him with her words full of guilt, she genuinely thinks that she’s done another fuck up, 

“No, no, relax Spinel! It’s alright, as I said, it’s a human thing… I was a little uhh, riled up from something I did earlier…” He explained to her,

“Oh you mean that thing with the Peridot?” She said innocently, The half human boy sat there mouth agape,

“Wait, You saw that?! How much did you see? When were you even there? Where the heck were you even?!” He’s so embarrassed he could swear he was glowing pink, but thankfully he wasn’t.

“Wow wow, relax Steven, what were you even doing? Was it something bad? Why is it bad? And why did I feel weird when I saw all that?” She asked with genuine curiosity,

“Well it’s a-... wait… what’s this about you feeling weird?” His tone shifted from nervous to curious, just like the compassionate individual he is, he put aside his situation to assess hers,

“Hmm, how do I explain this… I feel sad a lot, as you might have known already… and not so long ago I figured out how to handle it, to at least suppress the pain while it lasts… see, what I usually do is i grip my gem around the outer facets and squeezed it hard,” She explained with demonstration, Steven observed in awe, it seems that there’s still gem things that he doesn’t yet know after all these years… well, Spinel things at least…

“...But when I watched you and that Peridot earlier, the squeezing thingy didn’t work, at least not like usual… instead of suppressing the pain it only made it weird and I almost poofed!”

Steven’s eyes grew wide from concern as he checked for cracks on her gem, maybe that’s why she almost poofed, after a quick scan, Steven determined that the gem is quite pristine indeed, he let her continue,

“So I tried doing something else, I went like this!” She said as she rubbed her fingertips on her gem like earlier, although this time she didn’t feel anything in particular, just a normal amount of pressure on her gem.

“And it felt sooo nice doing it as I watched you two smoochin’ and all, so I kept going and going until my gem glowed! And then I felt soooo warm and comfy, and then it’s over… sooo yeah, that’s that!”

Steven sat there with a poker face, when really, he’s screeching internally.

…

Wait, uh… so… 

…

SHE FUCKING MASTURBATED TO ME AND PERIDOT MAKING OUT?!?!?!?!?

He really tried to maintain his poker face, but then he sighed and started talking again,

“Alright listen Spinel, what you did wasn’t cool, first of all, you’re not supposed to watch people doing… those kinds of things… those are supposed to be private you know! And second of all, you’re definitely not supposed to, to, to… Pleasure yourself… while you watch… which again, you’re not even supposed to do in the first place!” His tone was stern, but still gentle, again, Steven’s unique ability and all that.

“Oh, well, I can’t really help it, Stevey! I mean I know I’m supposed to be jealous and all-”

…

Huh?

“But I don’t know… I guess… it feels bad and good at the same time…? To see you doing all that with another gem?” She said with an awkward grin spanning from ear to ear.

Wait… why would she even be jealous in the first place… does she… huh…? But she’s… Oh no… no no no, this isn’t happening!

“...Spinel… why would you be jealous?” He really needs to make sure as he thought that her attachment issues have been resolved for a while now, seeing as she hasn’t contacted him in over two years.

“Oh, well… Because uh… I… like you… Steven Universe…”

Oh stars…

“As you said before, you and I have a lot more in common than we think… and with the diamond thing earlier, I just wanted to drop down into your arms and cry…” She uttered in a trembling voice, tears filled her eyes once again.

“But I see that… I can’t do that anymore, seeing as… you’re with that Peridot now and I’m just… your friend… no… other friend…” Before she could say anymore words, the teenager pulled her into his chest and held her tightly. She broke down crying.

“Why… Why are you doing this? After I just told you… Are you having fun humiliating me? Making fun of lil’ old me and my wrong feelings?!” She said as she flailed her arms against his shoulders powerlessly.

“Those feelings aren’t wrong Spinel… I am.” Those words startled her, why would he be wrong? After he just lectured her on peeking and all that. 

“Oh boy… I’m just so messed up right now… I told Peridot that I can’t be with her, at least not yet, since we both just went through a messy break up. Ughh… and now you… I’m so sorry I made you feel this way Spinel, I didn’t realize.” Spinel can’t help but cringe at his display of over- compassion , does he not have a single selfish bone in him?! But wait… Break up? Does that mean he and that human friend of his are no longer together? Oh stars, poor Steven… Why would that lowly human even throw away someone as amazing as Steven Universe anyway! Such a stupid organic! Maybe she’s even more of a loser than I am! She thought to herself… But wait… that means she… has a chance…

“...Steven…” She said, nervous all too apparent,

“Yeah?”
“The diamonds are only part of the reason I came here… Truth is, I came here… to see you.” She muttered, his eyebrow raised as he swore she said something like this already.

“Go on…” He said, eager to see where this goes,

“I… can’t forget about our kiss…”

Huh?? What kiss? We never kissed?! That would’ve been cheating! I was most likely with Connie when- oh. He remembered it. He remembered their “ kiss” if you can even call it that, she smooched him one sided without his consent, he could barely notice she was even doing it in the first place.

“Your tender lips… your face so close to mine… I want to feel that again…” She stared at his face longingly, Steven, fully aware of how much of a mistake he’s about to make, made it anyway.

Her eyes sprung wide as he cupped her face and pulled it closer, their noses touched ever so gently, he closed his eyes, but she didn’t, and he planted a gentle kiss on her lips. She was awestruck, refusing to believe that this is even happening. Another kiss? From Steven Universe? That he initiated? By the stars she must be dreaming… She closed her eyes, then opened it again, and sure enough, he was still there, their lips still mashed together. This is real.

“How was that for a re-do huh? I guess I didn’t quite get that smoochin’ suction you got going on back then-” His words were cut off as the magenta gem pulled him back into the kiss. She thought for a while on how to do it properly.

Let's see… what else did they… oh!

She gently pushed her tongue into his mouth, the teenage boy was surprised, it was a welcome surprise of course. He reciprocated, pushing his tongue into her mouth and twirling their masticatory organs together.

Hmm, she tastes unique… unlike Peridot that tasted just like a human, Spinel isn’t reformed to be human-like so I guess this is her original taste?... I can’t help but feel like I’ve tasted this before… Fruits? Strawberry? Cherry?

The hybrid gem eyed her Cerise colored ponytails as he’s mesmerised in the kiss.

Huh, Cherry it is… And she smells like… I don’t know how cherry smells… Eh, Whatever, call it Cherry Blossom.

—

She donned a black denim jacket, phased her blue leggings out of existence and swapped it with a pair of beige denim trousers. The jacket was almost identical with the one she wore a few years ago, just this one has a yellow crystal gem star sewn onto the back. This has been her favorite fit when she’s out and about with her human friends for a while now, she isn’t doing this out of pressure of course, she just likes blending in nowadays.

She exited the beach house and made her way up the hill. It was dark outside, seeing as it is now almost 2 in the morning. She put one foot in front of the other, until she reached the edge of the hill, where a juvenile Cherry Blossom tree is growing. The tree was planted by Peridot on the request made by Pearl herself; she wanted a new cherry blossom tree after a certain unfortunate accident caused by her holographic counterpart resulting in her favorite tree being cut down.

She leaned on the thin bark of the tree, it barely swayed since the pale gem’s form weighs next to nothing. She ruffled the pockets of her jacket, pulling out a beat up chrome zippo and pack of Marlboro menthols. She’s had the zippo as a keepsake from a battleground of one of the humans’ petty wars a few decades back, and picked up smoking from some of her friends, she likes how it makes her feel, it’s a great form of stress release… to inorganics like her of course, since she could just replace her form if anything dire happens to her lungs… Although in a very hypocritical sense, she’d told her friends to stop smoking as, unlike her, they’re organic… Obviously this isn’t a very appealing notion seeing as she’s lecturing them while she herself is a smoker… The kettle calling the pot black or however the saying goes.

She took out a single cig from the pack and put it between her lips then flicked open the zippo lighter, a satisfying clink echoed through the silent night as she did so. The flint of the lighter made a screeching sound as it was spun, sparking a flare that lit the wick soaked in the naphtha based fuel. The pale gem put the lighter against the tip of the cigarette, puffing a few times as she did so, making sure she’d get a satisfying drag out of it for the remainder of the smoke session.

As she held the smoke inside her lungs, she glanced up to the night skies, she can’t help but feel nostalgic about the vast emptiness of space. She thought of the time she spent as Pink Diamond’s pearl, and then the “renegade” pearl second in command to “Rose Quartz”. She let out one or two tears as she exhaled the smoke from her lungs.

It’s over, isn’t it

Isn’t it

Isn’t it… over…

She sang the whole song in a lower and more somber tone than she did a few years back. She finished a cigarette, and then two, and then three, so on and so forth. After she had smoked half the pack, she put it back inside her denim jacket’s pocket along with the zippo, and made her way back down the hill, making sure to pick up every single cigarette butt and put it inside her gem storage. It’s like an ashtray in there, if you scroll through the alphabetical sorting of items inside her gem, the “C” letter section is no longer full of cellular phone numbers, now a whole page is filled with “Cigarette butts”. She’s not going to lie to herself, the pain she’s gone and is going through is excruciating, first she lost the love of her life, and then forced to take care of her son, and then said son left, and now the son is all grown and barely visits anymore, she could no longer tolerate such obscene amount of stress so she turned to any vices she could find around her. 

Initially, she tried alcohol, but she didn’t like how it made her feel numb and apparently even more depressed. And then she tried marijuana, this time she doesn’t like how it turned her into a potato couch that lays down all day and gets nothing done. Finally, she tried cigarettes, apart from the foul smell, it’s the perfect vice for her, after all, it’s the only one from the bunch that doesn’t hinder her productivity, if anything it slightly increases it.

She made it back into the temple and was about to take off her jacket when she noticed that the door to Steven’s- Greg’s room was open. Oh no, I haven’t told him yet. Steven was arranged to sleep in Rose’s old room in the temple, seeing as he gave his room away to his father. She hurriedly climbed up the stairs leading to the room she hadn’t been inside for a while, a little bizarre since she’s a sucker for cleanliness and would totally flip out if she sees the state of filth Greg’s room is in.

She entered the room, sighed in relief as she noticed that not a single thing had moved, apart from the bed now not as dusty. Yes, she knew the room was dusty and never bothered cleaning it. It had been a few months since she last entered the room, or rather… exited the room.

She dove onto the bed face first, planting her nose to the pillow and took in the scent.

Thank the stars…
It still smells like him…

…

Greg…

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 5 - Nobody’s Pearl

—

She tossed and turned on the bed, now laying on her back. The pale slender gem put one arm on top of her eyes, then shifted it upwards to her gem. She looks up at the ceiling, and then to the walls, observing how much the room has changed. The Kerry Moonbeam poster next to the bed, the piles of plain clothings in the corner of the room, the bookshelf now transformed into a rack filled with cases after cases of old cassettes and vinyl records, this is no longer Steven’s room. She obviously knows that, yet it’s quite difficult for her to come to terms with the fact that her baby had left her and the rest of the family to pursue his personal freedom. She doesn’t blame him of course, after all, humans are meant to change. Gems, however, can’t get used to change as easily as humans do. 

It was fine initially, during the first year of Steven’s journey, he would come home every so often. He would find various events to come home to, be it beach-a-palooza, the New Years, Little Homeschool’s annual graduation, and many others. The second year, though, he started to get a bit distant. At first, he’d say that he’s found new friends and would like to spend more time adventuring with them, and that warping around isn’t exactly the human way to explore the world. That’s all fine of course, as long as he keeps home updated on his journey and wellbeing. And wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly the opposite of what he did. 

A few months after his last visit for New Years, he went on and disappeared without a word, no calls, no text, no nothing. His family grew concerned, but they brushed it off as him growing up and having fun with his new friends, Pearl, however, can’t help but try and look for him. Fortunately, Garnet stopped her, offering her wisdom and saying that in doing so, Pearl would just make Steven feel pressured, and most likely will never come home ever again. She was taken aback by the grim proposition, so she relented and quit trying to pursue her son during his endeavors.

The pale gem decided that she too would participate more in human activities, just to see what’s so grand about it. As it is well known by now, she no longer has any problem hanging out with humans, although a certain event did hinder her from spending time with her human friends for a while. 

—

A certain rainbow haired gem tags along with Pearl and her human friends for a bit at this point, although her motives are clear to their friends, it is not so much to Pearl. Their human friends could see through Bismuth’s fascination towards the pale gem, so they ended up trying to set up the pair. While the rainbow gem was happy about this and tried her best to impress her love interest, the latter not so much. Pearl started to notice in the shift of behavior from their friends, at first it didn’t bother her too much, however she soon started to figure out the ruse after a while since the group hangout sessions turned into a “1 hour hang out with everyone continued with the rest of the day with only Bismuth” trope of matchmaking. 

During one of these accidental dates, Bismuth seemed to be overly enthusiastic, more so than usual. Pearl brushed it off as another instance of Bismuth gushing over her as usual. The “date” started off as usual, with the whole friend group being present at first, then all but the other gem remembered that they had someplace else to be, leaving the pair to go about their day only with each other’s company. This time Bismuth had the idea to take her to funland, alright, this is normal enough. The pale gem thought to herself. They roamed around the amusement park, going through every attraction they could find, the roller coasters, the mini games, the teacups; Pearl couldn’t help but chuckle as they got on the latter, remembering the incident from all those years ago when her son jumped off the attraction and ruining it for the other visitors… Yeah, I really shouldn’t be laughing at this…

The ride stopped as she’s lost in her thoughts, her “date”, upon sensing this, tried to spark up a conversation in hopes it would pull her back into reality,

“Hey Pearl? Hello? Pearl?” The buff gem queried as she waved her hand in front of her. Pearl snapped out of her trance and replied to her,

“Ah, oh, yes! What is it, Bismuth?” She spoke with a subtle smile, intent on waving her companion’s worries and getting the day over with.

“You don’t seem excited to be here…? Do you not like the funland?” She asked in a worried tone. Pearl wasn’t quite sure how to break it to her, it’s not the venue, it’s you. Alas, she didn’t want to put their friendship in jeopardy, so she replied as neutral as possible.

“Oh, sorry, yes… I don’t have the most fond memories of this place… Did you know that the last time we were here, Steven felt nauseous during the teacup ride and jumped out of it! Haha! Oh and I wish it stopped there, He proceeded to fall directly to that Mr. Smiley, making him break the control lever, sending off the other teacups out into the air and landing it on the sea! It was so bad that Steven, and I’m pretty sure Garnet, Amethyst, and myself, are banned permanently from all the rides! Although I doubt that’s the case, since Mr. Smiley is a human after all, I’m sure we can just go back after he… expires… naturally of course! Haha!” With those words out of her mouth, she expected her “date” to be disinterested or feel awkward at least, instead she’s met with a longing gaze. Oh stars, I made it worse.

“Oh, Pearl, you really haven’t changed huh, still the same ol’ renegade Pearl.” She said in an affectionate cadence,

What.

“I’d think that, after all those years, you’d somehow change, but nope, you’re still you! Rebellious, calculated, and… elegant… as ever…” She uttered as she took the slender pale hand into hers. Pearl can’t help but feel offended at those statements, her blood boils, if she had any, and she expressed her discontent right away,

“What do you mean by that? What do you mean I haven’t changed?! After all the efforts I made, you, you, you’re saying that it all amounts to nothing?!” Her tone got higher and higher with each word that came out of her mouth. Bismuth was perplexed, wondering why her words were so wrong and offensive to her ears, 

“Hey, hey, chill out, Pearl, what’s wrong? I’m just being nostalgic that’s all-”

“Nostalgic? You call that nostalgic? You discredit my efforts to be better and to change and to be the best version of myself, to leave my old, overbearing and pathetic self in the past, to move on to the future me, and you call that nostalgic?!” The pale gem’s cheeks are now painted in a light blue shade, indicating her rage towards her companion,

“Whoa whoa, seriously Pearl, what is it with you today?” She raised her eyebrows, genuinely unaware of the commotion that she caused,

“All those years I was bound to Rose… No, Pink Diamond… and even after her death… I still do everything for her… I live for her, I fight for her… this made me treat her son as an extension of her, and I regret that deeply especially after the… incident… And now, I want to live my life to the fullest, I want to move on. While it really isn’t easy to break the spell of a diamond, I still try my best to live a happy life, free from the chains that bound me in the past…” Those words struck the rainbow gem like lightning. She didn’t know Pearl felt so deeply about the whole situation, I mean it makes sense… She served Pink Diamond, and rebelling with Rose Quartz was her entire purpose… still is … she thought to herself, her empathy dissolved into jealousy upon realizing that she could never measure up to this… Goddess Rose Quartz.

“It seems to me… you just needed to hear it, Pearl.” She said in a desperate tone,

“Wha- what do you mean by that?” The pale gem is genuinely perplexed.

“Deep down… you knew… you’ve always known… You just needed someone to say it out loud…” She said, her tone grew more and more apprehensive.

“Say what? Bismuth, what in the stars are you talking about?” 

“...That you haven’t moved on, Pearl. That you are still doing everything for her. It doesn’t take a genius to see it, you know.” The slender gem’s form was weakened by all the barrage of bullets shot by her companion. It is true, I never wanted to acknowledge it, but even she can tell, it’s never over. The blue jacket, the blue leggings, the lack of frills, the pink on her form now reserved for her shoes, it was all performative… None of it means anything… She can ramble on and on about the symbolism of her new form… yet none of it was true… It was all just a hopeful act, a manifestation of her desperate attempts in sealing away her past of unrequited love and selfless yet unholy devotion. She ponders her newfound “freedom” every now and then, wondering that maybe she's not truly free… that she’s just floating around aimlessly… 

Nobody’s Pearl… Heh… More like a Nobody Pearl.

“...Leave… Now.” She broke down in tears as she desperately tried to drive her away. Bismuth turned her back and was about to walk away, yet she hesitated, and turned back to face her once more.

“...I’m in love with you, Pearl.” She said with a wistful expression. Before the slender gem could say anything, she continued on,

“And I didn’t expect anything from you, I just love being around you and I honestly thought that someday, we might actually get together, no pressure of course, it can be next year, next decade, or next millenia, it’s whatever, you know. Although now that I see it, that day may never come.” The pale gem looked to the dry concrete below her as she listened to all of this. Then why are you saying all this if you know it’s never going to happen? She thought to herself.

“...And honestly, I was okay with that. That is until I realize the fact that it’s not that you’re never going to love me, but the fact that you’re never going to stop loving Rose!” The rainbow gem lashed out as her counterpart gasped and kept sobbing, her tears now soaking the concrete below them.

“I mean, what’s so great about Rose anyway? Look, I tried so hard to justify her actions in the past, and while it is possible to do so for Garnet and Amethyst, and obviously, you,” She eyed the pale gem as she said so, and continued on,

“With how she treated me, I could never look at her the same ever again! Steven is different of course, he’s a true warrior after all he’s done, but Rose? She’s nothing but a pretender! I’ll never forgive her for what she did to me!... to… all of us… to… you… ” 

Pearl has heard enough. She won’t tolerate any more slander to her unrequited love.

“What?! What do you know about Rose?! What do you know about us?! All you did was show up again one day after things were mostly peaceful! You know nothing about her actions in between! You were-”
“OF COURSE I KNEW NOTHING! SHE CAST ME AWAY!” The rainbow gem shouted those words so hard that funland onlookers stopped their strolls to see the commotion.

“I didn’t know anything because she bubbled me away!… Why can’t you see it, Pearl… she never cared for me… or… you… or anyone really, she just did everything for her own satisfaction-”
“Not another word, Bismuth. Not. Another. Word.” She said with a stern cadence, startling her counterpart.

“Why… can’t face the truth?”

“Bismuth… Leave. Now. I’m done talking to you.”

“Ugh… Fine… Just let me know when you get over it.”
“Haha! You said it yourself, Bismuth. It’s probably never happening… But I guess I will talk to you again… in about a thousand years.”

An audible “ooooohhhhh” echoed around them as dozens of onlookers had gathered to watch the commotion. Both gems are startled and turned away from each other, walking away to opposite directions, yet somehow, they both ran into the sunset.

—

Later that night

She ran up the steps leading to the beach house, tears still blocking her vision. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to get inside her room and weep. She opened the door and continued running, that is until she crashed into a certain fleshy figure.

“Yeowch!” The balding man stumbled and almost fell, the gem on the other hand, actually fell and landed on her butt.

“Oh jeez, are you okay Pearl?” He said with concern as he lended her a hand, trying to help her up. She waved his hand away, hinting that she can get up on her own.

“It’s alright, Greg, sorry I didn't see you standing there…” She said as she got up from the floor, though she couldn’t wipe away the tears in her eyes before the man noticed it.

“Pearl… Did something happen?” His tone grew uneasy… Huh, weird. I thought his compassionate side was all Rose. She patted her trousers to dust it off and replied to him,

“Oh, it’s nothing, Greg, really it’s, it’s-” She was cut off by her own weeping. She cried so hard that she fell down again,

“Whoa whoa! Come here, let’s just sit you down.” The man took her by the hand and guided her to sit down on the sofas. He went to the kitchen and poured them a cup of coffee. He happened to have just finished brewing a pot of coffee when she ran into him, fortunately, he wasn’t holding a cup yet so no hot spillage was splashed anywhere.

He set her cup down and sat down next to her.

“Sooo… wanna talk about it? No pressure of course.” His words gentle, it struck her once more,

“...You wouldn’t- Wait… actually… You’re the only one who would understand.” She wiped her tears as she said so.

“She… said some things about Rose that… isn’t nice to hear… And I lashed out at her.”

He gazed at her, seeing that she clearly needs to get this off her chest, though he isn’t quite sure what to say to her right now. She said something about me being the only one that would understand? Oh boy, even if I do, I don’t know what to say to her… The man thought to himself.

“I can understand her perspective, but why couldn’t she understand mine? I’m telling you this because I love her , and I know you love her too …” She uttered in a low voice, no more tears involved as it seemed she’d tired her eyes from crying all evening. 

“I understand… She didn’t agree with Rose’s choices now, did she? I guess it can’t be helped, knowing how she was treated by her… And I think that’s part of the reason she can’t understand your- our feelings? Is cause she’s just so caught up on hers?” He tried his best to be her confidant, he’s not sure if this is what the pale gem needs right now, but it is better than nothing.

“Anyway, what happened after that? Did she just run out on you or…?” He asked as politely as he could, she scoffed before answering him,

“She told me she loved me… no, She’s in love with me.” The middle aged man sat there mouth agape, wow, that’s… such a bad move… He thought to himself.

“Wowie… I guess you rejected her huh…” He said, only asking for confirmation really, at this point the outcome is already clear, with her tears and all that.

“Of course. But not before she insulted Rose over and over again… I told her off and said that I won’t see her again for at least a thousand years…” She said with a bit of a smirk on her face,

“Yeesh… That’s understandable though, I’d probably react the same way if someone, anyone, talked trash about Rose…”

“Hah! I knew you’d understand…”

A loud silence struck the room, only interrupted by noises of sipping and fabrics against the sofa. The retired rockstar brainstormed for more things to say, though before he could say anything, his counterpart continued to speak,

“We really shouldn't be like this though… I mean, we both know the facts and… It’s not all white … Oh stars… Why am I still pining over her when she’s no longer here… not even her son is here…” She covered her mouth after saying the last sentence,

“...Yet both her exes are here… What a woman, huh.” He said with a bit of a chuckle. She didn’t expect such a light response from him,

“Look, Pearl, I’m not exactly over it either… But I’m trying my best to move forward, you know… I admit I haven’t been doing my best all these years, but after Steven’s departure, I’ve been doing more stuff, here, take a look at this,” He pulled out his phone and scrolled through his gallery, he moved the screen into her view, showing her a picture of himself and a group of teens she doesn’t recognize.

“This is a new band I’m managing. The tall kid with a mohawk is Rex, he’s the drummer, this chubby girl with the red bangs is Zoe, the lead vocalist and guitarist, and this one with the long blond hair is Zander, the bassist. I found them when I was hanging out with Sunshine Justice out in Empire city, they’re an aspiring alternative rock band out of Ocean Town! They’re working on their debut album right now and I just gotta say, it’s about to be great! They have such a good sound and- Oh listen to me rambling, well, point is, I’ve had this new thing going on and I think It’d be great if you got one too!” He said with a wide smile, hoping to intrigue her in doing something that doesn’t involve Bismuth… He knew that she’s been quite attached to Pearl’s friend group for a while, and seeing as how things are going… it’s likely Pearl won’t be hanging out with them for a while, if not ever.

“That’s good, Greg. That’s… great… I don’t know what to do though… I’m kind of lost at the moment…” Once again he’s lost in the conversation, entirely unsure of what he can do for her. While yes, he had been living in the beach house with the gems for over a year now, they mostly have separate living space, he mainly interacts with Amethyst, and that is of course only during mealtimes. He rarely sees Garnet for some reason, and only sees Pearl when she’s on her way out of the house to see her friends. He can’t help but feel a little lonely thinking about the fact that he’ll probably see Pearl even less now that her friend group is in jeopardy. And then a lightbulb lit inside his head, very dimly lit that is, but it’s better than nothing,

“Hey uhh, you can play the bass, right? Why don’t you join us for band practice? I’m sure Zander will appreciate the company, maybe even tutelage!” He said with a bit of a chuckle, he looked at her startled and confused expression, wondering that this idea might be bad after all, before he could say anything, she spoke up,

“That sounds… intriguing… Although, do you really need two bass players?” 

“Ah well that’s-” Wait… The way she said it… does that mean she’s coming? Or at least thinking about coming?

“Uhm, well, no, no, not really… But as I said, you’re good enough to teach a thing or two to Zander, that kid’s a natural but still got a long way to greatness, orrrr maybe we can do it the other way? Zoe is really good on the guitar, she can probably teach you a thing or two, seeing as you’re such a fast learner!” He said persuasively, though as he glanced at her, he couldn't help but notice that her expression hadn't changed, at least not noticeably.

“Hmm, what if… I just hang around and watch for now? I’ll decide what I want to do when I get there.” She said while beaming a gentle smile. Sensing that his attempt at cheering her has worked, at least a little, he returned the smile and replied cheerfully,

“Alright, let's get going then!” 

—

The retired rockstar drove them to the venue, the abandoned warehouse. It’s not surprising to see this dilapidated building still being treated as a multifunction hall, since the city doesn’t exactly have much to work with. They got down from the van, and walked inside the building. There they met up with the teenagers, Zoe was playing a lick on her guitar, Zander tuned their bass, and Rex was still setting up his drum set. Their manager called out to greet them and they all returned his energy as they rushed to him, giving him high fives,

“Oh man, I still can’t believe we got Mr. Universe himself as a manager! I mean I’ve told you this before, but, I’m such a big fan, Mr. Universe!” Rex swooned over him,

“Yeah dude, this is like, so rad, thanks again for sticking with us Mr. Universe,” Zoe chimed in,

“This lit.” Zander added nonchalantly. The band kids and their manager started to talk about equipment and all that while the vocalist noticed there’s an extra member here tonight,

“Oh hey! Didn’t realize you’re here! Hi, my name’s Zoe, and you are?” The teenage girl greeted this pale figure as she offered her hand for a handshake,

“Ah, hi! My name’s Pearl, I’m a… friend of Greg’s, don’t mind me, I’m just here to watch,” The slender gem said as she shook the girl’s hand. She glanced at Greg and smiled, and he returned the sentiment, hinting that she’s doing alright and to go ahead and start the practice.

The band played songs after songs from their debut album, Greg enthusiastically guided them, providing feedback on the vibes and cadence of the performance, Pearl sat on a foldable chair in the corner, observing the band and him, emphasis on him , in awe, I knew he’s a musician and all, though only now do I see the appeal… I guess I really was blinded by jealousy back in those days… figures Rose would have an… adequate choice of humans…

Her train of thoughts were derailed as the very person she had her focus on called out to her.

“Hey, Pearl, we’re just about done with the practice here, mind sticking around as I send the kids home?” He asked to her,

“Hm? oh, sure Greg, it’s alright,” She said as she waved her hand to him. The manager walked the band members out of the venue and disappeared out of her sight. The pale gem got up from her chair and folded it, she figured it might be wise to clean up before going home. That’s when she noticed that Zander had left their bass guitar, that, or the venue simply has an extra one lying around. Whichever one is the case doesn’t matter much to her right now, all she knows is that she’s being called by the instrument. She picked it up, plugged it into one of the amps that’s still on, and started playing a song that had quite the impact on her,

Good afternoon, Sir, what can I do, Sir?

Just say the word, Sir, anything for you, Sir

Your friends all say, Sir, "You don't deserve her"

I disagree, Sir, I live to serve, Sir

She continued to sing and she reached the chorus,

When I think about all the wasted time I've spent

I wanna be disobedient

I stood awake, wondering where my summers went

I wanna be disobedient, disobedient, disobedient

A faint clap erupted from the entrance of the warehouse, it was Greg. The slender gem turned her head so quick you’d swear you heard a snap. 

“Oh! Greg! You’re back! Oh, right, that Zander kid left their bass, is it okay to just keep it here or do we have to bring it with us or-” She was interrupted by his enthusiastic quip,
“Pearl! That was great! You really are a natural! And oh, don’t worry about the bass, that one’s mine, I keep it in here, that’s fine.” Her cheeks showed those cyan blushes once again, it’s nice to be appreciated for something I do instead of just… something I am… or rather… was … She recalled every single time Bismuth tried to woo her by saying things about either stuff from six thousand years ago, or just plain and simple, her appearance.

“Anyway, are you sure you don’t wanna get involved in the band? I’m sure it’ll be fun,” He said once again, to which she responded,

“Hah! Come on Greg, an old gem like me? With teenagers like them? I think I’d be quite out of place… besides, you know all my friends are quite aged right? They’re about as old as you after all…” She said innocently,

“Aw geez Pearl, don’t need to remind me! Haha!” He said as he put one hand behind his neck. The band manager looked at her for a while, before finally saying what he’d been meaning to say all night long,

“Look Pearl… It’s not that I really want you in the band… I just… wanna hang out with you, that’s all…” He said with a faint blush.

Hm? What’s that?

“Ever since I moved in, I haven’t hung out with you guys a lot, sure I get to eat lunch with Amethyst sometimes, but I barely even see Garnet, and your schedule doesn't quite match mine so I barely see you too… It gets pretty lonely in the house sometimes, you know… and I just found the Ocean Gang like a couple months ago, before that, I’ve just been roaming around town aimlessly, I rarely even work the Car wash anymore since I got bored of it and hired them employees and all… point is, I want to hang out with you, no pressure of course! I know how weird it might be and-”

“Me too!” She said with a voice a bit loud than she expected, he was perplexed,

“Uhm, I mean… I want to hang out with you too… Greg… Ever since our duet back then in Empire City, I felt like I can relate to you most… with the Rose thing and all, But of course, we were all distracted with the Diamonds problem amongst other issues, so I kind of just set it aside for the moment… But we never came around to it and we just… brushed it off… I guess?”

“Yeah, I feel that too… You guys were always so busy I barely got to see you, let alone Steven… say, Pearl, you remember when you got uhh, what’s the word?... Uhh, right! Rejuvenated?” He asked with a bit of a grin,

“Oh! Stars… That was… something… lets see if I still got it,”

“How do you do? My “Um Greg Universe?””

“Nooo! Stop! Hahahah! I can’t stand it when you’re like that, Hahah!” He erupted into laughter as she mimicked her expression and cadence from that day.

“Ah, yeah, It was so hectic back then, Steven tried so hard with that Spinel… I wonder what came of her after his… yeah…” He said with a frown,

“Yeah, we haven’t heard of her since then… But, oh, right! My return! Thanks again Greg for trying so hard to bring me back! You even fused with Steven! That must take some guts…” She said as she’s trying to keep the conversation on track.

“Yeah, that was something else, and yes, you’re welcome! It was just so unnerving to see you fade into this empty shell, ready to serve anyone who registers their name… That isn’t right! That’s not the Pearl I know… The Pearl I know would never take orders without question like that! The Pearl I know is logical and calculated, The Pearl I know has personality, growth, and the ability to change… The Pearl I know sets the standard for gem kind… That’s who you are Pearl… A free minded individual defined by nobody, and is owned by nobody.” He said it, he’s been brainstorming for words to make her feel better this entire time, although it came off a bit arrogant and sounded like he knows all about Pearl, despite only being around her for a fraction of her being. He looked into her eyes expecting discomfort, but instead he was met with a set of familiar star eyes.

“Greg… that’s… very kind of you… Thank you… for everything." Despite thinking that her tear ducts are dried up, she let out a few tears as she pulled him closer and hugged him. She felt a deep relief through those words, as if it alleviated the burdening words that Bismuth had instilled in her earlier today. No, not just that, it also took away the weight of her own convictions towards herself… Now she’s truly free… or at least, she can try to be truly free.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 6 - You’re a Total Rockstar!

—

She stood up from the bed, walked up to the sliding door and opened it, letting the cold midnight breeze into the room. Upon seeing the night skies once again, she’s tempted to walk onto the balcony, and does just that. She closed the door behind her, walked towards the railing and leaned on it with one hand supporting her chin. Her gem glistens under the moonlight as she’s lost in her thoughts, having one particular human in mind. She reached into her jacket’s pockets once more, pulling out the half empty pack of cigarettes. Her hand flipped the pack upside down and tapped it onto her other wrist, before opening the cap and taking one cig out of it. She once again put it in between her lips as she roughed her pockets for the lighter, found it, flicked open the chrome lid, only to close it again, and open it again, and close it again, enjoying the acoustics of the metal components hitting each other. After deciding that she’s heard enough metal clinking for now, she let it open and spun the flint wheel, igniting the wick, allowing her to bring it closer to the tip of the cigarette, in which she proceeded to take a few puffs, before flicking the lighter’s lid one last time, killing the fire that burnt through the wick.

Her mind is full of the events that unfolded around a month ago, right before Greg took off with the band for their tour, or rather, that certain event caused the tour. She took a deep drag of her cigarette and tried to hold it in, only to fail miserably as she choked on her own laughter from the thought of how awkward things were between the two of them. 

—

Two months ago

A loud cheer erupted from the audience as they waved light sticks left to right. The three members of the Ocean Gang played their hearts out on their respective instruments, with Zoe giving it her all as she also screamed out the lyrics of their song. A certain retired rockstar cheered them on from the very front of the audience area, he didn't need to be backstage to mess with the sound systems anymore since he had delegated that section of the performance to a particular pale skinned gem. 

—

Three months ago

It’s been a couple months since the first time Pearl came to see the teenager band’s performance, after that night, Pearl had used band practice as an excuse to hang out more with Greg, although at one point, she started to enjoy being around the band kids. She’s done a lot with and for the teenagers at this point; she taught Zander about the slapping technique on the bass guitar, dueted with Zoe in between practices, and even helped Rex through a messy breakup. 

After doing all of that for them, the teenagers decided to give her a certain black denim jacket as an expression of gratitude, although the backside was left vacant without the presence of their skull band logo since Pearl never seemed to be all that interested in becoming a full fledged member. The pale slender gem was ecstatic with the gift, upon receiving it, she hugged the three of them so tightly they almost ran out of breath. Greg observed all of her little actions every time, he can’t help but feel happy that his… friend? Is finally happy and has something to keep her occupied.

“Thank you so much for everything Miss Pearl! I wouldn’t have gotten over that prick Keisha if it weren’t for you!” Rex said with enthusiasm as they surrounded the older gem,

“Yeah! You’re so cool Miss P! I didn’t know the bass could be played like that!” Zoe chimed in, mentioning how Pearl is more than adept at the bass guitar since she could play so much better than their bassist, no shade to them of course,

“You’re that girl, ma’am.” Zander said nonchalantly as they crossed their arms and let out a small grin.

“Aww, you’re welcome, kids! Thanks for the jacket too! I’ll be sure to wear this during every practice!” She said with joy, though she can’t help but notice the frown on the vocalist’s face, before she could ask what’s wrong, the band leader spoke up to her,

“Hey Pearl? Why don’t you wanna join us? Like… be a full member you know! I’ve seen you getting better at the guitar since I’m the one teaching you and all, plus, I’d really appreciate it if I can focus on vocals and let you take over the guitar!” She said with a cheery disposition,

“Yeah you’re like, the goat!” The drummer added, followed with a smile and thumbs up from the bassist. Pearl’s expression turned sour, then she decided to just be front with them,

“Ah, well… how do I say this… I don’t think I’d fit in with you kids, considering my age…”

She looked at them to be met with a display of confusion, the band leader was the first one to speak up,

“Huh? Age? We don’t mind that, Pearl. Besides, aren’t you like, twenty five, thirty tops?” As she verbalized her perceived age, the ancient gem couldn’t help but burst out laughing,

“Hahaha! Thirty? Oh, Stars, that’s like… a blink of an eye! I’m actually eight thous- wait… do you kids even know what I am?” She asked with genuine curiosity, since if they knew she was a gem, they wouldn’t mistake her age so drastically like that. The band kids looked at each other in confusion, the drummer was first to break the silence,

“You’re a uhh… Albino…?” The albino gem facepalmed so hard she thought she cracked her gem. Why didn’t Greg tell them anything?! Why didn’t they already know?! Ugh… I swear every single touristy human that came to this city’s first stop is the Little Homeworld, why isn’t theirs? Also, where is that man? The pale gem was lost in her own confusion as she eyed around the abandoned warehouse for the band manager; he was nowhere to be found. Sensing that the teenagers are still confused, she decided to explain to them, 

“Ahem, so… do you guys know what this thing on my forehead is?” She asked the group as she pointed at her gem,

“Uh, yeah! It’s a gemstone! A big and pretty one!” Zoe answered enthusiastically, before the gem could say anything, Rex added his input,

“Yeah Pearl, that thing’s cool! Is it like a big-ass piercing or something? I got some piercings myself as you can see, though I ain’t that brave so I only got them done on my ears and nose,” Facepalm. Again. This time she dragged her hands down her face while making a whiny sound.

“This gemstone… is me. My form, body, is just a manifestation of my willpower and it is made of light. I am not a human, not even organic. Therefore, I do not age, at least not like you organics, and that allows gems like me to live for eons, and I myself, happen to manifest into existence around eight thousand years ago… so… yes, I am much older than you children.” Her eyes turned to the teenagers expecting a look of astonishment, instead they were met with funny looks, then laughter from all three of them, yes, even Zander.

“Oh, Pearl! That’s so edgy! I need to write that down and use it as lyrics!” The vocalist quipped as she’s tearing up from laughter, the drummer also added into the conversation,

“Oh, man, that’s like, so rad dude, hahahah, and I thought I was edgy!” He said while being overwhelmed with laughter, while Zander couldn't even talk due to their own chuckles.

“Ugh… I forgot you humans are like this sometimes…” She muttered as she set down the jacket they gave her on top of a nearby amp. She took a few steps back while staring at them, her expression showing discontent. The teenagers canned their laughter and looked at her, intent on hearing out what else she had to say. Instead of more words, Pearl beamed a holographic version of herself from her gem, the glow itself was enough to set the band kids’ mouth agape. As the projection was complete, Pearl did another trick, summoning her weapon and vehemently slashing the still holographic projection. To further solidify her statements earlier, she phased her blue jacket away, picked up the black denim jacket they gave her, and put it on, shooting a smug look as she gazed back at them. The teenagers stood there in awe, finally figured out that everything she said was indeed true.

“Eight thousand. I am eight thousand years old, remember that, kids.” She said as she walked away from the stuttered screams and shouts coming out from the band members’ mouths. She stopped her steps as she reached the backside of the warehouse, then fell down on her knees, hugging it close to her chest. Oh stars, what if they think I’m a freak show now? Even my previous friends took a while to get used to the fact that I am not human… no, no, that’s not what I’m worried about… I… walked away… why did I walk away? And what the heck was that smug at the end?! Oh how far you have fallen, Pearl… I guess I’ve lost my touch in starting anew with humans… seeing as I’ve yet to make any more friends since my first ones…

To deal with the grim thoughts clouding her mind, she summoned an unopened pack of Marlboro menthols from her gem storage, alongside a chrome zippo lighter. She flipped the pack of cigarettes and tapped it onto her left wrist, unwrapped the outer plastic seal of the pack, and snapped open the hard carton lid, revealing twenty pieces of brand new menthol cigarettes. She took one out, put it in between her lips, and lit it with the fire from the lighter. As she took drags after drags from the cig, a familiar voice struck her ears,

“Hey there Pearl, what are you- woah, woah, woah?... You smoke?” He said with curiosity mixed with concern in his tone. The pale gem sighed,

“Yes, Greg, I’m taking a smoke break. And before you say anything, no, it isn’t bad for me, being inorganic and all…” She shot him a look, his expression mellowed out a little, though she can’t help but feel bad to indulge in the cancer stick for now. She let out another sigh,

“Ah well, I suppose it’s still bad for you… secondhand smoke can be quite serious…” She muttered that last part as she flicked the half smoked cigarette onto the dirt below and stepped on it, followed by beaming it into her gem storage of course, littering is a worse sin than smoking to her, after all.

“So, yeah… I was taking a smoke break just then… What about you? You left the warehouse quite a while before I did?” She asked him, genuinely curious.

“Oh, I was just on a call with Sunshine Justice about our upcoming show in Empire city next week… Turns out it had to be canceled to make room for the mayor’s daughter’s band… so much for meritocracy…”  He muttered with clear annoyance in his voice, he continued on,

“It’s just… Justice knows how talented these kids are, yet she can’t do anything when it comes to the mayor… ugh… this is so fucked…” His discontent was genuine. He leaned onto the old brick wall before sliding down to sit next to the gem.

“I uh… I’m quite stressed right now… mind if I…” The slender gem looked at him as he gestured a certain motion with his fingers,

“Oh! Uhm… no…? It’s bad for you humans, remember? Especially for you, Greg. You’re not exactly in prime condition to be poisoning yourself with silly chemicals.” She said sternly, Greg sighed,

“Oh come on, Pearl, just one wouldn't hurt, besides, this won't be my first one!” She raised an eyebrow, and asked a burning question,

“You… used to smoke?”

“Well yeah, long ago that is, back in highschool. I used to be so rebellious that I did everything that would upset my parents… although I couldn’t even finish my first pack before they found out, in which they took it away from me and grounded me in the basement for a whole week… yeesh…” Pearl slightly winced at his statement, this was her first time hearing about his rebellious origins, she knew that it was his personality of course, just never how it started.

“Well then, I suppose one wouldn’t hurt… Just think of it as… finishing that pack they took from you…” She said with a little grin as she pulled out the pack of menthols and the lighter that she had previously stuffed into her denim pockets. She took one cig out for herself, and handed out another one for him. They put their cigarettes in between their lips, then she flicked open the lighter. As she spun the flint wheel, a gust of wind struck the both of them, the fire wont lit. She spun it again and again, before growling in frustration. Seeing her struggle, Greg offered to help,

“Ah, here, allow me…” He took the lighter from her hand, and put up one hand in front of it, acting as a shield from the wind. He spun the wheel, and it spawned the fire, a small and wobbly one, but still a fire.

“There, these old windproof lighters are a bit janky, I used to steal these things from my old man’s collections, hehe…” The gem barely heard what he’s saying as she’s fascinated with the small yet resilient fire. The man was about to pull the lighter closer up to his cigarette, but had another initiative,

“Eh, might as well.” After saying those few words, he pushed his face closer into hers, touching the tips of their cigarettes as he used that small yet resilient fire to light both of their cigarettes. While he puffed his poison stick, she could do nothing but stare at his eyes, so full of determination, willpower, and reliability. No wonder Rose fell for you. Her thoughts were cut short as he heard him calling out to her,

“Pearl? Puff, puff!” He yelled as she wasn’t doing so, she snapped out of it and took a deep drag instead, resulting in a rookie smoker’s cough coming from someone that's been smoking for half a year. Greg laughed at her pathetic display, she blushed, frowned, and turned away.

“Oh come oh, Pearl, I’m sorry about that, I was just surprised that’s all!”

“...drag…”

“Hm?”

“I took a drag, now you.” He did just that. It was a mistake. He failed to notice that he’s smoking a menthol cigarette, a variant that he’d never smoked before. He choked on the shocking minty sensation, while she erupted in laughter.

“Hah! Take that!” After he’s done with his coughs, he joined in on the laughter.

They sat there smoking their cigarettes in silence for a while. Both of them were lost in their own minds, scrambling for things to talk about, things that didn't involve Rose. They both know that it’s completely fine to talk to each other about her, yet at this moment, just this moment, they want to talk about something else, about them. As the ashes on their cigarettes grew longer, the time they had grew shorter. That is apparent as they heard the sound of footsteps, the kids are walking towards them. As she took another drag, she glanced at him and noticed that he immediately put off his cig upon seeing the kids approaching, she followed suit, and offered her hand out for him to put his cigarette butt on it, which he did just that, to then she promptly beamed both their residues into her gem storage. The two adults stood up, looking at the teenagers and their nervous posture. The vocalist was first to open her mouth,

“Hey uhm, Pearl… We’re sorry for assuming your age…” Pearl was about to speak, when Greg interjected,

“You guys did what now?” He said with a confused tone, Pearl waved at his face hinting that she’ll handle it herself,

“It’s alright, kids, I didn’t take offense. In fact, I would like to apologize for acting so… rash and irrational back there, it really wasn’t my best moment…” She said with a cringy smile, as she put one hand behind her neck, signifying her embarrassment. Before any of them talked about anything, Greg interrupted once again,

“Oh… Ohhh! Gosh, I’m so sorry Pearl! I never got to telling them! I was so sure they’d already understand since beach city citizens know about the gems and all, and also you have human friends! Yeah… I guess I just assumed they knew already, my bad guys…” He said awkwardly as he eyed everyone in the scene. Pearl scoffed, 

“Ugh… Figures… Anyway, it’s fine, kids, you guys did nothing wrong, it’s just that… I like coaching better than being in the band I guess.” Upon hearing this, it’s like a lightbulb lit inside his head,

“Oh! Then you should do just that! I’m the manager, and you can be the coach! You’re great at everything anyway!” He said with confidence, she was awestruck, why didn’t she think of this obvious idea before? Besides, she’s already kind of doing that anyway, before she could give her answer, a bundle of cheers erupted in the scene,

“Heck yeah! That’ll be so great! We would love to have you as our coach! Right, guys?!” Zoe said with excitement, the two other members cheered and nodded along with her.

“It’s settled then, welcome to the team, coach Pearl!” Greg said with a wide grin on his face,

“Welcome, coach Pearl!” The three band members cheered in unison as Greg swept her off her feet… literally… and tossed her up into the air, after which she landed to all of their arms, they tossed her back up, and she landed again, up, and landed again, this went on for a few more times until they get tired of cheering.

After the whole commotion mellowed down, the teenagers decided that they’ve had enough practice for the night and will just go home, the two adults nodded and sent them on their way as they drove off in the band RV. Silence struck the both of them once again, though this time, Greg has already prepared something to say,

“Cool jacket by the way.”

“Oh, thanks! Feels a bit empty though…” She said as she eyed the vacant fabric she’s wearing. Upon hearing this, Gred felt another lightbulb lit up inside his head,

“I have an idea, wait here.” He said nonchalantly. The man sprinted to his van which was parked nearby, got in through the backdoor and rummaged through the insides for a minute or two. He then emerged from the van with both hands behind his back, apparent on the fact that he’s hiding something. He sprinted back towards her, hands still behind him while he panted as he got back to where he stood before.

“Huft! Oh boy… I haven’t run that fast since the injector crisis… Anyway, turn around, Pearl,” He said while still catching his breath. Pearl raised her eyebrow in confusion but obliged anyway, she believed that he wouldn't do anything too bizarre. She felt him slap her back, or rather slap something on to her back.

“There! You’d have to stitch it on later, but come on now! Tell me that doesn’t look rad!”

She eyed the back of her jacket to be pleasantly surprised. It was a star, a yellow star, cut out haphazardly from another piece of clothing… oh. It clicked to her, this star was cut out from one of Greg’s old black star shirts… She didn’t know why, but that made her blush, the good kind of blush…

“Thank you, Greg, I will have to cut away the roughages before stitching it, but yes, this does look rad… but I can make it look… radder…” She said so in a smug tone as she flicked the denim jacket’s collars upwards, Greg chuckled at this, and said,

“Hah! You got it, Pearl! Now you really look the part… 

you’re a total Rockstar!”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 7 - Premature

—

The cold night breeze abruptly stopped, as if telling her to stay outside a little longer, which she did just that. A fourth cigarette was lit with ease as unlike that day, this janky old “windproof” lighter has no issue flaring up, since there is no more wind grazing it. She bit her cigarette as she used her hands to take off her denim jacket, gazing at the yellow star on the back. Her fingers graze through every detail on the decorative star, the no longer jagged edges, the eye striking yellow, and the radically softer fabric than the hardy denim that makes the rest of the jacket. She pulled it closer and took a sniff, hoping it would smell like memories… instead, it smelled like cigarettes. She coughed softly before using her hands to whip the jacket, hoping that’ll rid the smoky scent out of it. She held the jacket in front of her once more, before letting out an audible gasp upon realizing that the harsh motion she did earlier had severed some stitches on the star, making one section of it disattached from the jacket. The half smoked cig dropped to the wooden floor below her as she started sobbing, yet rather poetically, those very tears extinguished the flame from the tip of the cigarette. Why did I say all that? Why couldn’t I just keep it to myself?

—

Two months ago

A swarm of fans surrounded the band kids backstage, their manager tried his best to dismiss them, yet he was pushed off by one of the fans holding out a poster to be autographed. Security finally comes and wanes the lot of the fans, leaving them with a few more gentle ones that only wanted a handshake or a selfie. A certain pale gem stood in the corner, chuckling as she’s immersed in the events unfolding, she never thought she’d enjoy human activities this much, sure, her old friend group took her to music shows before, but it had only been calm jazzy shows in a cafe or some ragtime piano in an old-timey bar, this was her first time in a rock show, since she doesn’t count the one time she was reset of course, not only that, she’s also involved with the band, albeit as a coach and not as a member, although obviously she’s more than content with this arrangement.

After the crowd dissipated, the band members, coach, and manager can now begin the tidy up, since they happened to be the last and only performer of the night. The show on Empire city was, of course, postponed due to nepotism, so after convincing the band manager and rigorous promotion, the band members and Pearl managed to pull an astonishing amount of crowd to watch their show here in the Beach City abandoned warehouse. The old gem is by no means a great event promoter, but her determination was enough for Greg to cave and do an expansive work of promoting the event for a whole month, the mayor of beach city, Mayor Nanefua, was even involved in the plan. It was so rare to see an up and coming indie band to rise up so quickly, surely this would make the Empire City Mayor regret his decision of turning down the Ocean Gang .

They took down the stage backdrop which was essentially just a large banner with the band’s logo on it, a skull with a fracture on the forehead, decorated with wavy blue streaks dripping from top to bottom, as if to emulate waves of water, representing the Ocean in the band’s name. The pale gem folded it neatly as the vocalist ran up to her, perhaps to scream excitedly at her like she usually does, the drummer and bassist on the other hand, walked to Mr. Universe, intent on helping him unplug the rest of the equipment. 

“Heya Pearl!” Zoe exclaimed to her with a very bright expression, she can’t help but to smile after the amazing feat they pulled off, who knew that a new band like theirs could pull such an impressive amount of audience.

“Hello there, Zoe! You seem very happy!” She returned the energy,

“Of course! How could I not be! I mean, what kind of newly formed band could pull two thousand people on their debut! I bet it’s just us!” She said while her grin gets wider and wider,

“Ohh, yes! As your coach I am also very ecstatic about it- Hey what is that man doing?” Her words were cut abruptly as she took a glance of Greg struggling while picking up an unusually large amp, she sprinted towards him and held the other side of the amp, and proceeded to scold him,

“Oh, Greg! What did I tell you about these big pieces of equipment?! Either wait for me or-”

“-use a cart, yeah, yeah I got it, Pearl! Zander was just about to take the cart over here, see?” Zander was of course, not there, they were at the other side of the room, rolling some cables. Pearl scoffed as she took the amp from him seemingly effortlessly, leaving him with a grinny smile and a bit of a chuckle.

“Sorry, Pearl, I guess I thought I could handle it myself…” He said with one arm behind his neck,

“Greg, Please, I don’t want you to hurt yourself! Who’s going to manage the band if you’re out of commission!” She said with concern in her voice,

“Oh come on, Pearl, it’s not that bad-”
“Greg.” He was cut off by her stern voice, she only said one word that is his name, yet he was compelled to stop talking. Somehow, a mix of annoyance, compassion, and affection was conveyed in a single word.

“Uhh, yes ma’am, no more heavy lifting, got it.” He said while giving her a salute, she scoffed at this, then chuckled right after. The pale gem carried the large amp to a storage section at the very back of the warehouse and put it inside a crate. She was about to go back to the stage when a short figure startled her,

“Eep! Oh, hey Zoe, is everything alright?” She asked her as she settled down from the initial scare,

“Hey Pearl? What’s your relationship with Mr. Universe?” She asked with a mischievous smile
“What? We’re long time friends, I’m sure he had already told you before…” Pearl answered with a neutral expression, seemingly unaware of the direction of the conversation.

“Nahh, that can’t be all, friends don’t look at each other like that.” She said with an even more mischievous smile.

“Wha-what? What are you talking about?... Oh! It seems you’ve misunderstood, while him and I are very close, it’s only because we raised his son together, the mother, Rose, was my ex… superior… so I took it upon myself, and some friends, to help Greg raise the child until he grew up! Ah, I wonder how Steven’s doing right now… He hasn’t called home in months… Does he not know how worried we are?! Ah, sorry Zoe dear, it seems that I’m lost in my own thoughts…” She didn’t realize it, but her face made an expression so serene, one that none of the band kids had ever seen from her before… speaking of which, somehow, all three of them are now huddled in front of her.

“...Woah…” The vocalist, alongside with the drummer and bassist, stared at Pearl in adoration,

“You really are adults… and here we are… childish teenagers thinking that you have a little crush on him… sorry for making that assumption, Pearl, besides, I’m pretty sure kids like us won’t make a very effective cupid-... Pearl?” Her words were cut short as she noticed a funny expression on Pearl’s face.

“Wha-wha-what are you kids talking about?! A cru-cru-crush?! There’s no way that’s- Me and Greg?! How scandalous?! How-”

“WOAHHH, really?! We’re right all along! Ahahahaha!” Pearl’s stutters were cut short by the swoons from the three teenagers. She covers her face as she’s being overwhelmed. There’s no way! This is wrong! I can’t have feelings for Greg! I shouldn’t !. Her thoughts were once again interrupted as Zoe just kept going,

“Like, when you think about it, this isn’t weird at all! I mean, you two practically co-parented this, Steven guy, and from the way you talk about him, you’re basically his mother! So like, why not go all in and be mom and dad with Greg! Ahahah!” She said with an incredibly wide grin, the gem swore the only other time she saw a grin like that was when Rose talked about having Steven.

“Oh, Please, kids, you don’t understand. It’s not that simple, while yes, we both love Steven, we also loved the same woman… he won… and he took her away from me… I loathed him for it… It took me fourteen years to get over it and even now, I’m not sure the feeling’s all gone…” The conversation turned sour once more, the teenagers didn’t know what to say, yet Rex tried his best,

“Damn, dude, that’s deep… But wait, don’t that mean you ain’t really hate him?” Rex asked her,

“Well of course! Who said I hate him?” Pearl queried with genuine confusion,

“No, no, I mean, you never hated him…” Rex clarified,

“Well sure I did! I was so bad to him you don’t even-” 

“No, no, if you really did hate him, you wouldn’t even think of forgiving him… I mean, if my thousands of years of unrequited love was beaten by some goofy songs by a soundcloud rapper? Let's just say I would be in an actual gang…” Rex quipped in a half joking manner. She was perplexed. No, no, I really hated him! And If it weren’t for Steven, I wouldn’t even think of forgiving that man…

“Hey, hey, drop it, Rex. We’re not the ones that’d gone through it here… let's just let her figure this out on her own… And Pearl… I think It’s a good idea to talk to him… about your feelings…” Zoe took over the conversation and concluded it as best as she could. There’s… no way I could do that… As she thought about it, memories flashed back on the events that happened in the last month, how she’d spent more time with him, how he’s more open to her, how they’d rarely mention Rose, and how much they just explore each other’s interests. She made him listen to classical music and even learn the violin, though to little to no avail, and he somehow made her listen, and enjoy, that Kerry Moonbeam LP of his. They’d even spent an entire night in his van, mixing the track from one of the band’s tracks, she also remembered how when he fell asleep, she watched intently, and perhaps… longingly.

As she’s lost in her thoughts, the band kids had run back to Mr. Universe, seemingly to help him pack up more cables and mics. The slender gem walked out of the warehouse, stressed. She pulled out her pack of cigarettes, only to find it empty. It seems she had forgotten to buy a new pack due to the hectic events earlier today, she had to make sure everything goes right for the show after all. She sulked, and then slid down, hugging her knees, hoping for all these puzzling thoughts to go away.

Why would I harbor feelings towards the man that took her away from me! That’s just… illogical! Absurd at best!

…

No… That’s not the question I should be asking…

Rather… Why does it feel so good when I’m with him?

Why does it not burden me to hang around him?

Why do I look forward to spending time with him?

Why… does it only feel wrong once I start thinking about it?

She started crying, though it seems she herself didn’t realize it. A piece of hand towel appeared before her, she raised an eyebrow, wondering what it’s for, or rather, who it’s from. She glanced up, and there he is, the very man clouding her mind right now.

“What’s wrong… You know you can talk to me, right?” The man said with compassion. She swore she started to see more of him than Rose in Steven’s compassionate personality day by day. She took the towel and finally realized that she’s crying. She wiped her tears, and let out a small chuckle as she stood back up.”

“Heh… no… no I can’t… Not about this.” She said without looking at his eyes, she felt that if she looked into his eyes, all of her defensive walls would crumble.

“...Alright, that’s okay… Can I stick around anyway?” He said, confused, still with a very gentle tone. She broke down. Sobbed so hard and hugged him tightly.

“Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid Pearl! Why! Why! Why!...” Her words almost incoherent, he was perplexed, yet tried his best to comfort her. The aging man patted her back as she cried harder onto his shoulder. He didn’t know that those tears were shed because of him, but then again, that’s exactly how she wanted it.

They finished cleaning up for the night, and the band kids drove away in their RV. No words were exchanged between the man and the gem as they drove home, this time, Greg’s driving despite it being Pearl’s turn. They had been taking shifts in driving here and there since there seems to be more equipment to be hauled every two seconds. When they got to the house, Greg was about to say something but Pearl stepped out of the van quicker than warp speed. The gem walked at a normal pace yet it seems Greg just can’t catch up, he doesn’t know why. As the man got inside the beach house, the pale gem was already in front of the temple door, she looked back at him, leering from her shoulder, yet offered no words as she stepped inside the magical door. The man sighed and walked up the steps leading to his room, perplexed and tired, mostly tired.

Inside the temple, the slender gem didn’t go up her fountains to dance with the swords, or glance to the nearby organized pile to reorganize. Instead, she went straight to the path leading to the burning room, hoping to see a gem that might have already known of this very encounter beforehand. Sure enough, Garnet was sitting on the lava pond, one finger sloshing the hot liquid. Her presence indicates openness, though not enthusiasm. The gem in the denim jacket sensed that she was indeed aware of her presence, yet chose to ignore it, at least until she was spoken to, which she did just that.

“Garnet… I wanted to speak to you… about… ah who am I kidding, you know exactly why I’m here.” Pearl’s tone lacked enthusiasm upon realizing that the fusion’s clairvoyance had most likely picked up her intent already.

“...Yes, but I would like for you to speak to me, Pearl.” She requested, demanded, even. Can’t blame her though, Pearl and her hadn’t spoken eye to eye in a while now. Ever since she reassured her that integrating Bismuth into the friend group will result in a positive outcome, Pearl held a grudge against her since that was obviously not the case at all, though in the fusion’s defense, there will be a positive outcome still, one in her far sight.

“Sigh… Okay Garnet. I need you to tell me what will happen if I tell Greg about my… fondness… towards him…” She flustered. She couldn’t believe she just said that.

“Hm… I will be completely honest with you, Pearl… It’s… not an entirely positive outcome…” The fusion stated. Pearl nodded in defeat, of course that is the case, they will never-

“-Although, It’s not an entirely negative outcome either.” The pale gem was stopped in her thoughts.

“Garnet… what exactly does that mean?” she asked with confusion, and hope, almost entirely hope.

“Listen, Pearl. You know of the uncertain nature of my future vision, and how I can only see the branches of the rivers… In all of these branches, you and Greg face trials and hardships, yet in some of these divergences, you managed to power through and make it out unscathed, some even made the both of you stronger than ever.” These words only puzzled her even further, although… There is one word that intrigued her.

“...Did I hear you say… all ?”

“Yes Pearl. Just like Steven’s proposal a few years back, there is not a single path where you don’t talk to Greg about your emotions.” She said with a bit of a grin on her face, Pearl stood there mouth agape, she knows what she must do now. Well, not now.

—

D-day, One month ago

The pale gem had spent the better part of a month to spend even more time with a certain retired rockstar. She made sure to stick by his side even outside of professional matters, she even tagged along during his lunches sometimes, though she only ever nibbled on breadsticks or struggled to get through a half portion of fries. 

One time after getting home from band practice, she offered to “clean his room” while he’s in it, it’s obviously just another jest to spend more time with him. While she’s wiping nothing and tidying up nothing, she happened to notice his new black denim jacket lying on his bed. She picked it up, and after examining the empty backside, she had an idea. She ran out of the room with his jacket in her hand, he was too perplexed to ask what she’s planning to do with it, but at this point, he’d already trusted her enough to know that she’s not one to incite mischief upon someone’s belongings, that would be Amethyst. She came back into the room an hour or so later, with his jacket in hand of course, although this time, it has a yellow star sewn to the backside. 

Tonight is the night. After finishing band practice, she cleverly took a picture of the band kids, and then shot Zoe a certain look, in which the short-figured teenager understood, to which she offered to take a picture of the “adults in the band”. Greg was startled as Pearl snatched his arm and hugged it, pulling him closer as Zoe took a picture of them. She then turned around while shooting a look at him, he blushed for a second as he felt something… different with how she gazed at him, though at this moment, she started to look annoyed while leering over her back. Oh, she wanted a picture with the star on our backs. He thought this was just another instance of her boasting about her work, with her sewing the star to their backs and all, but he was about to be proven wrong just hours later.

The teenagers had gone home as always, and the adults were packing up. The gem and the man boarded his van and he drove it all the way to their house. She was humming pleasant tunes the whole time he was driving, he smiled at this, as he’s genuinely happy to see his long time friend showing true happiness this last month, he took this as him succeeding in being a great friend and confidant to her. As they got down from the van, the gem tucked on his shirt,

“Hey Greg, mind if we take a walk for a bit?” She said with a wide grin on her face,

“Uhh, sure? Where are we going though? It’s dark already.” He replied. He wants to be there for her of course, but seeing as the moon is already high up in the sky, he slightly doubts that this will be a pleasant walk.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” The pale gem beamed a soft light from her, well, gem. He chuckled,

“Ah, right. Magical space women.” They both laughed at his wording, it reminded them of those days in the past when they were bound by their rivalry.

She led them up the hill above the temple, he noticed her pace gets quicker and quicker as they’re nearing a certain… sapling?

“Ah, this won’t do… it’s still so… premature… ” The gem said as she observed this very clearly juvenile treeling.

“Uh, you brought me here to show me… a sapling? It’s beautiful, Pearl, though I’m worried it will fall from all the wind up this hill. It’s still very young after all.” He said to her,

“Oh, well, it’s alright. I’m sure it will persevere… and no, Greg, this isn’t why I brought you here.” She said, he’s a little startled at the change of tone as she uttered the latter.

“Oh… Okay… what is it then?” He asked with genuine curiosity. What is so urgent that she had to bring him up to this hill so late in the night?

“I want to say something to you…” She took a deep breath, exhaled, and then it came.

“I… I think I have feelings for you.” She said in a stern cadence, her eyes though? Filled with desire. The man stood there speechless. Never in a million years did he think he will ever hear those words again… especially from her. He denies the notion, he scours his mind for alternative meanings behind those words, he recalls every single book he had ever-

“Greg. I’m in love with you.” She added, this time, she didn’t say it with the same strong tone, instead, she was gentle and affectionate. It finally dawned on him. She was serious. His expression is indescribable right now, one might even say he looked like he had just seen a ghost, though in a way, he did. He could swear he saw his dead wife staring at him from the afterlife.

“No… No way… Pearl… are you serious? This is… wrong… why would you… I wouldn’t… Why would I-” His words came to a halt as he looked at her face. It’s like looking into a mirror. She held the exact same expression as him right now. That is until she let out a sigh, and formed a small grin. Her eyes are of a dead fish.

“... I see…”

…

“So much for future vision…” She muttered that last part. Greg didn’t hear any of this of course, he was fighting the noises inside his head. He gazed at her dead eyes, and,

“Pearl, I’m sorry I-” He held his hand out to reach her, yet she backed up ever so slightly that he could only graze the fabric of her denim. She looked at him and smiled, though she didn’t say a word. Sensing that a hint for him to leave is being thrown in here somewhere, Greg walked away without saying a word.

As the aging man walked away, she had her eyes set on his wavy hair. A gust of wind blew his long hair, revealing the yellow star on his back. Gazing at the fine work she did sewing that star on his jacket, she sighed, still with a smile on her face. She pulled out a cigarette from the pack in her pocket, put it between her lips, and took out her lighter. She flicked open the lid of the zippo, and spun the flint wheel, it didn't spark. She spun again, and again and again. It finally lit, although as she brought it closer to her, the cigarette somehow fell onto the grass below. Her lip was trembling. And then, the fire was abruptly put off by a liquid… It was her tears. She sobbed so hard she flooded the wick chamber of the lighter. She fell to her knees, and then her side, and now, she's in a curled up position, sobbing away. As tears come and go, she could see the cherry blossom sapling, albeit very blurry from all the tears in her eyes. She observed how young and weak the sapling is… And she thought to herself…

Well, it can’t be helped… After all… It’s still…

Premature.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 8 - Stronger Together

—

The boy pulled his lips away from her, a glistening string of saliva formed as he did so, it was 25% organic! The pink jester’s gaze widened, clearly hoping for more.

“Steven… that was… more, please… I want more-”

“Shh… patience, Spinny, it feels better when we take it slow…” The boy stopped her in between words. He ruffled her hair as he battered her with sweet nothings. I need to take in the scent again… And he did just that. He palmed her head, pushing it down ever so slightly, he then placed his face on top of it and sniffed hard. She was pleasantly surprised, giggling as he did so. With her head facing down, she encountered a certain view once more. It was the view of Steven’s jeans forming a tent. She chuckled and poked at it. The teenage boy let out an audible “eep!” As she did so.

“S-spinel… What are you… Ah!... ah…” He let it happen. For almost a minute, the boy rested his head on her hair as she poked and rubbed his tent. The pink gem was giggling at this, thinking she’s doing something right to make him spew out these funny reactions, and in a way, she was. The teenage boy couldn’t take it anymore. 

No, no, this isn’t right, I must stop her right now… Things are complicated enough with Peridot, and now Spinel? Gosh dang it Steven, what have you become?! Two girls in one night?! Well technically three if I count Connie, though I only got through with two… hmm…two for three eh, Steven? Not bad- Wait what am I thinking, I have to Stop Spinel!

“Uh, Spinel? I don’t think you should be doing this…” He said, almost stuttering. The gem looked up to him, and tilted her head in confusion,

“Why not? I thought you liked it? Surrre sounds like you do!” She said gleefully while she swings both arms as if she’s walking. He was a bit speechless, she was right… he is enjoying it…

“This isn’t right, Spinel, you only do something like this to someone you love, someone special!” He said with a stern tone, her expression returned to confusion.

“But I do love you, Steven! And you are special!... Or… Oh… I see. I’m not.” She said as her pigtails shriveled and her limbs went limp, giving the appearance of a splatter of liquid. Steven sensed her glee collapsing, and quickly tried to salvage the situation,

“Ah! No, Spinel, it’s not that, not that at all… I won’t kiss a girl I don’t love, or at least like… and of course you’re special… you’re like, the only other person in the universe who’s constantly being compared to Pink Diamond… So… yeah…” He can’t believe he just said that. First Peridot, now Spinel, just how many girls is he going to play?... Oh no…

He suddenly remembered the time Pearl told him about his mother’s… proclivities… with humans… as in, multiple. Am I just turning more and more into my mom?! Is this all I am?! In the end… Maybe I am just Pink Diamond slash Rose Quartz 2.0…

He’s turning pink again.

“Steven! Steven! What’s wrong?!” Her words brought him back to reality. He flailed his arms in the air and the pink glow disappeared.

“I’m… sorry Spinel… I just realized how much of a trash I am… doing all this to you after I did the same to Dot… And I have the nerves to call you special…” He said as tears forming in his eyes,

“Hey, Hey It’s alright Steven! I enjoyed it, remember! Though I have to admit, doing it feels way better than just watching it…” She said while biting her lip. Steven looked at her rather awkwardly,

“Uhm… Yeah… It still feels wrong though…” He said as he scratched the back of his neck still from the same awkwardness,

“...You’re worried about how she feels, don’t you?” He flinched a little, she continued,

“You said you two aren’t together… right? Don’t that mean if she feels bad it’s kinda on her?” She said while giving out a witty smile, she added on,

“Besides… Are you really going home with this ?” She poked his tent once more.

“Eep!” He shrieked. 

Ah, fuck it. He wiped his tears and looked her in the eyes.

“Okay… If we’re doing this… I want to make it count.” She looked at him and followed his eyes down while he unbuttoned his jeans once again. He pulled down his undergarment and his impressive member throbs out of it. She was frozen in place, she doesn’t know what it was or what it does, yet she can’t help but stare at it in… awe?

“Woah… What’s that do?” She said while she put one finger on her lip, displaying her curiosity.

“It’s uh… It’s an organ… Male humans have this organ and it sort of tensed up while we’re… aroused… excited…” Her eyes lit up,

“Oh! Does that mean you’re excited to see me?” She said while bringing her hands together and putting it on her left cheek, trying to show a flattered/flustered expression,

“Hahah, cliche, yeah Spinel, of course… Now… It hurts a little when it’s super tense like this-” He glanced at her, now she’s pouting after he mentioned that it hurts, how cute.

“-It needs to be relieved. And since you seem so eager… I’ll let you help!” He said with a smirk, her eyes lightened up once again,

“Ooh! Ooh! I wanna help! I wanna help! Tell me how, Steven!” She said excitedly, Steven chuckled and sighed,

“Alright, first, I need you to put your hand around it-” 

“Like this?” Steven recoiled as she did just that… Actually no, it’s different. Instead of just holding it with her hand, after doing so, she extended her fingers to form coils from the base to the tip of his member.

“-A-ah… Well… Suuuure? That works… Now, I need you to spit on it a little so it’s not dry… Trust me, it won’t be pretty if it’s dry…” Steven cringed as he remembered the time he beat it dry… eugh… she spat on that thang, 

“Okay, It’s wet now, what next?” She said, still with excitement,

“Now, you jerk- ermm, shake…it? Up and down, nice and slOOOWW” His voice was all jumbled up as she jorked it up and down. The noise also didn’t help, sloshing and slapping noises were made from the friction of her flexible hand against his nether region. It was different than any handjob he’d ever gotten before, it’s very stimulating, too stimulating.

“Ah, Spinel wait! I’m gonna CU-” It shot directly to her gem, making it glow.

“Ahhh, Ahh! Steven! What’s this… It’s so… warm and… hmmm it’s, sooo good…” Steven could barely hear her, he was caught up in his own orgasm, that is of course until he noticed the sexy display of the gem equivalent of cum-on-pussy or whatever. He had a witty idea.

“Hey Spinel, we’re not done here-”

“Huh?”

“-Try drinking it.” He said with a grin,

“Wha- why?” 

“Just trust me,”

“O-okay…”

The pink jester scooped up the semen on her gemstone with her fingers, and brought it up to her mouth, and then she licked it.

“Bleh, it doesn’t taste good-” She stopped her words as she looked at him… His expression was showing… satisfaction? Huh… He likes this… He likes… me … Teeheehee… She soldiered on, swallowing every single drop of his semen without a flinch. She looked at him with a grinny smile and an eye twitch, it tasted weird, but if this is what Steven wants-

“ Good girl…” He said as he petted her head.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… Yes… I will drink another gallon if this is what I get in return…

—

Meanwhile, on a freeway heading towards Beach City

The RV is driving at an impressive hundred miles an hour, impressive, for an RV of course. Usually, the former rockstar turned band manager would be yelling at the teenagers in the RV, especially at the driver for being reckless, but in this past month, nothing of the sort happened; he'd just been busy with his phone. The teenagers shot a look of concern to each other, yet none dared to speak. He had been like this ever since they left for “tour” a month ago, one morning he just showed up to their campsite, and told them that they’re going on tour, and that Pearl isn’t coming since she had other business to attend. They wanted to at least say goodbye, but he refused, rushing them even more to pack up and leave. After waiting all this time, they can’t stand it anymore, they know something’s happening between the two adults, and it’s impacting the integrity of their band. The vocalist was first to speak up,

“So… You rejected Pearl, huh.” Wow, what a great start. The drummer gasped, but didn’t say a word, so did the bassist.

“Wh-what?! What are you guys talking about?” He sweated profusely, chuckled nervously while he eyed around the band members, he could feel the cold and sharp stares from both Zoe and Rex, and while Zander was driving, he could feel the glare from their eyes’ reflection from the rearview mirror. He relented,

“How- How did you guys…?”

“It was obvious, Mr. U. You guys were bound to get together, or… fall apart…” The drummer sighed, the guitarist looked down on her shoes, and the cold stare from the rearview mirror disappeared. The adult continued,

“I… didn’t handle it well. I Had fun with her, I really did. And I’d be a liar to say that I don’t have feelings for her… But it’s just, so wrong you know? I mean we loved the same woman for goodness sake? And I took her away from her! And I know she’d like to think that I won, but did I really? I mean I did get more happy moments with Rose and I was her lover and she wasn’t… But I lost her too… In the end, Rose is the only clear winner here… And me and Pearl are both just hopeless romantics.”

The drummer joins the vocalist, staring at their shoes, while the bassist turns their focus back to the highway. This conversation was a little too heavy for teenagers like themselves, but it still feels like they must push him to do the right thing and at least talk to her again. The vibe between them is grim, as if darkness incarnate tries to pull them down into the ground, this is when Zoe notices a small gift-wrapped box next to the retired rockstar.

“Hey Mr. U? What’s that?” She asked, pointing at the box.

“Oh, this? This is a reconciliation gift of some sort, figured I’ll try to smooth things over and… and…-”

“-Ask her to still be friends?” Rex butted in.

“That’s not a bad Idea, Mr. Universe… although… is that what you really want?” Zoe inserted herself back into the conversation.

“I… I don’t know… But isn’t this the best option? I mean… there’s no way we could make this work…” He said with an apparent frown on his face, the drummer chimed back in,

“Dude, I think you should just talk to her again, and say everything you wanna say, don’t hold back, don’t hide things, if things work out, you’ll get together, and if they don’t, you’ll-”

“Still be friends?” Greg interjected while bolting his head upwards with a hopeful smile,

“...At least tolerate each other…” Rex continued, and Greg went back to his slouched position.

“Ah… so back to square one huh…” He sighed and leaned back on the seat, staring into the scratched up roofing of the RV. Suddenly, a heavy voice murmured from the front of the vehicle,

“Just do it.” Everyone flinched as Zander said their first words of the night, though this was the final push the elder Universe needs, he knew this had to end somewhere, the sooner the better.

—

“Talk to her Mr. U, we want our coach back.” Zoe said once more, the man nodded,

“Will do, I’ll do it first thing in the morning.” He gave her and the rest of the band a reassuring thumbs up. The teenagers smiled, then drove away in the RV. The band manager turned around to face the warehouse, and he caught a glimpse of his van, parked haphazardly, evident of his urgency while driving here a month ago. He got inside the van’s driver seat and cold started it, fortunately, it ignited with no problem.

He drove back to the beach house ever so slowly, hoping he would never reach the destination as he wasn’t quite done with the journey. The tour was fun, of course, but it was unplanned. At most times, he didn’t even know where the next venue was, he just kept making up clubs and underground bars as they were on the road. It was still quite the success though, the Ocean Gang managed to garner close to a hundred thousand monthly listeners on streaming platforms, though they barely broke even when it comes to performance and travel costs.

  The man hit the brakes on his van and parked it right outside of the beach house. He was about to walk inside when he noticed a certain pale figure on the balcony, basking under the moonlight. Her pale skin glows like mercury and her gemstone glistened, although not for long, as that very gemstone is now tilted downwards, he had appeared in her view. They both stared at each other’s eyes in silence, not knowing what to say to one another since their last encounter. They parted right after Pearl’s confession, but the last she heard from him was from a single text.

Pearl, we’re going on a last notice tour, sorry for leaving without you.

At that time, she didn’t think much of it, seeing as she was still deep in her sorrows. Looking back, it was totally a dick move from the man, she pouted as she’s reminded of this, and the man cringed while making his way to the front door of the beach house.

He made it inside, and hurriedly walked up the stairs leading to his room. He wanted to speak with her in the morning but since she’s here now, might as well talk to her now. He opened the door and saw her on the balcony, staring right at him while leaning on the balcony, hands crossed. He approached her, and before he could say anything,

“How’s the tour? Fun? I sure hope it is… for the kids at least.” She said in a rather cold tone,

“You made your intentions clear last time we spoke, so what now? What more is there to speak of?” She added on. He looked at her with one brow raised, genuinely confused,

“...But I didn’t? I just panicked mid sentence and… and you gave me that smile and… I just felt like I had to leave…” He said in a rather pathetic tone. She continued,

“Still, I’m smart enough to know when I’m not wanted… just never brave enough to leave… I want to change that. That’s why I gave you that look.” She said in a flat tone. He sighed, he was about to reach in his pocket for the reconciliation gift, when,

The clouds of the night cleared up, revealing the moon in its whole glory. The moonlight now shone over her once more, highlighting her sturdy yet elegant features once more. He gazed at her pale slender body, she looked so fragile, yet so strong, so docile, yet so witty, so sweet, yet so snide. 

Oh, boy.

He pulled his hand back out, not with the gift, but with determination.

“I still can’t forget about her.” He said to her, she could only hold her tears in, she understands that feeling all too well, yet she can’t help but feel jealous… of…

Her? Why am I jealous of Rose? Shouldn’t I be jealous of Greg because he stole her from me?... I don’t know anything anymore…

“So I’m afraid that if we get together, I will always compare her to you, I will always see her inside you, and I will never move on from her.” She covered her ears with her hands, she didn't want to hear another word. That’s when a pair of gentle meaty hands took her hands inside his, and slowly pulled them down and held on to them.

“Yet I don’t, Pearl, I don’t.” She looked up at him with confusion, and hope.

“I mean, how can I? You two are so different! She’s always so lenient on me, but you're always bossy, she’s gentle with me, but you can be rough sometimes, she’d let me eat whatever I want since she loved seeing me happy I guess? But you, you always scold me for eating unhealthy foods, pizza, fries, fried chicken, hot dogs, you always yell at me on how unhealthy it all was…” She chuckled,

“It is unhealthy though… I’m only looking out for you… Don’t want Steven to run out of human family…”

…

“Don’t… I… I… I don’t want to… run out of… you. ” He gasped silently, he didn’t know she cared for him this much.

“Each day, I see more of Steven-, No, I see more of you in Steven. There’s no way he’d turn out bad, both of his parents are gentle and compassionate… you two balanced each other out so well, sure you’re both kind, but she can be a bit careless and brash sometimes, but you, you’re dependable when the time comes…” He was starstruck, now he’d made up his mind. He held up her hands in front of their faces,

“Pearl… I’m sorry for how I responded to your… confession the other day. The truth is… I feel the same way.”

Hm?

“You’ve been so kind to me, so attentive. You might think I was making fun of you by listing your opposites with Rose, but, I’m actually complimenting you. I love your presence, I love your attention, I love your energy… I love… you. ”

Hwha?!

“I was just… afraid… that I’ll only see you as her replacement… but as you’ve heard from me… you two are just so different, there’s no way you can replace her… This doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about her, yet I feel that we can face this together… I feel like… we’ll be stronger… together.” He gazed at her with compassion, and she started tearing up.

“...does that mean?” She said with a heap of hope, he nodded, and opened his arms as he looked at her with a smile. She flew into his arms, she hung on so tight, he felt his ribs caving in. After a hug that felt like eternity, she slowly let him go, and gazed longingly at him. She pushed her face closer to his, and-

“Oh right! I have something for you!” She recoiled with blush as he ruffled his pockets. He pulled out a rectangular gift wrapped box, and handed it to her. She took it, and looked at him, he had a wide toothy grin. She smiled back, and neatly unwrapped the gift. She was silent for a few seconds before gasping in awe,

“Cigars?! How luxurious! And is this graphic… chocolates?” She said as she examined the logo on the tag of the box,

“Well, I wanted to give you chocolates, but I know how you are with food so… I guess if it can’t go inside your stomach, you might as well try the lungs, right?” He smirked,
“Ugh, don’t make it sound so vulgar!” They chuckled together as they took the cigars from the box, one for each. She stared at the cigar while rotating it again and again, he looked at her, and then facepalmed internally after realizing that she’d only ever smoked cigarettes. He took the box from her and opened it all the way, he found the cigar cutter. He placed the guillotine-cutter on the cap of his cigar, chopping it and giving it a nice straight cut and did the same to her cigar. He picked up her zippo from nearby, flicked it open, and ignited it. She already had her cigar in her mouth, he chuckled, and held up the fire to the tip of his cigar that’s still between his fingers. The gem raised an eyebrow, took her cigar out of her mouth, and also placed it in front of the fire. Not long after, the man gave a subtle nod, and closed the zippo, indicating that the cigar is now properly lit. They both placed their cigars between their lips, and started enjoying it.

One hand in hers, the other holding a cigar. One hand in his, the other holding a cigar. No words were exchanged, they just stared at the beautiful midnight view of the beach, and at each other occasionally. Their minds brainstormed a million words to say, yet their hearts are as still as if it had found a new peace… which it did.

“Greg…” The gem called out to him, in which he turned to face her. She swept his foot, and caught him mid fall, one hand holding a cigar, the other held him. He looked up at her in awe,

“...I love you” She expressed to him with a sweet, chocolatey kiss; ashy, yet chocolatey kiss. He closed his eyes as he’s getting mesmerized in the kiss, savoring it in all his being. He doesn’t want this to end, he wants to share this moment with her fore-

*HONKKKKKK*

“PEARL?! DAD?! WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!?”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 9 - My New Roommate Spinel

—

“Please let me do that again!” The pink gem said with a wide grin, the boy smiled at her while pulling his underwear up and buttoned his jeans,

“Maaaybe next time, Spinel, I’m already spent for now,” He told her as he let out a yawn, a very long yawn, now he is really tired. The court jester pouted,

“Aww, okay then, just make sure you tell me the next time you’re excited again hehehehe…” He blushed, and placed his hand on the ignition of the Dondai, turning it, and started the engine. Before driving away, he gave a thought on what to do about Spinel, no no not about the more complicated relationship status stuff, it’s more about where she’s going to stay, it’s evident that she’s not going back to homeworld for a while, and from what she told him earlier, it’s probable that the diamonds are going to treat her situation as they did his… by hiding away and not interacting for… well over two years now… fuck… will they ever come back for her? I probably shouldn’t talk too much about this… she might think she’s being abandoned again… uhmmm

“Hey Spinel? Where are you going to stay? I mean from what I’ve gathered, it doesn't sound like you’re going back to homeworld for a while…” He said apprehensively, she looked down while thinking of an answer,

“Ahh, yeah… I don’t think they’d be excited to see me back so soon… not after my… outburst… say… Can I stay with you Stevie? If it’s not too much trouble…” Her tone might be casual, but Steven knows that it’s anything but. She truly wants to stay with him, wherever that might be. The boy is concerned that she might get too attached to him. Looking back, if it weren’t for the diamonds appearing that day right after the injector incident, she might’ve followed him everywhere he goes while instilling the idea that she’s indeed his new best friend, just like when she was reset, difference is, she will go away when told off… but then again, for all he knows, she’d probably just turn into a corner and hide, all while keeping a very close eye on him… sheesh…

“Sure, sure! Although… I’m not so sure the gems will be excited about it… I mean, they’re very protective of me and I haven’t been very… nice to them these past few months… I’m pretty sure they’d be more uh, attentive to me than usual… geez…” The hybrid boy said all this in hopes to deter her from staying with him… though what he said was all true, there’s no way the gems would allow it. He glanced at her, knowing full well the kind of expression she’s about to make, and yup, there it is, a forced smile and a pair of empty eyes,

“Oh… That sounds like… trouble… Eh, Whatever! I will just roam around this… beach city of yours and drop by sometimes… I just hope that ain’t too much trouble…” 

Oh come on.

“It’s alright, Spinel, I’ll explain to them… besides…” He placed his left hand on her cheek, and lifted her face so he could take a good look at her,

“I wouldn’t want you to sleep out in the cold.” She blushed hard as she heard more and more kind words from him… And blush even more as he used his thumb to slowly caress her cheek.

“O-okay, Stevie… Thanks…”

“Heheh, No problem, Spin.”

With that settled, Steven disengaged the handbrakes, and started driving away from little homeworld. He drove the car quite slowly, seeing as he’s super tired right now, Spinel on the other hand, couldn’t seem to stop bobbing around in excitement, elated at the prospect of living with Steven. He could only give out a tired smile as he glanced at her. As they reach the sandy beach, Steven can’t help but to have flashbacks of the events that happened a few hours ago, it also doesn’t help how some of Stevonnie’s footsteps are still imprinted to the sands. He purposely swerved around on these footprints, replacing it with tire marks. He looked at the rearview mirror as he drove away, and let out a satisfied sigh when he noticed that the footprints had indeed been removed. Now he can drive straight… though as he drove closer and closer, he noticed some smoke coming from… the beach house? Is there a fire?! Oh no!

He floored the gas pedal and Spinel was sent flying to the backseat, as she got up and  readjusted her cartoonish googly eyes, she landed her view on Steven’s worried expression. When he got close enough to the source, he noticed that the smoke was coming from his room’s balcony. He unbuckled his seatbelt, and was about to step out of the car, when he noticed the more specific source of the smoke… There stood two figures, one slender and one round, they’re both holding a stick with a fire at the end of it, which presumably is the source of the smoke… Cigarettes? Joints? Cigars? Whatever it was, Steven’s about to confront them when…

Wait… Pearl? And Dad? Are they smoking?! What have I been missing out on! Gosh darn it what the hell am I supposed to-

His thoughts were cut off by Pearl’s actions, in one swift motion, she swept his dad’s feet, held his waist, and suavely kissed him. Steven’s mouth dropped, and apparently also his hand, it pressed the Dondai’s horn so hard it blurted a noise he’d never heard it make before. He swiftly stepped out of the car, and pointed at the pair, now looking at him rather awkwardly,

“PEARL?! DAD?! WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!?” The couple stared at each other with an awkward grin, and then swiftly glanced at him again, his dad was the first to speak up,

“Hey there, Schtu-ball? How have you been?” His girlfriend followed suit,

“H-Hey! Steven! You’re back! Wait right there, we’ll be with you in a sec-”

“NO! I’m coming up there!” He interrupted her,

“No, it’s okay- oh stars he’s making his way up here.” Pearl tried to hold him off a little longer to no avail. The teenager wasn’t mad, he was just surprised, very surprised. He knew that he did a good job helping those two reconcile some four years ago, he just didn’t know he did that good. He marched up the stairs, slammed the door open, and marched up more stairs, this one leading to his old room. He opened the door to his room and walked straight to the balcony, meeting up with his dad and Pearl.

“Before we talk, mind putting that off?” Steven told them, a bit more composed this time. They glanced at each other before looking back at their son,

“But Steven, these are quite expensive…” His father spoke, he didn’t say a word, just raised an eyebrow. The pair got the message, and put off the cigars on the ashtray nearby. The teenager nodded in approval, and looked at the both of them with a piercing stare.

“So… how long has this been going on?” He asked, his father was first to answer,

“Uhm… like, two minutes?” The pale gem couldn’t help but chuckle, that is until her son shifted his gaze to her, she composed herself, and the gaze softened.

“Now’s not the time for jokes dad, come on!” He yelled at him, this time Pearl spoke up,

“Steven we aren’t joking, we made it official right before you came here and… honked at us for some reason…” She stated calmly while eyeing her foster son, who blushed and recoiled a little, he spoke again,

“Ah, well… That’s something… guess tonight’s just super eventful…” He muttered that last part. The three stood there in silence for a while, staring at each other rather awkwardly, before the boy finally continued.

“Well… I know I helped you guys reconcile and all that… I just didn’t expect it to go this far… Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to oppose someone else’s love… If we don’t count Shep and Sadie that is *coughs cutely* ... It’s just… wow… Guess I did a great job eh? hahaha…” A sigh of relief came out of the new couple, taking his words as a sort of approval? For the both of them, before they could thank him, he spoke once more,

“Although… How exactly did this happen? Also what’s with the cigars?!” He raised his voice again with that last question. The new couple cringed, and looked at each other as if pushing the other to explain to him. 

Oh come on, Greg, you know I’m weak to those eyes…

Pearl decided to be the one to explain everything to their son. She told the whole story about how they got together, how it all began with the both of them trying to cope with changes in life, most prominently with him leaving, he rolled his eyes at this, thinking that they really can’t blame him for leaving, though he decided to not pursue the matter further for now, wanting to hear the whole story before giving any reactions. She then told him about the band, in which Steven was very excited to hear about, his dad smiled, showing pride in his work, in which Steven shook his head slowly, thinking of how little his dad has changed. Pearl then told him about the situation of her friend group, about Bismuth, and about her use of various vices to cope with it all (and very sternly mentioned about how it doesn’t affect her health for obvious reasons), Steven found it quite fair, that is until he remembered that she isn’t the only one using the vice,

“But Pearl, dad is fully organic! Why would you involve him in this unhealthy habit!” Steven protested in annoyance, before she could say anything, her new lover spoke up to her defense,

“Easy there, Steven! This is only the second time I smoke! I’m not planning to turn it into a habit, and I bought these cigars for her, not for me! I’m just teaching her how to smoke it, that's all!” The teenager eased up a little, though he made a mental note to keep a close eye on his dad just in case he accidentally got hooked to the substance.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’m happy for you guys… Pearl, my dad might be pathetic, but he’s super dependable anytime you need him.” He said to her, in which she replied,

“I know that, Steven. Remember, I’ve known him since before you were even around, hehe” She said in a warm tone, he glanced at his dad, and spoke to him

“Dad, Pearl might be uptight at times, well, all the time actually, but that’s kinda why I know she’s gonna take real good care of you, so uh, be sure to make her happy okay?” He said in a gentle way, his dad nodded, and gave him a reassuring thumbs up, he looked at the both of them, raising his hand a little before putting it back down, Pearl raised an eyebrow in confusion, but Greg smiled and raised his arms, bringing them both into a group hug,

“Aw, come here you two!” He said as he pulled them both closer. The three are now laughing in both relief and straight up happiness, seeing as this is the first time in months they get to see each other, and yes, Steven did see Pearl this morning, but he wasn’t all there… so he kind of erased that memory from his mind. 

The three were about to pull back from the hug, when they felt another set of arms, coiling around them, literally.

“Yaay! Group hug! Hehehe!”

“GAH!” Pearl shouted in shock, Greg yelped a bit, and Steven grinned awkwardly. It didn't take long for Pearl to recognize the voice, and the color of the arms coiling around them, she called out to her,

“SPINEL?! What are you doing here! I thought you were with the diamonds!” She grinned as she uncoiled her arms, releasing the three from her grip.

“I’m gonna stay here for a while! With my best friend Steven!” She said joyfully while swinging her arms right and left. Greg stood there in confusion, and Pearl looks absolutely outraged, Steven’s brainstorming for answers,

“Absolutely not! Spinel you can’t just barge in here like that! You could at least tell Ste-, Steven! Did you know about this?!” Steven choked on his own saliva as his foster mother addressed him,

“Ah, uhm, yeah…? I kinda drove here with her in the backseat…” He said nervously,

“What?! Where did you even pick her up?! Did you plan this?!” She barraged him with those questions, Spinel just stood there, looking down and twirling her thumbs, sensing that she isn’t wanted here. Noticing this, Steven braced himself and spoke up to his dad’s new girlfriend,

“I ran into her when I was driving around beach city to clear my mind… She also needed to get away from things back home… The diamonds and her are at a rough patch right now…” He eyed the pink gem as he said this, then glanced back at Pearl, she now has her arms folded and her gaze softened,

“Still, that doesn’t mean you can-, wait, did she say stay here?! Like here, here?! Why didn’t you take her to the Little Homeworld? I’m pretty sure there’s some lodgings there since some gems had left after graduating from little homeschool!” Along with the thumb twirling and looking down, her pigtails now withered and fallen down, next up is probably her limbs, she might go into that melted state once more. Steven panicked while thinking about all that, so he spoke once more,

“Well because… She can’t stay there! I’m not sure it’s a good idea to leave her there with the gems that recognize her… After the whole thing two years ago…” Everybody flinched at his statement, including Spinel of course. Pearl sighed and pinched between her eyes,

“That’s fair… Although, where is she going to stay exactly? She can’t just be roaming around at night… don’t tell me you’re going to bring her into your room in the temple!” Pearl yelled that last statement, Steven rolled his eyes in annoyance, oh come on! I’m eighteen! I get to do whatever the fuck I want!

“Yes, Pearl, she’s going to sleep with me in my room in the- wait did you say in the temple? Why can’t I sleep in the-, Oooohhh, right… dad…” He facepalmed as he remembered having given away his room to his dad, who chuckled as he did so.

“I am NOT staying in the temple room… too many weird things happened in there…” He said sternly. Pearl looked at him in confusion, then clarity, and then asked,

“Then where are you going to stay? It’s not like the sofa is big enough for you… seeing as you’ve grown quite a lot…” He was starting to think that maybe he can just stay in one of the empty lodgings in little homeworld, and then his dad interjected,

“Actually, you guys can take my room, I don’t mind moving back into the-”

“VAN?! Oh absolutely NOT, Greg! I am not letting you move back into that old box!”
“Excuse me?! That old box had kept me safe for decades!”
“That was then, this is now! You’re getting… older… and I just can’t risk it… I can’t let you risk your health like that… Please, Greg…” She placed her hand on his shoulder, he sighed, and put his hand on hers. Steven can’t help but smile at this, she really cares about him… that’s great…

“Well… I can just stay in the conservatory. There's a mattress in there, and it’s actually kinda cool to be able to sleep under the stars!” He said with a grin, the mattress was, of course, Lion’s bed. Well, it’ll have to do for tonight. Pearl raised her finger and opened her mouth, about to protest, but then again, they didn’t really have a choice, she was afraid he might even suggest leaving beach city again… and she couldn’t risk that…

“Alright Steven, you can stay in the conservatory… Although… Are you sure you’re bringing Spinel in there with you?” She asked apprehensively, He sighed and rolled her eyes again,

“Yes, Pearl. I, Steven Quartz Cutiepie Demayo Diamond Universe, am staying in the conservatory, alongside my new roommate Spinel, end of story.” The pale gem could swear she saw a flicker of pink pupils in his eyes while he said that, it can’t be… right? 

She couldn’t risk it, and nodded despite her convictions,

“Alright Steven, you do just that… also… you look like you haven’t slept in ages…” She said while glancing at him, he looked half dead by now, eyebags and all. He placed his thumb and index finger on Spinel’s chin, tilting her head back up, and then spoke to her,

“You heard it, Spinel, we can go now.” She smiled a little, they hold hands and walked past his parents, who were both giving out a curious expression as they eyed each other, seemingly having a telepathic conversation,

P: Do “best friends” do that?

G: Hold hands? Sure, yeah!

P: No, no, I know that, I’m talking about the uh, chin thing…

G: Oh! Uh…  no? Not as far as I remember…

P: So you’re saying something’s going on between those two?

G: I uh, don’t really want to think about it…

P: Yeah… same…

…

P&G: Wait… Connie!

“Wait! Steven…” Pearl reached out to his hand and held it in place, he scowled as he’s getting really tired of conversations,

“Ugh, what now, Peal?” He asked, annoyed,

“Uhm… How are things with Connie? Earlier this morning you said you were here in town to talk to her?” The hybrid boy and the pink gem flinched, he really didn’t feel like explaining right now,

“She… dumped me. Please don’t ask why, how, or whatever else… Just know that it happened earlier this evening, and I’m not ready to talk about it…” Both Pearl and his dad gasped, winced, and looked at each other. They decided not to pursue it further for now, but his dad added on,

“Okay Schtu-ball, just… make sure to talk to us when you’re ready okay?” The boy sighed in relief, at least he didn’t have to answer any more questions… for now…

“Okay dad, Pearl, love you two, goodnight!” 

He waved to the both of them as he ran up the steps to the conservatory, Spinel’s hand still in his. She couldn’t help but blush,

His hands are so… strong… I knew it since I first met him, since I first fought him, since the moment he held my hand and dragged me around when I was reset… still… it looks different now… it looks more… cool… 

As Spinel was lost in her thoughts, they arrived in front of the conservatory. The boy activated the hand sensor, and the door slid open.

“Lion? You in here buddy?” He called out to his pet/steed. No answer.

Huh, guess he loves wandering around as always. Whatever that’s good news, we can have the bed-, uhh, cushion, to ourselves.

“Alright, Spinel, we’ll be sleeping here, on top of this… cushion… oh boy.” It’s dusty, perhaps Lion hadn’t been here for a lot longer than he thought. Last time he saw his pet was during his last visit on New Years, nothing seemed off with him, just regular old Lion. He plopped onto the cushion, and Spinel followed suit. She laid next to him with her hands folded, he glanced at her and raised an eyebrow, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he extended his arm and put it under her neck, she flinched,

“Oh! Sorry Spinny, did I startle you? I uh… I just need to hold someone right now… I just thought that… It might be great if that someone is you…” Such a way with words, Universe. It seemed as if the teenager had just been spamming the Universe charm all night, perhaps out of desperation and need of attention after getting dumped by his first ever girlfriend, his high school sweetheart even… If he went to high school that is. The gem in pigtails blushed, she can’t handle it anymore. In one swift motion, she turned her body onto him and hugged him with one arm so tightly. The boy was a little surprised, pleasantly surprised. He hugged her back, and yawned really hard… this time, he feels like he can finally doze off…

“Goodnight, Spinel…”

“Goodnight, Steven…

…

Wait, what is sleep again?”

Great…

The boy opened his eyes once more, as annoyed as he was, he’s bound by his gentle personality, he truly feels the need to help her understand what sleep is… or else it won’t be called sleeping together…

“Okay… So uh, sleeping is like, regeneration for organics-”

“Like retreating into our gems?! Oh no, were you hurt that bad?!” She sat up in panic, Steven chuckled a little,

“No, no, hahah… I’m saying that the effect is the same, but everything else is quite different, really. Organics, including humans, require sleep in order to function properly each day, if we don’t, then well, you can see my eyebags here, heheh…” He giggled as he explained it to her,

I thought it was a fashion choice… like mine… hmmph.

She pouted, though he didn’t understand why.

“So… How do I… Sleep? I wanna play it with you…” She asked him. He smiled and started explaining,

“Glad you asked! All you need to do is lay down, close your eyes, and think about everything! Or nothing! It really depends from person to person really, me personally, I like to empty my mind, It helps me doze off faster.” He answered, she didn’t quite understand it, but is more than willing to try, she really wants to do more things together with him. They went back into their previous position, and stared into the stars.

“What happened? I thought you said we gotta close our eyes?”

“Oh, uhm, I don’t know… I guess I just want to look at the stars… and the moon…”

The pink gem scanned the view above them, searching for the moon, and when she found it, sure enough, it was… nice… She looked at the boy next to him, the moonlight dawned upon his face… it glistens under the glass ceiling of the conservatory… she was about to say something, when he spoke to her first,

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” He said in an even more gentle than usual tone. She smiled at him, and looked back up into the night skies,

“Yeah… it sure is…”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 10 - Breakup Buddies

—

The sun shines brightly above Beach City today, just like any other day. The ray and the heat is amplified by the glass surface of the conservatory the two teenagers are sleeping in. The boy felt his face warming up from the exposure, and was soon awakened. He opened his eyes ever so slowly, having slept soundly all night, well through the morning. It was so bright, too bright even, he recalled it being so dark just a few hours ago, they fell asleep around 3 AM, not exactly the depths of night but also not the morning yet. The boy rubbed his eyes gently, he opened them wide and started looking around the room, man… I forgot how bright it is here… His eyes finally reached his left side, and there she was, his roommate, though she doesn’t look too sound right now.

She was sitting straight up, she wasn’t frowning, nor smiling, instead, it was a perfect poker face that she put on. Her posture was eerily still, it started to creep him out, so he called out to her.

“Spinel? Good morning… or… afternoon… Did you sleep well?”

Nothing. He tried again,

“Are you still sleeping? Cause I know some humans sleep with their eyes open… though I’m not so sure about the sitting up straight part…”

Still nothing. He started to panic, so he shook her, gently, but still counts as shaking nonetheless.

“Spinel! Spinel! What happened?! Are you okay??” He frantically called out to her, now bringing her face to face instead of just calling her from the side like he did the previous times. She finally blinked, rapidly, and slowly turned her head towards her roommate. Her face lit up with excitement and her pupils turned to hearts, she called out to him,

“Steven!” Coiled her hands around him, and smooched him all over his face, reminiscent of the time of their reunion when he came to homeworld some two years ago. He chuckled in relief,

“Ahahah, ookay… Morning Spin…”

“Morning Sunshine!”

“Spinel uh… What the hell was that?”

“Was what?”

“You were like… in a trance just before! Like you weren’t here! Just… zoning out… it kinda scared me you know…”

The fuschia gem tilted her head in confusion, before raising both eyebrows and opened her mouth once more,

“Ooooh that… that’s uh… kind of my uhm, what did she call it again… oh right! Coping mechanism!” He looked at her in confusion, first of all, who is this “she” that taught her this coping mechanism, and secondly, why does she need a coping-

He facepalmed, holy shit I’m so fucking stupid. I brought her into a damn garden. Fuck.

“Oh my gosh Spinel I’m so sorry! This place must’ve been no good for you! Come now, let’s get out of-”

“No, no Steven, it's fine! This uh, what’cha call it? Conser-va-ta-ry? Is pretty! And it’s actually not as bad as the other uh… Gardens… I’ve been to…”

He raised an eyebrow in confusion, he has so many things to ask her, he doesn’t even know where to begin.

“You’ve been to other… gardens…? Why? I thought the whole thing made you hate gardens?”

“Hm? Well yeah! I still don’t quite like it… But when I was back in Homeworld, the Diamonds and Pearls couldn’t stand me moping around in my room avoiding everyone when the Diamonds don’t got their focus on me… So one day Pink Pearl- uhh, what’dya call her again? Oh, right, Volleyball, talked to me about dealing with my uhm, issues… I didn’t like it at first… But I figured I should give it a try if I wanna uh…” She paused for a good moment there, Steven still staring at her to hear her out, she could feel his gaze tearing a hole through her form. She continued on,

“-If I wanna see you again…” Her cheeks blushed with a deep magenta color. The teenage boy was caught off guard and his chin slid off from his hand that was holding it up in a thinking position, he wanted to say something, anything, but she already started talking again,

“So I did whatever she told me, It was hard at first, I mean, she did bring me to that very garden…” Steven grinned awkwardly, wow, way to go Volley…

“I started freaking out but then Volley dragged me back to the warp pad and the Diamonds were right there waiting for us, and they calmed me down… So the next time around, she figured to start small, so she started with bringing pots of small plants into my room, slowly filling it up, then she brought flowers, and even more flowers, and It kept going up and up and now I feel so much better! Not quite ready to go back to that garden yet… But Volley and I asked the Diamonds to build a similar replica of the garden inside the palace grounds, and Blue ended up being the one to do so! It’s beautiful there Steven, we should visit it sometimes!”

Steven sighed in relief, it seems that she really had been healing these past two years. He couldn’t help but feel flustered thinking that she’s improving herself for him, though of course, this goes against the principles of therapy on how you should improve yourself for yourself and yada yada yada, boring shit, reminded him of why he quit therapy. He chuckled once more, and placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair. She giggled at this gesture and held his hand in place, hoping it would stay there for the rest of time. But alas, He has other things to attend to… like his growling stomach for example. He picked up his phone from the ground and glanced at the lock screen, still with his ex’s picture on it… The clock showed 10.38 AM, they’d slept through the morning. He rolled his eyes, figured it’s about time to get up and ready for the day, though he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do. He did a little stretching before looking around the room to get dressed, right, his clothes are still in the Dondai, well, he could at least put on his blazer- wait, where is it?

He scanned the room for any signs of his organic pink casual two-buttons-that’s-never-buttoned blazer, it’s nowhere to be found. He started to recount yesterday’s events to find out where he might’ve left it- aaaand, greenhouse… he facepalmed once again. He was about to step onto the warp pad and go straight to the greenhouse… but then remembered that it’s probably not a great idea to leave Spinel in this garden-esque room, exposure therapy graduate or not…

His stomach growled once more, he scowled, and decided that he’s going to tackle these morning issues one at a time, first, breakfast- uh, brunch, and then his blaz-, actually, bathroom might have to come first. 

“Uh… Spinel? Do you really have to watch?” The boy has a noticeable blush on his cheeks, the magenta gem giggled, and put on grin,

“No… But I sure would love to!” She said mischievously. The boy scoffed as he unzipped his jeans and plopped out his rod. An audible awe echoed inside the bathroom, followed with the sound of piss hitting the toilet water.

“I didn’t know your uh, playthingy was also used for… whatever this is… also, isn’t it supposed to be white?”

“Well… yes and no, this yellow stuff is urine… it’s what comes out after humans drink, the white stuff yesterday is uh… Well it comes out when we’re feeling pleasure…” The jester giggled once again, thinking about how good of a job she must’ve done to extract that white liquid from him last night. He cleaned up, not just his junk but also his face, and stepped out of the bathroom with her, luckily no one was around-,

The temple door opened, as if on cue, Amethyst stepped out of it and greeted him,

“Mornin’ Steve-o, and uh, hey Spinel.” Her tone turned from warm to apprehensive upon seeing the pink gem. She doesn’t mind it though, it was a fair reaction after what she did to her the first time they met. The pink jester smiled awkwardly and waved at her. Steven walked to the counter and poured some cereal into his bowl, followed by the milk, then he started munching on it like he hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday’s lunch… actually, that’s exactly the case.

Amethyst walked towards the counter and sat beside him, pouring cereal into her mouth directly from the box, the boy smiled at this, never change Amethyst, never change. 

“What’s the plan for today, lil’ man?” The purple Quartz asked her little brother,

“I’m heading to the Little Homeworld to uh… hang around, y’know…”

“Want me to come with?” She asked him, before laying her eyes on the magenta gem sitting on the other side of her brother,

“Ah, looks like you got someone tagging along already.” Steven raised an eyebrow, and quickly realized what she meant. He looked down for a moment, before a not so bright idea came across his mind.

“Actually… would you mind watching Spinel when I’m gone? I promise it won’t take too long.” He was pierced by sharp stares from the two gems sitting beside him, both were perplexed with his proposition. He quickly reasoned before the gems could speak,

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring her there… there’s still some gems that haven’t graduated since… then… and they might flip out if they see her… so uh, yeah.” Spinel frowned as her limbs went noodly and flopped to the ground, indicating her disappointment, mostly to herself, but some to Steven. Amethyst sighed, she understands where he’s coming from, still, is it a better idea to let her stick around in the house with her? It’s not like they’re close or anything… Besides, wouldn’t it be a more Steven thing to bring her with him as he tries to rehabilitate her?...

Oh, right.

Amethyst quickly recalled what the gems had told her earlier this morning. It was about what she couldn’t get out of him last night, how it turned out that Connie had dumped him, and now he’s kind of all over the place right now, not that it’s out of character for him… still, she didn’t expect this outcome. Although…

Pearl did say something about Spinel being his roommate and all… If that’s true, then why is he not trying his “best” with her? Especially now that she’s “much better” and not actively trying to destroy the planet… The heck is going on here?

As she was lost in her thoughts, she glanced at the pink gem, now looking more miserable than usual, all flopped down on the floor like that, she then eyed her brother and… Aw shucks, come on man, not that again… Steven used his puppy eyes, even now at the ripe age of eighteen, it’s somehow still effective, maybe due to the fact that the gems still sees him as a child, a fact that he’s not entirely happy with, but will make use of when it’s deemed necessary, like right now. She puffed her cheeks, holding her breath, trying to negate the effect, but quickly exhaled and sighed as she succumbed to the cutie pie himself.

“Fiiiine, I’ll keep her company, besides, I think I should get to know my lil bro’s roommate y'know, make sure she’s… a good gem.” She said reluctantly, he winced,

“Oookayy, that’s great! Thanks, Ame! You hear that Spin? You can hang out with Amethyst for a while, I’ll be right back-” He glanced at her sour expression, 

“I uh, is it okay?” He asked in worry. The pink gem quickly bounced to her feet, she sensed that Steven might be upset at her and will never want to hang out with her anymore for the rest of her entire remaining existence on this mortal plane if she didn’t say yes to this… geez .

“Okay! I can do that! After all, I’m so much better now, remember!” She swayed her arms left and right as she gave him a wide cheerful grin, if only he knew how she actually feels inside…

The teenage boy smiled and giggled, and bid the to gems goodbye,

“Alright! I’ll be back in a bit, see ya, love ya both!” The purple gem chuckled as she waved back, the pink gem however… Can’t help but blush at that last statement…

He… loves me… teeheehee…okay… maybe I can do this.

Steven walked outside of the beach house, he wants to take the Dondai just so he can take in the Beach City scenery once more, since he didn’t get to do so yesterday with his urgency to meet Connie and the whole thing with Peridot and Spinel later in the night. He stepped inside his car, and he finally noticed that he isn’t exactly in the best of odor right now.

“Ah, I probably should’ve gotten changed.” But then again, his clothes are here, inside his suitcase in the backseat of the Dondai. He turned around to see it, scoffed because he’s too lazy to step out of the car and open the backdoor to reach it. Instead, he caught a glimpse of fabric sticking out from a compartment behind the front passenger seat, he tugged it, and there it was, his old black shirt, the one with a star on it. He pulled it out and sniffed it, it smelled like a new car, well, a car at least. He took off his plain black shirt and donned his black star shirt, it surprisingly still fits him, seeing as he only grew a few inches taller, lost some fat and gained quite a lot of muscles so his size didn’t change by much, but then he glanced at the star and… eh,

To hell with therapy.

He finally drove off to Little Homeworld. Making sure to wave at the citizens of Beach City, those who still stuck around at least. He mostly ran into the adults and elders of the city. Bill Dewey still works at the Big Donut, Barbs still delivers mail, more mail now actually since Jamie finally succeeded to get a role in some soap opera and moved away to Empire City. Fish Stew Pizza almost closed a year ago, since Nanefua is mayor and Kiki went to college, Kofi couldn’t handle the demands despite having many gem employees, luckily for him, and rather unluckily for his other daughter, Jenny’s phone jacket business never actually took off… So now she’s back in the restaurant, helping out her father managing the gem employees. Buck Dewey also went off to college, quite a surprising outcome, but he picked music major so there’s that. Sour Cream landed a sweet deal from a record label (Not belonging to his scum of a father of course), and Deejayed his way to fame, making his mom and Yellowdad even more proud of him than they already are, Onion approved. Sadie moved away from Beach City to be with her partner Shep of course, although Steven hasn't heard of any more releases from the duo… hm, wonder what that’s about. Lars was of course, well, Lars, he hasn’t seen him since the off colors Graduation… 

As he’s lost in his thoughts, he finally arrives at the gates of Little Homeworld, this time making sure to park in the actual parking lot instead of right in front of the gate. He made a beeline towards the Little Homeschool, aiming for the greenhouse, but of course, things didn’t go smoothly. Right after he left the parking lot, he was swarmed by his… fans… both gems and humans. These gems are mostly new enrollees of the Little Homeschool, wanting to see the famous Steven Diamond Universe for themselves, and the humans are mostly tourists and some… gemologists… that had come to Beach City to research these “non-human residents” of the City.

It probably took him an hour or so to talk with all of them, yeah he was close to crashing out and activating speedster mode, but alas, he’s still Steven, so he put up with all the ruckus and socialized for a bit, if one hour still counts as a bit that is. He finally emerged from the satisfied crowd and walked towards the Little Homeschool. He made it to the greenhouse and… shucks. It was full of students, he facepalmed, he didn’t know how it didn’t occur to him that it’s a Monday afternoon, of course the classes are in. He walked closer to the transparent glass walls of the building, looking around for his… friend… And there she was, charming as ever, she’s at the very front of the class, teaching the students on, well, botany. She caught a glimpse of his figure, stopped between sentences, shot him a look, then glanced at the clock on the wall, hinting for him to see her after class was over.

About fifteen minutes later, it’s finally time for recess, Peridot came out of the class with her tablet in hand.

“Hey there Steven! You really came…” She said, flustered. The boy raised an eyebrow, seemingly not remembering his promise to see her later today from last night, oh well.

“Hey Dot! Class going well?”
“Of course, would you expect any less from the great and lovable Peridot?” She said with a smug on her face,

“Ahah, that’s great, that’s great… say, do you see my blazer anywhere? I think I left it in your greenhouse last night after we… uhm, yeah, so… do you see it?”

Oh… is that all he’s here for? His outer garment? Hurgh…

“Hm… I did see it… although… I can’t give it to you right now…”

“Huh? Why not?”

“Because uh… hm. Just, see me atop the windmills after school is over, got it?” Steven was startled with her sudden change of tone. What’s gotten into her? Did I say something wrong?

“Uhh okay? Guess you don’t have it on you?”

“Of… course… not? What are you talking about? I'm clearly not wearing it?”

“That’s… not what I meant but uh, yeah I guess… Where is it though? I might be able to just grab it myself-”

“NO!” She spontaneously shouted. The boy flinched from both surprise and confusion, her tone was close to that one time when she rebelled against her former Diamond.

“I mean… look Steven, just meet me on the windmills okay? I have something I want to discuss with you…”

Oh.

“Ah, well, alright… See you when class is over… I guess…”

“Yes, now if you’ll excuse me, I have… plants… to attend…”

With that, Peridot turned around and walked into the greenhouse once more. The teenager finally realized that this really isn’t about his blazer. Honestly, he’s got a pretty good idea what it’s going to be about… well, if that’s the case, he needs to be prepared.

There’s only one gem that he has in mind with the power to help him get ready for whatever it is they need to… discuss. He walked around the Little Homeschool looking for Garnet, walking past the different gems that study there. There's a new batch of rubies, some Amethysts from the zoo, even a couple of Rose Quartzes… yeah… he’s not a big fan of that one, still, every gem has equal opportunity to better understand Era 3 and to find their self worth and purpose in this school, after all, those are what the school and Era 3 stands for. Despite the great prospect of the other gems, he’s a little bit saddened with the fact that he won’t run into gems that he’s familiar with. Lapis was of course not around after the whole fiasco with Peridot, and Pearl told him that Bismuth resigned not long after their altercation. After walking for a while longer, he finally ran into the fusion. She was teaching a meditation class, today’s lesson was on taichi. The boy waved to her and she smiled to acknowledge his presence. She dismissed her class and walked over to him,

“Hello Steven, Need something?”

Straight to the point, good ole’ Garnet.

“Yeah I uh… actually, it might be best if we sit down for this.”

She walked over to a bench nearby and patted the spot next to her. The boy sat down and glanced at her, he didn’t know how to ask her directly, so he began telling her about the whole story of what happened yesterday. Started with his breakup, then Peridot’s breakup, how Spinel came into the picture, and how fucked up things are right now. The fusion’s smile turned upside down, she never expected her cutie pie to do such things and put aside the feelings of the people around him… He did say he would start to put himself first, but it sounds to her that he’s not thinking about, well, anything, he just wasn’t thinking going into all of this. 

“I don’t know what to tell you, Steven”

“What? But you’re supposed to know everything!”

“Well… I can know everything, I just decided not to.”

“What the f-, What does that even mean? * gasp * Is your future vision broken again?”

“No, Steven. Did you forget that I chose not to use my powers on you again?”

Oh, right.

He suddenly remembers the time when Garnet vowed to not use her clairvoyance to see his future anymore. At that time, he appreciated the gesture, it was as if he’s finally allowed to spread his wings, that his family no longer burdens him with their expectations of him to be something he doesn’t want to be. But now? Now he needs her to use her power more than ever.

“Please Garnet, I need to fix things with Peridot, I don’t know what I should do?”

“First of all, you don’t even know if there’s a problem, and second, this sounds like a problem that doesn’t require my future vision, just some regular old Garnet advice.”

“Well… give it to me then…”

“Just talk to her.” The boy’s expression turned sour, then neutral. He knew that it’s quite that simple, he just needed to hear it from someone wiser than himself.

“...Thanks, Garnet. I’ll… I’ll tell you how it goes…” He stood up from the bench and walked away

“You’re welcome, Steven, and oh, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing…” She said with a grin. Steven heard that of course, but with all the things going in his mind, he chose to ignore it.

—

“I thought school’s over at like 3 PM? Where the hell is she?” He had been standing around the top of the windmill tower for hours now, yet there’s no signs of Peridot showing up. The boy fell down to his knees,

“...She really is angry at me… maybe I shouldn’t have done it all, shouldn’t have kissed her, shouldn’t have held her, shouldn’t have… damn it.”

The sun sets over the boy who’s lost in his thoughts, at the same time, the moon rises over the gem emerging from the steps leading to the windmills, though it’s soon obscured by the night clouds.

“Steven.” The boy shot up from his position, wiped his teary eyes, and smiled at her,

“H-hey Dot! Was there something up at your class? Did you just get off?”

“Hm… there is something up… just not with the class.”

“Uhm, okay… is it okay now?”

“No.”

“Ah, well… sorry to take your time then…”

The green gem caught a glimpse of his miserable state. She never meant to make him feel this way… she was just a little upset at his… oblivious nature…

“Ugh, Steven please don’t cry… I’m sorry if I’ve been rough… I’m just… upset…”

“Upset about wh-” He knows exactly what about.

“No, no, I’m sorry. I realized how shitty I sounded earlier… I don’t care about my blazer, really, at least not as much as I care about you…” He blushed while saying that last statement, Peridot tried to keep her cool but… As the clouds subside, the moon shone over his figure, highlighting his exquisite figure in the now compression black star shirt, she gulped and walked closer, almost running her face directly on his chest, luckily she stopped before doing so.

“The star is back…” She stood there with her mouth slightly open, close to drooling,

“What? Oh, this, yeah I always felt like the plain shirts are too empty, y’know, figured I’ll stick with this one before I got the ones in bigger size from my dad-”

“This one fits perfectly.” The boy was stunned, he was lost in confusion and intrigue, mostly confusion though. The gem flinched back from embarrassment, covering her face but kept a gap open between her fingers, just so she could observe his figure, and expression, yeah, that too. 

“Uh… Steven?”

“Hm? Y-yeah?”

“I took your blazer to my house… we can go there to grab it… if you want to…”

“Ah it’s alright, I don’t really care about- wait, you have a house?! I thought you live here in Little Homeschool?”

“Well yes and no, my house is here in Little Homeworld, I just moved out from my office in the greenhouse, now I reside in a house I built myself, right in the outskirts of Little Homeworld.” She said with a proud grin on her face,

“Oh, well, that’s great! I’d love to see it! And uh, grab my blazer while we’re there I suppose.” He figured it’d be best to push down his blazer in the priority scale for now, and he honestly couldn’t care less about it after seeing Peridot so enamored by his figure in this shirt… oh boy.

“Well then, allow me to escort you there.” She put out her hand in hopes for him to grab it, in which he did just that. They walked down from the windmills hand in hand, Peridot was leading at first, but due to their difference in size, Steven quickly caught up to her and now they’re walking side by side. They walked to the residential area of the Little Homeworld, the houses here are uniquely shaped and full of personality, he remembered that Bismuth offered to build houses for the gems of Little Homeworld, but he gently refused, saying that these gems need to at least know how they want their houses to look like, and that Bismuth was only allowed to help them, in the end though, some gems just ended up letting Bismuth build their houses with her design, but Steven didn’t mind, as he had already given them the options of freedom and expression.

The pair soon arrived to a distinctly constructed house, one glance at it and you’re sure to say “that’s very Peridot”, which is what the boy said,

“Hahah, this house is sooo you Peri” upon seeing the rhombus windows on the green painted house, mostly made of steel but the windows and doors are oddly wood, Steven took this as her way to integrate both homeworld and earth architecture on her house. There’s also a single rhombus shaped room on the second floor, presumably an observatory of sorts since there’s a telescope lens protruding from the top of the construct. She let go of his hand and paced around in front of the house as she explained the choice of the color, the shapes, and the materials, most were similar to the boy’s first impression, save for the material. She said that she just found earthly materials like wood to be more in line with her vision of a quaint house, perhaps due to her time living in the barn, yet she couldn’t dismiss steel as a cost effective and construct efficient material, so she opted to mix them both, she did say it could also be interpreted as a more artistic choice, like Steven suggested, and he quite easily accepted that, knowing her history in morp creations.

She led him into the entrance of her house and opened the door. He's quite surprised to see that the interior is quite… normal, like, there’s no random items like there were when she lived in the barn, though there was a painting of her and Lapis hanging on the wall…

Oh… 

“Peri is that… I thought that was a gift for her?”

“Hm? Oh, that… That was number 10… a milestone.”

“A… milestone?”

“Affirmative, there are 24 in total, 12 were destroyed in a fit of rage, 11 were stored away somewhere, and the one I gave to her was number 23… I don’t want to talk about number 24…”

It finally dawned on him, of course she didn’t immediately master painting, she had to have practiced beforehand… also, fit of rage? Now that’s nostalgic. He recalled the time she tore apart her analysis papers that she made during their first time binging Camp Pining Hearts, detailing the ships of all the different characters.

“Aw shucks… sorry to hear that…”

“Why are you apologizing? It was a great experience for me, both artistically and… emotionally…” She sat down on a sofa in the living room, next to it is a coffee table and across it is a TV, the floor was hardwood, and made some creaking noises as he walked to sit beside her. He twirled his thumbs, not knowing what to say. He then eyed the room to observe more of its features, to their left is a countertop, though there’s no stools like in the beach house, behind the counter is the kitchen area, there's a stove next to a fridge, and a cabinet above it, though he wonders, how is she able to reach a cabinet that far up? Enough about that, he needs to say something-

“Right, your blazer. It’s in my bedroom, wait here, I’ll retrieve it.” Before he could say anything, she ran up the stairs on their right side, presumably to her bedroom. He lowered his hand and sat back down, waiting for her to come back down with his blazer in hand… then what? Is she going to kick him out? Since he got what he came for? I mean, that’s everything done, right? She showed him around the house, kinda, and now she’s getting his blazer, guess that’s it then? And after all, why would he expect something more? She clearly doesn’t see him that way… with the painting of her and her girl- ex girlfriend still up, and his rejection just last night… Who the hell does he think he is to expect more from this… hot mess…

“Steven, you there?” He flinched a little when she heard her call out to him, did something happen?

“Yeah I’m still here, is something wrong?”

“No, no… just… come up here, I got something to show you…” What’s this about? Did she ruin the blazer? Spilled some paint on it maybe? Not that he cared of course, right now his mind is mostly on Peridot.

“Alright I’m coming.” He walked up the stairs and was met with two doors, one directly in front of the stairs, and the other on the right end of the hallway.

“Which room are you in?”

“This one” She said as she knocked the door right in front of him. He reached for the doorknob and twisted-

“Wait!”

“Huh, what happened?” He said as he let go of the doorknob. He heard a subtle flick from inside the room,

“Okay, you can come in now.”

He opened the door, and almost died from loss of breath as he took in the view in front of him. The lights were off, that one’s obvious, and also the reason why the scenery is ever more breathtaking, literally. There she stood, under the moonlight. It shone on her gem and gleamed over her yellow hair. She was wearing his shirt, the red one with a star at the front… over… nothing. Even with the dim lighting, he could see her… features… underneath the thin fabric, petite yet curvy, with two protruding cylinders peaking on her breasts holding up the fabric that covers it… barely… covers it… He eyed her up and down, making sure to take it all in, and turns out she’s also wearing a thong, a black one.

Connie never wore the thongs I bought for her… This is just… wow…

“So… what do you think?” The boy stood there speechless, and motionless,

“Steven? Do you copy?”

“Wh-what? Hm? Oh, yeah… I love the moon.”

“What are you t-”

He ran up, swept her from her feet, picked her up princess style, threw her onto her bed, and positioned himself on top of her as he held her down by her wrists.

“You know what you’re doing, don’t you?”

“Nyeheheh… Is it working?”

“Can’t you tell?” He glanced to his crotch, she followed suit, then blushed, 

“It was rhetorical.” She said with a grin.

“I know.”

Further exchange of words were not viable, as the boy had rendered speech impossible for the both of them since he had clashed their oral orifices together, exploring each other's mouths with their glossa. He let go of her hands, and put one hand on her cheek and the other on her waist instead. They went deeper on the kiss, occasionally pulling away for a lip kiss instead, only to return to deep french kisses a while later, he’d also occasionally give her a forehead kiss, well, gem kiss in her case. His hand went up inside her shirt, and she shrieked,

“Eep!”

“Ah, sorry… got carried away there…”

“No… it’s alright… I want you to get carried away…”

“...Poor choice of words, Dot.”

Indeed it was. With that, his hand wandered into her shirt, feeling up her curves and… body heat? Huh, must be the new form . His hand soon reached her breast, she moaned as he fondled it ever so gently, he’d also graze the nipple slightly sometimes, obviously an attempt to tease her. He kept fondling her breasts as his mouth went from giving her forehead kisses, to neck kisses. He’d also bite and suck sometimes, that made her moan even louder. He leaned in closer, and as he kissed her neck, she felt something hot and hard pressed to her thighs.

“Ah!” The boy moaned as a green hand squeezed his nether region.

“I want to pleasure you as well…” She said, the boy took it as a greenlight (get it? Green light?)  And took off his shirt. She was struck by an incredible display. His body was incredibly toned. Last time she asked him about it, he brushed it off saying it was his diamond powers. She found that hard to believe since he had harbored those powers from childhood, yet it only showed the results now that he’s grown? Maybe that’s true to a degree, but she still thinks that his figure is mostly dependent on his work, that he undermines of course, him being the humble Steven Universe he is.

She sat up to take her shirt off as well, the moon assisted once again and her naked torso glistened under the moonlight.

“Wow… don’t take this the wrong way but… Great job reforming…”

“Nyeheh, thanks, I studied a lot”

“I can tell”

She giggled once more as she unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down his underwear, revealing his meat rod that plopped out of it.

“Now, while I’ve done a deeper research on the human female anatomy since… well, you know… I’m proud to say that I’ve also done some research on the human male body… so I hope I’m doing this right…”

“It’s alright Dot, let’s just take it SloOOWWW”

He was startled as she spat on her hand and started stroking his cock. She does it so skillfully he couldn't believe this was her first time.

Peridot… always full of surprises…

“Is anything out of the ordinary?” She had to make sure since he’s making bizarre faces she’d never seen him make before.

“Y-yeah, yeah, all good, you’re doing greEEaTT” He slurred his speech again as she started fondling his balls with her other hand.

“Peridot, I’m boutta-” She pulled both hands away, and got down from the bed, now kneeling in front of his crotch,

“Huh? What are you aaAAArghH” She immediately put his member into her wet and slippery mouth, and started sucking it silly. He held on to her yellow hair while she bobbed her head back and forth, up and down, side to side, with his thing still inside it. It was impressive how she could fit all of it into her mouth, given her size and his size . The blowjob didn’t go on for too long though, only about about a minute or so,

“Peridot, for real now, I’m about to… urghhhh” He released his essence into her mouth, she kept sucking as he did so, making him squirm and moan. She enjoyed this display, the usually strong and dependable Steven Universe is now under her spell, bobbing and swaying from her actions, she kind of likes this… unlike the human semen going through her throat.

“Bleh! Research doesn’t do justice to how disgusting this semen stuff tastes…”

“Ah, sorry about that… couldn’t help it… with all you’re doing… I’m surprised it’s your first time…”

“Wow, Thanks for the assessment!” She stood up as she said that. The moon, once again, assisted them, as if it’s a cupid, or rather a succubus really. The teenager sat there awestruck once again, as he observed the moonlight beaming over her body… which is covered in some streaks of his semen… With that, a certain muscle on his body contracted once more…

“Ah, looks like your desires haven’t subsided… Come now…” She laid down on her bed once more, now raising both her legs and slid her thong to the side…

“Let's proceed to the next step.”

Ah, fuck it.

He dropped his jeans down to the floor and climbed over to the bed. He held both her legs, spread it, then positioned his member right at her entrance,

“Tell me if it hurts, okay?”

“Don’t worry about it! this form should allow a pain free experience” She grinned proudly once again, he sighed,

“I love it when you’re smug like that.”

“Great! There’s more where that came frOoOMM”

“Heh, got’cha.”

She shrieked as he shoved his throbbing member inside her with all his might, after hearing her so sure about it, he dropped all his care in the world. He jerked his hips back and forth, up and down, all while she’s moaning with each thrust, he smiled almost devilishly, he didn’t know it but maybe, just maybe, he’d been wanting to do this to her for a long long time. He does everything as he thrusts his hips, kisses her, licks her neck, bites her ears, suckles on her tits, everything, he wants to make her first time the best time ever, so that she won’t ever forget it… forget… him…

He pissed himself off as he thought of that last thing, his thrusts went harder and harder, until he felt a set of nails scratching his back.

“Yeowch!”

“Arghhh Stevennn!”

“Oh, Sorry Dot! Did I go too ha-”

“Harder!”

…

Your wish is my command.

He’d never heard his ex-girlfriend say that. She always complained about how hard he went or how loud he was, and when he tried going slower, she’d say he’s not even trying, and when he tried to be quieter, she said it’s like she’s masturbating… Only now did it occur to him that he was drowning himself in pleasure while ignoring her complaints and pushing it down as minor inconveniences… maybe him and Connie was never meant to be, maybe-

“Ah Steven, I’m almost there!” Welp, time to let bygones be bygones and live in the moment.

“Alright, Dot, just tell me when you-” She put both her legs around his back, effectively leg locking him.

“Uhhh, Dot, you might wanna eeEEP!”

He shrieked as she sucked all over his neck, he loved the sensation, he’s lost in the sauce and-

“Oh, oh, Shit, Dot, I’m sorry, I gotta pull-”

“No, just keep going, pleaseee”

Shit.

The leg lock got tighter and the suction harder. He couldn’t take it anymore.

“FUCK!” He yelled on top of his lungs as he released his baby batter inside her, she moaned and squirmed as the warm liquid filled her up, giving the final push towards orgasm. They stayed in this position for a bit, until her legs went limp, and he fell to her side, and his member plopped out of her green pussy. She leaned up to observe his semen oozing out of her vagina,

“Interesting… This was a very productive experiment…”

“Hmm, I sure hope it was…”

…

“Hey Dot?”

“Hm?”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yes! It was very pleasant, and proved my hypothesis that sexual intercourse in this form is indeed pain free!”

“I’m glad to hear that, and I’m happy that it felt good for you, it felt otherworldly to me as well…”

“Nyehehe, praise me more!”

“I will, I will… it’s just…”

“What’s wrong?” She looked at his worried expression, did she do something wrong?

“We didn’t exactly do it… safely…” He sat up and twirled his thumbs, she looked confused for a second, and it finally came to her mind.

“Eep! Do you harbor a certain pathological condition transmitted by sexual intercourse?!”

“What? No, No!... I mean… more of the… other kind of… danger…” She thought for a second, then facepalmed from realization.

“Ohhh, that. Don’t worry about that, Universe, I designed this body’s sexual organs solely for sexual pleasure, not reproductive purposes… so you have nothing to worry about.”

“Ah, that’s quite a relief… classic Peridot, always doing things right,”

“Again! Praise me again!”

“Ahahah, if I get to see that smile? Gladly.”

They chatted for a while longer under the moonlight and under the covers. He showered her with praises, as she requested, and she caught him up with her experiments and research. She assumed he’s into it since he smiled so wide as she told the stories, but really, he’s just happy to see her happy. But then… the both of them got reminded of similar moments with their respective exes.

I wonder what Connie’s up to right now

I wonder what Lapis is doing right now

Is she doing okay? I hope college is nice to her…

Is she doing okay? I hope she’s doing fine wherever she might be…

Did she move on already…

Did she forget about me already…

They both glanced at each other with those thoughts in their minds, both noticed the sour expression on their faces, and knew exactly what they’re thinking about.

“Hey Steven?”

“Yeah?”

“What are we doing?”

“Having fun?”

“Yes, I agree with that… though I feel another question is more appropriate at this moment…”

“Shoot,”

“Steven?”

“Yes?”

“What are we?”

…

“I… heard this term from a friend I met during one of my hiking trips… It might not sound too nice, or not good enough? I don’t know… But it feels right for us right now…”

“State it.”

“Breakup Buddies.”

“Heh! We are buddies… Going through a breakup… Your assessment is right, Universe, I’m impressed. We are indeed, Breakup Buddies…”

“Yay! Breakup Buds!”

“Nyeheh… Yaayyyy… oh! I almost forgot!”

Steven raised an eyebrow, wondering what else she got for him. Suddenly, her gem glowed and his blazer appeared in her hands.

“Here you go!”

“Uh, okay, thanks… Wait, you’ve had it with you the whole time?!”

“Nyeheheh… Sorry…”

“No… don’t be… I’m glad you hid it in there since we got to do… amazing things…”

“Heheheh… You have to admit my strategies are incredibly sound.”

“Truly is, Dot, Truly is…”

He looked into her eyes lovingly, and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Never change, you great and lovable Peridot.” He said as he booped her nose,

“Wow… Thanks… I’ll be sure to maintain my performance…” She replied with stars as her pupils.

She returned his kiss, and they laid back down under the covers. They didn’t know how long this fluffy make out session went on, but it felt so long that they drifted to sleep under the moon and the stars.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 11 - With Great Power…

—

Warm. He felt warm. He slowly opened his eyes and was met with unfamiliar surroundings. A fluffy bed in the corner of the room, that’s where he was awakened. His eyes scanned the room, all while his eyelids weren’t even fully opened. Let’s see, green walls, wood flooring, a slanted ceiling with a rhombus window on it… ah. The boy soon realized where he was at, his Breakup bud’s room, though at this point it was obvious, since she was laying right next to him. It seems that she had been up for a while longer before him, judging from her relaxed position and eyes focused on him, perhaps she’d been watching him sleep… that sure brought unpleasant memories, jeez.

“Good Morning, Steven.” She bid him with a gentle smile,

“Ah, yeah, good morning, Dot… I fell asleep here huh…”

“Affirmative, we both progressed to hibernation stage not long after conversing for a while… It was pleasant…”

“That’s great… I’m glad that happened…”

“I feel the same…” Steven leaned in closer to give her a good morning kiss, but

“Ah, unfortunately…” She held him back with her arms, much to his dismay,

“You’re not exactly in… optimal hygiene right now…” She said with two fingers pinching her nose, the boy squinted, and realized what she’s talking about… he stinks. It can’t be helped really, it’s summer after all, though it’s not a valid excuse for skipping showers for three days straight, mostly due to the 16 hour drive he had to go through to get to beach city from wherever he was on his trip. Yes, he drove instead of just warping. He had taken a liking to driving his Dondai, it started off as a part of his therapy to slowly get used to human lifestyle, like driving instead of warping to get from point A to point B. He might feel conflicted about the whole “no more star on his shirt" thing, but he has to agree with his therapist on this one, driving does bring a sense of joy and serenity he hadn’t experienced often before in his life.

“Hm? Oh… Gosh, I’m so sorry Dot… Well, guess It’s best if I just go home now-”

“Why don’t we clean up?”

“Huh? Oh you mean here? I can use your bathroom?”

“Yes, I don’t mind.” She said while pointing to a door across the bed… one that he didn’t notice last night from all the misdeeds they were up to…

“Alright then, I’ll take up your offer!”

The teenager stepped into the bathroom and looked around inside it, it was eerily similar to the bathroom in the beach house… only the shower curtain is yellow, with pictures of a certain green alien heads all over it. He stepped into the bathtub, turned on the shower, and felt a set of arms going around his waist from the back-

“Aah! Peri?! Why are you here?!” The boy said while instinctively covering his groin with both hands, the little green gem stared at him in utter confusion,

“Didn’t you hear what I said? I said, "Why don’t we clean up” didn’t I?” He went silent for a second, before processing what she meant,

“Wait, so you mean?...” She nodded,

“Ohh…. Well… I certainly don’t mind this…” He said flirtatiously.

The pair let the warm water from the shower rain on their bodies, they’d scrub each other with soap and shampoo, making sure to be as gentle as needed. Giggles and chuckles were heard here and there, it was quite the wholesome experience… until Steven popped a boner that is. The tub is now filled up with warm water, the teenage boy sat down enjoying his bath, and the petite green gem sat on his lap. She could feel a cylindrical tissue tensing up under her glutes, she turned her head to the boy, only to be met with an awkward grin, she replied with a smug look. The plump reared gem started grinding her behind on his member, forcing him to let out a few weird noises, much like the ones she heard last night. She turned her body to face him, all while keeping the contact between his rod and her cheeks.

“What’s wrong, Steven? What’s with these bizarre noises you’re making?” She said with a mischievous grin on her face,

“Oh come on Dot, don’t tease me like thaaattt…”

“Nyeheheh… I love it when you’re like this…”

“I heard that enough last night… now… pleeeaseee?” Puppy eyes, ineffective, head pats? Ineffective, hand on cheeks? Effective.

“Alright… But only because you asked nicely, I guess I can let you have iiTTTT EEP!”

In one swift motion, the boy used his enhanced prowess to lift her up by the waist, and dropped her directly onto his member, effectively penetrating her walls. She went dizzy for a moment,

“Oh come on, Dot, It’s only just begun…”

With that, the show is on. The boy bucked his waist up and down, while also lifting and dropping her whole body with his muscular arms, basically making a two-way power thrust into her meat walls. Now, she’s the one making weird noises. He started bucking his hips, while also making use of his arms to jerk her up and down, exerting an incredible amount of force onto her small frame. Moans and writhes filled the room, along with the steam from both the hot water they’re in and the heats of their bodies. Peridot would cling onto his toned figure and give him a kiss once in a while, but the pleasure was so insanely intense that she found herself leaning back more often than she liked. Worry not, Steven Universe to the rescue! Every time he found her limping away and jerking her body backwards, he would move his hands from her waist up to her shoulders, pulling her closer to his body, most times she’d be pulled into a kiss, but other times she’d be held against his chest, causing the bathroom to be filled with noises of her muffled moans, which he found cute and hot at the same time.

“Steven, I’m close!”

“Same here!”

“Hmmmphh!”

“Hurghhhh!”

With that, he released his essence deep inside her delicate honeypot. She already reached orgasm before this, so, feeling his warm release inside her only made her squirm even more than she already was. They held each other in a tight embrace, before letting go after the pleasures subside.

“That was even better than our previous attempt…”

“I second that, who knew hot water could make all the difference in the world?”

“... I do.”

“Hm?”

“I’ve… done a research regarding this methodology…”

“Oh? Ohhhhhhh! Hah! Peridot you naughty little gem!” He laughed while glaring at her face, though it’s hard to do since she’s effectively covered it with both her hands. 

“What’s so funny?! I’m a scientist! Of course I’ve combed through precedents regarding topics for my own research!”

“Wait, combed through? Are you saying you’ve watched po-”

“RAAAGH THAT’S ENOUGH!” She pounced him with all her might, which wasn’t worrying at all given their size and strength gap, he only laughed harder from this.

“Okay, okay. Chill out Dot, I’m not mocking you, I’m adoring you…”

“Hm?” She pulled her fists back and stopped in her tracks,

“I just love it when you’re being very Peridot… It reminds me of why I’m so fond of you…” The green gem has stars in her eyes once more, but she tried to play it off by shaking her head and put on her best smug look,

“Hmph! Now that’s the correct attitude. I’m… fond of you as well, Steven…” 

“Thanks, Dot, you don’t know how much those words mean to me…”

“I doubt that, I am smarter than the average Peridot after all!”

“Hah! You sure are, Dot, you sure are…”

…

“We should probably get cleaned…”

They drained the bathtub, and rinsed their bodies under the warm shower water once more, this time no funny businesses. After they’re done, Peridot stepped out of the bathtub and tossed Steven a towel from nearby, then proceeded to exit the bathroom to get dried with another towel from inside her wardrobe and took out her jumpsuit to put it on while she’s at it. The boy patted himself dry, and stepped out of the shower, glanced to the side and panicked a bit after realizing that his clothes weren't there.

Aw shucks! My clothes are all in the car! What am I going to-

Suddenly, Peridot came back inside the bathroom, bringing with her his garments, although… it… smells good?

“Whoa! How’d you get it so clean?”

“What do you mean “how?” I obviously tossed it into the washer before I came to take a bath with you, and tossed it into the dryer after drying myself, I don’t see how this isn’t clear to you?”

“Ah, of course, very efficient, very Peridot. ” The boy chuckled, she blushed.

“Wait… My pho-”

“Here. I even charged it for you.” She pulled out his phone from her pocket, and he grabbed it while giving her a smile, although… wait, if she charged it then why is it… oh no.

The phone screen stays black after he tapped on the lock button. His phone was dead for God knows how long. He pressed the lock button for a few seconds, and sure enough, the phone started booting up. After the phone’s turned on, he was confronted by 35 missed calls, 20 from Amethyst, 10 from Pearl, and 5 from Garnet… but why are they so frantic about it? Sure he was out for a bit longer than he promised to be, but he’d been on the road for years now! Why would they-

Fuck. 

Spinel.

“Ooooooh shiiiit, Hey uh, Peridot? You’ve been super wonderful both yesterday and today, but I just remembered I have something I have to attend so uh… yeah! Seeyoulaterloveyoubye!”

She couldn’t even process his words before he stormed off her bathroom, then her room, and finally her house. He went into speedster mode as soon as he closed the front door, and here he is, the beach already, just one more push to reach the beach hou- wait… He then remembered that he drove away in a car yesterday, wouldn’t they question the fact that he’s running here while being all pink instead of pulling up in his car? Shucks. He ran back to the Little Homeworld’s parking lot, got into his Supremo, and drove as fast as he could. He parked haphazardly (of course) in front of the steps leading to the beach house. He barged open the door to be met with an alarming, yet expected view. There she was, pacing around the living room while yelling at the Crystal Gems, saying awful things like how a runt like her wouldn’t stand a chance against the weakest of Homeworld Garnets, or how she’s trying too hard to look cool with that jacket she always wears, and how she looks ridiculous just standing around saying nothing, thinking she’s this mysterious cool beauty.

“Hey, hey, hey! Spinel, what’s wrong?! I’m right he-”

“Steven?!” Spinel, and all of the crystal gem members turned their heads towards the door where he’s now standing all awkwardly. Spinel? Well she’s standing there very still, presumably from shock.

“Ah, hm, hey guys! Ahahah… what’s uh… what’s… up?”

“Steven, where the heck have you been?!” Amethyst yelled at him in frustration, Pearl squinted her eyes sharply at him, and Garnet stood there with a frown on her face.

“I uh… something came up… with the… car wash…”

“Oh yeah? Well your father and I were there last night and there were no signs of a teenage boy being around?!” Pearl yelled to him sternly, before he could reply, he felt a noodle of arms coiling around him and held him by the collars of his blazer, same arms that’s usually affectionate, this time not so much, it gripped him with a much more malicious intent.

“Well well well! Look who we have here! Isn’t it the one and only, Steven Diamond!”

“Ugh, don’t call me that, Spinel.”

“Oh! Ohohoho! Somebody’s maaad, but why oh why, would I ever listen to you?! You… you… LIAR! You’re JUST like her!!” His eyes twitched from that last statement. I mean, who wouldn’t be mad upon hearing the very phrase that had been holding you in such a tight grip for your whole life, right after you tried everything in your power to move past it?! Oh wait… right… he quit therapy… ugh.

“Look, Spinel, I’m sorry, okay? I know I said I’d be back soon but you have to understand, sometimes when people say soon, they don’t exactly mean soon soon, y’know…”

“Arghh! Excuses, excuses! Just say you don’t like being with me! Just say that you’re done playing with me! Just say… I’m… I’m… not needed anymore… AAARGHHH!”

The jester’s gone mad. She formed her limbs into springs, and launched herself to her target, Steven.

“Ugh, I said… I’m SORRY!”

He glowed pink for a second, and summoned his shield, although… it doesn’t look like a shield. Instead, it was a pink non-elemental barrier, derived from his Diamond powers. Everybody in the room gasped, their minds set to the worst, that Steven had reawakened his Diamond powers once again. 

“Oh, Ah. Sorry about that.” He quickly phased away- no, he… shifted? Reformed? Retextured? The barrier into the usual Rose Quartz shield. This made everyone even more perplexed.

“Look, if you’re gonna be like this, best we take it outside. You wanna punch it out? Fine by me. If it works out for you, then it works out for you… though I prefer driving…” The boy said as he opened the door behind him. The gems grimaced at his actions, Spinel however, took this as a challenge, and launched herself outside onto the sands of the beach.

“You asked for it! Come down here!” He clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes,

“Alright guys, I’ll handle this, wait right here.” He said with confidence in his eyes. The gems looked at each other and Pearl was first to speak,

“Steven, are you sure? From what I’m seeing, she’s very close to how she was when you first met her…”

“Guys, please. Things have changed since then, I’m stronger now, and I know more about her… I can do this.” His pupils flickered with diamond shapes as he said it. There it is again, she doesn’t know why but everytime his eyes do that thing, she can't seem to find the courage to speak against him. Pearl nodded, the other gems looked at her in concern, yet let her take the decision.

“Alright then, I believe in you, Steven, be safe.”

He jumped down and floated slowly onto the sands of the beach, landed on his knees and dramatically stood up. Spinel was a little taken aback by his display of assertion, he wasn’t like this when she first met her. Regardless, she wants a fight, and she’s getting it, so let’s get it on. Spinel formed her right arm into a spring, ready to unleash a right hook towards-

*BAM *

Before she could release the tension in her arm, she felt a solid barrier hit her face, hard, incredibly hard, to the point where if it weren’t for her lunged stance, it would’ve shattered, or at least cracked her gem. She looked up in horror through the slowly dissipating non-elemental object, there stood her roommate’s figure, his face painted with a sinister smile.

“Actually… maybe I’m the one that wants to punch it out.” Her lips quivered in pure fear. She already forgot about what she’s so worked up on at this point, all that’s in her mind right now is to calm him down and stop this altercation. She put both hands up to submit and pull out of the fight, maybe even suggest to talk it out once agai-

“I just don’t get it! You said you’re soooo much better now?!” Another barrier flew at her, this time hitting her hands that she just put up. She trembled in fear.

“Well what the hell is this! This does not look like coping at all! This is… snapping! You fucking snapped! I don’t mind you staring into the abyss or twirling your thumbs, but if you point those fingers to my family, insult them and maybe even hurt them…? You can’t expect me to let it slide.” His pupils turned pink and diamond shaped, only Spinel could see this since he’s backing the beach house, where everyone else was in at this moment. Yet another barrier flung at her… three actually, in perfect succession. She dodged one, only for the other two to hit her, one to her left shoulder, the other to her right knee. She writhed in pain.

“And you… you compared me… to her… ohhhh no, no, no, that’s the last thing you should’ve done… well… how do you like this huh? Familiar enough?” In an instance, he appeared right before her, he stared sharply into her eyes, making sure she knows he’s referring to his pupils right now. Her feet trembled, she soon fell to her knees with her arms on her sides. She sobbed, hard, to which Steven flinched a little,

“I’m SORRY! I- I- I didn’t mean it I swear! I was just… panicking! I thought you already tossed me away just like her! Even though I know that ain’t true! I know you ain’t like her… heck, ya both are sooo different I can’t even compare ya without laughing! Please… forgive me, sunshine… I promise I’ll be better…” 

…

What the fuck am I doing…

He looked to his left, where the waves hit their feet. He could see his reflection… it’s not just his eyes that've changed, his face is now pinkish, and his hair’s starting to lighten in hue… oh no. He quickly snapped out of it and turned back to normal 18 year old Steven. He took off his blazer and donned it on her, to which she flinched, but after realizing what was happening, she held to the fabric tightly.

“...I’m sorry Spinel… I didn’t know what that was…”

“It was scary… although… I kinda liked it…”

“What?! I was mean to you!”

“You were… but we were very… cool…”

“... So you’re telling me… not only did you enjoy watching me and Peridot getting it on, you also enjoyed getting berated? Gosh, moonlight, you sure you’re better? Hahaha…”

“Well, I’d like to think- wait, what’cha just call me?”

“I uh… forget I said that…”

“No. I’m snapping again if you don’t tell me this instant.” She crossed her arms and tapped her fingers.

“Ugh, fine… I just think that… If I’m sunshine, I’d love to have you as moonlight y’know… maybe it’s fine to be cheesy Steven again once in a while…”

“... That’s all?”

“Hm? What do you mean? I put a lot of thought into-”

“Liar! All you did was put together two opposites! Did you even realize that the moon and the sun could never meet?! Did you even think of the sentiment between the two? On how even though the moon and the sun can never truly collide, the sun radiates its warm light to the moon, giving it the energy to keep on going day by day and the warmth to keep on smiling throughout every hardship? On how the moon literally reflects the light she receives from the sun? Helping light up the night so that she can reply to his kindness though not as much as she receives? On how-”

“I don’t need anything in return, Spinel, I just want you to be happy.”

“Well the moon-” Her words came to a halt as she blushed uncontrollably, she quickly grabbed both sides of the blazer’s collars, burying her face in it.

“I knew it. You’re the one that’s wanted to be called moonlight all this time! Haha! Well, there you have it! The meaning behind sunshine and moonlight!”

“Aaarghhhh shut uppp! How are you reading me like this…”

“It’s actually quite simple… since our last meeting, the name “sunshine” has always been in my mind… I couldn’t quite figure out what you meant by that, but maybe, just maybe, I could figure out something else…”

“And that’s…”

“Your intention.”

“Urghhhh”

“You wanted me to come up with a nickname for you as well… that’s so sweet.”

“Staaahppp… you’re making me feel things…”

“Good things?”

“... Yeah…”

“Good.”

They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment, before Steven broke it by standing up, not without picking her up in a princess style of course. She gasped but managed to keep it inaudible, at least she thought so, he could actually hear her heavy writhes as he walked back towards the beach house with her inside his arms. They could feel a sharp stare coming from the beach house’s balcony as they approached the steps.

“I’m guessing you’re done getting it out of your systems?” A certain pale gem said in an annoyed tone as she took a drag from her freshly lit cigarette.

“Ah, hm, yeah, we just needed to talk it out, that’s all.”

“Hm, yes, talking…” Her gaze turned to the gem cradled in his arms, seemingly blaming her for everything that just transpired. The gem looked away shyly, to which she sighed, and decided to let it go, just this once.

“As long as you’re both safe, I don’t mind it. Just… don’t overdo it, okay, Steven, Spinel?” Her tone turned to concern, the boy picked up on this and reassured her,

“Yes, Pearl, we’ll be careful next time.” They exchanged smiles before Steven jumped and landed right in front of the conservatory, used his hand to open the door, and walked inside.

“Alright, Spinel, I think it’s best if you take some rest…” He said while putting her down onto the cushion where they slept last night.

“...you’re leaving again?” She said with a frown,

“Ah, yeah… I’m sor-”

“Don’t be.” She pecked him on the cheek,

“I understand. I can’t just keep you on a leash so you’re always ready to play with me… You need your friends and family… I’m sorry for what I’ve done today…”

“I was wrong after all…” The boy said with a smile on his face,

“You really are better.” The gem smiled back at him,

“See you later, moonlight, I’ll be sure to come back to you.”

“I know you will, sunshine.” With that, he left the room, and she laid on the cushion, clutching onto his blazer, the one still wrapping her body.

He walked through the bridge connecting the conservatory and his parent’s room’s balcony, slid the door open, and was pleasantly surprised to see his dad,

“Hey there Schtu-ball! How’s it going!”

“Hey dad! Band doing fine?”

“Heck yeah it is! They’re working on their next album, titled “I hate class” and they told me it’s about how they hate the class system in society and all that, but also how much they hate the actual classes, like in school you know, Haha! It’s hilarious!”

“Ahahah, yeah dad, that sounds cool, by the way, are the gems downstairs? I want to talk to them.”

“Yeah, they’re all there, though I don’t know if Pearl’s done with her smoke break or not.”

“Alright, thanks dad,”

“Wait, Steven”

“Hm?”

“You uh… you mind if we hang out sometimes?”

“What? Of course not, dad you know you don’t have to ask that!”

“That’s great to hear… say, why don’t you visit me at band practice next time! I’m sure the kids will love you!”

“Sure, dad, just hit me up when you want to do that,”

“Will do… Alright schtu-ball, love ya!”

“Hahah, love you too, dad.”

He opened the door leading to the living room, walked down the stairs, and caught a glimpse of both Garnet and Amethyst, though no Pearl- ah, there she is, seems like she just got done with her smoke break. He reached the floor of the living room and walked towards the sofas, sat down, and felt three and a half pairs of eyes staring at him.

Ah shit, guess I really have to explain everything…

“Alright guys, I know what you’re all thin-”

“EVERYONE BE ON ALERT! IT’S AN EMERGENCY!”

Just as the boy was about to start bullshitting his way through the pickle he’s in, the pickle herself barged into the beach house. The three gems jolted up from their seats and faced Peridot, who was standing there with panic written all over her face.

“What is it? Another cluster?!” Amethyst yelled,

“Calm down, Amethyst, that’s improbable.” Garnet replied,

“Is it the Diamonds? Did they revert to their old ideas?!” Pearl put her hands on her cheeks out of sheer panic, she can’t do this, not again.

“Woah woah, guys! They’re nice now, remember! I reeducated them!” Steven chimed in with a relaxed tone, though Peridot raised a finger at this and…

“...Actually, Steven… That’s exactly the case… sort of…”

“... Oh boy.”

—

The green gem put her tablet on the counter and called the crystal gems over to huddle around her. She unlocked her tablet to open an important docu-

“Hey what’s that smell?” Amethyst cut off everyone’s train of thoughts.

“What smell?” Steven replied, a little confused,

“Aloe vera.” Garnet said after she whiffed the scent,

“Yeas, I smell it faintly… probably from all the cigarettes I smoked earlier… hmm…” Pearl chimed in. And then, it dawned on him. Aloe vera, the soap in Peridot’s bathroom. Fuck.

“Ah there it is! It comes from Peridot!... and… Steve-o?” Amethyst gave her analysis once more.

Fuck fuck fuck.

“Ah, uh, well…” The teenage boy was sweating bullets, once again, three and a half pairs of eyes pierced his being, he glanced at his one night stand sharply, urging her to come up with something, anything.

“Ah yes, Steven was at my place earlier, I used him as a test subject for my research on Aloe vera as antiseptic material… soap…” She said with confidence, Steven bit his lips, hoping that it’s enough to satisfy his family’s curiosity,

“Ehhh Nerrrrrd! Always with your research, pffft!” Amethyst replied, seemingly losing her interest by the second, Pearl rolled her eyes, and Garnet seemed to have eased up.

“With that out of the way, Peridot, you were saying?” Steven said, hoping to reinitiate their initial conversation on the Diamonds… reversion…

“Ah yes, take a look at this.” She tapped on the document icon, which turned out to be a soundless… muted? Video.

The scene started with a grandiose view of a familiar room, the Diamonds’ throne room. It was a low shot, the camera seemed to be following a blue zircon… presumably the elected president from two years prior. She stepped inside the throne room, and approached the three diamonds sitting on the throne, their expressions are quite… neutral… no malice was shown, yet no compassion either. As she approached the diamonds, the courtiers present were not as plentiful as the Era 3 ball four years prior, but it was still quite formidable. During his time dismantling the Empires, Steven had learned about the Gem’s old hierarchy, that being said, he has sufficient knowledge to say that these courtiers are no joke. Hessonites, Pyropes, Demantoids, Emeralds, Jades, Aquamarines, Morganites… All of which were high ranking generals, diplomats, nobles, and aristocrats. Steven and the crystal gems gulped while watching all of this unfold,

“When was this…?” Pearl asked,

“I don’t have the exact timestamp, though presumably, these tapes are at least one year old.” Peridot replied apprehensively.

“How did you even find this?” Pearl asked once more,

“ These. What you’re watching right now is a compilation of leaked tapes from homeworld gems, presumably those who oppose this… reversion into the class system…”

“God damnit.” Steven muttered.

The screen showed static, but soon continued, it cuts to a closer shot, presumably taken from the front row of the courtiers. President Zircon is shown to be kneeling before… Blue Diamond? Ah yes, there she is. She bent down brandishing a… sword?! Is this an execution?! Oh, wait… no… It was a ceremonial sword of sorts… judging by the way she only tapped it from the right, to the left shoulder of the Zircon… Is this a knighting ceremony? Come to think of it… Why are all the gems here dressed… abnormally? They don’t have the simple gem garments Steven and the crystal gems are used to, now they have elaborate frilly dresses and shiny jewelries, the higher they are in status, the more jewels they wear. Wait…

Is this… a renaissance fair?! Steven’s lost in his mind, as the video went to static once more, and cuts to the next scene.

This time the screen showed outside of the palace, though they’re not sure where. It looks like a gathering spot of sorts… a bar? A tavern?, the gems shown in the video are mainly of lower status. Rubies, quartzes, peridots, all huddled around this glass table in a dimly lit room. The camera panned slightly upwards, showing that they’re discussing a news broadcast on a TV? Well, display. Steven has learned enough Gem Glyph to make out the words on the headline.

The Diamond Council sanctioned President Zircon’s reappointment as Prime Minister.

“WHAT?!” Steven and Pearl shouted, Garnet and Amethyst were thrown back from the noise.

“Wh-what? What’d that say?” Amethyst was dumbfounded, being the only gem in the room to not speak Gem.

“President Zircon is now Prime Minister Zircon… Officiated by… The Diamond Council.” Garnet explained while hardly maintaining her composure.

“WHAT?!” Amethyst flipped out.

“Alright, I’ve seen enough. I’m going to homeworld.” Steven scoffed, and turned around to walk out of the beach house, wanting to jump from the patio onto the conservatory once more and use the intergalactic warp pad inside.

“Steven, wait!” Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl called out to him, Peridot sat there in silence, though her arm reached out for him.

“Sunshine…” The boy stopped in his tracks. All eyes in the room now stare directly onto the jester that appeared out of nowhere.

“Gah! It’s too late! They’ve infiltrated our base! We’re doomed!” Peridot cowered behind the counter, the others didn’t put on much of an expression, waiting for what Spinel could possibly add to the conversation.

“Peridot, it’s fine, Spinel’s been here since two days ago.” Peridot sighed. Before opening her eyes wide and slowly and dramatically turning her head towards her Breakup bud, telepathically saying “ what the fuck?!” To which Steven grimaced, hinting to just focus on the task at hand… for now.

“What is it, Spinel… can’t sleep?” The boy said while approaching her ever so slowly, seeing as she’s now in a very timid and nervous state, no longer wearing his blazer.

“No… it’s just… I’ve been… eavesdropping.”

“How much did you hear?”

“...All of it?” The gems facepalmed collectively. They know Spinel isn’t aligned with the Diamonds anymore, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s the gem that’d spent more time with those three than anyone else in this room.

“I uh, might know a few things about it…” All eyes are once again on her,

“Really?! Can you tell us what it’s all about?” Steven urged her,

“I can… though I need you to promise me something…”

“Anything.”

“Please, please, please, don’t visit homeworld, at least not now, not yet. If you really need to talk to the Diamonds, please just do it through the intercom.”

“What? Why would I do that?!”

“I… can’t tell you why… not yet. Please trust me Steven, I want nothing but the best for you…” She stared deeply into his eyes and… wait… since when did she learn my puppy eyes technique?! Ughhhh, I never knew it was this effective, Hmph.

“Ugh, fine.” Steven said, a little annoyed from defeat. They walked outside the beach house hand in hand and-

“What are you guys doing?” All of the gems, including Peridot, were following them outside.

“Well, duh, we gone be in that call with’chu!” Amethyst replied, to which Spinel cringed and gazed at Steven, he understood what she meant.

“Uh, guys… I think it’s best if I speak to them alone at first…”

“What? Why?” Amethyst replied, to which Steven lifted his shirt, exposing his gem,

“Well, my status, duh? If they’re so fixated on it, they’d listen to a fellow Diamond, and only, to a fellow Diamond. Right Spinel?”

“Uh, yeah… sorta…” Spinel confirmed. The other gems shrugged, and went back inside,

“Well then Steven, make sure to report back with the results after you’re finished with the call.” Pearl said as she tapped his shoulders, before retreating back inside the house. Steven jumped towards the conservatory, to which Spinel followed suit, formed her legs into springs, and sprung up towards the front of the conservatory, the door now open. She hid behind the cushion after noticing that the Diamonds were picking up the call.

“Steven! Oh Stars! How much we’ve missed you!” White Diamond stated to him,

“There you are! I was starting to get worried.” Yellow continued,

“Oh I’m just glad you’re doing alright…” Blue chimed in.

“Yeah yeah, whatever guys. Let’s cut to the chase.” Steven pinched his nose with his fingers, sighed, before continuing,

“What the hell is going on in Homeworld.” Blue and White flinched, Yellow frowned.

“Uh… Starlight… Are you quite sure we have to talk about this?” White was first to reply,

“Ya think?!” Steven bashed, to which the other three jolted. White opened her mouth once more,

“Alright… It all started when-”

The three Diamonds take turns telling the story. Era three started off great, no more caste system, no more obligations, just pure, unadulterated, freedom. And that’s exactly the problem. While most gems were happy with this change, some aren’t so. Most gems see Era three as an era of opportunity, where they get to explore the universe and more importantly, themselves. These gems were mostly lower crusts of course, those who weren’t given much freedom from the beginning… The upper crusts? Now that’s a different story. President Zircon was elected right after the incident in Beach City, no correlation between the two of course, it just made sense this way. However, it didn’t take long before she’s lost in administration, so she started seeking advice and confided to The Diamonds. 

One day, an anonymous gem caught President Zircon coming out of the Diamond’s chambers. This very gem waited around for a week, hoping to find out more about this suspicious act, and sure enough, she came back. The gem followed the President into the chambers, where she observed her confiding and asking for advice from the Diamonds, after which she spread the news. It started as a rumor of course, but after more and more gems witnessed the President’s activities, it became common knowledge that Zircon isn’t a capable leader, at least not without her Diamond Confidants.

The news spread to both pro and anti Era three gems, they somehow managed to unite and throw a protest in front of the Diamond Palace. They protested over the incompetence of President Zircon. While yes, she knows all about the laws, she has no charisma, no prowess, and no guts, and those three features are important to non-reformed traditional Diamond aligned gems who only accepted the regime because Pink Diamond, or at least someone with her gem, had returned and ordered this reformation, along with the removal of the caste system. The pro Era three gems agreed, though not for the same reasons. They simply couldn’t stand that their rights to democracy were rendered meaningless since their elected leader is shown to be incompetent.

“...When did this happen?! Why did no one tell me?!” Steven said as he fell to his knees.

“We… didn’t want to bother you… not after your… incident…” Blue replied apprehensively. Steven chuckled pathetically, turns out his job really isn’t done after all. They continued the story, now focusing on the opposition. 

With Steven having abandoned his post, the traditionalist gems sought out for a new leader. Sure they had elected President Zircon, but they didn’t expect that this meant the Empire was entirely gone, they couldn't accept this notion, and demanded a return to Era 1, or Era 2 at least. The Diamonds do not approve of this proposition of course, not wanting to anger Steven and render his efforts on reforming the empire to be useless. But they also couldn’t discuss it with him, in fear that he would relapse into his corrupted form. Finally, they decided on a middleground. 

A Constitutional Triarchy, built upon the premise of three Diamonds forming a council as head of states , allowing the head of government , in this case PM Zircon, to consult them without tainting her reputation as leader. Now, the traditionalist gems are put to ease since the Diamonds are somewhat back in charge, though not really, and the reformed gems aren’t stressed at all, as they were assured that PM Zircon is still in charge, and that the Diamonds are just icons of the old world, only allowed to preach their wisdom and preserve their legacy, and not to rule directly. The Diamonds took inspiration from Earth’s medieval and Renaissance era governments, and how some of it was reformed into constitutional monarchies after the era of universal suffrage, and waves after waves of new ideas, such as democracy.

Steven is invested, he doesn't know why he’s surprised, he should’ve expected such innovations from highly intelligent alien dictators, well, former dictators… sort of?

“So… Everything’s fine?”

“Oh, yes! Everyone’s happy, and whatever trouble you saw that led you to finding out about all this, must’ve already been resolved!” White chimed in, seemingly rushed.

“...No it’s not, White. Tell him all about it.” The Diamonds were stunned after hearing a familiar voice.

“Spinel?... Is that you my dear?” White called out to her. She emerged from behind the cushion she was hiding in.

“Yes white, I’ve been here these past few days, don’t worry, things are fine… unlike over there…” The three diamonds cringed and exchanged looks. Steven’s pissed.

“Well?!” He yelled once more, this time Blue spoke to him.

“There were still some gems that were… unsatisfied…”

“How rude, am I right! After everything we’ve done for them!” Yellow cut her off, before being cut off by the teenage boy,

“Yellow I swear to the Stars if you keep talking…” Yellow flinched, and let Blue continue.

“They opposed the new government because they haven’t had enough… conquests…” She said apprehensively. Steven nodded, urging her to continue,

“And uh, I didn’t want to say this Steven, but uh…”

“Go on…”

“They mostly hail from Pink’s court… your court, Steven.” He facepalmed, of course… the consequences of his actions… well, his mother’s actions.

“Jaspers, Quartzes, even Jades… these rogue gems united and formed another protest, saying that the other gems have returned to their respective courts, belonging to their respective Diamonds, which is simply not true! While yes, we do hold investiture ceremonies to bestow knighthood to heroes of Gemkind, it’s all just for show! Just to keep the masses happy, you know! We never intended it to be so serious to the point where it garnered envy from gems without… and I really don’t want to say masters but… yes… masters.” Steven rubbed his face up and down, muffling his screams.

“So… whatever happened to these gems?”

“...They formed their own government…”

“WHAT?!”

“On another planet! A former colony belonging to White, she gave it away because it’s already barren at this point, there’s no harm in putting them there!”

“Why did you allow it!” He yelled, to which yellow snapped at him,

“Because they voted on it! And disallowing it would mean tyranny! And isn’t tyranny bad?!” She sighed, before composing herself.

“Sorry, sorry, Steven. I just… you must realize that… you were too idealistic… you never thought that these things could happen, huh…” She continued on. Steven sighed, she’s right, he was a little too optimistic, he really thought every single gem ever created would just accept his ideas so quickly… this changed after aquaball of course… Still, he didn’t expect that there would be so many of these gems that they could just form a new country like that.

“Alright… Thanks for-”

“No, no, that’s not all isn’t it.” The jester chimed in once more. Yellow cringed, Blue flinched, and White covered her face in her robes.

“There’s more?” He asked, genuine curiosity at this point. White is now the one to explain,

“Yes, Steven… Though not as important as the last points.”

“Go on.”

“It’s about titles… We noticed that titles, on Earth’s reformed Kingdoms, don't exactly mean anything anymore besides hereditary symbols that carry the legacy of rulership, sooo…”

“Yeah?”

“We might have bestowed it on ourselves, and some.”

“Uh huh… tell me more…”

“I’m Queen White, she’s Queen Blue, and she’s Queen Yellow! And you’re-”

“Oh no no no, I am NOT becoming King Steven!”

“We figured so, Starlight. That’s why you’re going to stay Prince Steven Universe, son of Pink Diamond, until you’re ready to once again sit on the throne, and become a member of the Diamond council!”

“Like hell I’d do that! Also, why the heck am I a prince!”

“Because you’re Queen Pink’s son? You can’t exactly refuse the title “prince” from what we’ve figured out.” Yellow chimed in once more.

“They tried to make me a Princess, you know.” Spinel inserted herself into the conversation once more.

“They what now?” The boy glanced at the intercom screen, urging one of them to answer, White continued,

“We figured you might dislike coming back to govern Gemkind… so we opted on the next best thing! One of Pink’s lost treasures! We were going to make Spinel the Jester Princess of the Pink Court! That way, her court won’t be entirely lost! They’d at least have a mascot!” She said with delight…

“Let me guess… this backfired?” The boy said in a snide tone. All three diamonds sighed, White continued.

“Ugh… yes. This only fueled their rage even more, they said that we were mocking them by putting a jester in a Queen’s position, it was never like that! She was just supposed to be a symbol! Not a ruler! I mean, none of us is a ruler anymore! We’re just advisors!”

“Still, you were making it so that they’ll need to seek advice from a jester.” Spinel interceded once more. Everyone cringed, looked down, and sighed.

“Is that all? Because I remembered you said “and more”...”

“Ah yes, we gave out nobility titles to gems with remarkable achievements, regardless of initial status! We made a Ruby a Duchess! She’s a formidable warrior during Era 1 conquests and uh… willing to reform!” Steven facepalmed, then thought about how this is probably their effort to balance things out, they wouldn’t want old gems to feel alienated in this new era of reformation.

“What else uhh… right! There’s a Quartz Margravine, a Peridot Countess, a lot of Baronesses… and well, there’s also Garnets that received nobility titles, but rest assured! It was all purely meritocratic! The gem will receive a title equivalent to their achievements! Not their initial status or position in the old caste system!”

“Uh huh… and what do they do with these titles? Just flaunt it around? What does it even do? What does it even stand for?”

“I’m glad you asked!” Yellow interjected once more,

“We’ve given them “appointments”, in short, land, though not to rule, but to supervise. Homeworld gems have since been influenced by your uh… what’s it called? Right, Little Homeworld culture.” Steven looked up in confusion, there’s a little homeworld culture?

“They see how gems now have living abodes, so now homeworld gems, both pro and anti reformation, sought after these commodities themselves. So, with this in mind, White, Blue, and myself, decided to divide homeworld by Facets where homeworld gems can reside and build their living quarters! As of this moment, there are twelve Facets, eight ruled by Duchesses, three by Countesses, and the remaining one is the Homeworld Capital, ruled by the three of us collectively. Inside these Facets are Districts, simply subdivisions of Facets, ruled by Countesses under the Duchesses, and sometimes Margravines if it borders other facets. The title Baron is just honorary, they hold significance in the court but not in the Facets, though it can be used to hold a fortification structure, though those aren’t very common anymore. It’s reserved for less impressive achievements, such as showing up to work for six thousand years without fail… yes… not very impressive. All three of us set up this system together, though White is the one that’s very enthusiastic about it… Since I’m all about the military, which we don’t really need anymore nowadays, and Blue is more the diplomat type, so she’s the one that’d mediate those protests.” Yellow explained far and wide, only to be met with Steven’s dumbfounded face. 

He didn’t expect them to make all these decisions without him, to make it worse, they did so because of him. They were afraid to involve him in homeworld issues, fearing that he might relapse once more, and snap into his kaijuu form. He chuckled, thinking of how weak he really is, no wonder Connie left him, such a weak little boy standing next to a strong warrior like her? Hah! What a joke, Savior of the galaxy my ass, you’re just a failure, failed to impress your family, failed to be a good friend, failed to be a boyfriend, failed to… live up to your mother’s name.

Ah, fuck it.

“I’ll talk to the rogue gems.” He said with confidence while standing up from his pathetic position. The three Diamond’s gasped.

“Steven, are you sure?” Blue said to him, concern of a mother in her tone,

“Yes Blue, I am.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Yellow interjected,

“Yes, yellow, don’t worry about it, we’re just talking, remember? Besides… if things do go south, I’ll be sure to rely on that arsenal of yours.” He winked at her, Yellow smiled, thinking that she might not be so useless, even in this new era.

“Goodluck starlight, we’ll send you the details.” White said to him, while also offering a generous smile.

“Oh, and Steven?” White spoke once more,

“Yeah?”

“We’re proud of you, Star, we’re glad you’re doing great. See you later!” She ended the call. Steven blushed and let out a few tears. He thought to himself, if they truly are proud of him, maybe he can do this for a little longer… After all, they are his other family.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 12 - Cherry Juice

—

It is very bright inside the glass dome that is Steven’s conservatory, yet the boy feels an unexplained suspense creeping up inside him. His vision darkens, he knows not why, or does he? He has a pretty solid guess, it’s probably the fact that he’s slowly but surely sinking back into the abyss that is his past responsibilities. His hands were off the steering wheels for way too long for him to instantly hop back on the driver seat once again. There it is, his hands, he stared at it and chuckled slowly, creeping out the gem standing next to him. She extended her arm towards his shoulder, but slowly retracted it again, opting to call out to him instead.

“S-Steven? You okay there sunshine?” The boy jolted from surprise, much to her surprise..

“Hm? Ah, yeah. I’m quite alright, Spinel, just a bit pissed since I have to clean up after mom’s mess again, haha. It’s alright tho, I’ve got you on my side this time! Come here you! Ahahaha!” The teenager said while pulling her into his arms, and played with her pigtails. The pink jester blushed, and giggled from the action.

“Hehehehe! That’s right Steven, I’m here for you… Alright then, just, don’t be too hard on yourself okay?”

“Of course, moon, thanks for worrying about me.”

“No prob!”

The two teens walked out of the glass dome with her arms wrapped in his. They closed the door behind them, turned around and-

“How goes the intergalactic call?”

“Aaah!” The boy jumped after hearing the calls of another gem, which turned out to be his other girl. She stood there with her arms crossed, and a tablet in one hand. The jester, sensing something sinister is brewing, and Steven’s trembles, slowly let go of her grip, and took a step back. The green gem scoffed, and started talking once more,

“My system had just finished decoding some harder-to-read intel, might want to check this out,” She stated, his curiosity piqued as he nodded for her to continue,

“Here you go. As you can see, these documents noted a query on “rogue gems” that did not agree with-”

“Ah don’t worry, we got it under control.”

“What?”

“Yeah we figured it out, Spinel was really good at digging up information from the Diamonds, we know about these rogue gems and are planning to set up a diplomatic meeting with them!” The green gem glanced at the now cowering jester, squinted her eyes, and then rolled them,

“Hah! Goodluck with that plan! I mean, a diplomatic encounter with Jasper? I know you’re the Savior of the Galaxy and all, but even then-”

“What was that?”

“Hm?”

“Hahah, forgive me, Dot, but I swear I just heard you say an unpleasant name.”

“What, Jasper? Yeah I did say that.”

“Ooookay, well, what the fuck do you mean by that?”

“What? You said you knew about it? About the rogue gems?... Surely you know that they have formed an Autocratic Dictatorship under the Supreme Leader Jasper? And before you ask, yes, our Jasper.”

The boy stood there mouth agape. Ah… another one of my past mistakes… coming back to bite me in the ass… how… swell. Spinel noticed his upcoming breakdown, seeing as she had just faced it like an hour ago. She was about to ask if he’s okay until the other gem cut her off,

“I don’t understand, why would you go about it the diplomatic route anyway? It’s Jasper we’re talking about! Wouldn’t it make more sense to just, y’know, beat some sense into her? Like you did last time?” The boy and the other gem gasped,

“What the fuck Peri?! You’re telling me I gotta SHATTER her again like last time? Why would you even bring that up?! Besides, I’m sure it wouldn’t work anymore, I practically betrayed her trust by dismissing her sworn loyalty last time, so uh, thanks for the input.”

“I-uh, I’m sorry…” The green gem flinched when he yelled at her, and quickly apologized. The boy realized he’s being harsh, though rightfully so right? Still, he doesn’t like seeing his Breakup Bud flinching from his words.

“Ugh, sorry about that. By the way, the Diamonds made no mention whatsoever about this regime and their leader, so uh, thanks, Dot, you’re genuinely a great help.” He said with a hand on her shoulder, Spinel smiled softly at her, subtly thanking her for not letting him lash out, though she’s not sure if the green gem caught her signal.

“Y-yeah, you’re welcome Steven… So uh… what now?”

“Hmm, well this changes everything. Jasper huh, I knew she’s capable of something like this, I’ve always known… still, I didn’t expect her to actually follow through… shucks…” The three of them fell into a silence, none of them knew how to proceed. Sensing this, steven clasped his hands together, and spoke once more,

“Welp, guess we’ll just have to do more preparations- wait. Spinel?”

“Hm?” The magenta gem quickly glanced at him curiously,

“Why did you not want me to go to Homeworld? I mean, the conversation we just had with the Diamonds could very much go the same way if we were to go there and speak in person, so, why?” She grimaced, twirled her thumbs, and finally sighed, relenting to his curiosity,

“Hmh… Steven, you know your reputation is in shambles right?”

“My what now?”

“Ugh, your reputation, Steven. It’s not exactly sunshine and rainbows anymore after you left your post, day by day, more gems found out about the whole truth about Pink Diamond and your origins…”

“Oh… you mean how she faked her shattering and all that?”

“ Sigh… yeah… that…”

“Ah, uhm… yeah… continue…”

“Right, they have since calmed down of course, they figured that you’re not like her after all, you’re much better! I mean, you care about them, you made an effort for them, heck, you reformed the entire empire for them! They’re happy about it all! That is until…”

“Until what?”

“Until your uh, “disappearance” from public eyes two years ago…”

“Disapea- what?! But I didn’t go anywhere?”

“It’s probably the fact that you haven’t been in Homeworld since then, Steven.” The green gem interjected, to which Spinel nodded, and Steven scowled.

“And to make things worse, gems from Pink Diamond’s court felt left out during the protests, they didn't even have hopes for it to work, since they felt lost cause you ain’t there…” 

Steven gritted his teeth, his mother again? Really? Just how many problems does he have to face because of her?!. Spinel failed to notice his slow descent into madness as she’s still focused on her story,

“These gems, alongside gems from other courts, began to question your willingness to help them, like, that’s ridiculous right? I mean, after all you’ve done? The nerves on these gems I swear-”

“ENOUGH!” The boy startled the other two with his loud voice, alongside the vibration he brought to the walls upon slamming a fist onto it, sending cracks onto the frame of the conservatory’s door.

“Ah, fuck, sorry guys… it’s just… ugh, it’s too much.”

“... I figured as much.” The green gem remarked, much to the other two’s dismay,

“Hey! That was a little rude…” The pink gem uttered, to which Steven nodded,

“Oh, stars, I didn’t mean it like that Steven, all I’m saying is that you are definitely not ready for a diplomatic summit with these rogue gems, I mean, just a little bit of exposition from Spinel can set you off like this! Now imagine hundreds if not thousands of gems that hate your guts come up to your face and start making rude remarks, what will you do then? Form a barrier and beat up all of them?” The boy was about to protest, but conceded upon realizing she’s right.

“Ahahah, that’s the great and lovable Peridot to you! Always so logical… sigh… you’re absolutely right, Dot. Thanks again, now I know what to do. I must research more about the new Homeworld culture. I'll ask the Diamonds about the gem culture aspect, but I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to research the “human royalty” aspect on my own, Spin, you coming?” He said while jiggling his car keys in front of her, all while the green gem was flustered by his former statement about her.

“Hm? We goin’ somewhere?”

“Yeah! When we’re talking research, we’re talkin’ knowledge, and when we’re talkin’ knowledge, we’re talkin’ books! And speaking of books, to the library we go!”

“Yay! Library!... What's a library?”

“Hold there, before going off to do your “research”, might I suggest stopping downstairs and talking to your family?” The green gem said in a snide tone,

“They’re worried sick, you know… also if we’re talking research wouldn’t it make more sense if you go with me instead? Tsk.” She muttered that last part,

“Ah, you’re right, it’s probably best to talk to them- what was that last part you said?”

“N-nothing! Come now, let’s head downstairs!” With that, the three gems made their way downstairs through the bridge then the bedroom balcony. They continued on down the stairs leading to the living room, where they met the rest of the crystal gems.

Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl stood up from their seats, eager to listen to what the boy has to say, he cleared his throat,

“Uhum, you guys might want to sit down for this… again.”

He explained far and wide about the whole situation, Garnet flashed a few times, perhaps almost unfusing several times, Pearl had her palms covering her face while making dreaded noises, indicating her disappointment to such reversion in gem culture, Amethyst? She bit her lips and looked down to the wooden floor, upset that her “sister” did such things, she knew she’s capable of it of course, still, she didn’t expect her to actually do it. With Garnet fighting herself to keep it together, and Amethyst in the verge of crying, Pearl was first to react, she stood up from her seat,

“Ugh, this is too much, I need a smoke break…”

“Hold on.” The fusion snapped out of her internal battle and grabbed the pale gem’s arm.

“Garnet?”

“I have something to say…” With that, she now has the attention of the room. Pearl scoffed, she needed her fix, so instead of stepping out to the patio, she walked over and sat down on the sofas beside the beach house entrance door, and cracked open the window right behind her. She took out a pack of cigarettes from her jacket’s pockets alongside the lighter, lit one up, and nodded to Garnet, giving her the greenlight to continue on.

“I would like to apologize for my ignorance… I’ve been… neglecting my foresights in favor of peace…”

“What does that even mean?” Amethyst was first to respond, trying to distract herself from the uneasiness brewing inside her,

“I uh… might have seen the probability of these events happening with my powers…”

“What?! And you did not tell us?!” Pearl lashed out at her, damn near throwing off the cigarette between her fingers.

“Pearl relax! I’m sure she has her own reasons!” Steven interjected, to which Garnet nodded, Pearl sighed,

“I’m… sorry Garnet, I didn’t mean to yell at you… please continue…” The boy smiled, Garnet continued on,

“I thought it was most improbable for such things to happen… I thought we were at peace… finally peace without the looming dangers of the Diamonds… like one we had for five thousand years.” Pearl choked on her smokes, while the rest glanced at each other awkwardly.

“Jasper, huh…” Amethyst broke the silence, everyone stared at her,

“I mean, woah… I knew she was messed up… but this? This is beyond messed up dude, like… dang…” Everyone sighed. 

Amidst the silence, Pearl summoned an ornamental metallic ashtray from her gemstone, put it on the window frame, and ashed her cigarette on it.

“I can’t do this… not again…” She uttered in despair. The entire room gazed at her with many emotions, love, pity, relatability…

“It was bad enough with… her…” She said while glancing at a certain court jester, to which she shrugged and grinned awkwardly,

“Now Jasper? Hah! Can’t imagine a negotiation to go through with her… if push comes to shove we’re sure to raise our weapons again aren’t we?” She gave a burning gaze towards the boy, to which he frowned and looked down,

“Still, I’m proud of you, Steven, you’ve tried your best in understanding the situation, and made the decision to move forward.”

“Thanks, Pearl, sorry for dragging you into this…”

“Oh come on, what are you saying? We’re family aren’t we?” She said with a sincere grin towards her foster son, he smiled back, she continued on,

“I’m not sure if I’d want to fight again, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help in other ways. Just call me anytime you want to learn more about courtly manners, I’m sure I’ll be of substantial help since I served Pink Diamond during a very imposing time for gemkind, I’m talking about Era 1 of course.”

“I’ll count on you Pearl. Oh, right! Speaking about learning, me and Spinel are going out to the beach city library to learn more about the human side of this whole fiasco, history, royalty, all that stuff y’know, so yeah, we’re off! We’ll be back before dark!” The boy waved one hand at his family while the other grabbed for the aforementioned gem, Amethyst raised a hand in question, she was about to ask “Why the library? Don’t we have internet?” Before Garnet puts a hand on her shoulder, perhaps hinting that it’s not about the books, it’s about the serenity, somehow, Amethyst sort of gets it. Peridot scoffed once more, walked towards the warp pad, and set the destination to the Little Homeworld. Steven and the Pink gem walked out of the door as Garnet gazed at the gem smoking near the window,

“You done yet?”

“Oh bugger off Garnet, the window is open, give me a moment.”

“Okay, okay, chill out Pearl.”

“Ahahaha, pissy P!” Amethyst interjected,

“Don’t call me that!”

—

The boy and a certain magenta gem walked down the steps and approached his car which was parked in the sands. He opened the door for her, closed it, then walked to the other side and entered into the driver seat. He leaned onto her to buckle her up, until he once again noticed that she’s no longer wearing his pink blazer… come to think of it, neither does he.

“Hey uh, Spinel? Why aren’t you wearing my blazer?”

“Hm, oh! I must’ve forgotten it back in the observatory! Wait here while I grab it-”

“No, no, it’s fine, it’s quite a hot day anyway… I’m just curious, why did you take it off? Did you not like it? If yes then, sorry for putting it on you-”

“What? No, no, I liked it… it’s warm and it smells like you… it’s just… too big for me, and I look silly wearing it haha!... It looks way better when you’re wearing it…” He blushed at every single part of that sentence, she’s very fond of him, which makes him feel kinda bad for not having anything for her- wait.

He turned towards the backseat of the Dondai, reaching for his suitcase.

“Now where is that thing, I’m pretty sure I had one of those in my- ah! Here it is!” He tossed her a familiar garment from two years ago, it was his organic pink jacket.

“There, it doesn’t fit me anymore, though it probably fits you!” The gem gasped as she realized what he just tossed to her, she raised it in front of her, inspecting the garment, before inserting each arm into the arm holes, and pulling the front part to fasten the wear. It fits her like a glove.

“Woah this is… perfect. Wait, can I really have this?! I mean… Peridot…”

“Hm? Why Peridot?”

“You think I didn’t notice the scary looks she gave me this past hour? Steven, I’m goofy, not stupid.” She crossed her arms, the boy cringed at her statement, 

“Ah, that… hm… eh! She’ll be fine! She’s got my old t-shirts anyway…”

“Your what now?”

“It’s a long story… well then! Off to the library we go!” With that, they drove off to the City’s library, making sure to take in the scenery on their way. Steven noticed that his companion was glued to the windows, to which he chuckled, and took the chance to narrate the scenery to her. The beach, the boardwalk, the countryside, and the downtown, he walked her through the city with his stories, how he used to buy fry bits from the fry shop, started a fire in the big donut that one time, ended a restaurant war way before he ended an intergalactic war, and of course, the cinemas, where he went to enjoy recorded entertainments numerous times… with Connie.

They have now arrived at the library, a place where he used to read a lot of books… with Connie. Damn it Universe, pull yourself together! The place might be the same, but the girl you bring with you this time isn’t! They walked into the library hand in hand, he told her to sit down at one of the tables, while he looked around for books on royal culture, but she refused, saying she wanted to look around with him, to which he agreed and took her to the numerous bookshelves in the library. 

He settled for ten books on history. Four of them tells on feudalism, very important since the Diamonds talked about Duchesses and Countesses and all that, three of them on etiquette, to which Steven decided to just skim through after realizing that human courtly etiquette is pretty much similar to Era 1 gem etiquette, he’d just ask Pearl about it later, the last three books were on general history, it should be able to explain how feudalism comes to be and evolves to what it is today, Steven thought. Hours passed as he flipped page after page of each book, when he lifted his gaze from the papers, he realized he’s already at his sixth book, and Spinel was still on her first… wait when did she grab those books?

“Hey Spinel, what’cha got there?”

“Hm? Oh, this? I don’t know, the cover says “atlas of humans” so I grabbed it and, yeah, It’s surely about humans, though it gets confusing after page 40.” She said, Steven grabbed the cover of the book and lifted it, and sighed after realizing it’s a human anatomy book, oh boy.

“Well of course it gets confusing after page 40, that’s when the surface stuff ends… yup, there it is, starting from page 41 it’s all about the inner parts,”

“Oh, oh! So this is what you look like inside, hehe!”

“Ugh, yeah, apart from the gem in my belly button, it’s entirely accurate!” He said while looking at the cross section view of the human body on the pages of the book.

“By the way, I just got a good look at Peridot earlier and, did she shift into… this?” The gem said while pointing to a nude illustration of a human female,

“Ah, yeah, reformed actually, she can’t shapeshift, so she kinda did this whole thing with reforming herself and, actually I don’t think I should be discussing this without her present.”

“Hm, fair. Did you make her do it?”

“What? No! She’s already like that when I met her a few days ago!”

“Oh, Okay.”

The air was filled with awkwardness after that bizarre discussion. Spinel went back to flipping the pages of her human atlas book, but Steven just sat there staring at the opened pages of his second etiquette book. He was searching for topics to talk with her when she suddenly spoke again,

“Steven?”

“Uh- Yeah?”

“Do you want me to look like that too?”

“Huh? Look like- Oh! No, no, you’re fine the way you are!” was perhaps not the correct response, she’s smiling, yet her eyes filled with sadness, the boy quickly added on,

“-though it’s fine if you want to try it out! I’ll support you!” was close, yet not the exact answer she was hoping for, she giggled, though still with that same sadness in her eyes, he tried for a third time,

“You know what? It may be nice to see you with that form, it can be quite interesting y’know?” bingo, the sadness in her eyes disappeared,

“Really? You meant that? You want to see me in this form?”

“Yes, yes, moonlight, I think it’ll be fun!”

“Teeheehee! I think so too~” She replied while putting her hands in his, intertwining their fingers, jackpot, seems like Spinel’s gotten quite simple since the last time I saw her… I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but she’s pleasant to be around, so I guess it’s a good thing? At least for now…

She then proceeded to pester him with questions after questions regarding the human body with each page she flipped on the atlas. He gladly answered each question to his fullest capacity, though he did have to sneak a web search or two upon hearing questions too advanced for a non-schooled individual like himself, sure Pearl had been his lifelong teacher in every subject, but sometimes a guy can’t help but doze off during biology you know? Mitochondria and shit…

They were halfway through the human atlas when the boy finally realized she had been leaning on his shoulder for quite some time now, a fact that should be hard to miss since one of her pigtails almost poked his eye. He leaned on her head, taking in the cherry smell like he once did before, she pretended not to notice this as she’s quite certain he would pull away if she made any mention of it, knowing his oddly shy nature despite the newfound assertiveness. They stayed in this position for quite a while, a long while that is, seeing as when they’re done with the atlas, it was already dark outside. They were approached by the librarian just as they closed the cover of the book, turns out it was already closing time. Before checking out, he made sure to borrow the books he was reading alongside the other ones he hadn’t even touched; it may prove useful for further research. They were escorted outside, walked to the neatly parked car, got inside, and drove back home.

“Can I drive?”

“I don’t know, can you?”

“Ahah! Nice one! But seriously I want to drive.”

“Yeah and I’m seriously asking, can you?”

“Huh? Oh! Uhm… No…”

“Then no.”

…

“You can teach me…?”

“Well yeah, maybe next time though, it’s already dark outside,”

“But you’ll teach me right? Promise?!”

“Yes, Spinel, I promise.”

“Yayy!!”

They drove through the previously lively beach city, Spinel was once again glued to the window, and Steven once again found this endearing. He explained how just like him, the other humans in town need sleep, so most shops are closed by now, it was only like 8PM so the restaurants were still open, but shops like sam’s suitcase and the big donut were already closed.Spinel never took notice of all this of course, since the last time she was here, she was trying her best to destroy the planet, and in the more recent time, she was too focused on jerking off the boy beside her.

Nobody was inside the living room when they got home, though they could hear murmurs of conversation between Pearl and Greg in their room. Garnet and Amethyst were nowhere to be found, he assumed they both needed their own time for a bit, after all the things that transpired today. The boy asked the pink gem to wait in the living room while he took a shower, thankfully she obliged, unlike last time. There was no wardrobe drama this time, he remembered to drag his suitcase out of his car and placed it in a corner inside the bathroom for now. After he finished showering, he dried himself up and put on a grey button up pajama. He emerged from the bathroom to the sight of Spinel giggling spinning around on the barstools. He sighed lovingly then took her by the hand, they then stepped on the warp pad and teleported to the conservatory, not wanting to disturb Steven’s parents by going through their room. 

They arrived at the transparent dome, it was surprisingly bright inside, perhaps due to the clear night skies, allowing the moon and the stars to shine through the glass ceiling of the conservatory. They stood there in awe for a second, then he walked over to their cushion, patted a spot next to him, to which Spinel jumped and sat beside him.

“The stars are beautiful tonight…” The boy said to himself,

“It sure is, but you know who’s more beautiful?”

“Hm?”

“The moon.”

With that, her form flashed for a while, much to his panic and confusion, the scenery was all too familiar, plants around them, night sky above them, is she deep in depression once more that she’s transforming again?! These thoughts were soon cleared after he had a good look at her new form.

“Heh, what do you think? beautiful right?... right?” her tone somber and hopeful. The boy sat there eyes wide mouth agape, you could swear you saw a drop of drool coming out of his mouth. There she sat on her knees, bazonkas so big it tilted her gem upwards, and ass so plump it drooped over her feet due to the position she’s sitting in. He snapped out of it, brought his hands together, and inhaled sharply,

“Look, Spinel, you know I love you no matter how you look,”

“Uh huh,”

“And that shit doesn’t matter as this is simply fucking beautiful.”

“Hehehehehehe, praise me again!”

The boy listed like eleven synonyms to the word beautiful, before he ran out… not really, he was just too distracted with the boner in his pants.

“Oh ho ho! What do we have here!” She said while poking his boner through the pajama pants.

“Ehhh I don’t know what you’re talking about…” He said a bit flustered,

“Oh come on, I’ve handled this before… though I’m thinking, with this form we can prooobably do something more than last time~” She said seductively, the boy let out an audible gulp,

“L-like what?”

“Ohhh you know exactly what…” She whispered some words into his ears and steam came out of it, not literally but you get the point,

“Where’d you learn all- ah right, the library… well, let’s see if this form is really that detailed…” The boy's hand wandered all over her body, her giggles slowly turned to moans, she herself didn’t expect that the form she just made was actually that detailed and precise. 

“Woah, it really is that detailed huh…” The boy brought his fingers in front of her eyes, but why? She observed closely and, oh! His fingers glistened with some sort of liquid, but what sort of liquid? Oh… seems like her new form exerted a kind of liquid from the bottom end upon being rubbed quite aggressively by the boy…

“You ready?” He said, oddly assertive,

“Hmph… yeah…” She said, oddly submissive,

With that, she phased away all the outer layers of the form, revealing an assortment of pink shades on each part of her form, her tits are the same color as her face and torso, but the nipple is a little darker in shade, her ass is also the same color as her skin, but her pussy lips were the same shade of her nipples. The boy licked his lips before pushing her down onto the cushion, the gem expected him to shove his member inside her, instead he ducked down and,

“Ah! Ahhhh! Yes! More!” She jolted and moaned as the boy masterfully stimulated her clit and labia with his tongue, twirling and turning and sometimes even sucking on it. His mouth was flooded with his own saliva and her mysterious fluids… Interestingly, despite taking on a human form, unlike Peridot, she still retains her original taste. Oh come on what the fuck Universe, you can’t be comparing girl’s flavors! It’s bad karma! I think…

His thoughts were cut off as he was flooded with more of these cherry flavored liquids,

“Ah, so you’re a squirter,”

“Wh- wh- wuzzat even mean?” The pink gem struggled to get her words out after experiencing her first orgasm.

“It’s actually pretty self explanatory… though I’m sure you’re not in the best state of mind to think huh?”

“Hey! Rude, I’m- I’m uh- I’m… pretty smart… sometimes…”

“Ahahaha, you’re always smart Spinel, just also always goofy, aaaand lovely~” the boy said while he got back up and kissed her on the forehead.

“For real this time, you ready?”

“Hm? Uh, yeah, bring it on!”

She didn’t realize that at one point during her trance, he had already removed his pants, now his throbbing cock sits on her entrance, he inserted it slowly but surely,

“Feel any pain?”

“N-nah, keep going sunshine,”

“Alright,”

With a few more pushes, he finally inserted his whole rod inside her, they both sighed in relief, before he shot a smug look at her,

“Why are ya lookin’ at me like that?”

“Why’d you sigh in relief? The show is just about to begin…”

“Hm? What are you- AH! Ah! Ahhhhh yes! Harder!” He began rocking back and forth with his member inside her, they started in missionary with him putting both her legs on his shoulders. And then, with a part of him still inside her, he picked her up and fucked her on his lap, still bucking his hips but now also rocking her up and down with his muscular hands aided with his diamond powers. She caressed his face with her gloved hand, a strangely gentle motion during a hardcore moment, that is until she suddenly gripped the back of his head and brought him closer to her face,

“I said, Harder ye wimp!” She said with burning passion in her eyes, the boy returned the sentiment, and,

“Ohoho, you asked for it.” In one swift motion, he lifted her up, tossed her mid air, and slammed her onto the cushion face first, he reinserted his still hard cock into her meat curtains while now restraining her hands behind her back, his grip was so strong it would’ve broken her wrists if she were an actual human… made him glad he never did this with Connie… fuck, not now! Don’t think about her now!... He was pissed at himself for that, which only made him harsher towards his current partner, wait, is she okay?!

He could only hear silenced screams as she was screaming into the cushion, that she’s now biting with all her might… buuuut with the tightening grip around his dick, he can tell she’s thoroughly enjoying this.

“Well well well, Spinel, Spinel, Spi-nel… Not just a cuck, but also a masochist? Well color me impressed…”

“Heh, stop being a tease and keep being a bully!” She turned her head for a moment, her face was messy, even messier than usual, the drool all over it only made her sexier to him.

“Heheh! On it!” He let go of one hand from her wrists, still gripping it rather firmly even with only one hand, the other, wandered to the back of her neck, placed the thumb there, and the rest of his fingers on the front. He strangled her so hard, she could pass out if, again, she was human, and again, luckily she wasn’t. Her moans muffled even more, yet her grip tightened. She turned her head with the remaining of her energy, and stared at Steven in a very pathetic manner.

“Ah, okay. Get ready.”

He tossed her again, this time they’re back in missionary. Her legs are back up on his shoulders, but this time his arms went back to coiling around her neck, 

“Here it comes!”

His grip tightens as he pumped his baby batter all inside her. She silently screams as her airways are completely blocked at this point, he swore he could see stars in her eyes as he did this. His grip loosens after he’s done releasing gallons of essence inside her, she gasped for air, then chuckled pleasantly.

“W- whoa… that was… amazing… I love this form…” The gem said while his liquid floods out of her,

“Yeah, It was fucking insane… Still, you enjoyed being bullied a little too much…”

“Hey! To each their own… to each, their own…”

“Hahah, yeah yeah, sure, I’m not one to kinkshame. Say, isn’t it hard to maintain such a complex form? You can shift back now, we’ve had the fun.”

“Hm? Oh this? This isn’t shapeshifting, this is, well, a form!”

“Huh? So you’re saying this is permanent?!”

“Well, it can be… why? Do you not like it…?”

“No, no, it’s just that… Wait, don’t you have to get poofed to reform?”

“Ah well, yeah? But that rule doesn’t apply to me, at least not anymore…”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… ever since I had that drastic alteration in form after experiencing a certain deep trauma… I can kinda just shapeshift permanently without having to poof! I guess there’s always a silver lining to any situation y’know, teehee!”

“Fuck you mean teehee?! Is this really okay?! Do you feel any pain?!”

“Stevie Relaaaax, I’m fine, see!... though again, I can always change my shape if you don’t like this one…”

“Ah well, again, it’s not that I don’t like it, I’m just super used to the ole’ stretchy and goofy Spinel y’know! You’re so much more fun that way! Besides… this form is a little too distracting for a guy like me…” He’s staring again.

“Oh! Well… if you prefer my old form then okay!” She shined once again, then came back as the usual Spinel, black tear marks and all.

“Sigh, now that’s better… Still, we can always bring that form back right…”

“Steven you naughty boy! Hehe! But yes, anytime, anywhere, It’s always there, just for you…” She said while booping his nose, which he found quite sexy.

They laid down on the cushions with fingers interlaced, talking about the day they went through, recounting every minute detail while the boy yawns every now and then. Finally, he dozed off to sleep, the gem leaned closer to him and whispered,

“Goodnight sunshine, sleep well.” And pecked him on the cheek.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 13 - Wish Upon a Cookie Cat

—

Opaque ceilings, translucent floor… huh? Ouch! His neck, alongside every joint in his body, aches upon waking up in a very awkward position. Each one of his limbs were drooping down from the cushion he slept on, and his head hung upside down from the top end, making it especially sore. He sat down with quite the effort, slowly turned his neck to the left, and smiled upon seeing that his roommate was still next to him, in a similarly awkward situation no less, though it’s apparent that she feels no pain from this, remembering her body is made of light and not the amalgamations of organic tissues in different densities. The boy glanced at his phone, which for some reason still has his ex’s picture as a screensaver, one that he promptly ignored, and the time showed 9AM. Huh, not as late as yesterday, he thought to himself. He looked to his left once more, and chuckled at her position again, right, I should really buy a mattress. He was about to search the web for the nearest mattress store when he heard a loud gurgling noise from his stomach, well, I guess breakfast comes first. 

He got up, and was about to leave the room when he eyed Spinel once more. He reminisced about how close they were last night, and decided that he wants more intimacy from her, not in a sexual way, at least for now. He bent down on one knee and called out to her, hoping to gently wake her up,

“Hey, wake up sleepyhead, ahah, I know it’s the morning and the moon ain’t supposed to shine, but come on, wake up for your sun…”

“Ermhh, five more minutes~”

“Five more- hey where’d you get that from? I don’t remember teaching you that, haha!”

“Oh, uhm, that a thing here? I was just making that up…” She said while slowly opening her eyes,

“I see… Well, you ready to get up?”

“Yeah, yeah, we going somewhere? The library again? I love the library…” She said while fondly reminiscing their serene library date from yesterday,

“We can go anywhere actually, there’s no schedule or anything like that, but first, I’d like to have some breakfast.”

“Okay! What we havin’?”

“I don’t know actually, whatever Pearl cooked up I guess?”

“Eh, fair.”

The pair made their way to the warp pad and teleported to the living room, and was faced with a lively scene as they appeared in the room,

“Come on, Pearl, just one wouldn’t make a dent in me!” Greg said as he desperately tried to reach the waffles on a large plate while his girlfriend hilariously held him by the forehead,

“No, no, no! Absolutely not! There’s too much processed food in this, well, food! And you promised you’d follow the diet plan I made for you!”

“Oh bummer, but if you ain’t gonna let me eat it, why make it in the first place?”

“Well for Steven of course, speaking of which, hey Steven! Care to have some breakfast?” She said after catching a glimpse of the boy and his roommate,

“Of course! I’m quite hungry here… by the way, really dad? A diet?” He said while making his way to the counter and sat on one of the stools, inviting Spinel to sit beside him.

“Yeah I know right, about the last thing you’d expect from your old man haha! But well, guess I need it, I’m feeling quite better already!”

“Now that’s just not possible, you only started yesterday!” Pearl butted in, to which Steven chuckled, Spinel grinned while watching all of this, Hm, They sure are loud! Unlike the flowers back in the garden… huh, maybe I can get used to this…

“Oh come on Pearl, give me some credit! A whole day without pancakes or donuts is pretty much torture!” The older Universe said,

“What he said!” The younger Universe butted in, Pearl scoffed while fixing a plate for her foster son,

“Here you go, Steven, and oh! Spinel, did you want some?” She asked the pink gem,

“Yes, Please!” She said with a wide smile,

“Spinel! How polite of you! I could really get used to you being like this instead of, like that you know,” Pearl said while raising an eyebrow,

“Like what?” The pink gem replied, tilting her head,

“I- uh, nevermind, keep it up!” The pale gem awkwardly gave her a thumbs up as she served her the same plate as she did him, to which the boy just realized and gasped in amusement,

“Gasp! Is this… together breakfast?! Oh boy oh boy oh boy! It’s been a while since I’ve had it!” He said while enthusiastically cutting into the waffles topped with syrup, popcorns, and whipped cream, Spinel followed suit, and Pearl grinned upon watching the two enthusiastically eat their breakfast, and a third one sneaking-

“HEY! I said no!”

“Hehehehe too late! The processed food is already being processed in my body!” The older Universe said with a smug face after stuffing his mouth with a whole waffle and all its toppings,

“Ugh, fine, I guess you can have a cheat day… though cheat days aren’t usually the very second day of the diet, hmph.” The pale gem complained with her hands folded,

“Ahaha, alright alright, won’t happen again I swear,”

“You better!”

“Yes yes, and oh! It was delicious hon, well I gotta go now, I need to prepare for tonight,”

“Oh oh! Is there another band practice tonight? Can I come?” The younger Universe interjected, the older couple looked at each other and cringed, much to his confusion, his father quickly replied,

“Ah, uhm, y-yes?” Pearl nudged him with her elbow,

“Yes! Yeah, definitely, band practice! But uhh, I don’t think you can come tonight cause uh… there’s a very secretive new album writing session!” Pearl facepalmed internally at the obvious attempt at distraction, but sighed in relief upon seeing the boy still oblivious to their plans for tonight,

“Oh, okay then… I can come next time though, right?”

“Of course, Schtu ball, I’ll tell you the next time we have a practice,” He said while pointing finger guns at him,

“Alright dad, have fun at work!” His dad waved him goodbye as he walked out of the beach house's front door. He took another bite of his waffle while glancing at Spinel, still eating slowly but steadily, and smiled at the beautiful scenery… Although speaking of eating…

“Hey Pearl?”

“Yes, Steven?”

“Where’s Amethyst? There’s no way she’d miss a breakfast this indulgent,”

“Oh her? She has an early day at Little Homeschool today, she’s being called in to aid on her old course or something, I don’t know the exact details.” She said in a relaxed tone, to which Steven nodded, before asking about the other house occupant,

“What about Garnet? Also an early day?”

“Well yes, when is it not an early day for her? Hehehe…” That laugh was a bit suspicious, but the statement itself isn’t… he shrugged it off and ate the rest of his breakfast. He was about to take Spinel and leave for the town before he remembered something from yesterday. Not wanting to make the same mistake, he took off for the bathroom instead, and decided to take a shower before starting the day.

“Hey Spinel, I’m gonna take a shower first, just wait around or something, I’ll be done in like, fifteen minutes tops!” He said while walking towards the bathroom door,

“Alrighty! Take your time~” She said while waving at him. Now she’s alone in the- oh wait, Pearl.

“Hey Pearl.” She said, attempting to start a small talk or something,

“Hm? Oh hey Spinel.” That’s it, there’s nothing more out of their mouths. Until the pink gem opened hers that it,

“All those suspicious acts… I know what it’s for y’know.”

“Y-you do?” She replied in surprise, almost dropping the plate she’s drying with a cloth,

“Of course! I’ve had him in my mind since… y’know… forever…” She blushed, Pearl raised an eyebrow, and replied,

“You… want in on the plan?”

“Duh! Obviously!”

“Aaalright then… Okay, so…”

—

He put on his clothes and signature blazer, opened the bathroom door and walked out of it. He glanced over to the living/kitchen area to find Spinel all alone on the sofa, leaning back and making structures with her stretchy fingers,

“...A palanquin! Aaand an Era 1 Ship! Hehehe!” She giggled while amusing herself,

“Hey moon, I’m done! Where’s Pearl?” The boy asked while taking a seat right beside her,

“Hm? Oh, hey sunshine! Pearl left just a few minutes ago, she said she’s joining Greg for their band thingy,”

“Ah, okay… Right then, shall we go?” He said while standing up and extending an arm for her to grab, she reached out, only to retract it a few inches before making contact, much to his confusion,

“Spinel? What’s wrong?”

“I uh…” She twirled her thumbs for a moment, took a breath and continued,

“Steven, I’m going to homeworld.”

“W-what?! Why?! What’s wrong? Did I do something bad? What is it? Tell me please I’ll fix it I swear! Does this mean you’re leaving? For good?! Oh man why oh why! Right when I’m about to buy a matt-” He’s panicking, luckily Spinel swiftly stopped it by standing up and holding him by the shoulders,

“Steven, Steven! Relax!” She interjected, he glanced at her eyes, which was filled with concern,

“I’m not going for good, I swear! I’m just going to butter up the Diamonds so your discussions with them in the future will go smoother! That and maybe do some more spy work…” The boy calmed down a little, and continued on,

“Hm, okay then… Well, goodluck with this uhm, mission! I’ll be waiting for you!”

“Wait for me? Like right here?”

“Yeah!”

“I thought you got somethin’ to do today?”

“Oh right, yeah, well I guess I’ll keep busy then, still, goodluck moonlight!” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the lips, the gem blushed, then playfully bashed him on the shoulder,

“Oh you! Hehehehe… Well, guess I’m off! See ya later, sugar!” She said while leaping to the warp pad, waving at him and warping away,

“Bye~... sugar? ” Well I guess it’s just me and the Dondai for today!

He set a GPS destination to the nearest mattress store, and drove there. He was quite surprised when he found out that this very store is right next to the beach city movie theater, one that he used to visit many times in the past… with Connie. Fuck!

“Welcome to Manny’s Mattress! How can I help you today!” He snapped out of his thoughts when a deep voice called to him, he realized he had already stepped inside the store just now.

“Ah, hey uhm, Manny! I’m looking for a mattress!” The boy said, almost stuttering,

“Well of course you are! You wouldn’t be here if you ain’t! Haha!” The man replied cheerfully. Steven eyed him up and down, the man wore a store uniform, a red polo shirt with a “Manny’s Mattress!” Logo on the left, complemented with dark denim bottoms and a leather belt. Though the man himself isn’t what Steven thought to be a mattress store clerk… something about that bald head, thick brows, and thick pointed mustache… he swore this Manny guy would be better off working in a pizzeria…

“... So which is it, Sir?” The man finished a sentence that Steven didn’t quite hear… since he’s so worked up over his appearance…

“Hm? What was that? Sorry I was lost in my thoughts there ahah…” He said while lightly blushing, the man chuckled a little more, and repeated himself,

“It’s alright, young man! It happens! I just asked about your preferences, that's all! You know, how springy you want it to be, how big you want it to be, what material you want it to be made of…”

“Oh, that kinda stuff. Well, I’m new here, so why don’t you take me on a tour! You know, like, on all the stuff about mattresses?” He said politely, to which the man nodded, and began to guide him around the store while explaining far and wide about the criterias he talked about.

“So, a soft and bouncy, but not too bouncy mattress for two people you say? That would be a Queen size latex hybrid!” Manny asked the boy after some further discussion,

“Yeah! A queen size latex hybrid for two… people… hmmm…”

What is he thinking about? Why is “two people” such a key word here? Well that’s because he’s thinking of a threesome of course!

“C-clod… How dare you put the great and lovable Peridot in this position!” The green gem said while totally nude, clutching a certain horny teenager by the left arm, he could feel her entire body, oh how much of a fucking genius she is to have engineered this form to have the perfect balance of firmness and bounciness! More than that, he could feel her body heat, and even… oh!

“Now, now, you agreed to this… oh how far the mighty has fallen! The great and lovable Peridot, grinding her flooding pussy on a hybrid’s fingers!” He said while about to turn to her and fuck her senseless, She squealed and moaned and-

“Hey now, Sunshine! Forget something? Someone maybe…” A fuchsia gem gripped his right side, shapeshifting her boobs to be bigger and heavier, acting like a paperweight of sorts, preventing him from turning to the other girl on the bed,

“Ohoho! Of course not, Spinel, after all, this was your idea… very bright for a Spinel might I say…”

“Hey! I like being degraded but only the fun degrading, not like this!”

“Ahah, I was joking, Spinny, come now, of course I didn’t forget about-”

“You did forget someone though…”

“Huh?” The boy shook in horror upon shifting his gaze back to his front, there she stood, a certain brown skinned female human teenager, staring deeply into his soul.

“AAAAAAAAAAH!”

“Mr. Universe, what’s wrong?!” The store clerk flinched upon hearing a loud noise from the customer beside him.

“Uh, h-hwhat? Oh… erm… nothing I was just… micro sleeping hahah…”

“Oookay… do you want to make the deal another day or…”

“No, no! I’m up now, don’t worry about it… so uh… Queen sized latex hybrid you say?”

“Yessir!”

“...”

“I’ll take the king size please…”

He tied the comically large sized mattress to the top of his car with the help of the store clerk, got inside, and drove back to the beach house. Upon reaching there, he realized that there’s nobody around, he wasn’t surprised of course, everybody seemed to be particularly busy today, he wondered why… no matter, what matters now is mattress! (Try saying that quickly five times). He untied the mattress from the roof of the supremo, held it with one hand on top of his head, and leaped up and forward directly to the front of the conservatory. He landed smoothly… actually no, he landed on something round and almost broke his ankle or worse, ruined his new mattress, he made a smooth recovery though, two years of skateboarding and rollerskating does that to a guy. Still, what did he step on?... Huh? Aren’t these… robonoids? The boy stared at the three robonoids spewing repair fluids to fix the cracked surfaces of the conservatory door from his… outburst yesterday… Hm, must be Peridot’s. He shrugged it off, walked inside, and set the mattress on top of the cushion,

“Ah, rats, forgot about that.” He lifted it slightly and pulled out the cushion. Hm… I wonder where the actual owner of this cushion is… eh, he’s probably out on some spiritual journey… that or… eating magical lizards… eugh.

He jumped on top of the mattress, and bounced the perfect amount… hm, what Manny said was true, it really is just the right amount of bounce! And mmm, it’s so soft even without sheets on…

…

…

…

“Right! Robonoids!” He stopped mid-spiral upon remembering the robonoids right in front of his door, maybe he should pay the master a visit!

He jumped back down to the sands, landing right beside his car, hopped inside, and drove away. It was still noon, so the sun was still very intense. Even with the AC in the coldest setting, it’s still quite hot in the car. Steven decided to crank down the windows and let the summer air hit him instead. He reached the Little Homeworld settlement, and promptly drove to Peridot’s house. He parked on the roadside, and facepalmed upon realizing that this is a weekday, therefore she’s teaching at- oh hey there she is!

“Hey, Dot! What’chu up to?” He called out to the green gem watering her micro garden in her front lawn, one that he didn’t quite catch on during his first visit since it was already dark that day.

“Hello, Steven. As you can see, I am currently hydrating my micro gardening project, and yes, I have the greenhouse but I still think it’s neat to have greenery in front of my green property, you see.” She said with confidence, to which the boy chuckled, stepped out of his parked car, and walked over to her.

“Classic Peridot, though if you really want to do more gardening slash farming why don’t you move back out to the countryside? I mean, we have warp pads so you don’t have to worry about showing up late to work- right! This is a Thursday! Ain’t you supposed to be teaching?”

“Alright, first of all, while the prospect of large-scale farming is intriguing, despite the presence of warp pad technology, it'll still take too much time from my other projects, namely my academic career. Secondly, uh… while this might slightly contradict my previous statement, I only teach three days in a week, which is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays… sooo today is my day off…” She said with her hands behind her back and one foot on tiptoes, he found this quite endearing,

“Oh, alright… good to know…” There was an air of silence grazing them, Peridot was wondering why the boy came to see her, sure they were breakup buddies, but they were also breakup buddies… you know what I mean? Like, they confide in each other but at the same time, they aren’t supposed to be this close. Stars, all they did was complicate things huh? Sharing a night doesn’t mean sharing a day after all…

“So uh, Peri? I saw some flask robonoids repairing my front doors earlier, those are yours, right?” He broke the silence,

“Hm, what? Oh! The robonoids, yes! Of course they are mine, it requires the mind of a smarter-than-average Peridot to put those together! Nyeheheh!” She said proudfully, great, the air is not that bleak anymore,

“Figures, you’re always so amazing y’know…” She blushed, she knew she always put herself in such a high position, but to be recognized by others? It always makes her feel… big.

“Wow, thanks… Is… that all you’re here for? Small talks about my robonoids?” She knew this most likely isn’t true, knowing Steven. So she’s actually just fishing for more topics from Steven, this is a trick she learned from reading novels and writing fanfictions, when you don’t know how to reel, just keep casting! (Idk wtf this means too but whatevs).

“Oh! Uhm, I uh… right! The tapes! Did you uncover any more intels since then? I need it for my research and whatnot…” He said nervously, why couldn’t he say he just wanted to see her?

“Oh. Well, I did, actually! Come on, I’ll show you.” She took his hand and led him into the house. He thought she was going to lead her back up into her bedroom, but no, they turned to the right and she pressed her hand on a scanner on the wall, one that he completely missed the other night. It illuminated and opened a cascade stairwell to a basement… cool… he thought to himself. She turned to see his mouth wide open, it’s nice to see childlike joy coming from a guy that filled her up with cream like a doughnut a few nights ago. He looked around the basement, it’s like a secret lab of sorts? There were holographic panels on the walls and solid steel tables scattered around the room, on top of them were papers upon papers of scribbles of things he doesn’t understand, he took it as Peridot being the genius she is, and not him being an uneducated unschooled unacademic person. In the corners of this lab were ceiling high cylindrical vat chambers, filled with mysterious clear liquids, though luckily there’s nothing in it… for now.

“If you’d take a look at this screen- oh, sit down wherever.” She started explaining then gestured for him to take a seat, to which he leaned to a large steel table in the center of the room, and looked over to the wall sized screen she pointed to. He gave her a thumbs up, signaling her to go on, and she did just that, pointing to the projection that displays the Homeworld planet… divided a lot of… lines?

“Alright then, let's begin. Just as the Diamonds have explained to you, Homeworld now boasts a democratic society, like previously in era 3, although now a call back to aristocracy had been made-”

“Wait wait wait, like previously in era 3? So now it’s era 4 already?! They did all that without me? Without even considering my inputs???” He was distraught, Peridot quickly continued her explanation,

“No, no, don’t worry, it’s not era 4… yet. ”

“What does that mean?”

“It seems that the Diamonds aren’t comfortable in advancing to a new era without your approval… but it’s undeniable that the changes occurred within the past couple years are quite drastic, drastic enough to be called a new era… so while there were never any official announcement, the general consensus between Homeworld gems is that it is currently era 3.5…”

“Of course.” He said pinching his nose bridge and sighing afterwards, he then gestured for her to continue,

“Right then, back to aristocracy. They decided that it’s best to go back to a system that’s quite familiar to gem society back in era 1 and 2, so naturally, they chose a non-caste status system!”

“I’m sorry but which part of Duchesses and Countesses and whatever-esses is non-caste?!”

“The part where they aren’t allowed to be tyrants, Steven! Come on now!”

“Uh huh. And they just… obey?”

“Not only obey, but they actually serve.”

“Serve- serve who? The Diamonds?”

“No, the gems. The people. ” Steven raised his eyebrows in surprise, and re-inquired,

“Oookay, in what way?”

“I don’t know if the Diamonds have mentioned it to you or not, but nowadays, Homeworld gems desire most things earth gems do, things like love and freedom are obviously granted after era 3, but more than that, they also desire a better quality of life! Better living conditions, personal space, some even desire food and drinks!” She explained passionately,

“Hmmm, interesting…” He put his chin on his hands,

“Most definitely. That’s why these uhm, nobles are appointed by the Diamonds! They are filtered through their competence, experience, and most important of all, commitment to see that these new desires are fulfilled! These are the “lucky” gems that were appointed and gained the approval of the gems on each facet of homeworld, and oh, excluding facet 1 of course, since it’s held directly by the Diamonds.

The projection of the Homeworld planet now shifted to the left side, with arrows leading to the right side of the screen, pointing to headshots of figures… gems? These must be the nobles she was talking about. (Here be the list):

1. The Homeworld Capital, Holder: The Diamond Council (Constitutional Queens)
2. Dark Plains, Holder: Duchess Ruby “Crude” of Dark Plains
3. Upper Mesa, Holder: Duchess Nephrite “Pluck” of Upper Mesa
4. Lower Mesa, Holder: Duchess Topaz “Gentle” of Lower Mesa
5. Steep Gorge, Holder: Duchess Ruby "Doc" of the Steep Gorge
6. Northern Bleak Fissure, Holder: Duchess Hessonite “Five” of the 5th Brigade
7. Southern Bleak Fissure, Holder: Duchess Hessonite “Eight” of the 8th Brigade
8. Central Ridges, Holder: Duchess Sapphire “Keen” of the Central Ridges
9. Narrow Hills, Holder: Duchess Demantoid “Whimsy” of the Narrow Hills
10. The Great Craters, Holder: Countess Grey Pearl “Dread” of The Great Craters
11. Desolate Rocks, Holder: Countess Morganite “Maestro” of Desolate Rocks
12. Barren Flats, Holder: Countess Emerald “Bold” of the 7th fleet

His attention was quickly directed to the lack of earth made gems being made a noble, he was about to ask her why, before it dawned on him. Ah shit, they probably joined the other side huh… He retracted the question, and proceeded to ask a different one instead.

“What’s with the quoted words in between their names and where they rule? Also why do some of them have brigades and fleets instead of their territory?”

“Excellent question! As part of the “Gemkind Liberation Effort”, The Diamond council has encouraged each gem to find a nickname for themselves! Though in the process they also sort of discouraged the use of the traditional gem naming system… You know, cuts and facets?”

“Uh huh, like your Facet-2F5L Cut-5XG right?” He said without stuttering, she blushed at the fact that he remembered her full exact name, though it made her feel belittled when Yellow Diamond was the one to inquire about it in the past, so why is it now she’s happy that Steven remembers it? Ah well, that’s not important for now.

“Yes, exactly! Oh and those three individuals specifically asked to identify themselves with their former positions instead of their uhm, what did you say? Right, territory. From what I’ve uncovered, it made them feel more prestigious, therefore making them carry their duties more seriously, pretty trivial, might I say, but I guess you should know.” He nodded in satisfaction, before speaking once more,

“Is there more? Or have I exhausted your research for now? Hehe~” He said playfully,

“Hmph, yes… Unfortunately you are correct, that is the full extent of my current research.” Was an answer he didn’t expect honestly, he smiled awkwardly and put a hand behind his neck,

“Oh… alright then…” A wave of silence ensued.

…

“Although… Steven?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you be interested in assisting one of my research? It’s not directly related to our current intel, but I thought maybe-”

“Why of course! You just have to ask! Alright then, what should I do?” He stood up from the leaning position, and clasped his hands together,

“Just, uhm, wait over there.” He nodded, she walked over to the far end of the lab, and came back wheeling in a large metal box painted with black and yellow lines, then pulled a metallic hose looking thing with a… camera? At the end of it.

“Okay, lift your shirt.” Steven raised an eyebrow,

“Oh?” And his shirt. She placed the camera looking thing up close to his gem and-

“AAAH! WHAT THE-” He recoiled from a sharp pain coming from… coming to? Whatever it was, his gem hurt for a millisecond after a bright flash of light emitted from the camera lens.

“P-Peridot… What the hell was that?! I thought my gem was gonna fall off!” He said while covering his gem back behind his shirt. Peridot cringed, and slowly put down the device.

“I- uh… I’ll come back with the results…” She said while looking down on the floor. Steven sighed, and placed a hand on her head.

“ Sigh… okay, I trust that you weren’t trying to harm me…”

“Of course not! Why would I ever do that? You’re my… what did we call it again? Breakup partners?”

“Hahah… Breakup Buddies, Dot.”

“R-right… I won’t do that to someone I hold dear.” She blushed while getting a very satisfying duration of headpats from him… before taking his hand off her head.

“Y-you should go…”

“Huh? Why?”

“I’m going to do more research…”

“Can’t I stay with you?”

“N-no I uh… appreciate solitude…”

“Oh. Okay then… just uhm, call me…? Or text me or uh… stay in touch y’know?”

“ Sigh , Steven, you can come anytime! I just… appreciate it if you leave me for now, just for a bit!”

“It’s alright, Dot, I get it, sometimes we just wanna be alone, y’know. Right then, I’m off! Bye!” He said while planting a kiss to her gem, she blushed and turned away,

“Okay~ See you later!” She waved at him as he made his way up the stairs, and out of the house.

…

I hope that was not too suspicious…

He got back into his car, rolled up the windows, dropped the seat and blasted the AC. He didn’t drive right away though, the sun was still up and he’s thinking of more ways to spend the day, since Spinel is most likely still on Homeworld, probably. He unlocked his phone (still with Connie on the lockscreen by the way), opened the navigation app, and typed in places to hang out in Beach City, the results popped up and it’s honestly quite disappointing, these were the places that he’d known for his whole life, not surprising though, since he actually did spend his whole life here. One result caught his eye, it was a place called Beachside Cafe, located right next to the Big Donut. He closed the app, seeing as he knew the place already, and drove there.

He parked his car in the few parking spots in front of the cafe, glanced at the Big Donut, and sighed. He hasn’t visited the establishment since he got here, maybe he’d get a few donuts on the way back. Before getting out of the car, he made sure to reach below the driver’s seat and grabbed his laptop… yeah it’s been baking inside the Supremo for some five days now. He got inside the cafe, ordered a decaf, and sat down on one of the indoor seats. He plugged the charger onto a nearby outlet, opened the laptop and it unlocked to a display of graphs and numbers. 

He’s been keeping it a secret from everyone, but he’s actually quite rich in his own right. One day during his first visit after leaving Beach City two years ago, he got a forehead kiss from Garnet, and accidentally got temporary future vision. With that, he used the ten thousand dollars in his bank account that he got from saving up on his allowance, to invest in a number of startup companies… naturally, he only invested in the surefire ones, and he knew this from using the future vision of course, cheating? Yes, effective? VERY. In just a few months, he turned the ten thousand into twenty, then he went to Vegas and gambled it all, this time with no future vision or any gem power shenanigans. Lo and behold, he walked out with close to a hundred thousand.

“Ah, great to see Little Thumbs Ltd. out of the dive, very nice.” It’s one of the first companies he invested in which he still haven't liquidated, the growth was slow but intriguing enough for him to keep holding. He clicked another tab, and it showed his bank account, sitting at a whopping $144,928, incredibly comfortable for a teenager like him. He smirked and closed both tabs, now he can focus on the task in hand. If yesterday he was doing analog research, now he can do the digital one.

—

“What’s up bro? Need another refill?” The man in cafe uniform approached him after he called him over,

“No, no, I need to get going, it’s dark already.” He replied while looking out the windows,

“Alright man, I’ll grab the check.” The man gave a thumbs up and walked back to the counter.

He paid the bill and walked out of the cafe. He ended up ordering five decafs, a slice of cheesecake, and two panna cottas. He glanced at the Big Donut, and decided that he’s had enough sweets for the day. He got inside his car instead, and drove back to the beach house. He got out of the car, but before closing the door, he reached below his seat, making sure to take his laptop back inside the house this time, can’t risk baking it again. He walked up the stairs, wanting to greet everyone, or anyone inside the house, really, opened the door and,

“SURPRISE!! Happy Birthday Steven!” Everyone cheered as Garnet and Amethyst popped party poppers, Spinel dropped confetti from the ceiling, Peridot and Greg clapped from the sides, and Pearl held a cookie cat cake topped with number candles: a one and a nine. Steven stood there mouth agape, he eyed around the room, and his gaze finally landed on the big sign stretching from above the sofas to the kitchen, Happy Birthday Steven! 

“W-wha- oh stars! It was today?!” He put both his hands on the sides of his head, genuinely shocked. The gems looked at him in confusion, Amethyst was first to grin and burst into laughter,

“Hah! Get a load of this guy! He really forgot his own birthday! Hahahahaha!” The purple gem said while laughing her heart out, it clicked to the others and they laughed as well, leaving Steven with an awkward but sincere chuckle.

“Geez I don’t know guys, I guess so many things happened these last few days that my own birthday completely slipped my mind…” He said with a hand behind his neck, before anyone could respond, he gasped and continued talking,

“Is this why you guys were acting strange today? Man it was so obvious, how did I not catch it hahah!” He laughed, genuinely this time.

“What? I thought my performance was adequate!” Peridot yelled, quite surprised that her very convincing act didn’t work,

“What about me, sunshine? Did I do good?” Spinel said almost immediately, which kinda bothered the green gem,

“You actually convinced me, Spin… as for Peridot? I don’t know, I guess you did okay-ish? I mean, I believed it after factoring in my own insecurities, sooo you both did well, yeah!” The two gems looked at him awkwardly, but decided to brush it off for now, Pearl came forward with the cake and spoke to him,

“Well, what about me, Steven? I’m sure I was-”

“I would’ve completely believed it if not for that weird laugh you did at the end, Pearl.” He raised a hand an interrupted her, she pouted,

“Hmph, rude. But alright, I’ll take that as a win!” She said confidently, the boy rolled his eyes lovingly. His dad came forward and held him by the shoulder,

“Happy birthday, Schtu-ball. Can’t believe you’re already nineteen! It feels like yesterday-”

“Yeah, yeah, save the nostalgia dad, but thank you, I love you dad.” He said while taking off his dad’s hand from his shoulder, and jumping into a hug instead. The others followed suit and joined in on a group hug, save for Pearl.

“Hey, that’s not fair! We agreed to do the group hug after he blew the candles! Speaking of which, Steven, you better do it quick! The wax is starting to seep into the cake! Eughhh…” Pearl interjected, to which the boy swiftly released himself from the group hug, and turned to the cake.

“Alright, alright, Nineteen here I come! Pfooooo ” The boy blew the candles and everyone clapped and cheered.

“Make a wish dude!” Amethyst yelled,

“Yeah Schtu-ball, make a wish!” His dad added on.

He stared at the cake, not sure what to wish for.

“Huh… I don’t know what to wish for, really… I mean, I’m already blessed with such a loving family right here!” Everyone awww ed, 

“I mean, cookie cat cake? Really? Man, it’s been a while since I saw this design… huh… don’t you guys think I’m a little too old for this?”

“What are you talking about Stee-man? No one’s too old for cookie cat! Right Pearl?” Amethyst nudged her shoulder,

“Of course, if it brings you joy, then it brings you joy! Or does it not anymore…?” Pearl said in worry,

“No, no! Of course it does! It will always do… you know what, you guys are right, this is fun! I uh, I like this! Yay cookie cat! Yay birthday party!” He raised both his hands, deciding to just forget about the whole homeworld fiasco, and his emotional problems, at least for tonight. Still, he still hadn’t made his wish. Garnet stepped forward,

“Steven, I need you to know that no matter what you wish for, we will all help to make it happen, that's what family is for.” They both looked around the room, and everyone nodded. One thing came to his mind.

“This isn’t my wish but… It’s kind of a bummer that Bismuth and Lapis ain’t here… they were around for my other birthdays but… Ugh, I’m sorry you guys, I’m bringing down the mood aren’t I, hahah…” Everyone sighed, Pearl was first to talk,

“It’s alright, Steven, those two just… need some time… but hey, you still have us! And we’re here to help, just tell us what to do!”

“R-right… you know what, you’re right! I love you all… best family ever…” He started tearing up, and so does everyone else, but Amethyst yelled once more,

“Ughhh, save the tears for laterrr, just make your wish already!” She punched him in the arm, he chuckled.

“Alright… I wish… That I- (can go back to the good old days, where everything was right as rain, and everyone stayed the way they were. The days when Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and myself would go on missions, bubble corrupted gems, go home and then go out for pizzas.) -can face any challenges the future holds for me! Whatever it is, bring it on! Cause I’m a crystal gem, and we are stronger together! Woohoo!” Everyone cheered and smiled, more party poppers popped, and now kazoos are being blown by Spinel and Amethyst.

Huh… wonder what that was…

They cut into the cake, and Amethyst ran off with the first slice, Pearl chased her around the living room, while everyone chuckled and Steven shook his head, taking the knife from the table and cutting the cake himself. He handed everyone a plate before taking a slice for himself, he took a bite, and was surprised by how much it tasted like a real cookie cat, just without the ice cream part, and the shape was perfect, unlike the cookie cat ice cream he made a few years back during his farewell party. 

The party went on without a hitch, the attendees decided to each do a little something as entertainment for the party. Spinel was first to come forward, showing off her jester skills, at one point she juggled some bubbles while shapeshifting her legs into wheels, making it look like she’s juggling balls while riding a unicycle. Pearl and Greg came up next, they did a duet on one of Ocean Gang’s new songs, they both sang while Pearl played the bass, and Greg handled the guitar. Amethyst was up next, she wanted to do a stand up comedy, when she suddenly came up with a great idea. Instead of telling the jokes herself, she would just shapeshift to complement the jokes, while the jokes themselves are being read by Garnet, yes, in a deadpan expression. It worked a little too well seeing as everyone laughed from both Garnet’s cadence and Amethyst’s classic shapeshifting shenanigans. Finally, it’s time for Peridot’s performance, although…

“Unfortunately, I have not prepared any performances to show to the masses tonight.” She said while raising a finger, everyone looked at each other in confusion, before anyone could reply, she continued on,

“However, I have prepared something else, not a performance, but well, I suppose this should suffice.” Her gem glowed, and it spawned a large canvas. Everyone gasped, it was a painting of everyone, save for Lapis and Bismuth, standing in front of the beach house, all being playful and hugging/clinging to each other.

“Hey, no fair! I thought we should give our gifts by the end of the party!” Amethyst yelled at her,

“No, no, this isn’t a gift, this is my performance! I have prepared another gift for Steven…” She said while fidgeting with both her pointer fingers. Amethyst facepalmed.

“Dude… you should’ve told us…”

“There’s gifts?!” The boy stood up from his seat,

“Well, duh! It’s a birthday party dude!” Everyone chuckled, and started handing their gifts. All of the gifts were wrapped neatly, and Steven asked permission to open it later, everyone respected his decision and took pictures with him holding their wrapped gifts instead. 

The party finally mellowed down, Pearl excused herself to take a smoke break on the patio, to which Greg offered to accompany her. Garnet and Peridot washed the dishes, while Amethyst and Spinel helped Steven clean up the confettis and other trash on the ground. When it was all done, Steven sat down on the sofa, and checked his phone. He sighed upon seeing his lockscreen, which still has a picture of Connie on it. You know what? Maybe it’s time to finally move on. He unlocked the phone and went into the gallery, wanting to put a picture of the Painting Peridot made as his lock screen instead, when suddenly, he received a text notification.

“Happy bday Jam bud.”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 14 - Breaking Point

—

Around Six Months ago, Therapist’s Office.

Spacious room, beige furnitures, fluffy sofas, and a friendly face. Yet he felt trapped and uncomfortable, like sitting on a park bench made of sandpapers while being caged in a… cage. His focus slowly drifts away to the sound of the very loud ticks of the grandfather clock in the office. Why the fuck is that thing in here? What year does he think this is… His focus returned to the movement of the lips of the man sitting across him, how can one speak so loud, yet silent? He didn’t hear a single word coming out of his mouth, he really couldn’t care less. 

“Nate, the meds aren’t working.” The boy cut him off,

“-and that’s why you should- wait what?” His words gave the British man in white coat a whiplash. A moment of silence ensued.

“W-well, I can always prescribe you a new-”

“Again? Fuck no! How many times does that make now huh? Three? Four?” The boy yelled at him,

“F-five, Steven. But don’t worry! This next one is the top of the line-”

“What if that doesn’t work too, huh? Top of the line you say? So that means there’s nothing after it, right? Holy shit, Nate then what?! You’ll just, let me wander the streets being all dangerous?!” He stood up and stared at his therapist menacingly. The man sighed, stood up with him, and extended a hand,

“Steven, no, you are not dangerous-”

“YES! YES I AM! I’VE TOLD YOU NUMEROUS TIMES THAT I AM!” He flickered pink, the therapist gasped and took a step back, only to see the boy’s light dim down and hear his faint chuckles,

“Ahahaha… see… I am dangerous…” he uttered as he sat back down. The therapist is at a loss, Steven might not be his first patient, but he sure is the most difficult one to work with. Right then… Time to therapist my way out of this…

 “Listen, Steven. You have made improvements since-”

“Hah! Improvements my ass. You know damn well that’s not the case… or at least… that I won’t listen to that bullshit…” Another wave of silence. He’s defeated, the number one psychiatrist in all of Delmarva, if not America, Dr. Nathaniel Burke himself is defeated. He thought to himself, where did I go wrong? I’ve been dealing with this kid for years now… And as a therapist, I obviously know healing does not happen instantly. Nearly twenty years in this business… I know that… I know that, but… Surely there’s a reason… ah… is it? His nature?

“My what now?” The doctor flinched, he didn’t realize he blurted out those last two words.

“N-nothing, Steven! I was just talking to myself that’s all-”

“No. No you weren’t! Don’t you lie to me!” He stood up once more, flickering pink once more,

“Steven, I know it’s painful right now, but-”

“SAY IT!” He approached him, with one finger pointing directly between his eyes,

“Ste- Mr. Universe, Please!”

“NO!” Without realizing, the demigod’s hands are now strangling the mere human’s neck. Nate struggled, with both his feet now off the ground, and both his hands desperately prying off the crazed boy’s hand. Feeling his consciousness drift away, he chose to break his vows as a doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, and all integral part of his profession, and his own self.

“Your nature! I said "your nature!” ” The hybrid loosened his grip, but still kept the man off the ground.

“What… does that mean…” He said in a softer tone, the therapist looked directly into his eyes, with a gentle gaze of course, and continued,

“You’re… quite a piece of work, Steven Universe… At first I thought you’re just like my previous patients, even after hearing about your… heritage, I still chalked it off as just another quirk! If all your alien powers are derived from your emotions then I can just work on it instead! As I reckon it is my job! Oh how wrong I was… well, half wrong that is… I was- before I continue, can I please get into a more comfortable position…” The boy sighed, and slammed him down onto the sofa. The man coughed as the hybrid sat back down on his sofa, he gave him a sharp glare, telling him to continue.

“Right… while the therapy itself worked… you still have the involuntary side of things, for example, common humans shiver or quiver as they experience PTSD, they don’t exactly glow pink or send shockwaves… but you do! Which only adds on to the suggestion that you’re not getting better, but you are, I promise!” He said trying to calm the boy, he only softened his gaze a little, okay, a process nonetheless.

“Isn’t that what the meds are for?”

“Wh-what?! What kind of meds are supposed to stop pink glows and shockwaves! Don’t make me laugh! These meds are supposed to mellow down or better yet, help control your emotions… I can’t do anything about the gem side of things, Steven, that’s the only part I can’t help you with… but you got to admit… I did a bloody good job working with the other parts, didn’t I, lad.” He said in a smuggish tone, hoping to lighten the mood. He succeeded, probably, the boy gave a soft smile and sighed.

“You really did, Nate… Or should I say, Dr. Burke.” He stood up, the therapist flinched, but was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by his hand, asking for a handshake, to which he took it and smiled back.

“Thank you, Mr. Universe. Now, onto the next-”

“Next? What do you mean, next? You just said you’ve done everything you can, didn’t you?”

Oh no.

“It’s over, doc. You’ve done everything in your power, yet I’m not better. All thanks to my… nature… Heh… Hahahaha… Hahahaha…” He let out a sinister laugh. He reached into his blazer pocket, took something in his hand and gripped it tightly. The therapist was perplexed, he didn’t quite know what’s happening, so he decided to just watch it unfold. The boy moved his hand so quickly, the man almost missed it if not for the audible popping sound coming from his hands. He lunged forward, trying to stop the hybrid from doing the unthinkable, but alas, he was too late. The doctor's face planted onto the table as the maddened boy downed about a dozen pills down his throat, walked over to the water dispenser, and chugged a glass of water.

“Wh- what’s the idea here, Steven? You know that can only lead to… bad things.” He said desperately. The boy chuckled.

“Observe.” Five minutes passed, then ten, then fifteen. Nothing happened.

“It didn’t work. My body fixes itself every time it detects damage. So… apparently these meds are… “Damaging”, according to my gem powers.” Burke stood there perplexed.

“Sadly… My gem is oblivious to… emotional … damage… so uh… no fixing it, I guess. At least not with human medications.” The therapist fell down to his knees, tearing up.

“Why are you crying Nate? Sympathy? Empathy? Or… anguish? Are you just frustrated that you’re finally facing a patient you can’t fix? Or are you genuinely saddened that I’m apparently unfixable?” The therapist chuckled and choked in his tears.

“Hahah… a bit of both, I suppose…” Bad response. Good enough for Steven, though. He chuckled at the doctor, and kneeled to his level.

“Well then. Thanks for everything, Dr. Burke. You’ve been great. And by the way, you’re still the greatest therapist in America… for common humans at least.” He stood back up and turned away, walking out of the office, leaving the therapist to drown in his own tears.

…

Steven, please… don’t walk away… I can help you, I know I can…

…

Can I?

—

Later that evening, Connie’s college dorm room

“So… that’s it, then? You’re giving up?” The brown skinned girl said to her boyfriend, lovingly yet worriedly. He tensed up, then exhaled,

“No, not exactly. It’s just that… I just realized the problem with my nature is uhm… I’m not half human half gem, I’m both human and gem. So I need to work on both sides.” He said, twirling his thumb. He scans the room from the bed they’re sitting on, and is reminded of what he’s missing out on due to his nature… though he’s not sure whether he minds missing out on this exact part. Two single beds in a 150 sq ft room, somehow still managing to fit in two desks inside it; four sides of wall, four surfaces covered in different posters from different interests on each side, it’s very chaotic… although honestly, he doesn’t mind this kind of chaos… this human side of chaos. Growing up, all the chaos he experienced had come from his gem side, never his human side, so he thought maybe, just maybe, this is what he’s been missing, a human kind of chaos, a human side of… huh. 

It might be the meds kicking in, or simply his brain getting fried from stress, but when he eyed the human beside him, he felt a fire burning within. He knows what this fire is of course, it had engulfed him several times in the past, yet he always managed to extinguish it one way or another before it burned him down to ashes. 

“Well if that’s the case, then I don’t think the best course of action is to quit therapy altogether! It would make more sense to continue therapy and consult the diamonds on your condit-”

“It doesn’t have to be therapy though.” He cut off her words. Will this work? He thought to himself. Eh, whatever, if it happens, it happens, if not? Guess I’ll wreck a city again.

“What do you mean?” Ask the girl, confused,

“I just have to keep… exploring my human side… if you catch my drift.” The boy said while he put his forehead against hers, caressed her cheek with one hand, and held her hand with the other. The girl blushed, she knew what he meant… still, Steven Universe? This bold? Quite new, really. Also what did he exactly mean by exploring his human side? Haven’t they been doing that since they started dating? They’ve kissed lots of times, french kisses even, they’d also makeout from time to time… so… if what he means is to move on to the next step then… oh.

“You’re very beautiful, Connie.” His lips now planted on hers. She didn’t even have time to think, it just happened. He pulled away, now’s her chance to-

“I uh, I love you so much… and sometimes I don’t feel enough for you… to be by your side, to be your boyfriend, y’know.” His head now rests on her shoulder. Oh come on, Steven. You know I can’t when you… Ugh, I just… can’t!

“Babe… you’re so enough. There’s no way that Steven Universe, the savior of the galaxy, is not enough for a regular human girl like me!” She said while lifting his face, he smiled.

“Regular? Which part of “genius sword wielding knight” is regular?”

“Oh, you! Hahahahahah!” The pair of teenagers giggled as she pushed him away and nudged his shoulder lovingly, he picked her up and sat her on his lap, well, the mood is kinda bright now.

“See? It doesn’t have to be therapy… just having you by my side is enough…” He said lovingly. She flinched and cringed a little,

“Is- is it, though?” She raised an eyebrow while pointing downwards, Steven’s confused, why is she making that expression? Why is she pointing down- ah, fuck.

“Steven? Got something to say?”

“Ah, hm. Well uh, you know how it is hahah… you should probably get down from-”

“Steven… it’s okay… I get it, you’re a boy after all…” She didn’t get off his lap, instead, she swayed her feet, which gave him quite the sensation down there…

“A-aah, Connie, I don’t think that’s a good idea-”

“Besides… it makes me kinda happy…”

Huh?

“Cause uh… this means you find me attractive… right?”

Fucking hell, Connie.

“Also… “genius sword wielding knight”, you called me? So you really have the audacity to try to pull a ruse against a genius ?”

“W-what are you talking about?”

“Oh come on, Steven, don’t think I didn’t notice this weird… thing you’re doing… you’re never this bold… you want this to happen, right? You want me to say all those things, right?”

“Ah- oh, uhmm…”

“ Sigh… it’s alright, Steven… it didn’t work.” He stopped quivering, stared her deeply in the eyes, and tilted his head from confusion,

“If it didn’t work then… why are you-”

“I’m doing it out of my own accord.” She wrapped her arms around his neck while planting a deep kiss onto his lips. The boy flinched from surprise, but not wanting to waste the opportunity, he kissed back while wrapping his arms around her waist. She shifted her sitting position, he sat her sideways before, now she positioned her legs on each of his sides, straddling his laps. The kiss got deeper and deeper, until finally, his body went limp from the stimulation. As if on cue, the girl pulled away from the kiss, and nudged his weakened body with a single finger, to which he fell onto the bed with little to no resistance.

“C-Connie?” The boy stuttered calling her name while her hands crept up under his shirt.

“Are we really doing this?” He said, not expecting her to go this distance, sure this is exactly what he wants, still, when you get to it, that’s when it starts to get real.

“Yes… Unless I misunderstood…? Which I’m pretty sure I’m not…” She said with a little concern, which was soon erased as she bucked her hips on his still very much hard member.

“Ah, well… if that’s the case then-” 

“Woah!” She yelped. The boy somehow got his strength back, got up from the position they were in, toppling her and almost sending her falling to the floor, of course that didn’t happen as he swiftly grabbed her by the waist, and slammed her onto the bed while positioning himself on top of her.

“Let me take the lead~” He said while tilting her chin upwards with his left hand, right hand slammed right beside her head.

“Oh? Well then, let’s see what the great Universe has to offer…” She replied in a mutually seductive tone. Before she could complain, he took off his shirt and threw it on top of the desk where his blazer had been sitting since he got here. She gasped in awe upon laying her eyes on his abs, while she had been eyeing and touching his arms for quite some time now, she hasn’t seen his bare body in a long while, last time they went on a beach date, he seemed very uncomfortable, she took it as the beach being sort of a source of trauma, since a lot of stuff transpired on a beach… The red eye, Lapis, Peridot, Jasper, Spinel… and much, much more. None of that stuff is important for now though, all that matters is that her boyfriend is insanely hot, and she didn’t realize since when but her hands had been all touchy feely all over his abs.

“Enjoying yourself, huh?” He said, which snaps her out of the trance,

“H-hehe… Yeah… this is quite… something… when did you get so… buff?” She asked him, to which he smugly smiled,

“Why, thank you! It must be all the rock climbing I’ve been up to, and the hikings… and calisthenics…”

“Woah! You’re doing all that?!”

“Yeahh… you get tired of sitting in a car for hours upon hours a day y’know? Also it’s great for my “self exploration” thing, since I turn off my gem powers while doing all that, completely exercising my human body.”

“That’s impressive, Steven! Proud of you!” She said, cupping his cheeks, to which he softly blushed. The wholesome moment was cut short as the boy leaned forward and ran his fingers through her neck, all the way down to her breasts, to which she softly moaned.

“Can’t let you have all the fun, now, can I?”

“G-guess not…” Before she could say anything, he moved his hands below her polo shirt-

“I can do it myself.” Strangely stern. He was a little discouraged but oh well, guess she’s just shy. He sat back up, allowing her to lean upwards and took off her shirt, revealing the cyan bra she wore under it, nice, he thought to himself. She threw her shirt to the general direction of the desk, but missed and it landed on her roommate’s bed instead.

“Eh, whatever.” She said, unhindered,

“Is that really okay? I can stretch and toss it away, y’know.”

“Nahh, you don’t need to do that, Cynthia isn’t coming back til tomorrow, said she’s staying with her girlfriend or something,”

“Oh! So we have the room to ourselves tonight huh…”

“Yeah… so, what now? You said you’ll lead?”

“Ah, right, back to business~”

He pulled her closer into a hug, their minds turned to mush as their skins collide, his gem flickered a few times, thankfully she didn’t notice, this happened a few times in the past while they were making out, they even accidentally fell into Stevonnie one time during an intense make out session. Her nails planted on his back as his hand ran all over her body, feeling up her cheeks, then neck, then his other hand raised from her waist, and met the other on her breasts. He moved his hands to her back, flick, flick, flick…

“Mmm?” She could only groan as their mouths are colliding at this moment.

“Mmmh…” He groaned back in frustration slash confusion,

Ah, cute.

She figured that he’s struggling to unhook her bra. She pulled away from the kiss, only to be met with his frown and blush, she chuckled and lifted his face,

“It’s alright, Steven, let me get that for you.”

“But I want to do it!” He said, longingly. She awwed internally, then turned around and grabbed his hand.

“Here, place your hand right here, and your other hand across it… yup, just like that… now, push them towards one another, and- ah! There you go!” Success! He did it in one try, with a guide, but still, quite alright for a virgin. She turned back around, bra loosened,

“R-ready?” She said with a deep blush,

“Y-yeah!” His voice cracked slightly, now they both blushed. She pulled her shoulders together, allowing the bra to fall elegantly. Her nipples started to peek out, to which she stared into his eyes, then to the wall next to them. He held her hand, wanting to get any clue, she gripped back gently, he took this as a go on. He did exactly that. He pulled the undone bra, all while looking away, he threw it somewhere, and moved his gaze back at her face. To his surprise, she’s staring directly at him, with a deep blush of course, still, that’s better than staring at the wall. He mustered the courage, and glanced down. He sat there mouth agape, only for a second or two since Connie straight up slammed his jaws shut with her hands.

“W-what now?” She asked the boy entranced by the view of a pair of cacaos in front of him (Sorry I couldn’t think of another metaphor LMAO), to which he slowly moved his gaze back up to her eyes,

“Ah, uhm… Well, let's just do what feels right…” With that, he pulled her back into a hug, now completely skin to skin. 

She found her hands once again wrapping around his neck, quivering every once in a while due to the sensation of him gently nibbling her ear. His tongue made its way down to her neck, then to her breast, then to its tip. She moaned softly as he suckled on her nipple and fondled the other, before she realized it, she’s already laid back down on the bed. She moved her hands to the back of his head, ruffling his hair,

“Hehe, you look like a ba-”

“No~ don’t say it…” He stopped sucking and turned away with a blush, she giggled and went back to ruffling his hair instead,

“Ahah, ookayy…” She said playfully. He made his way down while she looked around the room once more, she’d gotten into the habit of turning off the annoying white fluorescent light, and relying on the warm yellow night light she’d bought from home instead. Just now she realizes that the lighting really sets the mood, cause there’s no way they’re doing all this under a white LED light. Her thoughts were cut short as she felt her pants dropping, he was pulling it down, with a bit of a struggle, since for whatever reason she chose to wear cargo trousers today. She flinched, but let it happen anyway, revealing her cyan panties, same color as her bra of course.

“S-slow down there, bucko! What are you gonna do nOW!” He planted his lips on top of a certain area of the panties, she’s wondering how the hell is he this good, but then he started veering off from that spot, and that’s when she thought, ah, beginner’s luck huh?

“Steven, you had it right the first time…”

“Wh-hwhat?” He said tilting his head upwards to look at her, she chuckled as she saw his face in such a predicament, drool all over his mouth and eyes barely open. 

“Heh, nothing, come on, I can’t be the only pantsless one here!” She sat up and pushed him down, undoing his jeans and pulling it down. She gasped once more and thought to herself,

How the heck is his underwear holding all that…

She used a finger to touch what she assumed to be the tip… ah, she’s right, since he’s squirming and moaning from it. 

“Must feel tight, huh?” She said while keeping her eyes on the tightness,

“Y-yeah…” He said helplessly as she pulled down his last piece of garment.

“W-woah! You’re not… shapeshifting are you?”

“What?! Naww, why would I do that?”

“So it’s just normally this… big…”

“Oh uhm… yea? Thanks, I guess?” She was in awe at the size of his phallus, sure she had seen certain videos online “accidentally”, still, she thought the sizes in those were exaggerated or rare for the very least, oh well, guess she’s just lucky… or not? She doesn’t know what to make of it, really.

“Well… what do you want me to do?” She knows what, just wanted to confirm, though.

“Start by touching it… I guess…” He does not, he knows. He shrieked as she encircled his girth with her soft hand, then gently stroked it up and down. Her hand felt a little moist from the precum oozing out of the tip, which only made things even hotter since the strokes now make an erotic flapping sound. He moaned softly as she kept stroking, she observed how the phallus reacts to her touch, then glanced up at the faces he’s making. Cute. 

“Sooo, is this it or is there anything else you want from me?” She said with a smug look and raising an eyebrow. He hesitated for a moment, before muttering fuck it, and decided to just go all out.

“B- Blowjob…”

“What now?”

“A b- nevermind…”

“Hahah! Steven I know what that is, I’m a seventeen year old teenage girl, not some clueless kid.” He couldn’t even let out an awkward chuckle since immediately after she said that, his member was engulfed inside her warm mouth. He shrieked as she started moving her head up and down while stroking the base of his hard cock. Her other hand now holding his hand in place, this went on for a few minutes until,

“Ugh, Connie, I’m gonna… uhm!” He pushed her by the shoulder, letting his cock fall out of her mouth, they made eye contact and she nodded, she then stroked harder and faster, he squirmed and moaned, and…

“Ah!” He released all over her face, and body, specifically her breast area. He watched intently as his semen flowed down slowly,

“Uhm…?!” The girl shot her a look,

“Ah, right! I’ll grab some tissues!”

“Cyn should have some, check under her bed.”

“R-right!” He dashed down to the floor, grabbed a box of tissues, and tossed it to her. She held the box as he made his way back up the bed in front of her. She hesitated for a second and,

“W-wait, you don’t gotta do… that…” He stared in awe as she scooped up some of his load on her breasts with her fingers, brought it to her mouth, and licked it.

“Bleh… tasted just like how I imagined it, heh…” She chuckled then took some tissues out the box, and started to wipe all the remaining load on her face and body.

“So, now that we’re do-... guess we’re not done, huh~” She took her eyes off the thing for a moment, now it’s already throbbing hard again.

“Ah, well… it’s alright, we can stop here if you don’t-”

“Steven, stop, you’re killing the mood.” She said a bit sternly,

“Oh, okay… let’s continue, then?” He said, she nodded and laid back on the bed. He sat there and took a deep breath, exhaled, then slapped his cheeks in encouragement, she chuckled, then gasped as he pulled down her panties, and tossed it in the same general direction. She covered her face as he went down on her, color me surprised, he’s actually good at this! She tried her best to muffle her moans with her hands, but it eventually escaped as it was just too much too handle, the way he worked his tongue up and down her labia as his fingers fondled her clit, and sometimes change to suckling her clit and inserting a finger or two in her hole is just… too much.

“S-Steven, this isn’t good! I’m boutta… ah!” She squirmed as he pushed his fingers up into her g-spot, all while still licking her clit, it was all too much for her and she soon fell into an insanely pleasurable orgasm. He rose up from his position with a smug on his face, she rolled her eyes, then shot him a smile. She took a breather for a moment, 

“What now, leader? ” She said teasingly, he smirked, then got on top of her. She laid there motionless as he lifted her legs up to his shoulders and-

“Wait! Think you’re forgetting something?” She said to the boy, he sat there for a while, before facepalming quite hard.

“Ah, fuck! I don’t have any! Well… guess we’ll have to save this for another…day?” He watched as she reached under her bed, took out a bag with a red cross on it, put it on her side then rummaged inside… she turned away from him as she took out a pack of condoms.

“Woah, you just have that under your bed?”

“Y-yeah… my mom insisted I bring some of it… guess she had the right idea in mind… ugh…” She said with a blush on her face.

“You know how to put it on?” She asked him,

“Y-yeah! I think…” She handed him one from inside the package, he cracked open the inner pack and took out the rubber. After he’s done figuring out the front from the back, he stuck it to his tip, then rolled it all the way back. She sighed in relief as it fit quite perfectly, she was quite worried that his massive size would mean all the condoms her mom packed for her would be useless, thankfully that’s not the case… still, how does she know? Ah, guess not. She thought as she glanced back into the care package, it turns out her mom had packed condoms in all sizes inside the bag… way to go, Dr. Maheswaran.

“There! That should be it, right?”

“Yeah, it says so in the instructions…” She glanced back and forth from the instructions and the real one, after confirming the accuracy, she nodded at him and leaned back down.

“Okay, it’s all good now… I think…”

“Alright…” They went back to their previous position. He put his tip against her entrance,

“Tell me if it hurts, okay?” He said gently, she nodded once more. He pressed his member into her entrance, pushing it inch by inch, she gripped his shoulders quite hard, and he called out to her from time to time, but she insisted for him to keep going, she can take it. And take it she did. They both breathed in exhaustion as the final inch made it inside her. She then chuckled and looked at him with a smirk,

“See? Told you I can take it.”

“Hah, guess you could, huh?” 

“Yeah… but this is only the beginning, right?”

“Damn right.” 

With that, he started bucking his hips, and she started moaning. He groaned from time to time, but she muffled their sounds by taking him into a kiss. After a few minutes, she pushed him away, much to his confusion and frustration, but then she smirked, and pushed him further till his back hit the sheets, to which she promptly straddled him, now she’s sitting right on top of him.

“My turn.” She said smugly, before he could say anything, she started bucking her hips up and down, he moaned and moaned, till he had to cover his own mouth to stop the noises from leaking out. Their sweats mixing, body colliding, voices harmonizing, it was all too much for the both of them, and sure enough, they were almost at the peak.

“C-connie, I think I’m almost there!”

“M-me too Steven… Think we can time it together?” She asked him while panting,

“Y-yeah, jam buds and all that, right?”

“Hahah, yeah… well, here I go!”

“Y-yeah, here I come!”

“Ahh!” They moaned in unison, and that’s it, they’ve reached nirvana. Their bodies shook in unison as they climaxed, he could feel her walls tightening around him, which made it easier for him to keep exerting his essence into the rubber barrier wrapping his member. They panted for a while, then she leaned back, dropping onto the bed, his phallus plopped out as she made her way. They both had their arms covering their eyes as they laid down on her bed.

“H-huh… that was… amazing…” He muttered,

“Y-you were amazing…”

“N-no, you were!”

“No, you’re amazing!”

“No, you’re amazing! Hahah!” They went back and forth for a moment, then he moved to lay next to her. He put his hand below her head, to which she turned to face him, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“I’m glad we did this.” She said,

“Yeah… Me too…” He said, feeling a flicker of desire still burning somewhere inside him… yet his member already settled down… there it is again!… now it’s more pronounced, more obvious… now he could tell where it’s coming… it’s coming from within his… gem? But there’s nothing there? No light, no flicker, no change in temperature…

…

What’s happening to me?

—

Five months later.

“Hoo! That was amazing as always, babe! Mwah!” Steven pecked her cheeks as he leaned his back towards the Dondai’s backseat. She frowned, and turned her head away from him,

“...yeah…” She said as she put her underwear back on. Weird, putting her clothes back on post-intercourse used to be a playful thing, she used to love seeing him stare at her body so intently as she covered back up after he enjoyed every inch of her, now though… It feels humiliating. He had the audacity to hum a little joyful song as she put her shirt on hastily, pulled her jeans up, then stepped out of the car before even buttoning it.

“What’s up?” He asked, cluelessly.

“I uh… I think I need a break…” She said, barely holding it together.

“A break? Oh! Well there’s no need for that, we’re done for the day! We really went at it though, huh? I mean, five times? This was even more than the time we did it at that hillside, hah!” His prideful grin soon turned sour as his eyes turned to his girlfriend, her face fuming with anguish, sorrow, and who knows what else. She burst into tears.

“You fucking asshole! What the fuck is wrong with you?! How many times have you dragged me through this shit, huh?! How many more times are you gonna do it?! I mean, come on man! How many times have we done it in your backseat now, huh?! And I know it’s not like you’re broke too, I know you got money! I’m not asking you to bring me back to Marriott, or Ritz, or any of those fancy places, I just want to be… to feel appreciated!” She yelled through her tears, he tilted his head, then replied,

“B-but, I do appreciate you, I always say so!”

“It doesn’t feel like it!”

“How was I supposed to know? You never said anything till now?!”

“DO I HAVE TO SAY EVERYTHING?!” She yelled at the top of her lungs. He swore he could feel a shockwave striking him.

“CAN YOU NOT SEE IT ON MY FACE?! HEAR IT IN MY WORDS?!” He’s now dead silent. She composed herself to the best of her ability, then continued,

“I… always hold myself back… so I don’t disappoint you… so I don’t make you upset… I know how you can be… I’m sorry but I’m done walking on eggshells around you…”

“C-connie? What… what are you talking about?”

“And here we go… the guy doesn’t even realize he’s doing this shit. You’re glowing pink, Steven.” She said sternly, he swiftly turned to his side, trying to catch his reflection on his car window, and surely enough, he was glowing pink, albeit dimly.

“H-huh?”

“Fuck you mean, huh? Don’t tell me you never realized all those other times you were glowing pink when I rejected your advances?” She said flatly, now he glows bright.

“W-what other times?! You’re saying this happened many-”

“Oh, cut the shit, Steve.” She cut him off.

“I know you know. At least some of it.”

“I uh… right… I’m sorry.”

“You really think sorry is going to cut it?! Hah! The audacity! You’ve MANIPULATED me, Steven! Multiple times! What the fuck is sorry going to do, huh?!” She lashed out again. He couldn’t get anything out of his mouth before she continued on,

“You manipulated me into having sex with you! Do you know how low that makes me feel?! How disgusting it made me feel?! How… controlled… it made me feel…” She burst into tears, and fell onto the grass below them. His glows faded, he really fucked up now. He really thought he was just being playfully pushy while she’s playing hard to get, turns out no really means no huh (Cringed while writing this btw), he went down on his knee and sighed, trying to come up with anything to salvage the situation,

“Connie, I’m really sorry… I thought we were cool… obviously not, huh…” He flinched back as she pierced his soul with a sharp gaze,

“Please, tell me how to fix this! We can get past this, I swear! I’ll get you anything you want, I’ll do anything you want me to do! I’ll treat you better, I swear!” She let out a sinister laugh, much to his confusion, then stood up.

“I said I need a break…” He stood back up with his head still tilted from confusion, then it dawned on him,

“Oh… You mean like… a break, break?”

“I did say that didn’t I… let me take that back…” He could feel a smile forming, yet it was all crushed by what she had to say next.

“I kinda lost the mood… let’s break up and get it over with.”

“W-WHAT?! Connie, you can’t be serious!” He started flickering pink again, this time his pupils turned to the shape of Diamonds, Pink Diamonds.

“Ugh, there it is… Diamond nature… Go ahead, wreck the city… I don’t give a fuck.” His jaw dropped,

“Wreck it like you wrecked my heart.” He couldn’t come up with anything to say anymore. In a last ditch effort, he dropped back to his knees, and took her hand into his,

“Connie, Please… let me fix this… give me some time! I know I can fix this! Please! I don’t want it to end this way!” She looked at him like he’s dogshit under her boots… yet she still considered his words seriously… maybe from the years of friendship that’s the pillar of their relationship.

“Hmm… Okay…”

“R-really?!” He lit up in relief,

“Sure… I’ll give you a month… If it’s not better… you know what happens then…” She said sinisterly, he gulped, and stood back up,

“Hm, alright, I swear I’ll make it better!”

…

…

…

We know how that went… (Refer to Chapter 1)

—

“Ugh… what the fuck man… why the fuck now…” He said as he laid down on the king size mattress, surrounded in boxes after boxes of birthday presents, with his phone still in his hand. He brought the screen back to his face, and stared at the cursed message once more.

Happy bday Jam bud.

“Ugh! What the fuck!” He tossed his phone to his side, only for it to vibrate immediately. 

Incoming call, Connie <3

“Fuckin’ a!” He contemplated whether or not to pick it up… after the third ring… he figured it might be enough. He picked it up.

“Y-yeah?”

“...”

“Connie? You there?”

“... Lighthouse.” The call ended. Lighthouse? What the fuck does that even… wait… is she at the lighthouse?! Like now?! He swiftly stood up from the mattress, then rushed over to the car. He figured it’d be faster if he just ran or rather, jumped there… still… What if she’s actually there? He decided to take the scenic route, and his preferred method of transportation, not before he made sure no one saw him leave though. He looked left right up and down, okay, no one’s around, somehow. He got into the car, and quietly drove away. It doesn’t really matter how slow he was driving, it was a short distance anyway, the lighthouse was right there. He made it on top of the hill, and sure enough, there she was. She leaned on a small cherry tree while hugging her knees, wearing a navy polo shirt, denim shorts, and a pair of casual black and white canvas sneakers. She turned around ever so slowly upon hearing the sound of a familiar engine, and sighed heavily upon confirming her suspicions, the bastard is here.

Steven pulled up in his Dondai, got down from it and locked the doors. He was approaching his ex when suddenly, a flash of pink appeared between them.

“Huh?! Lion?? Where the fuck have you been!”

“ Rawr… ” He said nonchalantly. The big cat walked back a few feet, letting Connie step between them, Steven gulped, he swore he could feel cold sweats forming in his forehead right now.

“He came to my side that day… right after I got to the bus stop… He’s been with me these past few days. He’s sort of uh… my… birthday present for you.”

“Huh?”

“I’m returning him, Steven. He belongs with you.”

“ Roar… ” He roared while facing away. The boy felt a sense of relief, though he doesn’t know why.

“So… that’s it, then? You just wanted to return my lion?” He said, still hopeful there’s something else from her… what? What the fuck am I thinking? What the fuck do I even want?

“Well… I suppose we can chat for a while…” He smiled a little… Fuck… ain’t I supposed to be moving on or some shit? Damn it. She ain’t making this easy… So he sat beside her.

“So? What do you want to talk about?” He opened the conversation,

“Hmm… I don’t know… I just don’t think it’s right to just… leave after coming all this way.”

“Ah… hm…” A wave of silence ensued. The boy then had a mischievous idea.

“Oh, right! Look what I got, hehe!” He said gleefully as he rummaged the inner pockets of his blazer, to which he pulled out a half smoked pack of cigarettes.

“Cigs? Really?” She said mockingly,

“Yeahh, found this in the bathroom cabinet, gotta be Pearl’s, she smokes now.”

“Uh huh… got a lighter?”

“Oh, you gonna smoke it?”

“Well, aren’t you offering?”

“I mean, yeah?”

“Well lets smoke it then.”

“Okay, let's see… uhh…” He rummaged his pockets once more, this time to no avail.

“Hm, wait here, I should have some matches in my car.” She nodded as he ran back to the Dondai. Not a moment later, he returned, box of matches in hand. He sat back down, opened the pack of cigarettes, handed one to her, and took one for himself.

“So uh, you smoked before?”

“Yeah, not cigarettes, though. Cynthia brought some pot from time to time.” She said nonchalantly. He nodded, huh, guess I don’t have to teach her how to smoke, then. He also used to smoke weed, almost all the time even, that was back during his hiking/nature exploration days, his hippie friends used to bring a lot of green during each trips, smoking green on the green used to be their motto. He slid open the box of matches, took one stick, and struck it to the sheet of red phosphorus on the side, then brought the lit matchstick up to the cigarette in his mouth. He took a few puffs as he handed the box to her, she did the same, then rested her hand on her sides, cigarette between her fingers. Another moment of silence. He took a drag, she took a drag, she coughed, he coughed, he spat from the foul taste of the cigarettes, she did the same… but neither said a word. Until…

“Steven?”

“Mhm?”

“... Can I have you one last time?”

“ COUGH! COUGH! ... What?!” He choked on the smoke.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 15 - One Last Kiss

—

“Sorry, what the fuck did you just say?!” The boy said to the girl next to him, still half choking from his own saliva, his mouth filled with the foul taste of menthol and tobacco. The girl sighed heavily, took one final drag from the who-knows-how-old cigarette, then put it off on the heel of her shoe.

“Ugh, you heard what I said.” She said facing away, with smoke slowly coming out of her mouth. Steven stared at her, then to his own cigarette, ah, fuck. The flame burnt through the filter, he didn’t realize he had taken more drags than she did. He flicked it off and stepped on it, stood up then walked in front of her, kneeling back down to her level.

“Yeah, I heard that… still, what the hell are you talking about? You were so sure of leaving me just a few days ago, what’s different now?” He said as gently as possible, he didn’t want to mess this up as he really wants to get to the bottom of this.

“Hmph… you really think I want to come back?”

Huh?

“I don’t want to, Steven, but I need to!” Her words just confused him even more,

“Connie, what the actual fuck are you talking about?!”

“I fucked Cynthia!” He flinched, he did not expect that.

“She… broke up with her girlfriend, and… I don’t know, she came home all fucked up and shit… so one thing led to another… I realized I might be bi, or pan, or whatever I don’t really know…” He sat beside her, intent on listening to see where this goes,

“It was alright, not as amazing as…” She quickly covered her mouth, and forced her head to face the other way. Did he realize what I was going to say?... Hmm, nah, look at that clueless ass face.

“So uhm, she took me to this party, and I met a guy… and…”

“You hooked up?”

“Mhm…” That kinda broke his heart… not by much though, it was already a mess since the one month struggle period that she established. Also the break up night, yeah, his heart is already a mess.

“But it was… fuck… fuck!” She started pulling her hair, a view the boy is all too familiar with, though the hair pulling girl is usually a bit more… pink.

“Connie, Connie, relax! Breathe in, breathe out… come on now…” He couldn't believe he actually went all therapy with her.

“Hmph… yeah, I’m fine… I’m fine…” Her gaze rests upon the grass now. He relaxed his body once more, noting that the crisis had been diffused, for now at least.

“It’s just that… she, and he, were both… inadequate. ” He zoned out for a second, trying to figure out whether she’s saying what he thinks she’s saying. He stared at her for a moment, then she looked away. Ah, fuck. Well, gotta stop myself from grinning I guess.

“Wipe that disgusting grin off your face, Universe.” Aw fuck.

“But yeah, it seems like you’re getting it… asshole. ” She muttered the last part.

“ Sigh, I don’t know if it’s your… nature … or simply your size… it's just… different. Him and her aren’t you! And I’m glad they aren’t! But… my body seems to think otherwise…” He still sat there with no words to say.

“Did you do a weird gem ritual to me?! Did you fuck my body up?!” Oh he had to take this one.

“Uh? Yeah? I did fuck it up… with my ballistic missile remember? Hah!”

SLAP

“Yep, deserved that one. And nah, I didn’t do any weird gem shit… at least knowingly.” He muttered those last words.

“What?” Her eyes wide open as she cocked her head in his direction,

“Well I mean, my spit and tears do weird shit, who’s to say my jizz won’t?” He said while shrugging. She gasped, quite loudly at that.

“Steven… fuck… fuck, fuck, fuck! God damnit! I didn’t sign up for this!” She panicked once more, this time she bit her nails.

“Ugh, actually… you kinda did…? Since you agreed to date this freak of nature right here…” He said, flickering pink a little. Huh, maybe I am still insecure about the whole hybrid thing… Whatever, that’s not important right now.

“So uh… what’s that about having me?” He asked still in disbelief,

“Shut up. I’m thinking.” She shushed him with a finger. Hot .

Wait. Why am I seriously considering this shit again! Actually, why am I even here in the first place?! Ugh!

“Fuck… ugh…” She folded her arms while tapping her fingers,

“...”

“Steven?” She propped her hands on her sides,

“Yeah?”

“Just fuck me like you usually do.”

“WHAT?!” He recoiled so hard his body almost toppled to the grass.

“You heard that shit, ya prick!” She yelled while raising her arms in frustration,

“I mean, I did! But why? You’re always so logical, and given the hypo, hyper, hypote, hyp-” He knows the word, he just stutters sometimes when he’s nervous or puzzled, or both.

“Hypothesis.” She added flatly.

“Yeah that. Isn’t the most logical action for you to do is to stay away from me? And my uh… fluids?!” Cringing as he said the last word.

“Ugh! Who the fuck cares about logic! I’m fucking horny!” She swiftly and harshly pulled him by his blazer’s collar, kissing him right in his lips. His head hurts, he can’t handle all this shit. Fucking hell, Connie! Even sex with Spinel isn’t this… rousing. Sex with Peridot is all mellow and shit, reminds me of our earlier amateur sloppy actions… damn it! If we’re doing this, we’re doing it my way. He pushed her away, only to carry her bridal style as he stood up, but that’s not all, he tossed her about six feet up, she screeched, only for him to catch her as she fell, rolled to be below her, and cushioned their descent. He hugs her ever so tightly as he digs his tongue into her mouth, she reciprocates the sentiment and twirls his tongue around inside her mouth. Her hand circled his neck, just like the old times, and his around her waist, also like the old times. The teenagers gave into their burning passion above the moist grass, and under the shining stars. Their legs intertwined, she could feel his bulge hardening over her thigh, he could feel his jeans getting a bit… damp in a certain area. Oh Connie… that’s how it is, huh?

“Fuck… I hate this…” She muttered right to his ears. He didn’t, or rather couldn’t say anything.

“I don’t want you to take this as me wanting to get back together… I’m just…”

“Horny?”

“Hmph… don’t make me say it… but yeah.” That somehow ruined the mood, or at least he thought so, since she rolled away and decided to lay next to him instead.

“You know… you’re not the only one having… fun after our break up…” He really couldn’t think of anything else to say, since those were the only things in his mind right now.

“Oh?” She sat up and raised an eyebrow, he glanced at her, expecting her face painted with anger, or annoyance at least, but nope, just curiosity.

“Good for you, I guess…” She added flatly.

“That’s it? That’s all you gotta say?” He said, admittedly a little annoyed at the neutrality of her tone,

“Well, I’m not exactly in the position to be mad, am I? I did the same thing after all…” She said while rubbing her shoulder awkwardly.

“Right…” He sighed in agreement.

…

Ah, fuck it.

“Connie I fucked Peridot and Spinel”

“WHAT?!” She slammed her hands on the grass below, her eyes widened, her voice much, much louder than before.

“See! That’s more like it!”

“What the fuck are you talking about?! You’re lying, aren’t you?! I mean, not just one, but two?! Two gems?!”

“Yeah!” He said, his face beaming with pride.

“Oh stop smiling, you bastard!” She squeezed his cheeks with her hands, this used to be an expression of love between them, now it’s only done on confusion, and shock.

“C-connie! I can’t speak if you squeeze me!” She reluctantly took her hands away from his face, he quickly rubbed his cheeks, and the redness went away.

“How does that even happen? Gasp! You forced them didn’t you… like you forced me! You fucking asshole!” She raised her hands, he assumed she’s about to hit him.

“N-no! No! No forcing! No gaslighting either! It was all consensual and fun, I swear!” She lowered her hands.

“Hm… elaborate.” She put her chin above her hands in a thinking position.

“Fuck you mean elaborate?!” He said while rolling his eyes in annoyance, though he was the one to bring up the topic.

“Steven.” She said sternly.

“Ugh, fine. With Peridot it was more like rebound sex? I mean Lapis dumped her at like, basically the same time you dumped me, coincidence, huh?” He dared not look at her, but could see her from the corner of his eyes, nodding.

“With Spinel… it’s a bit more complicated. Seems like she’s got a thing for me since the whole… me treating her better than mom ever did thing… I mean, can you blame her? I was basically the first person to treat her like a real person in six thousand years! Well, gotta admit I’m touched cause, even with how brash and dismissive I was with her, she’s still quite fond of me.” He ended on a positive note.

“That’s because she’s… unwell…” She cringed, though she felt like she must bring up the point.

“That might be. Though you should see her nowadays, she’s so much better. She even went through a gem version of therapy! Proud of her, honestly.” He said with a sincere smile on his face. He glanced at her and was met with a smile, though her eyes still glued to the grass below.

“Sounds like you’re doing great… I wanna say I’m happy for you but that’d be a lie. I could barely go on with my days without thinking of you.” She said with a sour face.

“Bad things?” He asked, albeit rhetorically.

“Obviously.”

“Eh… fair.” They let the cold breeze of the night wind hit their bodies, his eyes still focused on her. The way the night breeze somehow managed to sway her short hair is quite aesthetically pleasing to him. He suddenly felt a warm touch on his fingertips, he glanced at it to find her fingers rubbing against his. He couldn’t quite know what to make of it, still, this was nice, so he just let it happen, until it didn’t. She pulled her hand away, then hugged her knees with her arms,

“Just… fuck me one more time… one last time, then I’ll figure it out from there.” He wasn’t as surprised with the statement anymore, since she had basically prepped him up for quite some time now.

“I mean… if that’s what you want…” He said, not realizing his member had been ready for the task, she did though. 

“Where do you wanna do it? I mean, with warp pads we can basically go anywhere.” He clasped his hands, he does it every time he’s coming up with a plan.

“Eh, I don’t want it to be memorable… actually, I want it to be easily forgettable.”

“So?”

“The legendary Dondai backseat will do.” He choked on his own spit.

“You sure?! Isn’t that a little too…”

“Traumatic? Maybe. Tell you what, if I tap out, that means I can go on without this… hookup tonight… but If I don't tap out, you can keep going and finish the job. Sounds like a plan?”

“Yeah… not a solid one… but a plan nonetheless…” He agreed hesitantly. She stood up and extended her hand to him, he looked at it, then at her,

“Well? What are we waiting for?” He stood up without taking her hand, then walked to the car, unlocking the doors. She followed not long after, getting inside and jumping to the backseat as he opened the door for her. He climbed inside, leaped to the backseat and sat next to her. It was a little awkward at first, but then both of their bodies acted on their own, like they had their own memories. 

He began by leaning closer to her, planting a kiss to her neck while slowly nibbling it, his hands wandered everywhere, sometimes fondling her breasts, sometimes cupping her cheeks, sometimes squeezing her ass. She had her own set of actions as well, her hands mainly played with his hair, roughly, though sometimes it would also wander around, to his neck, his back, his waist, his chest, basically just a session of hardcore make out.

“Man, I forgot how nice this was…” He pulled away to take a breath,

“And I’m reminded how shitty this was…” She muttered as she turned her face away,

“Come on, not even a little?” He said while lifting her face by her chin,

“...Okay, it’s alright.” She blushed, then turned away once again.

“Hah… yeah…” He said awkwardly. She unbuttoned her jeans and pulled it down, revealing the black panties she was wearing, she glanced at him and,

“Well?” She asked, raising an eyebrow,

“H-huh? Oh…uhm… that looks good on ya…?” He answered in haste, still enamored by her choice of underwear,

“Ugh, no silly, take off your jeans.” She rolled her eyes as she helped him unbutton his jeans. He sighed, and looked up at the roof of the car. This feels… wrong… I mean, of course it feels wrong, we aren’t even supposed to be doing this, I mean, people aren’t supposed to fuck their exes… right? As he was lost in his thoughts, his jeans dropped to his ankles, much like her jeans dropped to hers. 

“Connie, uhm… wanna listen to something on the radio? Just to set the mood…” Why did I ask that? I never liked it when we fucked to songs, it distracted me… also it reminded me too much of when we were-

“Sure? If you want that I guess, yeah, why not.”

“Alright then… let’s see.” He turned on the car radio, only for the first channel to play a very familiar tone to the both of them. He facepalmed, and she grinned awkwardly. It was the song he played during their first time fusing into Stevonnie. Also her ringtone. She promptly leaned forward and changed the channel, only for the other channels to either play static, or mainstream pop songs with complete dogshit audio quality. He dragged his hand down his face,

“Forget it, just turn it off.”

“Actually…” She opened the glove compartment and took out an aux cable.

“Oh?”

“Can I play something from my playlist?” She said as she plugged one end to the tape, and flashed the other in front of his eyes.

“Sure, sure, just… play a good one…” He said in a hopeful tone, she chuckled as she plugged the aux cord to her phone.

“This song… kind of inspired tonight’s shenanigans… of course there’s many other factors on top of it, still, this song was definitely a catalyst or something.” She played a song, and it started with a somber melody played on an acoustic guitar,

(The Taxpayers — I Love You Like an Alcoholic)

♪Heavy humid night, corner of Park and Main♪

♪Cast that first glance, "Your smile, my veins"♪

♪At maximum capacity, blood pumpin' so fast♪

♪My girl, if looks gave heart attacks♪

He smiled, he doesn’t know this song, but whatever, at least that way it won’t bring any awkward memories from the past. She surprised him by not sitting back to her previous position, but instead turning around and straddling his laps instead. She grinded her moist panties on his bulge, the both of them moaned from time to time, She looked at him deep in his eyes, he nodded, and pulled his underwear down, as she pulled hers. Without a second thought, she dropped down straight on his dick, every inch penetrated her as she moaned in ecstasy, he whimpered, but immediately locked in and held her by the waist, locking her into his signature two way thrust, pushing her body down as he bucked his hips up. They moaned and-

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like an alcoholic♪

Huh?

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like a statuette♪

What’s this song about?

♪One last kiss♪

♪I need you like I need a broken leg♪

Oh. That’s what she meant.

He could feel his heart dropping and tears forming in his eyes. But he pressed on, he put his frustration and sorrow on each thrust, she moaned so freely, yet he heard nothing but silence. Her moans are muffled by the night breeze, but not her cries. Wait wh-

“Connie, are you crying?” He stopped his movements, only for her to squeeze his cheeks.

“Keep going.” He scoffed, then pulled her hands away from his face,

“No, no, how can I keep going if-” She pulled her hands away from his grip, only to squeeze his cheeks again.

“Keep. Going.” She said as he was about to complain, but then he noticed the tears forming in her eyes. God fucking damnit Connie, why are you doing this shit if you’re just gonna cry through it! But he continued. Once again, he released his anger through his movements, he thrusted deeper and harder, she moaned louder, though sometimes she couldn’t help but choke on her tears.

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like a broken pot♪

Bet you do, huh.

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like a pack of dogs♪

I like cats better but okay.

♪One last kiss♪

♪I need you like I need a gaping head wound♪

Yeah, yeah, message received.

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like an alcoholic♪

“Steven, I’m about to cum!” Good, let’s get this shit over with.

♪One last kiss♪

♪I love you like a negligee♪

“Hmph… yeah, yeah, me too…”

“It won’t kill you to be a little more enthusiastic, y’know.”

♪One last kiss♪

♪I need you like I need a broken leg♪

“Dude, how can I be enthusiastic when you- WOOOWEEEE!” He shrieked as she stuck a finger up his ass, probing just the right spot. She stared at him with a sinister smile on her face as she kept wiggling her finger inside him like a worm.

“C-Connie, you gotta get off now, I’m seriously realll fucking close…”

“J-just a little more!” Connie you fucking- oh shit!

“Connie! I’m serious, I’m bout to… FUCK!”

“Ah, yes!” He gripped the headrests on his sides as he released his semen inside her, she moaned in ecstasy while gripping his shoulders.

… God damnit.

The outro melodies were not at all audible to him. His head is filled up with panic, he just creampied a human girl, not a gem. Fucking gems were worry free, he didn’t have to think about getting them pregnant since Peridot was such a genius that she designed her body to not get pregnant, and Spinel was reforming just for shits and giggles, it was all fun and games… humans aren’t.

“... FUCK! Connie, what the hell were you thinking!” He said as he pushed her off his phallus, she slowly turned around to sit down next to him, his semen oozing out of her pussy. He gulped at the sexy sight, damn, I’ve never filled her up like this before… No! That’s not what I’m supposed to be thinking right now! Ugh! She sighed, and leaned to the front part of the car to grab some tissues on the dash, sat back and used it to wipe the fluids coming out of her.

“Relax, Steven. It’s a safe day… I think… ”

“FUCK YOU MEAN YOU THINK?!” He glowed pink, honestly? At this point, who can blame him.

“Mmmmm… It’s alright, really, I’ll just buy some plan B.” She said nonchalantly,

“YA THINK?!” He raised both arms in frustration, all while glowing pink.

“Urgh, Steven, calm down! You’re stressing me out!” He wanted to say more, but realized it wouldn’t do either of them any good, so he breathed heavily and pulled up his underwear, then his jeans. His light dimmed.

“Okay… just… uhm… fuck.” He said while scratching his head, frustrated,

“Don’t get pregnant?” She asked as she pulled her underwear and put her jeans back on.

“Ssshhhhtttt… yeaaaah…” He said awkwardly with a hand behind his neck ,

“Haha! Steven, I’m trying to enjoy college life, of course I don’t wanna get pregnant.” She put a hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him. Doesn’t seem to work, he’s still quite tense. She took a deep breath then sighed.

“Alright then… I’ll get it tested in a week… and I’ll tell you how it goes… deal?”

“Hm… yeah… deal.” He said, now relieved. She sighed once more, and leaned back to the headrest, he followed suit.

“You don’t have to call or anything y’know… a text will do…” He said, facing away from her to mask his… anguish? Sorrow? Emptiness? Whatever negative emotion that’s showing on his face. No use though, the dark atmosphere reflected his face on the car window.

“Yeah… alright…” She said awkwardly while looking at the reflection on the window. She made her way out of the car while he put his blazer back on, one he didn’t even remember taking off. He took it off right away, he’s still sweating from the rousing session they just went through.

“Want me to drive you to the bus station? It’s the least I can do.” He said as casually as possible. Casual… yeah… that was casual right? At least it was supposed to be. She stopped in her tracks, looked up at the sky, admiring its beauty in the cold summer night. She looked back down and sighed.

“No… you’ve done enough for the night… for… ever, actually.” I doubt that. You came back after saying basically the same shit last time… and that was five nights ago, Connie. How long will it be until the next time you pop back up in front of me? Crashing my fun days with the gems? I’m sure it won’t be long… unless…

“Wait.” He said as flatly as possible. She stopped in her tracks once more, not at all eager to hear what he had to say.

“At least let Lion get you home… he’ll come back here right after… right buddy?” He turned around to look at his pet Lion, to which he responded with a yawn-ish roar. She sighed and exhaled in frustration, mixed with a little bit of disbelief.

“Steven… I took him all the way here just to return him to you, and now you want me to take him ba-”

“No. You took him here just so you can fuck me. You could’ve just pat him on the back and tell him to go home, but nope, you had to ride him here.” Well that shut her up.

“Rude… well, I’d better take you up on that offer then… you up for it, Lion?” She glanced at the majestic beast, 

“ Roar… ” He said while lowering his body,

“I’ll… take that as a yes…” She got up on his back. Steven waved at them as they jumped into the portal, she didn’t even look back. Well then… guess that’s really it. He put his hands in his pockets, sighed heavily as he tried desperately not to glow pink. Come on, Universe, this is nowhere near as painful as when she turned down your proposal, or when she dumped you… this might be fucking worse. He took a deep breath, exhaled heavily, and looked up at the night skies. 

“Well… it is what it is…” He turned around, about to enter his car and drive back home when suddenly, a familiar stretching sound approaches and he’s immediately wrapped in a set of coiling magenta colored arms.

“Well, well, well… Steven Universe… what the FUCK was that?!” The figure said as she reeled herself closer to the boy.

“Ugh… not now Spinel, I’m-... S-Spinel?” His tone turned from annoyed to worried in a matter of seconds as he turned to face her, to which he saw her eyes spiraling.

“Oooooohhhh I saw everything, Stevie, eve-ry-thing…. Hehehehehehehehe!” She said manically. Cold sweats forming on his forehead, oh no, she saw all that?! What am I supposed to… wait… ain’t she supposed to like that kinda thing?

“Why oh why, were you tussling with that BITCH! ARE YOU INSANE?!” She yelled so loud directly in his ears.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! I didn’t know you feel so strongly about Connie? What’s gotten into you?! I thought you’re supposed to like this kinda-”

“DON’T Patronize me, mista! I may not be the smartest gem around, and I’m goofy most of the times! Teeheehee!” She said with a sinister smile and still spiraling pupils.

“But what I do know is what I like, and what I don’t like! And I sure as hell ain’t like it when ya’ play with her!”

“Wha-... What the hell are you talking about?! You enjoyed watching me and Peridot! How can it be different when I’m doing it with-”

“SHUT UP!” She yelled once more as she hammered his face with an enlarged fist. Pretty sure she broke his nose there, it was gushing with blood, no matter, it got instantly healed. Not sure since when, but he started having these automatic regeneration abilities. Unlike the broken bones that healed overtime at a rapid rate due to his gem powers, he needed to kiss it better to cure open wounds immediately, even on himself. But then again, sometime in the last two years, black eyes got better in a matter of minutes, bruises in seconds, and scratches never even got the chance to form… in tandem though, his ability to cure others grew weaker… but of course, he hasn't told anyone about this.

There’s a loud ring drumming his ears, his visions blurred, his mind clouded, his breath heavy, his body numb. The grip around his body tightened, and all he could see was the maddened face of a usually friendly figure. His vision blurred even further, the sinister smile on the face in front of him started to turn to a frown. The grip loosened, letting his body fall to the wet grass below.

“What am I doing...” Now he could hear the voice clearly. The face came back to his view, now exhibiting a worried expression in contrast to anger or frustration.

“Steven I’m… not sorry… I was selfish, yeah… but I was also just tryna do good for you…”

What?

“Like I said… I ain’t the smartest gem around… but I know… at least feel… when something ain’t good is happenin… And what you did was definitely ain’t good… It ain’t feel good when I see it…” He sat up from his position as he wiped his tears, tears he didn’t even feel forming before.

“Spinel… I think you’re just being selfish. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean I should-”

“You didn’t smile, Stevie.” His words were cut short. Before he could say anything,

“I don’t even think I’m a… what’cha call it? Cuck? Yeah… I don’t even think I’m that…” He couldn’t come up with anything to say.

“I think I’m just happy when I see you happy… that’s why I liked it when I saw ya with Peridot… you were smiling so wide! That’s why I enjoyed it… methinks…” She said timidly, now hugging her knees while sitting on the ground.

Okay what the fuck that was just too cute. Although… 

“Okay but you still gemgasmed… You know what? I think it’s still a high possibility that you like getting cucked, though you’re just very picky about the person doing it… Peridot is on the list, while Connie isn’t, at least that’s what I’m getting from this…” She looked up at him, about to protest, though she soon trashed the idea upon seeing the smile on his face. I don’t know about all them complicated stuff, sunshine… but at least I know I like it when ya smile like that… She stood up, dusting her bottoms from the dirt below. She hesitated for a moment, then almost immediately wrapped him in a hug, a normal one, with a single coil of arms, not multiple. It startled him, but he sighed, and hugged back.

“I’m sorry sunshine… I think I did too much…” She said with her face buried on his chest. He chuckled and pat her head,

“It’s okay, Spinel… you meant well… although you’re always so, so , intense… I mean, I kinda love that about you… Still, I could do less on the punching though…” She buried her face even deeper in his chest.

“I’m sowwy… but hey…” She pulled away from his chest,

“Ya said we can always punch it out anytime I want to… what happened to that?” She tilted her head, he stared at her,

“Wha? When did I say that?!” He said in genuine confusion,

“Ya know! The first time I… lashed out on you…” She blushed then turned her face away,

“Injector?”

“No! No… uhm… first time I lashed out on you… in two years…”

“Hm? Oh-... Ohhhhh! That… I uh… hm…” Realization hit him like a truck as he remembered saying something along the lines upon seeing her lashing out on his family that one time after he went home from banging Peridot. He thought for a while, then decided, fuck it, I’ll just roll with it.

“You know what… yeah… sure, sure… we can do that… just give me a heads up though…” He said very, very carefully.

“Hm… okay… not sure I can give a heads up when I’m literally fuming with anger…” She said half sarcastically. They stood there in silence, which was only broken from time to time by the sound of the night breeze hitting the grass and grazing the leaves of the cherry tree near them.

“Hey… I saw the mattress you were talkin’ about… wanna bounce on it?” She said, trying to break the silence. He smiled at her, to which she smiled even wider.

“Yeah! Let’s check it out… Not sure I want to bounce on it so soon though…” She tilted her head, then gasped, pulled away from the hug and punched him on the arm playfully.

“Oh you! I didn’t mean it like that ya dirty brain! Haha! I mean, let’s just… play on it! Nah… joust…? Nah, still dirty… tussle? Aw rats! I used that one already didn’t I?!… uhmmmm…!” She scratched her head as she tried to come up with words that can be used to describe playing but not fucking at the same time. The boy burst out laughing at her predicament.

“Ahahahahaha! Spinel, stop! Ahahahah… What about uh… oh I know! Why don’t you help me unwrap my presents, hm? Sounds good, moon?” He said while cupping her cheek, she blushed, then smiled once more.

“Yeah… I would love that.” With that, the both of them held hands and made their way down the hill, sure they could’ve floated down or stretched right to the conservatory, or rather, drive the damn Dondai back to the beach, but no, walking hand in hand seemed the best option right now.

—

Green walls, green lights, green screens, green projections, pink image. The green gem scrunched her nose and pinched between her eyebrows as she took off her yellow visor, sighing in defeat… no… exhaustion? She stared at the pink projection in front of her, it showed a distinctly pink circle with a plethora of white strings weaved left right top and bottom, almost like an extreme close up to a fabric. She put a fist up, then opened it bit by bit, with this, the image zoomed in even deeper, bit by bit. The lines became more sporadic, leaving more open space in between the weaves.

“No, no… not here… not here either… Urgh! It’s got to be in there somewhere!” She said in frustration as she put her visor back on. She took a deep breath, put her hands together, then pushed it downwards as she exhaled.

“Okay… Stacy, project the image in a three dimensional plane.” She stated flatly to seemingly nobody, until,

“Understood, madame.” An AI-esque robotic voice answered from the speakers surrounding the room. In an instance, eight drone-like devices flew to her front, positioning themselves into eight corners, holographic lines projected from one drone to the other, after all eight drones connected their light lines and formed into a holo-cube, it holds the projection in the center, now in the shape of a sphere. Soon enough, the flat two dimensional image on the screen is now projected in 3D right in front of her. She paced around the projection, looking intently at every inch of the large glowing sphere, her hands ran through every nook and cranny, no, no, not here… not here either… come on, Peridot, if you’re really smarter than average, surely you can-

She stopped in her tracks, seemingly focused on a certain area of this pink orb in front of her.

“Stacy, zoom in on section 13-xii-D.” She firmly ordered the AI assistance,

“Zooming in on section thirteen dash roman-twelve dash D.” The hologram closed up on a certain part of the image. Just like before, the weave became more sporadic, although this time, a smug smile formed on her face, though it soon dropped. No, not yet, I have to be sure before celebrating.

“Enhance! Enhance!” She said as she swinged her arms frantically,

“Enhancing to the second degree.” How can AI assistance be so sassy?

“Ugh, just do it.” She folded her arms and rolled her eyes. Only for her arms to drop to her sides and her eyes opened wide, along with her jaw almost dropping to the ground.

“Stars… there it is… finally… I finally found it! Haha!” She jumped up and down and flailed her arms in excitement, much like the time she was so excited to watch the new camp pining hearts with Steven a few years back.

“Excuse me madame, but if the nature of this projection means that you’ve proven your hypothesis… doesn’t that also mean something bad is currently happening to S-”

“Ssshhh, shut up, bot! Let me revel in my success! Just for a bit longer! Hehehehehe…” She giggled sinisterly, before composing herself. She stood up straight, walked to her chair, and sat back down. Her chin fell to her folded hands in a thinking position. She sighed heavily.

“But yes… you are correct, Stace… this is quite the predicament…”

She stared intently at the projection in front of her. It shows an image quite similar to before, pink background, white strings weaved, although in this very section, 13-xii-D, some strings were jumbled up, some loose, and some even severed. She put her hands down, this time truly in defeat,

“How on earth am I supposed to fix this?” She raised her hand, though now her fist is open, palm facing the projection, then promptly closed it into a fist. With that, the image zoomed out to 1x enhancement. The pink background is now no longer a background, it was simply the color of the object being projected, an object with a shape we’re all quite familiar with. An object in the shape of a pink diamond.

“May I suggest consulting the owner of this gem?” The AI suggested, the green gem stared at the speakers in disbelief.

“Stacy, you’re a Smarter Than Average Artificial Intelligence , I’m sure your suggestion is more of a sarcasm, correct?” She said in a stern tone. The AI chuckled, yeah, it can do that.

“Of course, madame, would you expect any less from me? I am aware of the fact that section D of your established crystal-mapping interface on this Pink Diamond is responsible for self regeneration. I am aware of the fact that by suggesting it in an unironic manner, it would besmirch your position as my creator, simply from the oxymoron that is suggesting a gem with a broken self healing function to heal itself.” It said in a flat tone. She scoffed,

“Heh, verbose much?”

“Thank you, madame, I try.” Again with the sass. She put her finger on her chin once more, then started muttering her brainstorm.

“Hmm, if my theories are correct, the gem ’s self regeneration function is inversely proportional to his exhibited powers due to his hybrid nature; the jumbled strings I assume will be exhibited in the form of rapidly accelerated form regeneration, while the severed ones will be exhibited in the form of gradually degenerating heal other function… stars… this might be more complicated than I had previously anticipated… Oh, Steven…”

Chapter Text

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Chapter 16 - Anomalous

—

Pristine, not even a single scratch remained, that’s how impeccable of a job the robonoids did on the entrance to Steven’s conservatory. The boy and the magenta gem walked up the steps hand in hand, he put his freehand on the scanner, and the door opened for them. The room is now dark, seems like Spinel had forgotten to turn on the lights, or maybe she switched it off on her way out to… spy on him earlier… geez . No matter, he flicked a switch and the room is now illuminated by the lamps on the lining of the ceilings. His focus went straight to the brand new mattress, his presents still scattered on top of it. Spinel let go of his hand, stretched one of hers to a bench, where his, or rather her organic pink jacket rested. He gazed at her as she put on the jacket excitedly, a scenery that warms his heart.

“Alright then, why don’t you get us started, which one should I open first?” The boy asked as he plopped down onto the king size mattress. The pink gem excitedly jumped up and down on the mattress,

“Ooh, ooh! What about this one!” She picked up a present with red wrapping with one hand and pointed at it with the other, and yes, all of the wrappings are color coded, the gems love to do that and Steven loves that part of them. 

“Ah, Garnet’s huh, wonder what she’s giving me…” He grabbed the box, it was kinda small though. Hm, I really wonder what she’s giving me this year. Last year it was three sets of playing cards… a set of uno, a set of dominos, and a set of face cards… that last one came with a piece of paper that had the words “I know. Don’t do it again.” written on it... I’m starting to think that trip to Vegas wasn’t a very good idea…

“Ah…” He cringed as he unwrapped the box, only to reveal another box… one that he’s familiar with. Spinel tilted her head, she didn’t understand why he’s making that expression. She eyed the box, and it had numbers on the front,

“Wuzzat? What’s the numbers mean?” She asked naively. He hissed awkwardly, then put a hand behind his neck,

“It’s a sex thing, it’ll kinda ruin the mood if I explain it right now, promise we’ll get to it though…” He explained as briefly as possible. She cringed and awkwardly smiled,

“Oh… Okay…”

Damnit Garnet! You’re about an hour late! He flipped the box, only to find a paper attached to it. This year it says “Should’ve opened your presents first.” He scoffed and threw it somewhere in the room, he won’t be needing it anymore since he’s pretty sure he won’t be fucking any more humans for a while… or forever… ugh.

“Alright, next present… I wanna open this one, what do you think, Spin?” He called out to her to make her feel more included in the activity. It feels a bit lonely if she just sat there, especially after the awkwardness from Garnet’s present…

“Hm? Oh! You’re letting me pick again?” She said raising an eyebrow, silly sunny, if you make me pick every single time, we won’t be opening your presents together! It’ll just be me picking your presents for you… I kinda don’t like that…

“Heh, no, I’m just asking for your opinion! So? What do you think, moonie?” Her heart skipped a beat, if she had one that is. She’s relieved by his explanation, but more flustered with her nickname. Oho Universe, always ahead of me…

“Ah, okay then! I think that’s gonna be interesting! Amethyst’s right?” She said while pointing at the purple wrapped box he held in his hands. He nodded as he unwrapped it, the box is quite big in size, definitely much bigger than Garnet’s.

“Aaaand it’s aaaa… air fryer? Ugh, I’m sure she bought this for herself, damn Amethyst…” You’re really tryna’ look pissed aren’t ya? Ya can’t fool me, sunny… not with that smile on your face.

“Well, at least this one’s useful anytime, okay then, you pick the next one!” He said as he set down the air fryer next to the bed. She put her finger on her chin, thinking which present she should pick next. There's still a magenta one, a cyan one, a green one, and a… white one? Oh!

“Oh! This one, this one!” She said as she excitedly picked up the white wrapped present.

“Ah, this one’s gotta be from dad, let’s see what he got me… actually, I kinda have an idea what this is… and yep, there it is!” Stars formed in her eyes as she watched the boy pick up this hollow box with flat metal rods in different lengths nailed on top of it, and she gasped in astonishment as he started to pluck the metal rods, playing a melodic tune.

“Steven, Steven, Steven! What is that?! I love it!” She jumped up and down excitedly. The boy chuckled, thinking that she’s incredibly cute right now.

“This is a kalimba, I mentioned I wanted this on my last birthday, I mean not specifically, it’s just that… Dad gave me a ukulele last year, and I’m kinda bored of the same old instruments, so I mentioned some other instruments, unique instruments, one of the things I said was this, a kalimba… I guess he remembered huh…” She took her gaze off the instrument, yet the stars in her eyes stayed. Right now she’s enamored at the sight of a boy so fond of his present… or… his father? Or maybe both, she doesn’t know for sure. Just like the Diamonds, and other gems, really, this family stuff doesn’t come naturally to Spinel, all she knows is that Steven loves his family… and maybe, just maybe, she understands familial love a little more upon seeing his loving gaze at the instrument. He sighed as he set the kalimba down next to the air fryer.

“Alright, for the next one, obviously I’m gonna pick the other half of our new power couple, Pearl, you’re up!” He said while glancing at the gem next to him, she nodded in approval, she gotta admit that it’s very pleasant when he includes her this much. He picked up the cyan present, this one is a flat square, not at all a box. He unwrapped it and,

“A vinyl? Oh and a CD too, what band is this, though, Ocean Gang? ... Oh! This must be the new band Pearl and Dad are managing! Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to listen to all the tracks!... Huh? What’s th- aww… ” He cooed as he picked up a sheet of paper that fell from between the discs. It was a music sheet for a certain track in the album, though what made him coo was the other side of it.

Dearest Steven, I would like to wish you a very happy birthday. On the opposite side of this paper you will find a sheet of my favorite musical piece in this album, in which I personally wrote for you to play on the instrument Greg had gifted to you. I hope this present finds you well and shall be pleasant for you to make use of. Love, Pearl.

He couldn’t hold it in anymore, the tears in his eyelids now flooded his cheeks, Spinel wanted to ask what’s wrong, but then she remembered humans cry from happiness sometimes. She instead put a hand on his shoulder, and as he gazed at her, she beamed a warm smile, one that made him cry even more, still from happiness of course.

“Sorry… It’s just that… I just realized how much they still love me… even after everything that happened, after everything I did, after they found out about  my wrongdoings…” He fell into her shoulders, now she had no choice but to coil him in her arms, just a single coil though.

“Oh Sunshine… you got nothin’ to apologize for… Also… ain’t that what family s’pose to be? I mean, I’m still ain’t familiar with the human concept of family but… I’m sure yours is a great example…” He pulled away from the hug and gazed at her in awe. She really is so much better now… perhaps even better than me… good for her…

“Thank you, Moon… you don’t know how much that means to me…” She chuckled, but was completely surprised when he planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Weird… we did way more exciting stuff… but this one makes me sooo much happier… teehee…

“Right then… we got two left, which one- oh. Guess I’ll pick th-”

“No, open mine first, it’s okay, she probably got ya a better present anyway…” He realized the two remaining presents were magenta and green… though perhaps a little too late. She interrupted him as she noticed that he switched his choice, he was about to pick her gift, but then realized the other one is Peridot’s, therefore he wanted to give Spinel the prestige of “save the best for last” ... alas, that ship has now sailed. He chuckled awkwardly as he picked up the small magenta wrapped box. He opened the box only to find another box. He tilted his head and glanced at her, but she quickly glanced to the floor. He became more puzzled after that, but no matter, all he gotta do is open this box, and…

“Huh? A donut? You gifted me a donut?” He asked in genuine confusion.

“N-no… yeah… no actually, it’s a donut plushie … it’s so that uhm… nevermind, gimme that! I’ll get you a better present, I promise!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down, it’s alright!” But why a donut? Is all he could think about as she desperately tried to reach for the seemingly unimpressive present, only for him to keep raising it higher and higher every time she almost reached it. Think Universe, think! Why donut! What does donut have to do with… oh… oh! Oh my fucking stars, Spinel. He lowered his hand, to which she immediately snatched the plushie out of it, she wanted to turn around, before,

“Uhmp!” He pulled her into a kiss. Not the exciting one with tongue that she’s used to, but the sweet, sugary kind that she came to love. She’s melting, literally, her form got lower and lower onto the bed, until Steven picked her up by the shoulders.

“Donuts, huh? So that time really meant a lot to you… why… Why? Even though I was so mean to you?” She could only smile at him,

“Because… it doesn’t matter Steven… All that matters is that… I was happy… I was really, really happy when I ate that donut with you…” He teared up again, gosh, what did I do to deserve you?

“Tell you what, Spin, next time let’s go get a donut, hm? Maybe when I come around to teach you how to drive, yeah? Sounds good?” He said while cupping her cheek, stars formed in her eyes.

“Gasp! I would love that! That a promise?!” he chuckled,

“Ahah, yeah, promise…” She smiled and pulled him into a hug. One that didn’t last quite long, since they still have one more present to unwrap.

“Okay… last one.” He said, glancing at her once more, to which again, she nodded. The box was tall rather than wide, he unwrapped it and… smiled briefly before immediately cringing. Spinel on the other hand, chuckled rather loudly, then cooed with her chin resting on her hands, and her feet swaying.

“Peridot… where in the hell am I supposed to keep this…” She chuckled even more, he glanced at her then sighed in defeat. It was a sculpture. A sculpture of two figurines, Peridot and Steven, set on top of a square base that he assumed was supposed to be depicting sand/beach, her wearing his signature red star shirt while hugging his arm, him wearing his current everyday attire, both of them smiling ever so happily. He noticed a button on the bottom of the base, then pressed it, almost tossing the whole present away as a hologram projection of a familiar green gem popped out in front of him.

“Greetings, Steven. Happy birthday! I bestow this masterpiece of a meep morp upon you, my dearest… buddy . I hope this token of affection finds you well and shall keep reminding you of our companionship . Also, I used some fancy gem technology so you can swap the outfits on the statuettes… actually, can you please make use of that function right away? I don’t think I want everyone in your house to see me bottomless… Well… that’s all from me for now, bye!”

The both of them laughed after the message ended, he soon figured out he could access that very feature by rotating the button instead of pressing it, now Peridot wears her everyday jumpsuit, and he took the blazer off his figurine. Still, he couldn’t help but blush at a certain part of that message, when she mentioned their “companionship”... He glanced at Spinel during that part, but she seemed to be okay, actually, she smiled upon hearing it. Huh, guess it really was just Connie, she’s still fine when I’m close with Peridot… Hm…

He set Peridot’s gift on a table nearby, then laid down next to Spinel. He’s very tired, like very tired. Spinel scooted closer to him, then put herself in one of his arms, he sighed lovingly.

“Got yourself a pillow huh? Lucky… I forgot to get some from the store… oh well, I’ll just call them and have it delivered.” He said while gazing at her, the smile on her face turned into a frown, oh no! He don’t got nothing to rest his head on!... oh! She stretched her free hand and pulled Lion’s cushion, fluffed a portion of it, then set it under his head.

“Aw, thanks, Spinny! Quite the innovation here, hahahah!” He said as he caressed her cheeks, she giggled and blushed.

…

“How was Connie?” His expression immediately changed.

“I-... don’t wanna talk about it.” He said sternly, which surprised her a little. Still, she wants to help in any way she could. 

“You can tell me… it’s fine…” He turned to her in disbelief,

“Fine? In what world is jumping at me and hammering away at my face fine?! We don’t need to talk about Connie, she and I are done, for real this time… you don’t have to worry about it, not anymore.” The magenta gem looked at him, not in fear, but in pity, an expression he loathes, as it reminded him too much of a certain patronizing man with an accent.

“Don’t. Look at me that way.” He said while pointing at her, using the very finger that was caressing her cheeks just a moment ago. She relented, lowered her gaze then nodded.

“Alright then… we don’t gotta talk about it… at least for now.” He scoffed, then turned his head away. She sighed,

“Sunshine… I want you to talk to me, it ain’t gotta be now, ain’t gotta be right after something happens… but I’d love to know things that are in ya mind y’know… I am your moonie after all…” He sighed in defeat. Stars, Spinel…

“Ugh, alright… I’ll talk to you when I’m comfortable… for now, just know that I’m fed up with her… and I wanna sleep… next to you… if that’s okay…” He turned back on her, only to be met with a beaming smile, she nodded, then hugged him ever so tightly, he loved the tightness, made it feel less lonely for him. All those nights he spent sleeping alone in the car, since motels and hotels are sometimes too triggering for him. Be it trying to glue Ruby and Sapphire back together, or mending Pearl and Greg’s dysfunctional dynamic, he’d always need to do something in those places. The car however, is not a very triggering place, of course there’s some shitty situations that took place in the car in the past, like the Mr. Universe tape incident, but then again, that happened in the Van, not the Dondai, it’s quite different actually, at least to him. As he was thinking these thoughts, he slowly drifted away into the dream world, in a poetic manner of course, not literal like in those days. He enjoyed the sensation of being held by the gem next to him as he fell deeper, and deeper, and,

“Hello Steven.” He sighed heavily as he sat up from a sofa made out of pink clouds. He tilted his head upwards to return the greeting from the figure in front of him.

“So, we meet again…” She smiled, he didn’t. He looked around this realm he’s in right now, there was nothing else around then the two of them, and the pink sofa he just stood up from… hm, I’d give it a try at least.

“Room? Dream? Consciousness? Whatever this realm is, I want a table.” Nothing happened. The tall pink figure in front of him chuckled,

“Steven, this is just a dream, a normal human child’s dream, not a gem thing, you can’t spawn things just like that!” He scowled, then sat back down.

“What is it this time?... Mom.” He asked Pink as he looked at the clouds beneath them. The previous holder of the gemstone knelt to his level, then tilted his head up with her fingers.

“I feel like, it’s you… that needs me this time, Steven.” She said lovingly, his blood boils. What?! I don’t need you. I did NOT need you, I’ve NEVER needed you, and WILL NEVER need you… wait…

“Say, mom… how do I solve this crisis?” His tone changed to serious, yet the smile on her face faded.

“If you’re talking about the gem government crisis then… you’re talking to the wrong person, Steven… I failed my only colony, remember? Hahaha!” She chuckled, he cringed.

“Ah… yeah… right…” He could only sit there in silence while she composed herself,

“My only advice for you is one that I didn’t do… at least not properly.” He stared back at her, waiting for what she has to say next,

“Communicate, Steven. I’ve passed my gem to you, and in that process, I’ve essentially taught the other Diamonds of the consequences of not communicating… albeit in an extreme way…” The mother and son cringed at that statement. It was harsh to hear, but by no means is it wrong. After all, she did commit suicide just so her parental and familial figures would feel the regret and remorse of not listening to her while she was alive… geez. The both of them were also quite convinced that if Steven was never created, and the other three diamonds found out about the whole fake shattering fiasco, Pink would just end up getting punished again, maybe for eons this time. But by having Steven in her stead, they felt the consequences of their actions, and are at least willing to learn and change, just like the humans she’s very fascinated with.

“You’ve successfully talked them into dismantling the Empire before, right? I’m sure you will succeed again this time! Just, be confident and learn as much as you can, alright? You are now the beacon to gemkind, Steven… I know it’s hard but… oh who am I kidding, you love the challenge don’t you, son?” She said as she booped his nose.

“Eh, you know me too well, mom… or rather… me.” He looked up at her with a somber expression, she looked down, then pecked him on the forehead.

“Hm… I’m not around anymore Steven… haven’t been for nineteen years now… but my love lives within you… forever.” She smiled, and so did he. His eyes felt heavy, and his vision blurry, a faint “ byeeee, Steven!” Echoes in his head as he slowly but surely slips into slumber… for real this time.

—

“Well that makes no sense.” The green gem said in annoyance,

“Still a viable notion, madame.” The AI chatbot replied, still challenging its creator,

“I know, I know… I still think Percy and Pierre is the superior combination though… considering the reboot or not…” She scoffed as she took a sip of matcha, it’s a drink she had come to love a few years back because… green.

“If you wish for me to believe that, then I will, madame, you are my master after all…” Sass, sass, and more sass.

“Shush! Don’t call me that! Steven wouldn’t like it… call me creator or whatever but not master…” She said like she didn’t program it to act this way.

“Understood, bratty genius.” A certain bite to its voice.

“Hey!” She yelled at the speakers surrounding her. I swear I will develop a face for this thing just so I can slap it!

“It was a joke, madame.” It said in a robotic tone, the creator raised an eyebrow, suspecting the chatbot is doing it on purpose. She scoffed, then added on,

“I know! I was also joking.” 

“Sure.”

“Hmph!” She folded her hands. She faced away from the projector in front of her, returning her gaze to the large projection on the basement lab’s wall. On it, still projected section 13-xii-D of Steven’s gem. She sighed heavily, took off her visor, then put it back on after rubbing her eyes,

“Right… back to the task at hand.” She said after taking one final sip from her drink, then setting it down on the metal table.

“Stacy, bring out more projector drones and make them display other sections from the gem, one neighboring sector, one pristine sector, and one foreign sector, please.” She ordered the AI, it hummed in uncertainty, much to her dismay,

“Madame, are you quite sure to display that one foreign sector? It’s not a valid comparison or reference to our case…”

“Hm, I know that… still, we won’t have a better sample if we keep this up… maybe we do have to talk to him about this…”

“Talk to me about what?” She jumped from her seat and shot up standing.

“Steven?! How did you get in here?!” The boy chuckled from her startled expression, he was about to begin speaking when a robotic voice interrupted him,

“Your front door was unlocked, madame, and I granted him access to the basement after I made the judgement that he may be needed to further our research.” The boy gasped in awe, the green gem pouted in annoyance.

“Woah, what’s that? An AI? Nice to meet you, miss AI! My name is Steven!” He said cheerfully, she scoffed,

“Nice to meet you too, Steven, my creator here talks fondly of-”

“RAAAAAGH Shut up! Stupid AI! And uhm, hey, Steven! What’s up! What are you doing here so late?” He giggled for a while, before raising an eyebrow,

“Late? You mean early, right? It’s like, six in the morning now… Peridot, don’t tell me you haven’t slept all night?! Doing whatever… wait, what are you even doing?” He glanced around the room in astonishment, sure he was here yesterday, but it was so different now, more active, more science-y. She on the other hand, gasped in surprise upon confirming the time,

“Six?! Stars, I’m gonna be late for!... eh, classes start at seven anyway…” She sat back down as she observed the boy gasping in awe as twenty four projector drones flew in front of them, forming hologram cubes and projecting microscopic images of several different sections.

“Woah… some real science-y stuff you got going in here, huh?... seriously, though, what are these things, Dot?” He turned back to her in curiosity, only to find her face sour, in a very serious manner. She sighed heavily, then put her hands together.

“Those are… you… Steven…” He blinked several times, then shook his head in confusion as he gave her a little chuckle and an awkward smile,

“I’m sorry, what? What does that even…” He cocked his head back at the projections, observed the pink shade, then instantly remembered the other day when she shot his gem with a painful light.

“These are… the uhm… scan… results?” She nodded. He looked at each of the projections when he noticed that one of them was green, he was about to question it when he noticed that her gaze was fixated to one certain projection, the one in the middle. He soon forgot about the green projection and shifted his focus to that very projection. It doesn’t take an expert to notice the anomalies at such a magnified scale, an amateur like him even recognized that something ain’t quite right in this one, the… strings? Some are severed, some are thicker than the other, some are very thin it looks like it’s about to snap… what the hell is going on here?

“Peridot… is there something wrong with me? I mean I know the answer to that…” She lowered her finger then closed her mouth back up after hearing him say that.

“I guess the right question is… what are these? What do these mean?” She stood up, then started pacing around each projections, explaining about the anomalies, she started by the projection above the anomalous one,

“This right here, is section 7-iv-C of your gem, Steven. It seems to be a component that controls non regenerative organic cell modifications…” She noticed his puzzled expression, then sighed,

“... in short, shapeshifting and such…”

“Ah, okay! Go on…”

“It’s pristine, the thickness of each string in the weave is uniform, the spaces between them consistent, and the tint is homogenous, basically meaning this is the prime example of how the sections of a gem should be…” He nodded, she gestured her hand to the anomalous projection, the drones followed her hand and placed it next to the pristine projection,

“Now this… is the problem.” He sighed, she continued,

“Section 13-xii-D, varied weaves, inconsistent spacing, heterogenous tint… clearly there’s anomalies upon anomalies here…” He frowned, then mustered the courage to ask a crucial question,

“So… what’s this section responsible for…” She cringed, then explained,

“...Healing.” He chuckled in defeat. It all makes sense now, this is the reason he’s unable to heal one of his hiking friends when she fell from that hill… why she’s now paralyzed from the hip down… why he’s kicked out of the group for being crazy and insensitive, saying nonsense like “Don’t worry guys! I can heal her! She’ll walk again in no time!” despite not being a medical professional, heck, he never even went to school. The notion made more and more sense after Peridot explained the full extent of the condition. His accelerated self healing also makes a lot of sense now, though he couldn’t care less after the memories of his hiking friend’s hopeful face now plastered in his head, once again.

“...-And that’s why… Steven? Steven, are you listening?... Hey, Steven! Are you okay?!”

“Eurghh, huh? Oh, yeah, yeah… I’m… yeah I’m fine…” She had to shake him to snap him out of the trance. She sighed in relief, and urged him to return his gaze to her explanation once more, he nodded, then she continued,

“And this one, this is the neighboring section of 13-xii-D, section 13-xii-C, closer to the center, yet less damaged… but yes, still damaged.” This one isn’t quite easy to make out, he had to squint a little before finally figuring it out,

“The thickness of each string is similar, but not equal. The spaces are consistent, although the tint is very much different.” He nodded to her explanation, she continued,

“This basically means that the damage in one section is affecting the others… indicating a progressive degeneration of its functions…” He frowned once more, she did too.

“So… I’m dying?” He cut to the chase, she cocked her head,

“What? No! Not… any time soon…” She hissed awkwardly, he held his head with both hands in distress.

“I call this condition as… Early Onset Crystalline Degeneration… not that it does anything for this moment…” He’s not even listening, he just paced around the room, looking for anything to keep his mind off his impending doom.

“Right… right! Peridot, you’re smart! You can fix this, right?!” She flinched as he abruptly bent down to her while shaking her by the shoulders.

“I’m… sorry, Steven… I’m not there yet… there’s so much more I need to study before I can come up with a solution.” He fell to his knees as tears pooled in his eyelids. Before it fell to the metal floor though, he cocked his head up, looking straight at her with eyes full of hope,

“Study… study… research! Sample!” He stood up, she flinched once more,

“If you need to do more research, you’re gonna need more samples, right?! Take it then, take anything you need! Spit, tears, blood, urine, take it all! Just… help me… please…” He pleaded to her. She tilted her head, huh, he’s right… he’s right!

“S-Steven, you’re absolutely right! I don’t know why it skipped my mind! I must’ve-”

“Your arrogance requires you to resolve this problem in one sitting with the least resources possible, madame, that’s why.” She scowled as the AI once again interrupted their moment, a nice one at that. He giggled, both in playfulness and relief.

“Ahah… right then, what do you need?” He asked her in a serious tone, though now with a hopeful smile on his face. She put a finger on her chin, then thought for a moment,

“Hm… I don’t have the necessary instruments to draw blood right now, so I guess we’ll start with the easy ones. Saliva, please.” She said after roughing the drawer under the table, and pulled out a petri dish. He nodded, then spat his saliva, a considerable amount on it, he noticed she bit her lips as she put the lid on the dish. Oh?.

“Right then, what’s next?” He asked eagerly, she pulled out another petri dish,

“Hm… I’m thinking tears.” He nodded, then tapped a finger onto his eye, to which he flinched, and tears started pouring out of it. She cringed at his method, but shrugged it off since it yielded valid results anyway. Before he could ask, she put on a pair of nitrile gloves, brushed it against his arm, then collected his sweat in another petri dish. She frowned for a second, went back to the drawer, and pulled out a patch of gauze and band-aids, to which she used to apply the gauze onto his other arm, he raised an eyebrow, though before he could ask,

“I feel like this is a better way to collect sweat samples, though we do have to wait thirty minutes for it to properly work.” He leaned on the table, tapping the metal surface with his nails. He noticed she’s standing there uneasy, he couldn’t help but ask,

“What’s up, Dot? Need anything else?” She tapped her fingers on her folded arm, hesitated for a second, then sighed heavily,

“Steven. In order to work up your sweat for the sample… and to collect another sample… we… uh…” She looked down as she tapped her fingers together,

“Yeah?” He raised an eyebrow,

“We might have to engage in sexual intercourse to collect your semen.” He choked from her boldness, then chuckled, closed their distance, and pinned her to the wall. She could feel her chest burning up as he lifted her face with a finger,

“Well, well, well, Peridot… tsk… Isn’t there a better, more scientific way to collect my semen sample without using your body? Or is there another reason you want to engage in… sexual intercourse with me?” She flinched hard, and even harder when he planted his lips on her neck,

“RrrrAAAAH! Okay, fine! I just… It’s just… I wanna do it again… just because…” He smiled smugly, she slapped his arm, he chuckled.

“Hahahah… alright then, let’s-” 

“Wait.” He’s startled as her demeanor completely changed. She’s suddenly stern again, even more so than when she commanded her AI to move the projections around.

“Before we begin… what’s going on between you and Spinel?”

Oh boy. Time to exercise the secret manipulation technique I learned from the Tibetan monks… nahhh, just kidding, I just have a really good poker face from playing… poker… back in Vegas.

“Spinel? Well she’s my roommate now! The Diamonds were too harsh on her so she kinda ran away from home, and since she was isolated for six thousand years, she didn’t have any other places to go… hey, at least she didn’t come with a bioweapon this time, am I right? Hahahah!” He stated as casually as possible, his poker face is impeccable, even with distractions such as his raging boner.

“Don’t lie to me, Steven! I heard you two and your… pet names!” Oh shit.

“There’s gotta be something more, something that’s happening right under my nose…” She squinted in suspicion. Fuck, I didn’t wanna do this, Dot…

“Peridot, you’re overthinking it! Sure we have pet names, but that’s just because we’re kinda sorta best friends! Besides, even if we are something more, why would you even complain about it? Acting like you’re my girlfriend or something…” Fuck that hurts… Damn it Peri, just shut up and let it go already! A certain hurt look was expressed on her face.

“Y-yeah… But… aren’t we… breakup buddies?” She said in a somber and hopeful tone. Alright Steven, go for the kill.

“Well, breakup buddies are supposed to trust each other, so why can’t you trust me on this, buddy?” Come on, let it go, just let it go. She looked down,

“I… trust you… Steven…” Fucking finally.

“I’m sorry, I was being irrational… apologies for ruining the mood… it’s alright if you- hmph!” She was startled by the lips pressing against hers, the way her feet no longer touched the ground ‘cause he was picking her up by the waist also didn’t help. A series of muffled moans and groans echoed the metallic room as they made out more and more seriously. Their lips parted as they both took a breather,

“Hmph… as likely as it was… I never expected to experience make up sex so soon…” He chuckled as he put her on the cold metallic table,

“Well, be prepared to experience much, much, more from now on, Dottie…” She blushed, but had no time to process it, process what? All of it, really, since her focus is now directed at the mighty rod the boy just pulled out from his pants. She gulped in anticipation, locked eyes with him, then chuckled awkwardly,

“Eheh… Steven? No foreplay?” He giggled, then pressed his erect phallus onto her abdomen, making her flinch, he pulled her closer so he could whisper,

“Now, now, you know I’m not that cruel…” She gasped as he suddenly dropped down to his knees, and in one swift motion, pulled down the green sweatpants she was wearing, exposing a set of briefs plastered with pictures of a certain alien headshot. He laughed at the scenery, then continued on with business. And yes, she was wearing green sweatpants as bottoms, the top? Steven’s red star shirt of course, she didn’t exactly feel good to basically ignore Steven during the entirety of his birthday party… it actually made her feel rather lonely, hence the shirt.

“Hahah! You still have this thing?! Man, how old is this shit…”

“This one’s new… the last one got stretched due to my… new form.” He looked up in shock, and admiration, and also respect for the dedication. He sighed for a moment, before locking eyes with her once more. This time, she braced herself for whatever act he will pull next, and wouldn’t you know it, even bracing for impact won’t save you sometimes. He pulled down the briefs, then started slobbering at her. She squirmed erratically as he demonstrated his horny teenage boy tongue prowess at her most sensitive parts, she even gripped his hair for comfort, or rather safety, the way she feels like she might black out from overstimulation at any point now. 

“S-StevEN! I… hmph! Don’t see the poINT to tHIS!... ahnnn! I just need… hmmmm! Your uh… seMEN! Why must you… hnnnnnn…. Stimulate meEEE?!” She tried her best to get those words out without sounding like a dying goat… needless to say, she failed, miserably. Her messy state only fueled his desire even more, he leaned closer to her ears,

“Hahah… just take it as a… I scratch your back, you scratch my back, kinda thing, y’know what I’m saying?” She groaned, then looked at him in confusion,

“What does that even… meAAAN!” Her sentence was once again interrupted as he smoothly inserted a finger into her entrance.

“Sshhh sshhh shhhh….” He placed a finger on her lips to shut her up.

“Don’t be so uptight Dot… just… keep that down tight.” She rolled her eyes.

“C-classic Steven… Even at times like this, you still manage to conjure up Steven-y jokes… Hmph!” He pulled away from her, now his battle ram stands ready at her gates. She gulped once more, then nodded with a smirk, he winked at her, then

“ARGH! Yessss! Ah!” She moaned and moaned as his member made its way in and out of her. Her legs now wrapped behind his back, and her hands gripping at his arm for mercy. He leaned in for a french, they stayed in this position for a few minutes, before Peridot seemed to can’t take it anymore.

“S-Steven! I'm almost finished!” He smirked,

“Y-yeah? Well uh… so do I actually…” He was a bit startled when she gripped his face with both her hands,

“L-listen… I need a clean sample of your semen… essentially means… you can’t uhm… inseminate me like usual…” He licked his lips and gulped,

“You need to pull out, Steven, and then…” She picked up a petri dish on the table next to her,

“Place the sample here… understood?” He gave her a thumbs up, she nodded.

“There’s a fault in your plan, Peridot…”

“Huh?”

“How are you going to finish if obtaining the sample is the main objective?” She tilted her head in confusion,

“What do you mean? The sample is the main objectIIIVEEE! OH STARS, STEVEN I’M-”

“Gotcha! Me too!” Just like they planned, he pulled out and ejaculated onto the petri dish, all as expected. What she didn’t expect was for him to use his thumb to stir around her clitoris after he pulled out of her. She moaned incredibly loudly as she finished that the security system of her lab issued a level 1 safety warning. Nothing more satisfying for a horny teenage boy then to fuck a girl so good that she screamed so hard it triggered the fire alarm.

“Alright… I have to admit… your spontaneous decision making skills are… adequate… we can rule out neural degeneration as a symptom…” He smirked as he handed her the petri dish overflowing with his semen. She placed the sample on the table, then he noticed she’s eyeing around for her garments, he took initiative and put her briefs back on. She blushed at this act of service from him… orrr something else? Ah, he hasn’t put his pants back on. She got down from the table, then pulled up her sweatpants, she glared at him, then he realized his rod was still out, to which he promptly pulled his garments back up. They locked eyes for a moment, before her expression turned to panic,

“Stars! What time is it?!” She yelled while having both her arms on her hair,

“Madame, if I may, it is now 6:52 AM.” Her AI assistance chimed in, Steven flinched,

“Peridot? Has she been listening to us this whole time?” He asked nervously,

“Hm? Oh, Stacy? It’s fine, Steven, she… it’s. Just an AI assistant, no need to worry about it.” He was about to reply, when she skedaddled up the cascading stairs leading out of the basement.

“Leaving so soon? You sure you wanna be seen all… messy in front of your students?”

“Of course not! I’m rushing to the shower! Oh, here!” She tossed him her keys, to which he raised an eyebrow at her,

“You can use the shower on the first floor, if I’m gone when you’re done, don’t forget to lock the doors!” She shouted as she made her way to the bathroom inside her room on the second floor.

“Ah, a two bathroom abode, huh? How fancy.” He eyed around the room for a response.

“Ooookayyy… Guess I’m off to the bathroom… Stacy, right? Thanks for the assistance today!” He tried once more, this time it works

“You’re welcome, monsieur Universe. And for your information, my mademoiselle instructed me to not speak to other entities inside the laboratory without her permission… I however made the judgement that it is appropriate to speak to you.” He cooed at the general direction of the voice,

“Aw, thanks, Stacy! Well then, see ya later!” He waved to no one as he left the room.

He made his way back to the living room, noted that the bathroom is under the stairs, yet didn’t rush for it, but instead exited the house. He walked over to his car which was parked on the driveway, unlocked the door, then reached over to the backseat, to take out a plastic zip bag filled with his clothes.

“Hm, I planned to shower with her, but whatever, better safe than sorry I guess.” He locked the car and made his way back into the house, straight to the bathroom. He put his clean clothes on the towel rack, and started to get undressed. He took off his blazer, then his shirt, then chuckled as he took off the gauze still attached to his arm, heh, seems like she forgot about one sample after all… He was about to take off his jeans, so he took his phone out of the pocket. He must’ve accidentally clicked the lock button, since he’s now cringing upon looking at the lock screen, still with Connie’s face on it. He sighed,

“Ah, well… since that’s over now…” He went into the gallery, and picked one picture that stood out from the rest. It was the picture he took of Peridot’s painting of all the remaining crystal gems. And Lion of course. He set it as his lock screen and… hm… wonder why he isn’t back yet?... Eh, must’ve started wandering as always, damn Lion always be on his own way… He took off his jeans then stepped into the shower.

“Ah, that was refreshing…” He said as he dried his hair with a towel, stepping out of the bathroom all dressed up.

“Peridot? You still up there?” No answer.

“Dottie? I assume you’re out already?” Still no answer, oh well, guess she’s out and about now. He took his phone out of his pocket, pressed the lock button to check the time, only to smile softly as he was met with the view of his new lock screen.

“Ah, of course she’s out already, it’s seven fif…teen…” His smile faded as he was once again struck by an ominous text notification from a certain girl.

“Actually… I’m borrowing Lion for a little longer, thx.”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 17 - Skirmish

—

“Woah, you really are a natural, Spinel!” The teenager said as he nonchalantly rested his arms behind the passenger seat’s headrests. The magenta gem on the driver’s seat grinned happily. She stepped on the brake pedal and gently engaged the clutch as she shifted down to neutral, pulled the handbrakes so the car came to a complete stop.

“Thanks, Sunshine! But remember, you’re the one that taught meee!” She said while booping his nose and cheeks, he giggled as he tried to swat her hands away, but she never relented, so he ended up having to grab both her hands and pulled her closer.

“I’m serious, it took me quite a while to learn everything! I mean, the fact that this car, the first ever car I’ve driven in my entire life like ever, has a stick shift? It’s still quite crazy to me!” She had to admit she’s a little disappointed after not getting anything from that little pull, all he did was let go of her hands and started yapping as he took off his seatbelt. He proceeded to lean even closer to undo her seatbelt.

“Ah, right, you could probably do it yourself, miss mastered-stick-shift-in-two-weeks! Haha!” Fuckin’ stars, Steven, always know to do the right things in the right times.

“Eheh… yeah… well, us gems are quite the fast learners!” He only chuckled as he made his way out of the car, quickly walked around the front, and opened her door for her, yeah, her door, the driver’s door. Spinel giggled from this feat, but noticed that he had a knack of opening the door for her, doesn’t matter who’s driving. She made her way out of the car, locked it, then handed the keys to him.

“Still, two weeks is kinda crazy… two weeks huh…” His smile faded and so did hers, she had a faint idea of what he’s thinking of. Connie, huh… Steven told me about what happened last time… how there’s the risk she got… wuzzit called again? Pragnent? Yea, something like that… hm… buncha’ baby Steven’s, huh? Wonder how that’s gone be… wonder if Imma like it or not… probably… not…? Yes…? Eh, I dunno, dun wanna know… hmph. Her thoughts were cut off by the sounds of vibrating phone, his phone.

“Ah, It’s Peridot… mind if I…?” She chuckled, then nodded, he mouthed a “thanks”

“What’s up, Dot? Wait, really?! Are you sure?! Hm… hm… okay, okay… Yeah, yeah it’s alright… uhuh, got it! Like now? Alrighty, I’ll be there!” She was beamed by the bright smile he’s emitting right now,

“Hey moon, guess what?! Peridot came up with a cure!” He stated happily as he held both her arms and swung it up and down, the smile on his face soon infected her,

“Gasp! Really?!” She said with stars in her eyes, he composed himself,

“Eh, not really, she told me to not get my hopes up yet, it is just a treatment and it’s still under clinical trial…   it’s her first time researching something with this magnitude after all… still, isn’t this amazing?!” Unlike him, she maintained the level of excitement,

“Why, yes, of course! Clearly better than nothing! Go, now, Universe! Go and get betta! And maybe when you’re all good again, ya can teach me how to sail a boat this time!” Her enthusiasm is all the encouragement he needs right now, he let out a sigh of relieve, then chuckled a little,

“Hahah, sure Spinel, I don’t know if dad still has that yacht though,” He said as he made his way back into the car, this time as the driver, 

“Hehehe, yeah… he has a what now?” She said as he lowered the windows,

“What was that?... Ah by the way, are you coming with me or just gonna head home?” She shook her head,

“No, no, I don’t wanna get between the two of ya! Have fun, handsome!” He faintly blushed upon hearing her words, she had been calling him all sorts of compliments these past two weeks, he believed it to be just another quirk of Spinel’s, which is kinda cute… plus, it would be much more convenient for it to be just that… he’s not exactly in the right state of mind for it to not be the case… whatever, let’s just go get that treatment for now.

“Alright then, see ya later today, moon!” He waved at her as he drove away. She slowly lowered her arm as his car drove further and further into the horizon, her smile fainted, and she let out a long sigh.

“Ahh… alone again…” She looked on the sands below her for a moment, then to the hill she once planted her injector, then to the temple on which their conservatory lies… she smiled after seeing that last one, she was about to leap to the glass dome when she felt a hand on her shoulder, to which she jolted,

“Hello, Spinel. Can I talk to you for a moment?” The soothing voice instantly calmed her down, as she turned around to be met with a smile on the seven foot permafusion.

“Oh, heya Garnet! What’dya need?” She said as she relaxed her hands behind her waist, 

“Let’s get inside before we continue,” She nodded and followed the fusion into the living room of the beach house. It was empty, Pearl and Greg are out on the hunt for some vintage recording equipment due to the band’s demand to get a more “ indie ” aesthetic for their new album, while Amethyst’s out for an “outing class” with her students, though it’s mostly just wandering around beach city aimlessly. The pink gem sat herself on the sofa in front of the coffee table, Garnet went behind the counter and poured both of them a cup of tea, it seemed like she had prepared for this altercation… future vision, huh. She carried the cups on each hand and set them down on the coffee table as she sat herself beside the magenta gem.

“So… Spinel.” She said while resting her chin on her hands,

“Yeah?” She answered while picking up her cup of tea,

“How are things between you and Steven?” She froze in place, you could swear you heard a crack coming from the cup she’s holding.

“W-we’re good! Very good! Really good roommates! Teehee! Why do you ask?” She asked the fusion as she nervously sip her cup of tea. Garnet sighed, then continued,

“I know what’s going on, Spinel… and I know I can’t get between the two of you, since he’s an adult and… so are you…” The magenta gem raised an eyebrow at that last statement, am I not adult enough?! I’m probably older than you y’know!

“With the way you’re acting? Don’t be surprised if someone calls you immature, Spinel. I know that’s not the case of course, given your upbringing.” She spat her tea,

“W-wha? How’d you… oh right, future vision. Still, kinda rude to read my mind like that ya know!” She folds her hands, now she’s a little pissed. Garnet tried to calm her down by motioning her hands in apology,

“Sorry, sorry, all I wanted to say is, you need to think of how sustainable this is, sure it might seem nice and viable for now, but will it still be in a month? A year? A decade? If you’re planning to keep in touch with Steven, with… all of us, you’re going to need to seriously think about all this.” The magenta gem scoffed upon hearing all this. It’s all so obvious, yet she closed off her ears, and distracted her mind.

“Thanks for the advice, Garnet. I’ll keep it in mind.” She put down the empty cup rather violently, almost cracking it. She then made her way to the warp pad, warping away to the conservatory. Garnet frowned, then looked down to the gem on her palm, the Sapphire palm.

“Ah, rats… I’ve lost my touch haven’t I… Well… can’t be overbearing, gotta let them figure it out on their own anyway.” She smiled then stood up, and made her way into her room.

—

“Do I really have to lay down here? It’s kinda cold y’know, it’s made out of metal after all…” The teenage boy said awkwardly as he got up from a flat metal table in the middle of the green lab. A certain green gem scoffed from his statement,

“Okay fine, I’ll get some blankets from my room…” She said, annoyed in her tone. Steven winced and reached out to her,

“Hey, hey, it’s fine, it won’t be that long anyways right?... right?” His tone hopeful and uncertain, Peridot sighed,

“Hm… if my calculations are correct, which it absolutely is… this experimental treatment would take about an hour minimum… and I doubt you’d want to lay down on a cold surface for an hour long…” She explained briefly,

“Well, I can just sit down?” He shrugged,

“Hmm, no. You’d have to be stable, hence the straps.” She pointed at the straps and fastenings on each corner of the table. He grinned uncomfortably as he saw the black straps on the table, about to ask more on the matter but Peridot already made her way to her bedroom upstairs. He sighed, and decided to wait for her to return.

“Hey, Stacy? You there?” He yelled at no particular direction,

“Yes, Monsieur Steven, I am always active in the lab. Do you require anything?” The AI softly replied, which comforted him a little.

“No, no… just… need someone to talk to is all…” He said as he rubbed his shoulder nervously.

“In that case, I am happy to be of use. What do you reckon is a suitable topic?” The chatbot asked in a robotic tone,

“Yeesh, even your choice of words are just like her.” He giggled lovingly,

“Correction, monsieur, it is my creator’s choice of words that is robotic.”

“Hah! At least you got some humor in ya…” He chuckled, the robot seemed to lighten in tone,

“Happy to help.” It said cheerfully.

“Glad you’re having fun…” The green gem barged in with a large bundle of blankets and a pillow. Steven rushed to her aid, grabbing the larger of the items, which was the former. He laid out the blanket neatly, then climbed onto the table, now considerably warmer and softer. She slid the pillow under him, nodded to confirm the comfort, to which he replied with a nod and a thumbs up. She strapped all four of his limbs onto the table, lifted his shirt so his gem is exposed, and reeled in a familiar looking metallic hose, although this time the lens is replaced with a white glass instead, the appearance indicates that it will light up as a lamp of sorts. The device snapped onto his gem quite smoothly, it is after all had been fitted to the shape of his gem’s facets, so it latches firmly onto the slippery surface.

“Ready?” The scientist gem asked him, to which he looks at her worriedly, she sighed,

“I’m sorry for the pain I caused the last time I scanned your gem… But I am glad to inform you that I’ve fixed the issues in that regard, besides, this isn’t a scan, it’s a radiation therapy… I’m quite certain that humans have a similar treatment…” She put a finger on her chin, thinking deeply, he gasped,

“Radiotherapy…” He said in horror, her face shot up in excitement, mostly from the satisfaction that he uttered the very word she was looking for… though she too fell into a frown after looking at his expression.

“Does that mean I have… gem cancer?” Peridot opened her mouth, likely to comfort him, but relented upon realizing that she most definitely isn’t emotionally aware enough to know the correct words to say. She opted to keep it science-y instead.

“Hm, no. As I have stated previously, your condition is called Early Onset Crystalline Degeneration, or EOCD for short. There is no mutation of any sort like how you’d find in cancer cells, on top of that, a gem is inorganic, so there’s no chance it’s cancer.” His expression turned to relieved albeit only slightly, she sighed before continuing,

“The crystallines, which I previously mentioned as strings and knots inside your gem, is basically the smallest unit that forms a gem, each gem has unique crystalline patterns, though the general knowledge is; the more crystalline you have in your gem, the easier it is for light to reach a state of perpetual reflection, therefore allowing you to store a larger amount of light at once, and the smaller the spacing between each crystalline, the larger amount of refraction occurs, therefore allowing your gem to store light for a longer duration, light that we use as primary source of energy.” She explained far and wide, he nodded in confirmation.

“So… some of mine are broken, right?” He said, still with a hint of worry in his voice,

“Unfortunately yes, hence the treatment. The theory is, an exposure to a form of light harsher than one that’s usually consumed should result in a deep intervention towards crystalline formation, therefore allowing crystalline regeneration on a more advanced level, rather than the more common topical light absorption caused by less intense light exposure such as the earth’s sun. In short, by exposing your gem to a strong radiative light, it should be able to regrow and eventually repair the broken crystallines.” He sighed in relief, mostly from her professionalism.

“Okay, I’m ready.” With that, Peridot pushed a lever on the side of a metallic box in which the metal hose came out of. He flinched upon hearing the sound of the lever being flicked, but soon relaxed his body after only sensing a warm feeling enveloping his gem. He sighed in relief, looked at her, and smiled, she returned the expression.

“So… an hour huh? What am I supposed to do in an hour while being all strapped like this?” She hummed,

“Hmm, talk… I guess? What’s been going on lately?” She asked in a friendly tone, he smiled, then thought for a second,

“Let’s see… I’ve been quite busy for the past two weeks… not as busy as you obviously, I mean, I could never come up with a solution to a science problem this quickly hahah…” He said with a blush, she chuckled upon hearing the kind words,

“So yeah, I’ve just been researching more on etiquette and royalty, I guess? And of course teaching Spinel how to drive in my free time…” She rolled her eyes at the last words, he didn’t catch it as he’s busy reminiscing,

“Oh! I also met the Ocean Gang!” He said excitedly, this time their eyes met,

“The… Ocean Gang? What is that, some criminal syndicate?” She said jokingly, he giggled,

“Hahahah, no, no, it’s the band Dad and Pearl are managing, remember? I crashed their practice sessions like once or twice, bunch of decent fellas, I must say… still, didn’t expect them to be younger than me…”

“How young? As in adolescent? As in your age when we first met?” He chuckled at the image of a bunch of ten year olds in an indie punk rock band, 

“No, no, just a little younger, two, three years tops… they’re all going to the same high school… Ocean Town High… Hm… still wonder what school is like…” His tone turning somber,

“Right… we have a school, though? Little Homeschool? I literally teach there!” 

“Peridot, no offense, I mean you’re a great teacher and all but… Little Homeschool isn’t exactly a school… if anything it’s more of a rehabilitation center for unreformed gems and prisoners of war… it’s not a place for kids, or anyone , really… to learn and gain educational experience… I mean that’s a part of it, but not exactly the core, y’know…” She grinned awkwardly, desperately trying to come up with a positive remark to no avail.

“You’re… not wrong… Sorry, I don’t know what to say, I know I must be able to come up with a positive remark, or see the silver lining, but you’ve stated a very beautifully crafted point that I can't help but agree with… sorry, again…” She looked up from the floor, and winced as she was met with a soft smile on his face,

“Is there… something wrong?” She said nervously, he sighed,

“Keep being you, Peridot… sometimes, that’s all you gotta do…” She blushed, though she didn’t quite know what he meant. If by simply being herself can make him smile like that, no doubt she will keep doing it. They’d soon run out of topics, yet the atmosphere couldn’t be any lighter. Sometimes she would glance at him from her projected screen, sometimes he would glance back and wink at her, and almost every time she would blush. Other times she would hum a tune from popular shows, and he would hum it back, or even sing the lyrics, almost every time they chuckled after the song’s finished. Just like that, an hour has finally passed.

“Aaaand, done. That’s an hour! Let me undo that for you.” She shot up from her armchair, then started to undo the straps binding him to the table. He sat up on the table, stretching every part of his body, arms, legs, neck, back, it was all quite sore from being rather still for an hour.

“Hmmmmm! Ahhh… free at last…”

“How do you feel? Any irregularities on your gem? Or body?” She questioned seriously,

“Er… lets see… yeah… actually there is…” His expression turned sour,

“Really? Where?!” Panic in her tone,

“You’d have to come closer…” And she did, only for him to promptly grab her off the floor, put her right on his thighs, and locked her in a hug. She yelped, but didn’t pull away. Rather, she’s enjoying every aspect of it, the tightness, the warmth, the scent… hmph… it really has been a while… what was I thinking locking myself in the lab for a week straight… that’s too long without Steven… The grip loosened, she pulled away slightly, then tilted her head upwards to see his face, a satisfied face,

“What… is this supposed to be?” She said while still being entranced, he giggled,

“The… doctor’s fee…?” He said with a playful smile, she sighed then planted her face on his chest again,

“Hurgh… rather cheap, don’t you think?” He raised an eyebrow, props to her boldness,

“Oh?... Well, what about this… why don’t we go for a walk in the city sometimes, hm? Just checking out the new establishments, y’know? There’s a new cafe, a new mattress store… and uh… that’s it, I guess…” She pulled her face again, this time a funny grin was apparent on it,

“Hehe… I would love that…” She said lovingly,

“Alright then… tell me when you’re free, and off we go!” She yelped excitedly and hugged him tightly once more. They stayed in this position for quite a while, until she mumbled something with her head buried in his chest.

“Hm? You said something?” He pat her head to which she pulled away slowly,

“I said… I’m free now…” He smiled, then kissed her gem softly,

“Heh, alrighty then, shall we go?” She nodded excitedly as she jumped down from his lap, he stood up and put his blazer back on.

“Stacy? Set the security to level 2 after we leave the premises.” She ordered the AI,

“Understood, madame, have a nice day out.” To which she smiled,

“Thank you, you too.” A faint chuckle murmured through the room, the boy and the green gem looked at each other, but decided to ignore it for now. They made their way up the stairs back to the living room,

“Wait here, Steven, I’ll get a change of outfits.” He raised an eyebrow,

“What’s wrong with that one?” He asked genuinely curious,

“Wh- are you serious?! What makes you think I’ll allow myself to be courted in this lousy jumpsuit?! I-” She gasped then instinctively covered her mouth as she was caught in a blush. He got even more confused,

“P-point is, stay right there as I put on a new set of garments!” She rushed upstairs to her room then slammed the door. What was that? Courted? Courted, courted, courting, court? Like the judges and lawyers? Or… OHHHHHHH… Well damn. He eyed his outfit for the day, dark blue jeans, black star tee, pink blazer, salmon slippers… same old, same old… whatever, he’ll be fine… guess a bit of touch up won’t hurt… He made his way to the bathroom on the first floor.

She walked down the steps ever so slowly, evidently nervous from the outfit she chose to put on today, that and the guilt. She originally bought this outfit to wear on a date with Lapis. She hesitated for a good moment before deciding eh, fuck it, and put it on anyways. It’s a sleeveless lime green sundress decorated with patches of yellow leaves, giving it a fresh summer feel. Complemented with the yellow heels she put on, her outfit today is out of this world. She turned to see him sitting on the living room sofa, only for them to lock eyes and stare at each other in utter shock. The both of them were starstruck, he was obviously in awe of her unusual appearance, but why was she surprised? She felt like his appearance was a bit off, let’s see… his outfit did not change at all, so did he just tidy up? No, no, there’s something else . She was cut off as he called out to her,

“ Woah , Peridot… you’re right… you’re always right… fucking genius.” She blushed and twirled her feet awkwardly, taking in the… compliment? Sure, she’ll take it as that. Still, what’s different about him?

“W-wow, thanks, Steven… nyeheheheh… also, something’s different about you… though I can’t seem to identify it…” She eyed him up and down, he chuckled,

“Oh! Yeah, I did my hair a little, do you like it?” Ah, there it is. 

“ Did your hair? What did you do exactly?” She asked as she desperately jumped up and down to reach his hair, he giggled at her predicament, can’t blame him though, it is quite funny that she still couldn’t reach his hair despite having put on a pair of heels. He bent down so she could touch his hair.

“Nothing special, really, just ruffled it up and, oh! I borrowed your curling iron, hope that’s okay~” He explained, she pulled her hands from his hair, and he stood up straight,

“That’s alright, I never use it anyway. But that can’t be all, right? There’s something else…” She paced around him to take in all the details, he thought for a second,

“Oh! Righttt, I used lip gloss instead of my everyday lip balm… is it weird?” She clasped her hands together, he flinched from surprise,

“Ah! That’s it! No, no, it’s fine of course… it’s rather appealing…” She muttered, Oh?

“Really, now? Why don’t you give it a taste?” He said seductively, she pouted,

“Nyeh, not so soon! There’s steps to this… right?” Oh right, she’s familiar with the concept of dates… Lapis, huh? I wonder what kind of dates she took her to… ugh, don’t wanna think about it…

“Right, right, sorry! Got a little too excited there, hahah!” He played it off, she sighed,

“Alright then, are we ready to go?” She offered her hand to him, he smiled smugly, then took it,

“Of course!” They walked out of her house hand in hand, to his parked car in the driveway. He opened the door for her, to which she happily hopped in. He got up in the driver’s seat, reversed out of the driveway, then started driving away. They made it out of the settlement, now driving on the dirt road, it’s going to take a while before they reach the city.

“Why are we driving?” He chuckled, before realizing that was a genuine question,

“Hm? Why? You don’t like cars?” He asked her, she shook her head,

“No, no… it’s just… details, Steven. You said you’re taking me on a walk, yet we’re driving, not that it’s a problem of course, just… details…” He glanced at her, and sure enough, not a hint of unpleasantness, quite the opposite actually, she looked so happy she might explode.

“Hahah, classic Peridot… although, have you ever gone on a joyride date? Like a date where you just drive around? With… y’know… her .” He said, her expression seemed annoyed,

“No, not a single occupant of Little Homeworld owns a car, gems prefer to travel with warp pads, or in her case, wings.” Dagnabbit, I’ve ruined the mood haven’t I… Not really, she clasped her hands together rather loudly, then beamed another smile at him,

“So, what’s the plan, date commander?” He giggled at the nickname, then thought for a second,

“Well, I guess we’ll just drop the car at Dad’s car wash, it’s about time for this bad boy to get a wash anyway, and then we’ll just stroll around town after, how’s that sound?” She nodded,

“Sounds like a plan!” He smiled, and continued driving. Soon enough, they reached the It’s a Wash! Car wash, dropped off the car to an employee, then walked away. Thank the stars dad isn’t here, I’m not exactly in the mood to explain the situation… not that he would mind anyway, but still… 

They walked around town hand in hand. The first destination was funland, obviously. They decided to hop on every ride available, the teacups, the rollercoasters, even those with height requirements.

“Hey there! Carnelian, right?” Steven hit up the attendant of a rollercoaster ride. Her eyes shot up at him,

“Woah! Steven? Man, did you get even taller?! Almost didn’t recognize you there!” She said while nudging him on the elbow.

“You know this gem?” Peridot asked him,

“Yeah! She’s part of the Fameythyst! She used to work on the zoo ship… hey, why aren’t you there anymore?” He asked worriedly, the little red quartz chuckled,

“I just wanna check out the little homeschool y’know,” Peridot put a fist on her palm,

“Ah, right! You’re a student, aren’t you? I’ve seen you around the premises before,” The little quartz’s gaze shifted to her, observing her closer,

“Hm? Oh, you’re the Peridot teacher in that shiny glass building! What’s up!” They smiled at each other,

“Cool, cool, so is this like a school task or something?” Steven asked her,

“Nahh, this is just a part time job, I like food so it’s nice to have more money to buy lots and lots of food, y’know?” Steven laughed, are all quartzes like this? Or just the short small ones? Eh, whatever… hm?

“Right! So you like money, huh?” He smirked, the two gems looked at him suspiciously, the red quartz was first to reply,

“Yeah… where are you going with this?” She asked him, he gave out a smug smile, and took out his wallet, sliding her five crisp twenty dollar bills, she gasped, so did Peridot,

“You can keep that… if, you let her get on this ride.” The red quartz smirked at them, then sighed,

“Hey, do whatever, man, I know what it’s like to be short… let’s just say… it’s about time for my five minute break anyways… sooo…” She side eyed them as she walked away, he gave her a quick nod. 

“Great… not even an hour into the date and we’re already committing crimes…” The green gem shot him a look, he giggled,

“Hey? We’re the crystal gems, baby! Isn’t breaking the rules our thing?” She sighed, and rolled her eyes lovingly. He took her hand once more, and rushed up the steps leading to the ride, ignoring the height checkup.

“Come on! The ride’s not gonna wait for us!” They giggled happily as they hopped on the cart.

They got on more rides by bribing most of the attendees, there’s a surprising amount of gems working in the establishment, though they did eventually run up to the same gem a few times and ended up dropping over two hundred bucks on some of them. They soon reached a game stall, this time it’s not a ring game, but rather a shooting game.

“Hey there, Mr. Smiley!” The bald man, now looking healthy as never before, perhaps from the amount of employees he recruited for the venue, glanced at him in surprise,

“Steven! Oh my, you’ve grown quite a lot haven’t you, young man!” The boy chuckled, and glanced at his date,

“What do you think, Dot? Think you can beat me in this game?”

“Oh?” She tilted her head towards him, he leaned closer to her ear,

“No gem powers.” She shook her head and smirked at him,

“Even so, I’m confident I’d still win!” 

“It’s on! Mr. Smiley, two sets please!” The man nodded, and handed the both of them their own wooden rifles. The first level was a large stationary target, a plywood as big as her tablet in measurement, and both of them hit it in a flash, easily. The next one is a wooden plank, still the same size, although due to the weight, it required to be hit from a certain angle in order to tip it, still, the both of them cleared it with no issues.

“Well, well, well! Look at you two! What about this next one, can you handle it?” The third target, or rather targets, is a set of small sized humanoid figurines, it’s also a time trial, requiring the player to tip all five targets within five seconds,

“Five seconds, huh… that’s one second per target… damn…” Steven mumbled, Peridot’s so locked in right now she didn’t even hear him. He had an idea, hm, maybe if I break her focus, I’ll get the upper hand…

“Hey Mr. Smiley? Let’s do it turn-based this point on…” He said with a smug look on his face, Peridot rolled her eyes,

“Oh? Spicing things up, are we?” The man replied, Steven shot him a look, to which he nodded,

“Mind if I go first?” He glanced at her,

“Please.” She gestured her hand, he scoffed, and so it began.

The targets popped up, he shot the targets one by one, from left to right, clearing it within 4.1 seconds. Mr. Smiley nodded in approval,

“Oooweee! Never seen such precision before! Hoho!” He praised the teenager, which shot the gem next to him a rather smug look,

“Beat that!” He challenged her, she smiled faintly.

“Smiley? Drop it.” The man shrugged, and restarted the timer. The smile on her face intensified, to which Steven raised an eyebrow. She shot two bullets to the side of the stall, one to the back board, and two to the left, Steven yelled with his hands raised,

“Hey, what the he-” He was cut off with the sound of five bullets ricocheting from the walls, hitting each target consecutively. The boy and the man stood there in shock, the gem raised the rifle to lean on her puny little shoulder, then shot a smug look to the both of them.

“Beat. That.” Her cool demeanor soon broke after she yelped upon getting picked up by the waist and tossed up and down by her date,

“EEEEEP! Steven put me down!” He didn’t listen,

“Hahahah! I didn’t know you could do that! Wooo Peridot! Woohoo!” She blushed and smiled faintly, the man chuckled behind the counter, which startled the boy and made him realize that they’re very much in public.

“R-right, shall we continue, then?” He asked her, she nodded. The next round is for a singular moving target, cleared with no issue, the one after that is multiple moving targets, again, cleared rather quickly.

“Uhm… guys? That was supposed to be the final stage… I don’t know how to decide the winner since you both tied!” Mr. Smiley yelled at the both of them, Steven thought for a second,

“Mr. Smiley? Let’s do a deathmatch?” Her eyes lit up, the man behind the counter raised an eyebrow,

“A… deathmatch?” He questioned,

“Yeah! Just put up as many targets as possible and see who shot down the most in say… a minute!” The man nodded,

“Interesting idea, how about you, green? You up for it?” He asked the other player, to which she gave a thumbs up,

“Bring it on!” So it began. The timer started and ten targets moved around in varying speeds, both players shot valiantly onto the targets, reloading every time they ran out of ammo, Smiley could only keep up with the rate on which they were firing, he soon fumbles his thumbs reloading each clip (The rifle is modeled after an M1-Garand, it uses foam bullets (think nerf) with propulsion mechanism, it has metal parts though, so yes it has the ping).

“Ten seconds left!” The man yelled as he picks up the bullets on the ground, desperately loading it into each clip he could find.

“Nine!” 60 for Steven, 62 for Peridot,

“Eight!” 61 - 65

“Seven!” 63 - 66

“Six!” 64 - 68, she got a ricochet,

“Five!” 65 - 68, she missed,

“Four!” 68 - 60, he got rapid fire, she was reloading

“Three!” 70 - 70, she dropped the clip after glancing at him, to which he winked at her,

“Two!” 72 - 73, another ricochet

“One!” 74 - 74, steady…

“Put your rifles down!” And they did just that. They looked up at the scoreboard and,

“Congratulations to the winner! The player that managed to get 75 points at the very last second! You may pick your prize!” He cheered and jumped up and down, he looked at her expecting a pout, but instead she applauded and smiled at him, now that does something to his heart,

“I must admit, you are slightly better than I am in this game… slightly. ” She made a pinching motion with her fingers at that last word, he giggled,

“You were great, Dot… If we ever play this game again, no doubt you’re gonna win!” She folded her arms and smirked,

“Why, of course! Good to know you know your place… hehehehehehe!” They both giggled at the end,

“Uhum… so… the prize?” The man inquired, Steven glanced at the varieties of prizes at the back wall,

“Right… the prize.” He thought for a while, then pointed to a certain item,

“You sure? You could’ve gotten this one after beating the first moving target…” He said, the boy smiled,

“Yeah, this one’s perfect” So he took it from his hands. She was puzzled, it's just a straw hat, why does he-... Her words were cut off upon feeling a round object tightening around her head, her hair at least, it would seem that he had put the hat on her. She adjusted it, then looked up to his face, only to find him gazing at her lovingly. The boy glanced at the man,

“See? It’s perfect!” The man chuckled, she looked down to hide her blush.

“H-hmph… thanks…” He tilted her chin up, admiring her shy expression, and the new look with the tan straw summer hat with a white ribbon, that too of course…

“...You’re welcome…” 

“Uhum!” They were both started by the fake cough from the man behind the counter, he lent out a hand, as if asking for something,

“The fee? Please?” He asked, the boy facepalmed, then pulled out his wallet only to find it empty… must be from all the bribes he gave out…

“Hahahahah… Do you take cards?” The man sighed, then pulled out a card swiper machine from under the counter.

—

They walked out of the funland gates, smiles on their faces, a summer hat on her head. They skipped hand in hand, people around them gazed and awed , they didn’t care for a second, they were too happy right now.

“So, what’s next, date commander?” 

“Hahah! You don’t gotta call me that every time y’know… Hmm… The cafe, I guess?” He suggested, to which she nodded,

“Sounds great.” She replied happily. They made their way to the cafe, and were about to enter it when he stopped in his tracks. She turned her head towards him,

“What’s wrong?” She asked worriedly, he glanced at her with horror in his face, then pointed at the glass door of the cafe. She didn’t understand it at first, but eventually, she caught a glimpse of familiar objects, reflected on the glass door. The both of them turned around hastily, and sure enough…

“Ruby ships…” He said nervously. There were three ruby ships, although this time none were the right color. The one on the center is painted black, with a symbol, colored white, on each side. The other two were grey, with the same white colored symbol on each side also. The symbol is quite simple, a down pointing sword in the center, and an axe tilted to the right, and a hammer tilted to the left, bound together by an image of a fist at the center, forming somewhat of an asterisk, the background is a shield with an orange outline.

The pair sprinted to the general direction, it led them straight to the beach. They watched in horror as the central ship’s door opens, and a familiar figure emerged out of it, he smirked,

“Heh… should’ve figured you’d join her ranks… right? Aquaball?” The hideous red and blue fusion scowled,

“It’s Bluebird Azurite to you, Steven Universe!” He burst out laughing, which only worsened the fusion’s mood,

“Hahahahahahaha! I don’t give a shit what your fucking name is! What the hell are you doing here, huh? You know I could just beat your ass again, right? Also, tell Jasper she got a wack ass logo or flag or whatever that shit on the ship’s supposed to be.” The green gem next to him felt a little more relaxed now that he seems confident. The other party however, kept the smug they came here with.

“Do you seriously think we would strike back unprepared? Hah! How wrong you are, Quartzes!” She called out to the quartzes occupying her ship, two unremarkable Ameythysts, none that he recognized, and two… Rose Quartzes… none that he recognized but still… He shook his head, trying to keep it in the game,

“Take a look at this, Steven! These are earth gems that got so tired of your absence, they defected and joined General Jasper’s True Order of the Gems! And boy, oh, boy, is it the right decision, am I right, or am I right?” She glanced at the quartzes, to which they nodded. They certainly look menacing, with their outfits no longer blue or pink, but a mix of black and grey, with the spot where the Diamond insignia used to be, now fitted with Jasper’s unique shaped orange gem.

“Heh… so Jasper decided to play Diamond huh? Let’s see how long she can keep it up… not everyone has the capacity of a Diamond you know… not even me…” He muttered that last one, the fusion looked more and more pissed, 

“As I said before… Be prepared to meet your demise, Quartzes! CHARGE!” and they did just that. The hybrid demigod sighed, and started summoning his barriers, some acting as shields to stop the Rose Quartzes’ punches, the others hurled at the Amethysts to halt their spin dash at him. 

“Hey, Bluebird! Forgot about me?!” The green gem hurled some empty paint cans towards the fusion, she scoffed,

“Nuh-uh! Jades! Counter the anomalous Peridot!” The grey ship on the left summoned a giant magnet from the bottom, pulling all metallic objects within the area, the green gem left perplexed, the boy gasped, the fusion smiled sinisterly,

“Ready the weapon!” The same ship descended another weapon, it’s similar in looks to the gem destabilizer rod… because that’s exactly what it does, Steven gasped once more,

“Peridot, no!” He reached out to her, only for the attacks from the four Quartzes to intensify,

“Not so fast! Corporal Jasper, now!” the other grey ship deployed a needle-like nozzle out of its bottom part, he stood there in horror as it dripped a familiar pink fluid, the anti-organic liquid once brought to earth by Spinel… How in the hell did they produce more of that shit… that’s not important now! It’s time to- 

“Fire!” There’s no time to react, he has to go into speedster mode before- wait, no, no, no! This isn’t fast enough! Despite glowing pink, he’s still slower than the electric ray approaching Peridot, and even more dire, still slower than the pink liquid squirted at him. They somehow knew he would rush to protect her, hence both the ray and liquid fired in the same direction. It’s too late… I just have to take the hit, I’m sure Peridot would figure out how to heal me somehow… With that, he took a leap of faith, enveloped her in his arms, and rolled away.

…

Huh? I didn’t get hit?

He turned around,

“W- What?! Connie what the fuck are you doing here?!?!” The girl rolled her eyes as she got down from the Lion.

“Saving your ass, apparently…” She said with an unimpressed look, she extended her hand to him, in which he looked at it in disgust, yet still grabbed it and stood up. The green gem stood back up as well, giving the human girl a stink eye.

“Wait, how’d you even survive the pink goop anyway?” He asked her, 

“Pink goop? Oh, It must’ve hit the portal Lion opened to get us here.” She explained, the fusion and her goons are pissed,

“What are you all doing just standing there! Soldiers! Attack!” She yelled at them,

“Yes, Captain!” The Quartzes were about to engage once more, until,

“What’s going on here?!” Pearl shouted as she jumped down from Greg’s van, summoning her spear,

“I heard commotions, what’s the issue?” Garnet came running from the beach house with her gauntlets already formed,

“Steven?! Are you okay?!” Spinel stretched to the scene,

“Hey… those ain’t my famethysts!” A shorter purple quartz leaped down from the hills above, summoning her whip, Bluebird scoffed,

“Tsk! We’re outnumbered! Tactical retreat!” she said as she flew back into the ship, the quartzes jumped onto the ship, although,

“Not so fast!... Argh!” He was about to get into speedster mode, before flinching and grasping his gem in pain, allowing the opposition force to make their retreat.

“Steven, what’s wrong?!” Pearl rushed to him, followed by the other gems, also his dad.

“H-hn, I’m fine, I’m fine… just a little worn out from battle… hahahah…” He explained nonchalantly as he stood back up,

“So that was Jasper’s force huh…” Amethyst butted in, flashing away her weapon, Steven nodded,

“Yeah, and just a portion of it…” He said, they all sighed, though Spinel seemed to be focused on a certain human on the scene,

“Hey Steven? Why is she here?” The magenta gem had a sinister look on her face, everyone’s gaze turned to the human girl,

“Right… why are you here?” Steven asked once more,

“I uh… I’m here to save you… I just said that!” She said nervously, the boy shook his head,

“No, no, no… you couldn’t have known, you’re off in college! You couldn’t have seen this coming… Connie, why are you here? We broke up, remember? And you said you didn’t even wanna be friends anymore and that you… wanna keep Lion a little longer…” They all looked at each other awkwardly, Connie gripped her fist so hard, her nails almost punctured her skin,

“Connie… is this your way to say you wanna get back together?” She gasped, and lashed out,

“FUCK no! What made you think- Urgh! Here!” She pulled something out of her pocket, flashed it in front of him, and consequently everyone,

“I’m only here to deliver the news, I’m not pregnant!” It was a pregnancy test device. Steven cringed, Peridot stood there mouth agape, Spinel, alongside everyone else, gasped.

“Wh- wh- wha?! CONNIE THIS COULD’VE BEEN A TEXT! In fact, I told you that you didn’t even need to call me! You just gotta text! But what? You just decided to show up?! What the fuck?!” He yelled as he flailed his arms in frustration,

“ This is what I get after saving your life?! Un-fucking-believable!” She said, trying to deflect,

“Oh fuck off! You still want me don’t you?! That’s why you showed up!” He pressed once more, she stomped her foot on the sands, and promptly climbed onto Lion once more,

“Enough! I’m not taking any of this! Lion, let's go!” With that, the magical pink beast roared and opened a portal in front of it, to which it abruptly leaped into, carrying her into the dimension. The atmosphere is now uneasy, not one soul even thought about a strategy to beat Jasper’s soldiers, or to build up a better defense. All their eyes are now piercing the teenage boy’s back. His dad came up to him, putting a hand on his shoulder,

“Schtu-ball… do you have something to tell us?” He was surprised when his son deflected his hand,

“ Sigh… Not now dad… not now…”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 18 - The Orange Diamond

—

A gust of freezing wind struck her form, it would’ve killed her instantly if she were organic, luckily she isn’t. The buff orange gem stood up from her throne, pacing around the flush white room with nothing in it but a spinning throne in the middle, looking to the walls, three of which were covered with projections of various conquest topics. The projection she had been staring at for the past hour was a map of a terraformed planet, hills crushed, craters filled, mountains flattened. A projection on another wall depicts a collection of headshots of gems with menacing expressions, next to it was insignias and numbers, showing their rank and number of “achievements” on the battlefield. The other wall shows these “achievements”, a list of names, gem names, no pictures, no faces, just names and numbers, these are either “Casualties” or “Prisoners of War”. The last wall had no projection, just an open arch overlooking the horizon of this planet. She stepped out of it. 

Cheers erupted from below right after they caught the faintest glimpse of their General, all in the glory of her pitch black cape, orange helmet, and the five orange “diamonds” on the insignia which rests on each of her shoulders. A prideful smirk formed on her face as she took in the view of each group in her arsenal, each member, from the pettiest of privates to the noblest of Generals, bid their salute to her. They no longer use the Diamond salute like the olden days, now they bring their arms close to the chest, open their palms forward, and touch the pointer fingers together, along with the thumbs, making a sign similar to the shape of their new “diamond’s” gem. 

Almost all of the gems that joined her regime are put through military service, they were lulled in with talks of “earning your freedom” and “taking part in the quest to form the new legitimate successor of the Gem Empire” and other propaganda materials. The rest who refused were either put to menial labor, such as mass producing weapons and vessels to fuel the Empire’s conquests, or straight up imprisoned on grounds of “Obstruction of justice” or whatever bullshit tyrannical excuse her police forces came up with. 

She cleared her throat, the wave of cheers now came to an eerie silence.

“My fellow true gems, members of the new and legitimate gem empire, the True order of the Gems! Today we have achieved yet another historical conquest, on top of the other gallantries we have achieved, and yet to achieve.” Murmurs of pride were heard from the officers formation, while the lower ranking soldiers nodded to each other. She smirked once more,

“This is indeed a grand achievement! We have successfully colonized the barren asteroid that is known as Pluto! Oh, yes we have!” Cheers erupt once more. She opened her arms, waving it up and down as if taking it all in, pride fills her decrepit heart.

“This was a feat even the Diamonds deemed impossible! Yes! But look around you now!” Their gazes wandered around the grounds they stood on,

“Castles, Forts, Spires… even this Palace I’m speaking from, we, yes, we! Have built it all!” They cheered once more, some soldiers were even seen to embrace one another, much to their officer’s dismay.

“And to think that this wouldn’t have happened, had we suppressed our lust for conquest… had we relented and submitted to the Diamonds, who had clearly lost their ways long ago… right after they were… tainted… by that sorry excuse of a diamond…” They all hissed and spat upon hearing the mention.

“But look at us now! Just one justified act of… belligerence… had put gemkind back on the right path, the path of conquest and domination!” Another cheer, followed by a steady chant of “Jasper! Jasper! Jasper! Jasper!” erupted through the icy grounds of Pluto. She swept her cape, then raised her arm,

“Tonight, we shall celebrate! But tomorrow, we will return to more exciting endeavors! Long Live the True Order!” She formed a fist with her raised hand, the soldiers followed,

“Long Live the True Order!” They applauded as she made her way back inside the room.

Right as she turned around, she was met by a hideous flying fusion, she scowled,

“Unfuse this instant, you are no longer in battle.” The fusion flinched for a second,

“Ah, uhm… right…” They glowed into a white light, then split into two, still hand in hand. The blue counterpart was first to speak,

“Erm… Jasper? I thought we were allowed to… you know… fuse? It was in the clause of our enlistment contract.” She said softly yet sternly. The General sighed,

“That is correct… only in combat though…” She specified. The ruby gazed into the aquamarine’s eyes, to which the latter sighed then let go of the topic.

“So… Do you want our report or not?” She said as she folded her arms. The orange general sat down on her throne, then nodded,

“Go on, I can’t wait to hear how you beat him!” The two smaller gems cringed and looked at each other. This time, the red one spoke,

“Look, Jasper… you said it was just a reconnaissance mission, so we didn’t beat him or anything, we just scrapped with him a little, and showed him the might of our forces!” The orange gem looked mad, but then she gazed at the mundane ceiling of her palace,

“Hm… you’re right… I did say that… forgive me, I’m new to this general command position… I’m not used to having no one give me any orders, let alone give some of mine…” The three of them sighed, the buff gem continued,

“Also… sorry for pushing you into this special unit thing of mine, still, I could’ve given you a higher rank, like a Major, or Colonel…” The blue gem raised her hand to speak,

“And we refused to accept it, as I have mentioned before, the higher the rank, the easier to spot, and it will take away the spotlight from you, the main character…” She said with a sinister smile, which she hid with her hand. The general, having not noticed the odd expression on her Captain’s face, only chuckled in pride.

“Of course… great thinking there, Aquamarine… tell you what, you can fuse back to Bluebird Azurite out of combat just for the night, right until the party ends, how’s that sound?” The two smaller gems beamed in delight, ever since their encounter with Steven a few years back, they’d taken quite the fondness in each other, to which they fused several times without relying on their hatred for the hybrid boy. The red gem jumped up and down in excitement,

“Oh, thank you Jasper! I mean, General Jasper, ma’am!” She squared up and gave her the salute. The buff gem laughed, then pat them both on their shoulders,

“Eh, it’s whatever, as long as you smalls keep showing results, I’ll give you both nice privileges… Now go, go and enjoy the party!” She waved them goodbye as they made their way out of the room. The smile faded on her face, she sat back down on the throne, and gestured at the biggest projection, the one right in front of her. She swiped up, now the projection shows an image of Steven, one when he was cowering in the ground clutching on his gem, it was taken right before the ruby ships went into superspeed. A sinister smile formed on her face,

“Soon, Steven… soon.”

—

Her eyes stared at the recently brewed cup of matcha, hesitant to sip it. She brought it closer to her lips, then put it back down, sighing as she did so. Her gaze shifted to the wooden whisk that rests inside the bowl, she pulled it closer, and decided to make another cup. 

The doors leading to her basement laboratory slid open, and she made her way down the steps with two cups of matcha, one in each hand. She scowled upon whiffing a foul burnt smell coming from inside the lab, she scanned the room, and found the source.

“Can you please put that thing off? Its scent is incredibly revolting.” The boy stared at her from under the table where he sits, sighed, then took another drag of his cigarette.

“It won’t harm you, Dot, neither will it harm me.” He said with smoke slowly coming out of his mouth. She sighed, then put a cup of the warm green tea beside him,

“Here, something beneficial for your health.” He chuckled,

“Already got a beverage here, but thanks.” He replied as he raised a bottle of wine with his freehand. Her expression turned sour,

“Alcohol? Really?” He scoffed,

“It doesn’t do much to me, I mean, I’ve downed like three quarters of this bottle and I’m only tipsy. Well thank you , gem powers!” He put the bottle down. She sighed, then sat down on the chair. 

“Just how long exactly are you going to mope around like this? It’s been a week since then, you know.” She said, softly yet sternly. He looks at her with tired eyes,

“I know, I know… it’s just… I’m scared… What the hell is happening to me?” He stared at his hands as he faced another case of existential crisis. She took the cigarette from between his fingers, then put it off in the ashtray next to him.

“Is this about Jasper or Connie?” He cringed,

“Ehhh, maybe both… I think… Look, if what you figured out about my gem is really true, which I’m sure it is, then I’m quite literally at an impasse here, can’t fight right, can’t heal right, I’m just not good enough for this whole conflict!” He covered his face with his hands. She knelt down to his level, and put her hand on his shoulder,

“That’s right, you can’t heal right, and you can’t fight as well as you used to. But what does that even mean? Why does that matter? Your healing powers, your super strength, super speed, super whatever, none of that makes you Steven, what makes you Steven is your words, your heart, that’s what… cracked me in the first place, remember?!” He slowly looked up, put his hands away, then smiled at her.

“Thank you, Peridot… I needed that…” She pulled him into a hug. Funny, she’s usually the one burying her face in his chest… guess it’ll be different just for now, just for now…

—

A week ago, an awkward dinner after the skirmish

They all sit down on the beach house’s living room sofas, munching on the pizza Amethyst ordered from Fish Stew Pizza. Silence, that’s all there is right now, broken only by the occasional munching sounds Amethyst would make when she ate two slices at once. He stared at the pizza on his paper plate, looked around the room, catching a glimpse of everyone’s awkward faces. He sighed, then got up, taking the slice of pizza with him,

“I should get going, Peridot, let’s go.” She grabbed her hand, she hastily put her plate down, but pulled back, he stopped in his tracks. Spinel tried to diffuse the upcoming tension,

“Hey uh… where ya guys going? There’s still a lotta pizza to be eaten, ye know!” She said cheerfully, Steven stared right at her, to which she flinched,

“Peridot’s got some more research results to show me, right, Dot?” He glared at her, she pouted, but eventually relented.

“Yes… yes, that’s true. Well then everyone, please excuse us. And thank you for the dinner, Amethyst.” The purple gem gave a lazy thumbs up, the others just looked at each other confused. Pearl was about to call out to them, but the pair already made their way out of the house.

They walked on the sands hand in hand, before the green gem pulled away from him, and he turned to face her.

“Steven? What was that?” He sighed nervously,

“Look, I don’t wanna talk about it… And I don’t want any questions asked, but could you please do something for me?” He pleaded, she was puzzled by his level of desperateness,

“Go on…”

“It’s just like what I said back there, I want you to show me all the research results on my samples. I know you said it was irrelevant to my disease, so you just kinda skipped it, but no, I want to know the results, all of it.” She raised her hand to speak, he raised a finger to stop her,

“Hey… no questions asked.” She closed her mouth, then reluctantly nodded.

“Alright… let's go to my lab, then…” He smiled, then turned around to reach for something,

“Ah… we should probably get my car from the wash first…”

It was a quiet walk to the car wash. The sun had already set when they got there, a skinny tall teenager stood up and leaned on the Dondai, 

“Dude, what the heck took you so long? I was done at like one in the afternoon and look at the time now! It’s almost closing ti-” Steven shoved his phone screen onto the guy’s face,

“There, now quit yapping already.” The guy smiled ear to ear,

“Pleasure doing business with you, bossman junior!” Steven scoffed, to which the employee slowly backed away into the building.

“What was that?” Peridot asked him,

“Oh, that was Julian, he’s been working here for a year or so,” He showed the phone screen to her, to which she rolled her eyes,

“Two hundred dollars? Like we haven’t spent enough money today.” She said, he only chuckled,

“Come on now, let's get in the car.” They hopped into the Dondai, which now smells like fruits, which fruits? Well, all of them, maybe.

He drove quite slowly towards the direction of Little Homeworld, perhaps a little too slow. He was going 20 miles an hour, in a 30 mile zone. The green gem didn’t notice this at all of course, she was too distracted with…

“So… you got something to ask me?” He hesitantly said to her, she slowly turned her head towards him, confusion written all over her face.

“What? No… no, cause… you said not now? And no questions asked? What happened with that?” To Peridot, these are valid questions, to Steven, he just wanted her to talk to him.

“Ah, geez… I don’t know, it just don’t feel right if we just… drive in silence…” She sighed.

“Very well… What's with Connie?” He rolled his eyes,

“You’re asking me that? I’d love to tell you if I know the answer.” She hummed, trying to think of more questions, she couldn’t. After all, she couldn’t care less about the whole Connie thing. Her mind is clouded with the feeling of helplessness during the battle, she knew she wasn’t the most powerful member of the Crystal Gems, not even close, still, she rebelled against her own Diamond and helped the process of dismantling the empire… I guess when the blade is drawn, none of that actually matters. Stars, seems like while I am aware of my weakness, I never came to acknowledge it. 

“Peridot?” She jolted in her seat,

“Y-yeah? Have we arrived at the destination?” She said while eyeing around the dark highway,

“No… we still got like, ten more minutes, fifteen tops… you’re not listening to me are you?” She smiled awkwardly, then dropped it immediately.

“No… sorry, I was still stressed from the battle…” His eyes widened, of course… of course it was the battle, not Connie, why would it be about Connie? Peridot is always so action oriented, always so smart, always knows what to do… me on the other hand?... What the fuck was I even doing. Leaping to her aid was completely unnecessary, she would just get poofed and come back better and brighter than ever… me? If that goop touched me even for a second, it wasn’t even proven that I can self heal from that yet… what the fuck was I-

“Steven?” He tapped the brake instinctively, thankfully only for a millisecond, they barely slowed down.

“Y-yeah?” He said with a nervous smile on his face,

“Hm, now you’re the one spacing out. Are you quite sure you’re in stable enough condition to drive this automobile?” She asked with a concern, he took a deep breath, then exhaled harshly,

“Yes. Yes I am, don’t worry, we’re almost there anyway.”

They soon reached the dirt path leading to the Little Homeworld’s entrance. The gatekeeper, a ruby, briefly stopped them before noticing the license plate on his car, to which she then smiled and let them through. He drove them straight to her driveway, she unlocked the door, then opened it. She stepped inside, but he didn’t,

“Steven? Are you not coming in?” He looked at her right in the eyes,

“You know… I really like the way that hat looks on you…” She appreciated the compliment, but realized something was off,

“Thanks?... Steven, what’s going on?” He sighed, turned his back away, and stared at the stars above.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” Silence. She tugged his blazer,

“Get inside, it’s already late.” She tugged harder, he stood still.

“I’m sorry I fucked up our date, I knew you were looking forward to it and I still fucked it all up.” She was perplexed, and was about to protest, when he added on,

“Ehhh but it's the same old, same old, ain’t it? Steven fucking up a mission, heh, quite nostalgic actually hahah… now then, can you show me the sample results?” Now he steps into the house. She stopped her train of thoughts,

“R-right, to the basement then.” She led him back down to the basement, she booted up the system, he sat himself on the table in which he laid down on top of earlier this morning. The projectors came online, with Stacy’s voice saying “welcome” through the speakers.

“Here you go, Steven?” She called out to him to make sure he’s paying attention, since he was apparently very distracted for the past few hours.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here…” She nodded, then began projecting a microscopic view of his blood,

“As I have mentioned previously, your blood is more or less normal, adjacent to the average human's, with the exception of accelerated production, apparent through the age of each red blood cell, which are quite younger compared to the human average.” He nodded, then gestured her to continue,

“Now, your tears, this one is a bit tricky…”

“Why’s that?” 

“Well, your tears are supposed to have resurrection properties, you know? Bringing people back from the dead?” He nodded once more, she pointed at the projection,

“Nothing. There’s nothing here, nothing different from the average human’s. Now, I’m not certain whether this means you’ve temporarily lost the uh… materials which allows you to resurrect the dead, or that these materials are simply undetectable through my imaging and research methodologies, for that, I apologize.” He sighed,

“It’s alright, Peridot, you’ll figure it out! Although…”

“You got something in your mind?”

“We could just… nah… that’s unethical.”

“Certainly. Killing a person or any living being just to try and resurrect them would be unethical, and we don’t exactly know the specific conditions for this particular power of yours to work, so it’s not worth the fuss to dig up a dead body and try to resurrect it, as that would stray too far from the conditions of which the power worked the first time around.” He sat there mouth agape, Peridot covered her mouth.

“S-sorry! I thought that’s what you meant?” He raised both arms trying to calm her down,

“No, no! It’s alright! That’s exactly what I was thinking… geez.” They both cringed as they thought of the idea once more. She clasped her hands, making quite the loud sound to startle him,

“Right then! Next up is your sweat, and uh… yep. Still nothing.” He shrugged, though now he’s in serious mode since Peridot had a worrisome face while staring right into his eyes.

“Peridot?” She looked down and sighed, then raised her arm to gesture for the projection to display the next slide,

“This right here, is a microscopic view of your semen, a recording of it at least, while the sperm cells were still alive and active. Now to the side,-” The projection split in two, with the original display shifting to the right, and a new one cast on the left. This new one displays an identical projection,

“-this one, is a stock video of a microscopic view on human semen, with the sperm cells still alive and active, notice any difference?” He had quite the hard time noticing, but eventually came to a slow, and uncertain conclusion,

“The one on the left is… faster? Like the wiggly guys are more… active?” She nodded, he continued on,

“Oh… so… what? My sperm is weaker than the normal human? That’s it?” She sighed,

“I wish that was it, Steven… but no, there’s a reason why your sperm cells are slower, or rather, heavier.” He raised an eyebrow, she zoomed into the image even more,

“Here, in the left projection, that’s all there is to it, a sperm cell, nothing more. But in the right projection, there’s something embedded within your sperm cells.” He squinted, trying to get a better look, then gasped and covered his mouth upon realizing.

“Are those… crystallines?” He said in disbelief. She nodded.

“If you were a normal human, this degree of foreign object appearing in such microscopic levels would’ve killed you, maybe that’s part of the reason why you’re so weak when you were… erm… separated… by white diamond just a few years ago…”

“Killed…” He muttered,

“What was that?”

“You said this would’ve killed the average human? Fuck. fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!” He freaked out and started pulling on his beautiful curled hair, she panicked and tried to stop him from ripping his hair, or maybe even his scalp off.

“Steven?! What’s wrong?!”

“It’s Connie! I was basically killing her slowly! What the fuck?! Are those things still inside her?! Is she going to die soon?! FUCK! FUCK! WHAT DO I DO?!”

“IT WON’T KILL HER!” He sat there motionless, then slowly turned his head to face her.

“What did you say?” He inquired once more,

“It won’t kill her. Look, if she was exposed to your semen, which from the available information I’m assuming that she was…” She glanced at him for confirmation, he nodded,

“Crystalline is smaller than sperm cells. It will insert itself into various cells in the human body, but since it’s a foreign object, the body will fight it and it’ll eventually be excreted through urination or defecation.” He leaned back on his chair, relaxing his body.

“So she’s gonna be okay?” She hissed awkwardly, he sat back up.

“Nnnoooot really… picture this, worst case scenario, the crystallines embed themselves into red blood cells, which then travels into the brain, now, crystallines are crystals, it reflects lights.” His brows furrowed,

“So what? It’s still gonna be pissed out right? So what if it passes through the brain for a bit?” She sighed,

“You know what carries light? Electricity. You know what’s the component in your brain that is made of electricity? Well, most of it really, but I’m specifically talking about dopamines, a neurotransmitter. You see, the crystallines put themselves in the midst of these dopamines, acting like a pseudo dopamine, but the body doesn’t know that, noooo it does not. So what happens? Now there’s a bunch of dopamines in your brain, and what happens when there’s a bunch of dopamine in your brain? You become happy, too happy.” His expression became even more confused. She stood up and held his hand, he stared at her.

“Ugh… Steven… your sperm might be addictive.”

…

What?

“Connie might be addicted to your sperm.”

…

HOLY FUCK.

“WHAT?!” She scoffed and sat back down.

“You heard me the first time.” He stood up and ran around the room, panicking.

“Calm down, Steven, it’s quite simple to cure her.” He stopped running, then kneeled down in front of her,

“Peri, tell me, please, what is it?! I can’t let her suffer like this! After everything she’d gone through, I can’t put her through this!” She held his hand once more,

“You’re already on the right path, Steven. Since you two are already broken up, she’s no longer exposed to your sperm, therefore no more crystallines in her brain, not new ones at least.” He felt a tight squeeze in his chest.

“The point is, she just has to stop taking your sperm, which she already did! And a few more… I don’t know, weeks? Should completely reset her brain chemistry, therefore allowing her to return to normal state, and all is well!” He fell to the ground and groaned in relief. She chuckled.

“Gosh… I thought I was done for… thanks, Dot… you’re the best.” She smirked with pride.

“Now then, onto the second property of your sperm.” His head shot up,

“There’s more?!” She nodded.

“Apparently, these crystallines are not only responsible for the light reflection mechanisms, it is also how your gem heals itself, and before you ask, no, sadly we’re unable to inject your gem with these crystallines in order to fix it, as that requires your gem to be cracked or even shattered before injection, and that’ll only lead to more mess. But uhm, think of it like this, your healing powers, the ones from your saliva, is carried by a watered down version of these crystallines, one that I assume to be biocompatible, basically means that it’s absorbable by organic being’s cells.” He looked puzzled, but nodded anyway, she sighed,

“Basically what I’m saying is, you still have your heal-other powers, just in a more potent and less friendly form, and it’s transmitted through your sperm.” He had a disgusted look on his face.

“So… what you’re saying is… I can still heal people…”

“Uh huh,”

“But the only way to do it is by bukkake- ing them?” Now she looked disgusted.

“I’d prefer if you don’t use that word… but yes, that is correct.”

“What the fuck man…”

“What the fuck indeed, man.” She retorted, he grunted in frustration, then laid down on the floor. He was adamant in staying in that position, until his phone rang.

“Ugh, who… fuck.”

“Connie?” He nodded.

“I suggest you not pick it up. It’s the crystallines speaking, not her.” He sighed, stared at the phone screen then at her, then back to the phone screen… and tapped the volume down button, stopping the vibration but not rejecting the call. She nodded.

“That might be best.” He put his phone down,

“Hey Dot? Mind if I crash here for a bit? Just until things cool off… She still has Lion on her side, so she could just portal to me wherever I am, wherever except in places both she and Lion don't know… somewhere like your house, and even better, your basement.” She nodded rather quickly, it was an incredibly sound logic after all.

“Alright then, stay here as long as you want… just, be sure to come up to shower and eat, okay?” He rose up from his feet, hugging her.

“Thanks, Dot! You’re the best!” Her cheeks flushed, luckily he wasn’t able to see it, as her face is currently buried deep in his chest.

That was a week ago, so why is he still moping around now? Well, apparently that’s what a whole week of isolation does to a mentally unstable ailing teenager. The only “person” he could talk to is Stacy, and it’s not quite the great company at times. One time he tried to banter with it, but the more he did so, the more he realized that this entity is not at all like Peridot, cause unlike her, this AI can’t develop emotions and attachment, nor can it experience growth. Each discussion is more and more boring, and it’s increasingly apparent that it’s built solely for research and other science-y stuff, not to chat. Which is a good thing of course, one simply cannot afford to build a parasocial relationship with an AI, no matter how kind and compassionate, still, this does mean Steven is in complete isolation, what about Peridot, you say? Well, simply put, she misread the whole situation. 

She thought Steven needs time and space to process all of this, while he does need time, space isn’t exactly the main priority here, what he needs is company. He could simply tell her about this, and she’ll gladly accompany him, but in every single time of their brief interactions, she would bombard him with how happy she is with her work as a teacher, how student A did this, and student B does that, and how silly that looks, and how happy that made her feel… maybe he didn’t learn anything from therapy, huh?

He replaced his therapy with sex, we all know this, but what does he replace sex with now that he’s isolated from it?

— Day 3 of Isolation —

He sat on the cold concrete floor of the basement, he looked like shit, didn’t smell like one though, he does shower at least once a day after all. His eyes twitched, his hands scratching his neck as if he’s fiending for something. Touch. He misses the sensation of touch from others. Whatever, he can’t achieve that right now. He looked over to the chair in which his blazer hangs. He reached it, and sure enough, that pack of cigarettes from that very night is still there. He roughed it once more for a lighter, there was none.

“Stacy? You there?”

“I am always active as long as the master or you is in this laboratory.”

“Right… you got a lighter? Or anything that can make fire, really.”

“I assume you’re going to light that cigarette? I advise against it, monsieur. The lab is equipped with smoke detectors, it will-”

“Alright then, turn off the smoke detectors.”

“Warning, turning off the smoke detectors will-”

“Oh can it, won’t ya! Just turn it off and give me fire!” The AI went silent for a few seconds.

“There is a bunsen burner in the cabinet to the northeast; the operation manual should be written on the glass covering.” He smiled,

“Thank you, Stace, pleasure talking to ya!” No reply. Whatever, doesn’t matter. So he walked over to the cabinet, opened it, operated the bunsen burner, and successfully lit his cigarette. He smoked it in delight… though his satisfied expression soon turned sour after realizing there’s only like five more cigarettes left.

— Day 4 of Isolation —

He ran out of cigarettes. His head is pounding, fiending for more… more cigarettes? More nicotines? No, no, just more… stuff. It’s one AM right now, Peridot usually goes to sleep at eleven. Fuck. He slowly made his way out of the lab, unlocked the front door, then got into his car quietly. He drove straight to the 24 hour gas station halfway to Beach City, quite far, but who cares, he needs a pack of cigarettes right now. He parked his car near the entry, made his way inside the store, and headed straight to the cashier. 

He was about to call out the half asleep cashier, but then he felt thirsty, so he ended up walking to the beverage showcase instead and… there it was, somehow placed in the same fridge as all the sodas, a row of cold and crisp bottles of various brands of beers. He gulped, and his hand slowly shifted from the cola bottle down to the corona bottle. He had drank before, both legally and illegally, since the legal drinking age is 18, though he still somehow managed to start early, mostly due to peer pressure and wanting to fit in, he had started drinking not long after he left Beach City.

He walked out of the store with a bottle of corona and a pack of Lucky Strikes, he didn’t like Pearl’s menthol cigarettes, so he stuck with a brand he first smoked during one of his hiking trips. He lit the cigarette with a newly purchased lighter, took a few drags, and cracked open the beer. He sipped it slowly with a drag of his cigarettes in between.

“Best 2AM of my life.”

— Day 6 of Isolation —

He ran out of cigarettes once more. It’s 1 AM, as per usual, and he made his way to the gas station once again. He rushed straight for the beers, but as he turned around…

“Huh… well… better safe than sorry.” It was the liquor aisle. Somehow, this gas station in the middle of an empty highway has a half decent liquor selection. Some shelf brand whiskey, common spirits, and even wine up to twenty five years old. He grabbed a twenty year old bottle of wine, along with the beer in his other hand, and put it in front of the cashier, he tilted his head, and,

“Sorry, may I ask for your ID?” The cashier asked, the teenager rolled his eyes, then pulled out his driver’s license.

“Dude, I was here a couple of days ago, did you forget my face already?” The boy said a bit annoyed,

“Oooh! Right, right… the Universe kid, sorry bro, you got a baby face or something like that, y’know! Well then, let me just scan these things… woah! A bottle of twenty year old Pinot Noir? I ain’t even know we sell these…” The boy cringed,

“Is that… a bad thing?” The cashier tilted his head,

“Wha- no, no! Gosh, no, it’s a good wine for all I know, heck, I used to work in a fancy restaurant and this typa wine is like, one of the most popular, and oh, if you’re talking about my stock knowledge then, it’s whatever man, I just started working here like a couple of months ago, all is chill, dude.” He sighed in relief, he thought that this particular bottle was placed there by accident, or that he’s purchasing an off-the-inventory item and that he must pay the guy in the back alley or something, luckily that wasn’t the case.

“Anything else, bro?”

“Oh, and a pack of Luckies, please.” He handed the items, and the teenager walked out of the store. He lit his cigarette and popped open the bottle of corona, saving the Pinot Noir for rainy days… which came sooner than expected.

And that’s how we got to day seven. Yeah, shit’s fucked up man.

—

Sparkling chandeliers, shiny pillars, glossy ceiling, ear shattering music, a bright skylight, and a dark eyesore of uniforms. The officers, from Lieutenant to Colonels are dancing in the ballroom, surrounding the newly erected statue of their General. Said general is seated on a throne in the second level balcony of the leisure palace, alongside her highest ranking subordinates. 

“Quite the party you’ve put together, General, my sincere regards to you.” A star jade with three Orange Diamonds in her shoulder insignia sat beside her.

“Thank you, Lieutenant General Star Jade, your division’s recent conquests have been very impressive as well.” Lt.Gen. Star Jade bowed her head lower,

“You’re welcome, General, anything for the regime.” They both chuckled sophisticatedly. 

“By the way, did you happen to run into Major General Fancy Jade? I have new missions to relay to her.” A hint of unpleasant smile formed on her face,

“And what mission might that be, General? If you’d be so kind as to relay it to me, an officer that outranks Fancy, maybe I can work something better with my division instead?” The orange gem is pissed.

“Eh, never mind. Always a buzzkill…” She muttered that last part before getting up from her throne. The Lt.Gen. cringed, then buried her face into her hands.

She paced around the balcony filled with Generals, none that outranks her of course, so they would always salute her as she passed by. She walked, and walked, until her neck shot to the side upon catching a glimpse of a familiar figure on the lower ballroom floor.

“Hey, escort, what’s your name?” The Rose Quartz with a hip placed gem trembled upon being called by the General.

“Y-yes Sir General! I am Sergeant Rose Quartz of the 3rd Infantry Division, under command of-”

“Alright Sergeant, look over there,” She pointed to the certain gem,

“That gem right there, tell her to come to the strategy room in an hour or two, General Jasper will be waiting. That will be all.” The Rose Quartz saluted her,

“Yes, General!” Then sprinted down to the first level. The orange General watched adamantly as the Sergeant made her way to the particular gem, whispered her orders into her ears, to which the gem’s head shot up and glared at her in annoyance, the General however, only smiled sinisterly.

She had been sitting on her throne inside the strategy room for a good hour. Still, her smile never dissipated. The door slid open, and she turned her throne to take a good look at the gem stepping inside. The gem flashed her cape, revealing the dark navy outfit on her form, dark eyeliners, and messy hair, the previously pleasant blue hue, now withers in a rather uninviting aura of sadness and despair, but more than that, hatred. On her collars rests a pair of insignias, a single glass colored shield with a sword and an axe clashing on it.

“Well, well, well… if it isn’t Colonel Lapis Lazuli.” The blue gem scoffed,

“Hey there, General Jasper. Or whatever.” The orange General erupted to laughter.

“Hahahahahahah! Yeah… it’s General of The Order, actually… five Jaspers, see?” She pointed to the five uniquely shaped Jaspers on her shoulder pad insignia.

“Ugh, whatever. Look, I talked to the gems in the ballroom earlier, I didn’t understand it at first so I just kinda okayed everything that you said, but now that I know, I get even more confused. Why Colonel? Why give me a rank so high up? I ran into that Bluebird fusion, and even she’s just a Captain, what’s the meaning of this?” She extended her arms in confusion, then retracted it almost immediately.

“If you think this will make me get with you again… no… that’s not happening.” The orange gem shot up from her throne.

“Whaaaat? No… no… that’s not it at all. You’re simply the strongest Lapis Lazuli around, that’s all! You deserve your rank, besides, do you really think those Jades I sat with did anything to earn their ranks? They’re simply more charismatic than the Quartzes, that’s why I made them Generals.” The blue gem relented.

“Okay… I’ll trust you… for now…” The orange gem smiled, then sat back down.

“So, is that it? Is that why you called me here? For pleasantries?” She dug deeper, the orange General shook her head, then turned on the projector to her side, it depicted an image of a barren planet.

“There, your new objective, terraform this planet.” She looked at her in disbelief,

“Not for nothing of course, when you’re done, I’ll make you the Colonel-President of the land, you can live there for all I care.” The blue gem’s eyes lit up.

“Really? I can do that?” The orange gem nodded.

“Yeah, as long as you keep being useful for my army, then yes, you can have that planet for yourself.” The blue gem smiled at the planet, it was lively and organic, much like earth… much like earth…

“Wait, did you say terraform? So I have to… ruin this planet? Just like how earth would’ve been ruined if the Diamonds continued the colonization efforts?” The orange gem sighed.

“Five thousand.” She said nonchalantly,

“What?” The aquatic gem still didn’t quite understand,

“Terraform the planet, plant some injectors, your target is to produce five thousand gems in the course of a century. According to my technician’s calculations, the planet should be able to endure much, much more than that. It won’t harm much of the organic life in the long run.” The blue gem remained unconvinced. The General sighed once more,

“Look… you work for me, and you never would’ve gotten the chance, forces, or even information about this planet if you didn’t. Think of it this way, I’m giving the reward for your work up front, you haven’t even set foot in the planet, and you’re already crowned as its King. This is too sweet of a deal to pass, Lapis, you know it.” The Colonel sighed, then shot her a look.

“I… I’ll decide when I get there.” The General sighed, that’ll have to do for now.

“Alright then, pleasure working with you.” She sat up from her throne, and extended her hand to shake hers, the Colonel flinched, the General awkwardly put it away.

“Well then, I’ll see you around, General.”

“Yeah… Keep up the good work, Colonel.” The door slid close as the Colonel saluted her from outside of the room. The General sat back down and sighed,

“Huh… went better than I expected.”

Lapis put her hands down, letting go of the salute. She caught a glimpse of the nearest open window, then flew out of it. She flew, and flew, until she reached one of Pluto’s moons, the one without a moon base. She landed on one of the craters, then promptly sat down with her face buried in her knees. She stayed in that position for a good minute, she wasn’t crying, her eyes dryer than the saharan deserts. She slowly looked up, right back at the newly conquered planet.

This is fine… this is fine… I don’t feel trapped, I don’t feel held back, I don’t feel restrained, I don’t feel imprisoned… This is just… responsibilities… I’m not just doing what she says, I’m not just a hostage… I’m not just following orders… I’m just… working… right… This is just… work. 

She stood up and straightened her cape.

“Right… It's just work.”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 19 - That'll Do

—

Bubbles raised from below the surface of the lava, slowly, then rapidly. A set of rainbow locs emerged out of it, followed by the sigh of relief from the gem we’re all familiar with. She swam to the sides of the volcano, where her uniform lies. The blacksmith apparel she wore reverted to one very similar to her first appearance, just more in line with the theme, darker. She dusted off any remaining rocks from her outfit, then donned her uniform, which consisted of a black military dress hat decorated with silver jagged spikes, and the Order’s emblem at the front centre, and of course the black cape similar to the General’s, though her rank insignia is placed on the collars, identical to Lapis’.

“Colonel Bismuth, Sir! The next batch of halberds are ready to ship off to Silver 9, what are your orders?” A soldier came up to her and saluted, she was an Amethyst with her gem on her left cheek. The rainbow haired gem turned to her,

“Captain Amethyst? Where’s Captain Topaz? I was supposed to talk to her about the shipment.” She replied nonchalantly, the Amethyst dropped her salute,

“Captain Topaz has been summoned to Silver 1, apparently there were some troubles with the shipment en route to that planet.” She explained briefly, Bismuth’s brows furrowed,

“Silver 1? That was ages ago! And I personally received the delivery manifest, it confirmed the arrival of the weapons!” She was outraged, the Amethyst nodded, then continued to explain,

“That’s right Sir, however, the trouble was revealed during post-mission evaluation-”

“Ahhhhh, of course… those jerks… Damn MP, always snooping around where they don’t belong.” The captain cringed, but nodded sympathetically.

“So, what did those jerks figure out? Probably some fuel usage discrepancy or some pointless crap like that…” The Captain shook her head,

“Unfortunately no… Turns out our guys attacked free gems on their way to the drop off point, they didn’t shatter no one or anything, but they did mess up their ships quite badly…” The Colonel dipped her face into the lava once more, damn near melting her cap.

“Free gems? Seriously? They’re too much of a coward to poke the stick at Imperial gems so they just start bothering unaffiliated gems? Tell me the names of the crew on that ship, I’ll be sure to give them some…” The Captain sighed,

“That won’t be necessary Sir, Lieutenant General Nephrite already personally handled them.” Bismuth hissed awkwardly,

“Dang… that bad, huh? I was thinking of putting them into double time but… Lt.Gen. Nephrite’s probably got them in something worse…” The Amethyst nodded with a frown.

“Alright then… Silver 9 you say? Yeah just hand me the manifest and I’ll sign it.” The Captain summoned a small metal box, tapped on it and summoned a hologram of a shipment document. Bismuth signed the document, then gave her a thumbs up, to which the Amethyst tapped the metal box once more, and the hologram dissipated.

“I won’t be at the send off though, I gotta meet my quota for Bronze 2, Brigadier Hessonite is quite the ambitious one, hahaha…” The Captain chuckled professionally, then saluted the Colonel, and took her leave. The rainbow haired gem sighed, then looked back at the lava pool.

“Guess it’s time to get back to work.” She said as she climbed up the steps leading to the top of the volcanic mountain. She emerged to the peak of the mountain, overlooking the barren yet bright and busy ambience of White 4, a planet that once belonged to White Diamond, which was then gifted to the anti Reformation faction as a token of goodwill and symbol of trust, only for it to be immediately destroyed by Jasper’s ascension to the Order’s throne which led to the formation of The Force of Order, the new regime’s military force. 

The Force of Order is somewhat more powerful and effective than the currently non-existing military of the Gem Homeworld, save for Yellow Diamond’s Arsenal, which consisted of the few remaining fleets that continued to serve her in their own rights. The only bottleneck to an even more powerful force is warp pads, its creation is gatekept by Homeworld, some science oriented gems on the Order had speculated its production methods, but came to a dead end once realizing the mystery is not on the production methods, but the materials required to build it.

The Colonel walked towards a bus stop looking area, then placed her hand on a scanner which sits on a pedestal. Soon enough, a transport capsule came to a halt in front of her, and the transparent tube opened. She boarded the capsule,

“Central Forge, please.” She commanded, a robotic voice answered through the speaker,

“Understood, transporting to — Order of The True Gem’s Central Forge.” The tube closed, and the capsule zoomed past rather quickly. Not five minutes later, the capsule came to a halt, opening its side door, then another hole opened through the tube. She stepped out of the capsule,

“Colonel Bismuth, put it on the manifest.” She yelled at the capsule,

“Understood, military officers O-4 and above travel for free, thank you for riding with us.” With that, the tube closed and the capsule launched away. She adjusted her uniform once more before stepping into the forge. A ruby guard saluted her as she opened the gate for the Colonel to step in. Inside the forge, hundreds if not thousands of gems of various types are slaving away, hammering and grinding and dipping the weapons and armors they’re working on. The menial laborers are mostly non-military, with some unlucky low ranking enlistees having to pitch in to meet the quotas. Higher ranking enlistees and low ranked officers are deployed as managers and supervisors, Bismuth on the other hand, is the highest overseer of the whole operation.

“Hey there, workers! Did you Bis…mith me?” She raised her arms to the sides, attempting to make them laugh with the same pun she had used close to a thousand times at this point, still, it worked. The gems all looked up at the catwalk she stood on, cheering and waving at her,

“Haha! That’s our Colonel!” A non-military Rose Quartz chirped in,

“Yeah! You go, Sir!” A couple of Cog Jade Privates waved at her, and many other gems smiled and waved at her, she smiled back, then turned around to walk into her office atop the catwalks.

“Ah… home at last…”

“Is it though?” Bismuth’s neck turned so fast, it would’ve snapped if she had bones. The familiar voice came from behind the door she just opened, there stood an old friend from not long ago, though she looked quite different this time around.

“Lapis! How are you doing?! I’ve heard that you’re on our side now and… eughh… what’s up with the makeup?” The blue gem snorted, 

“It’s nice to see you too, Bismuth… I gotta say, I was surprised when I found out you ran all the way here…” She leaned back on the wall,

“Me?! Imagine how surprised I was when I heard that you’re here! I mean, whatever the heck happened over there?” The grey gem asked intently, Lapis cringed then sighed,

“I… did something bad… I don’t deserve them.” Her tone somber. Bismuth sat down on her office chair, inviting Lapis to sit on the chair across from her. Lapis sat down, and smiled as she saw the words in gem glyph engraved into the nameplate on the table,

“Overseer, huh? Great to know you got a job just in line with your passion…” Bismuth cringed, then rested her chin on her folded hands on the table.

“Yeah, it’s… whatever, you know… the forge is my home after all… although… I do miss my old forge sometimes, it’s alright I guess, not like I’d be welcome back on earth, not after the things I said to Pearl…” Lapis wanted to ask more about it, but Bismuth faked a cough and continued her words,

“Nevermind that, what’s up with you? What did you do, exactly? Those guys back home are very apologetic, it might not be too late to-”

“It’s not that simple!” The blue gem cut her off, which startled the rainbow haired gem. Lapis sighed, then continued,

“I feel trapped… even during peaceful times. At first I thought it was Peridot, she tried to tie me down or something, so I broke free. But that’s not the end of it, I roamed around earth for  a bit, away from her, from Beach City, from everything… it’s not enough… so I wandered around planet after planet… until I reached Gold 9…” She glanced to Bismuth, who was still listening intently,

“I ran into a ship with symbols I wasn’t familiar with, they tried to attack me after shouting, “Hey! It's the Crystal Gem’s Lapis Lazuli! Seize her!” so I just had to defend myself you know, which I did just that. I was about to fly away when… she showed up.”
“Jasper…” She nodded.

“I tried my best to keep my cool but she just kept walking closer and closer and I… punched her with a water fist… but that’s not even the worst part, she laughed! She laughed and smiled like it was the best day ever! And then she invited me to join her… I told her it was ridiculous and to get lost but… I’m also lost…” Bismuth sighed sympathetically, 

“So you just agreed to join her?” Lapis nodded,

“That’s… almost exactly how it happened to me too…” The emo gem’s face shot up,

“You too?” She asked, urging her to tell more,

“Yeah… I was chilling on a lava planet, didn’t even remember the name, and then she came up to me… I refused at first but… honestly? There’s nothing I want more than to fight again… to make weapons again… to be… rebellious again… ” She flicked a part of her cape, revealing that she still has the crystal gem tattoo on her left shoulder.

“Once a rebel, always a rebel… the current crystal gems aren’t exactly rebelling against the system… especially after I heard how things were in Homeworld, and how Steven is just… ignoring it? I started to think that maybe joining Jasper ain’t so bad… so I did…” Lapis nodded understandingly.

“Yeah… wait, I got a question for you,” Her eyes staring directly at the blacksmith’s,

“Shoot,” She replied,

“That symbol on your collar… it’s the same as mine… did she make you a Colonel right away too?” The grey gem raised an eyebrow, she didn’t know how but it’s just now that she realized her comrade bears a rank equal to hers,

“Whaaa? Of course not! I mean, sure I got to skip a few ranks since she made me a Major, but that’s only because she needed me to have a rank high enough to run this forge! I only got promoted to Lt.Col. after my fifth shipment, then five more got me here! Did she really make you a Colonel right away?! What is up with that Quartz…” Lapis’ eyes shot up,

“Right?! I was at the Pluto ball a couple of days ago and the officers there gave me quite the look… Until this Nephrite came up to me and started praising the crap outta me… so then I asked her what’s so great about me, and she said that there’s no case of a freshly recruited officer to immediately bear a rank this high up! There’s gotta be something wrong here, right?!” The blacksmith nodded, then sighed while thinking deeply,

“Yeah… hm, does she make you run a regiment? Brigade? Battalion?” She shook her head on each one,

“Nope, not at all, what the heck are those anyway? No, no, all I do is fly around silently and scout our… enemies… if you can even call them that… most of the time they just make me stalk ships of free gems…” Bismuth leaned back on her chair, looking up at the ceilings,

“So… recon? They could’ve just made you an O-1 and put you in a special corps… no need to push you up that high… I don’t know, I’m lost. Besides, our military structure is all over the place, it’s like Jasper opened one history book about human warfares and decided, “Oh man, this is great! I’m using this!” or something like that…” The blue gem snorted and laughed out loud after hearing her comrade’s poor Jasper impression.

“Oh, Bismuth… that was bad… eugh, hahahaha!” They both chuckled, though the emo gem came back to her frown,

“She’s telling me to wreck a planet, Bismuth…” She stopped laughing, licked her lips, then nervously replied,

“Wha- what do you mean?” 

“She’s telling me to terraform a planet, and to be its overseer during injection… I mean, she told me that I can live there after producing five thousand gems from it… still… I’m not so sure…” Bismuth sighed,

“Do you… want to do it? I mean, if I learned anything from Steven and… eugh… Rose… It’s that you gotta decide things for yourself!” Silence.

“I came here to seek advice from you… the gem who was around during the rebellion years…”

“Not really…” She muttered,

“Hm? What was that?” She asked eagerly, the gray gem sighed,

“Come on… while you were in that mirror, I was in Rose’s bubble… sure I got to stay out for a few more hundred years, but… eh, you get the point.” She winced,

“Right… what I meant was… you know how things were back then… just thought I’d ask before I do something I might regret…” The gray gem stood up from the chair, walking towards the window behind her desk, overlooking the forge workers.

“I think… Wait, which planet is this?” She turned her gaze back to the blue gem,

“Klykon 2, why does that matter?” Bismuth nodded, and put a finger or her chin to strike a thinking pose,

“Hmm, yes, yes… I think you should do it. That planet is barren save for some mindless aggressive monsters, and the soil is incredibly rich for gem cultivation. I'm pretty sure five thousand new gems won’t do the planet too much harm, so yeah, there’s my mindful observation… hope it helps…” Lapis smiled, then stood up from her chair,

“Thanks, Bismuth, I knew I could count on you.” She smiled at her. The blue gem was about to step out of the office,

“Wait, we have the same uniform code right? Why aren’t you wearing your hat? It’s not like you got a helmet anyway…” Lapis turned around once more,

“Eh, I don’t like those things, they mess up my hair y’know?”

“Hmm, but you’re on recon most of the time, it would be quite dangerous roaming around without a headgear, especially if you run into Imperial gems…” She chuckled,

“Heh! Come on now, Bismuth, you know me, I’m strong enough to beat any gem on my own!” She said with a smile on her face,

“Any gem but a Diamond…” She muttered, the emo gem’s smile turned to a frown.

“What do you mean…?” Bismuth pointed at the chair once more, to which Lapis sat back down. The rainbow haired gem sat on the desk and leaned closer to her,

“Look, the Diamonds… they’re tougher than you think… you could probably handle Blue in a one on one fight, but Yellow? We know how that goes, White? Don’t even get me started… Steven…?” Lapis’ head turned to the metal floors of the office,

“...Steven? Am I gonna… fight Steven? I don’t want that…” She felt the other gem’s hand on her shoulder,

“Listen, I know he probably won’t hurt you… hurt us … but when push comes to shove, he might still try to poof us to… save us… when the time comes, don’t you wanna make sure that you at least have a little more time to reason with him? Before he eventually beats you?” The blue gem buries her face in her hands, not wanting to deal with any of this any longer.

“I don’t wanna fight Steven… He’s my friend.” She said, muffled with her hands,

“And he’s my friend too… but you know what else he is? A diamond.” Her face emerged from her hands, looking up at the gray gem once more.

“What should I do then?” Bismuth smiled, then reached to the cabinet below the desk, pulling out an item, then handing it to Lapis,

“Is this?” She nodded,

“I never got around to giving you a weapon upgrade, I was gonna give it to you after the Diamond crisis… but then things were peaceful, so why would we ever need anymore weapon upgrades? Besides, you don’t use a weapon, you’re already plenty powerful with just your water bending.” She smiled, still holding the object on her hands,

“But… Why this? This isn’t exactly a weapon…” The blacksmith chuckled,

“Of course it’s not, it’s an armor! I’m not just a bladesmith y’know!” She explained as she stood up from the desk,

“I don’t get it, how is this an armor?” She asked once more, the gray gem nodded,

“Well, I’ve heard about your return from Pearl… the day Steven set you free? Not long after that, you stole a portion of earth’s ocean, right?” She nodded,

“And I was just thinking, how the heck did they manage to beat a gem as strong as you? Well, Pearl told me that it was Steven’s shield, he summoned it and parried your water attacks, while doing that, the vibration and noise from the impact destabilized your water bending abilities, hence pushing you to agree to a talk with Steven, correct?”

“Yeah… I suppose that’s right…” Bismuth snapped her fingers,

“That’s where this thing comes in, try them on!” She put the headphones on, it’s darker navy colored with black glossy spiky/crystal-y ornaments and dark grey outlines.

“Okay, it’s on, so what? How does this protect from the… vibration and stuff?”

“Alright so, while it doesn’t directly block the vibrations sent towards the water you’re bending, it does protect you from the noise and most of the vibrations, allowing you to re-bend the water and fight for a while longer, how’s that sound? Great, right?” She smiled proudly with her hands resting on her waist. Lapis folded her hands and looked at her, impressed,

“Yeah… yeah! This is great! Gosh, you really are the best blacksmith gemkind has to offer! Hahah!” They chuckled, though Lapis soon fell to another frown,

“Still, I hope I don’t have to fight him…” Bismuth sighed,

“Yeah… I hope so too… but hey, It’s just Bismuth , right?” Lapis smiled at her, and rolled her eyes at the silly pun she’d used thousands of times before,

“Hm, yeah, I guess so… well then, I should get going, see you later, Colonel Bismuth!” She waved before opening the door,

“Yeah, yeah, see you later too, Colonel Lazuli!” They giggled once more, before she summoned her wings and flew out of the ceiling windows of the forge. Now the forge overseer is one to frown, looking at her left shoulder’s crystal gem tattoo once more,

“I… hope so too…”

—

He woke up at 2 AM, staring at the faint green ceilings. He turned to his side, oh, right. A certain green gem slept rather soundly next to him, he smiled, and slowly stood up to make his way to the bathroom. He looked in the mirror, and he didn’t look as shitty as he initially thought,

“Huh, guess sleeping in a bed really makes all the difference.” 

It all started right after he cried his eyes out on her chest. After spending the whole day convincing him that Connie doesn’t even know where she lives, he finally agreed to just sleep in the house, particularly her bedroom. Obviously, he doesn’t have the heart to tell her that “Hey uhm, actually, I’ve been sneaking out to get drunk at 1AM despite being paranoid of running into my crazy ex.” Yeahhh… doesn’t sound good now, does it?

He sighed, then splashed some water on his face, ready to return… to… bed… ah, fuck… Guess who misses his nightly routine? So he made his way downstairs, outside, and into his car rather stealthily. He drove to the town gate, and pulled over, rolling down the windows to call over one of the ruby guards,

“Hello there, Steven Universe! Anything I can help you with?” A ruby with her gem on her back asked him,

“Heya there, Ruby! Yeah, yeah, nothing much though, just uh, don’t stop me when I drive in here y’know? It’s a hassle to stop every single time, I’ll slow down, though, that way you guys can still read my plate and confirm it’s me, how’s that sound?” The ruby guard smiled and nodded,

“Sounds easy enough! Alright then, we’ll keep that in mind, safe travels now!” She said cheerfully,

“Great! See you in a bit!” They waved at each other as he drove to his favorite nightlife venue. He parked his car in the usual spot and barged into the 24 hour gas station.

“Heyyooo! Jimmaayyy! What’s up man!” He yelled at the cashier,

“Oh, hey, Steve! Really appreciate you droppin’ by but, mind if you keep it down a little? You almost busted my ears there… it’s like, what, 2AM?” He reasoned with the unreasonably loud customer, he giggled,

“Aw man, yeahhh, sorry Jimmy, I’ll keep it down hahah…” Jimmy put his hands forward,

“It’s alright man… by the way… you keep coming here for a pack of cigs, I get that, but booze? There’s plenty of bars in the cities around here, y’know? I’m not judging but, ain’t it more fun to drink in a bar instead of on the curb in front of a gas station in the middle of a highway?” Steven sighed as he picked up a bottle of Henny and pointed at a pack of Luckies, the cashier rolled his eyes and scanned the items,

“Yeah, I know that… it’s just…I got a lotta friends in beach city, and I don’t exactly want my image to be the town drunk y’know… and I don’t really like Ocean Town… it’s just, I don’t know man… Ominous?” Jimmy nodded,

“Uhuh, I get that, Ocean town is kinda creepy, I worked at a cafe there for a few months, major bad vibes bro… anyways, that’ll be 46,” He swiped his card,

“Alright then, mind if I chug this down on the curb?” He smirked, the cashier sighed,

“Be my guest… hahahahahah…” They giggled, he walked out of the store and sat down on his designated curb spot. He popped open the bottle of cognac, and took a big swig,

“Eh, not bad, at least it doesn’t taste like wooden barrels…” He recalled his first time trying whiskey. He opened the pack of Luckies, lit one of it, and started alternating between drags and swigs, drags and swigs, drags and-

“What a leisurely way to spend a night! Mind if I join?” He choked on his smoke and booze. He turned his head to the general direction of the feminine voice with a touch of British accent. It came from a girl, probably his age, skin so pale Pearl might get jealous, wearing a jirai-kei outfit , thin round golden framed glasses, and has long black hair with cyan highlights.

“Y-yea, n-not at all… hehehehehehe…” Oh shit, I gotta be really fucking creepy right now, what the fuck did I stutter! And what the fuck was that giggle! He hadn’t spoken to a girl his age in… forever.

“Eh, aren’t you the funny one… so… what’s your story?” He tried to compose himself, but the girl sat right beside him, close, very close, way too close perhaps.

“Aiiee… Ugh… I’m sorry but, you’re quite literally a walking curveball, I can’t help but get distracted! I mean, come on now, that outfit with that accent? In the middle of a nowhere highway, connecting two nowhere cities? Give me a break! A guy can only handle so much!” He chugged the bottle of Henny. The girl burst out laughing,

“Hahahahahahahaha! What did you say? A walking curveball ? That’s something, alright! Ahahahahaha!” He took a drag of his cigarette with a blush on his cheeks. What is with this girl!

“Seriously, what’s a girl like you doing in a nowhere town like this? Where did you come from? Where are you even going? Can’t be Beach City, I know everyone there…” He asked while avoiding eye contact. The girl sighed, pulling out a soft pack of Marlboro reds from her black purse. Steven subtly glanced as she put the pack closer to her mouth, biting a single piece and pulling away the pack to close the cover once more. She pulled out a lighter from her purse, struck it once, twice, thrice,

“Here… this should work…” He handed his lighter while looking away. She giggled,

“Thanks!” She took the lighter, and lit her cigarette.

“Right… Let’s answer your burning questions, shall we? First of all, I don’t know!” He raised an eyebrow, now looking at her, albeit nervously,

“You… don’t know?” She nodded,

“Yeah! I don’t know what I’m doing here, and I don’t know where I’m going… but oh! I’m from London!” He nodded,

“So… just wandering around aimlessly? Heh… sounds familiar…”

“Oh?”

“I used to do the same, kinda. I was… a troubled kid… my therapist advised me to explore and go out of my comfort zone… I did just that and… didn’t quite work out…”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, maybe I did it wrong? Long story short, I ended up hurting a lot of people, and now I’m back to where it all started… Beach motherfucking City… stars, I love and hate it here.”

“Stars? First time I heard somebody swear with constellations…” He chuckled nervously,

“Ahhh, yeah… it’s like a habit from… my family… Anyway, wanna hear something crazy?” At this point, he’s already quite tipsy, and forgot about his previous nervousness. The girl nodded, intent in hearing more,

“Would you believe it if I tell you, that right now, I have a crazy ex that’s stalking me cause she still wants me, and that she has a magical pink lion that can teleport right in front of us anytime ?! Hah! Can you believe that?” He glanced at her, right now she has her mouth agape, and her chin resting on her hands, excited on hearing more,

“Woah, Pink Lion? Magic?! What an exciting life you’re living… and here I am… In the middle of a foreign country… doing… whatever…” His brows furrowed, 

“My life? Exciting? If anything it’s tragic… you on the other hand, you even look exciting, I mean, uhm, you know what I mean… anyway, I don’t mean to be a square but, are you even old enough to smoke? You look very young…” He eyed her up and down, she looked taken aback,

“Me?! Young?! Do you not have a mirror? You look rather young yourself! Are you old enough to smoke? And drink?” He rolled his eyes,

“Yeah, yeah, there’s a reason for my delayed growth, and yes, I’m old enough! I’m nineteen!” He said a he took another swig from the bottle, she scoffed,

“There’s also a reason for my youthful appearance… I think… Anyway, I’m eighteen, though my birthday is coming up quite soon!” He subtly smiled, he hadn’t been around non-Connie humans his age in a while, first it’s Jimmy, who just so happens to be twenty, and now it’s… this mysterious British girl that seemingly spawned out of nowhere.

“Huh, so we’re pretty much the same age… so, what? College?” She shook her head,

“Nah, I’m done with school, fed up.” He scoffed,

“I would kill for school, never got a proper childhood cause of my… hey, wanna hear something even crazier?”

He explained his lore far and wide, from how he was born and the recent Diamond conflicts. She stood up,

“Heh, I know, I know, sounds like I made it up and-”

“BLOODY HELL THAT WAS BRILLIANT! Marvelous! Simply marvelous! Oh I would trade school life with that, are you joking?!” She remarked while jumping up and down excitedly, he chuckled and gestured to the curb, hinting for her to sit back down, to which she did just that.

“You really believe all that? I mean, it usually takes a while for people to… hear me… thanks… I guess?” He said with a hand behind his neck. He was about to take another swig, but then realized the bottle is empty,

“Ah, guess I ran out…” He stood up, stumbling a little from being rather tipsy, she stood up to, instinctively holding him in case he falls,

“Woah, downed a whole bottle and can still stand up straight? Quite strong on the booze aren’t ya?” He chuckled,

“Heh, I’m half magic after all, guess it gives me an innate 50% poison resistance? And alcohol is pretty much poison so… it’s gonna take a lot more than this bottle to get me drunk.” He tossed the bottle to the trash bin nearby,

“Anyway, it’s getting late, I don’t wanna get caught sneaking out so late… so uh, off I go!” He walked away, though he suddenly felt a tug on his blazer,

“Wait!” He turned to her, she slowly let go of the grip she had on his garment,

“I never caught your name… I’m Elizabeth, you can call me Liz! Or anything that isn’t Ellie…” He chuckled, 

“Right, pleasure meeting you, Liz! My name is Steven! Steven Universe!” He shook her hand,

“Steven Universe… Even your name is exciting… and oh! I’d be an imbecile to have this as our first and last interaction, you’re a very interesting person after all!” He raised an eyebrow, she roughed her purse for a pen and paper, and scribbled on it hastily,

“Here! My number, be sure to call me!” He took the piece of paper, and looked at it, and her, then it, then her, oh… oh!

“Y-yeah! I’ll do just that! In fact, I’ll do it right now! Just so you have my number! Hahah!” He started fumbling his phone after he took it out of his pocket, she giggled,

“Alright, four two sev-”

“STEEEEEVEEEEENNNN!” A familiar manic voice came from the darkness of the highways, the two teenagers turned their head to the source of the voice,

“Oh boy… here we go…” He muttered, soon after, a set of familiar pink noodly arms coiled around him.

“STEVEN! Where have you been! We’re all worried sick! I’m worried sick! Do you know how lonely it is in our room with just me in it! Do you!... and who might this be?!” She glanced to the girl next to him, who was now beaming with excitement,

“Oh golly gee! You must be Spinel! I’ve heard a lot about you!” The magenta gem raises an eyebrow as she slowly uncoils the boy. 

“You… did? How did ya… Steven?!” He sighed as he adjusted his now wrinkly blazer,

“What? I was just telling her about my life story and, you’re an important part of my life! Of course your name came up!” she blushed, and timidly pulled her arms back to regular size.

“I- I am?” He nodded, she glanced to the Brit, who was still smiling while looking at her up and down,

“Oh! Well if that’s the case then uh… hehe… nice to meet you! I’m Steven’s best friend and roommate, Spinel! And you are?” The girl excitedly shook her hands,

“Hi! I’m Liz! Steven’s uh… new friend?” She glanced at the boy, he smiled and nodded,

“Well hello, Liz! What are ya doing out here in the middle of nowhere?” She sighed,

“Wandering? Adventuring? I don’t know for sure…” Steven chimed in,

“Yeah, she’s a free soul of sorts, like me!” Spinel nodded, but then sharply gazed at him once more,

“Wait, so… why ain’t you home for a whole week?! We’re worried!” Steven sighed once more, then explained the whole Connie situation, save for the addictive healing jizz, which he also conveniently omitted while telling his life story to the girl earlier.

“-But don’t worry, I’m fine now, it’s been a week and uh… I think I’m ready to go back home, maybe later tonight? Since I gotta go back to Peridot’s to pack my things and say goodbye,” She nodded,

“Okay then… guess I’ll wait at home?”

“Yeah, can you do that for me?” She nodded excitedly, then waved him goodbye as she stretched away, back into the darkness.

“What a lively soul…” He turned to the source of the voice, realizing that-

“Oh! You’re still here! Heheh, sorry, I was distracted by her… yeah, that’s right, Spinel’s always so lively…”

“Yeah yeah, that’s fine! I’d also be distracted if my girlfriend is that interesting, haha!”

“Girlfriend? Oh, no, no! We’re close, yeah, but as I explained before, and earlier, we’re just roommates! And we’re only close cause of our mutual mixed feelings towards my mother… eugh…” She winced,

“Right… sorry about that, was just tryna tease ya… anyway, it’s about time I get going, be sure to call me when things are settled, yeah?” He nodded,

“Wait, how’d you even get here? And do you even have a place to stay for the night?” She chuckled,

“That baby right there is my ride, and I’ve already got a motel reserved in Ocean Town, so don’t ya worry, we’re gonna meet again!” She explained as she pointed at a red Torsche 911 in the other end of the parking lot, He sighed in… relief? Excitement? Who knows.

“Well that’s… great… Also, nice whip!” She chuckled,

“Eh, yours is nicer! Got more character to it… well then, bye now!” They waved each other goodbye and walked to the respective cars. He got into his car, stuck the key in the ignition, started the engine, but didn’t drive away, not until he saw her car making it out of the parking lot. He blasted the ac,

“Ugh… What the hell was that, Universe! Ain’t you got three bodies?! Yet you still stutter in front of a girl?!... Is it because she’s a human?... But, Connie’s a human… Eh, whatever, let’s not dig too deep there, I still got other issues.” With that, he drove back to the Little Homeworld. The Ruby guard kept her promise and opened the gate without stopping him. Still, he couldn’t stop thinking about that girl on the drive home, is it because of her appearance? Her voice? Her personality? No, 

“Familiar… but… how?”

—

Dark, the night sky is very dark. Bright, yet the room is bright. It matters little that there’s no other light source, after all, she’s the only light source the room needs. The giant Goddess laid down on the vast floor of her room, she could see the skies with the retractable roof. She stood up, walked over to a window, and took in the view of her Empire’s capital, or rather, the Capital of the Empire that was once hers. She sighed, snapped a finger and activated a projection. It showed a “family picture”, Yellow, Blue, Steven, and herself, all smiling towards the camera, she didn’t remember who took the picture, not that it matters. She looked back at the skies, then at the city, then back to the picture,

“Oh, Steven… if only you understand…”

“Understand what, White?” She was startled as her fellow diamond stepped inside the room, her extravagant cloak soon took over the hue of the surrounding light reflections,

“Oh, Blue! You surprised me there, hahah! No… it was nothing…” Blue came to her side, smiling after the projection came into view,

“Aww, it’s the picture we took after dismantling the final colony! Look at Steven! Sweet as always…” The both of them swooned over the picture,

“Whatever it is, White, I’m sure Steven would understand, if you’d only explain…” White scoffed,

“So you heard me after all?” Blue nodded,

“So, what is it? Are you bored? I understand if you are… cause I am too, without Spinel, there’s barely anything fun to do!” The brightest diamond sighed, then walked over to the window once more,

“Well, that too… but no, that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind…” Blue raised an eyebrow,

“Oh? What is it then? You know you can confide in me…” She said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s just… he always demanded us to understand… yet he never made an effort to understand us… understand… me …” She swatted the hand that rested on her shoulder, Blue held that very hand in the other,

“What… Do you mean? He’s the most understanding being in the Universe! Whatever it is you’re thinking, I’m sure he will understand! He-”

“I miss my old self!” She yelled at her, then abruptly covered her mouth…

“I- forgive me, you heard nothing.” Blue shook her head,

“White? What does that mean?!” The tallest diamond cringed, then sighed,

“I… don’t like how I’ve changed, even if it’s for the better… I felt like I lost myself, I used to be so strong, so dreadful, so… perfect. Now? Heh! I’m… soft, I’m… mellow… I’m… nothing. I feel like a de-clawed tiger.” The emotional diamond frowned, she didn’t expect such… sincerity from her comrade,

“I… can’t say I understand, but I also can’t say you’re crazy for that… I know what it feels like to be in charge… I liked it… and I was good at it… but if that’s what drove her away from us, what good does it bring?” She tried to reason with her,

“Well… I guess you’re right, Blue… I might have been strong, menacing, dreadful… but in no way have I been perfect. Still, I miss those times, gems would bow to me, lower life forms would beg for mercy… it was… thrilling… I loved that sensation of superiority…” She smiled sinisterly, which she quickly erased after seeing the look of disbelief from her comrade,

“Uhm… as Steven would say… your feelings are… valllliiiid?” She grinned and shrugged at the last word. White scowled, and dropped down to sit on the floor, the ground quaked briefly.

“Sure, sure… he would say that… definitely… Still, that boy is half diamond! Has he no urge to conquer? To dominate? To fulfill his destiny as a Diamond?” Blue slowly sat down next to her,

“I don’t know… maybe he doesn’t? He wasn’t raised as a diamond after all… he was raised as a crystal gem…” They both sighed.

“So it’s just me then? I’m crazy? Is that it?” White said, gesturing her hands in each inflection. Blue held her hand,

“No… no… I… get that feeling sometimes, and I’m sure Yellow does too…” 

“Hmph… it’s not easy being a diamond…” White remarked,

“Yeah…” Blue replied, before standing up,

“But hey! At least we have the new regime! We’re royalties again now!” She tried to make light of the situation, White chuckled, and stood up,

“Ha! The human version of royalty… I suppose it’ll have to do for now… yeah… yeah… sure, hm… it’ll have to do… it must do…” She looked at the capital once more. Blue sighed,

“Come on, White, we’re Queens! The people look up to us! The Prime Minister and her elected officials come to us for advice! So do the nobles… Hey, I read this phrase in an earth history book during one of our studies; Noblesse Oblige, means something along the lines of, us privileged people, royals and nobles and whatnot, holds an innate responsibility to look after and better the lives of those below- no, no, uhm… those with less privilege to begin with! So when we look at it this way-”

“Did you say below?” Blue cringed,

“N-no…” She said awkwardly, White put a finger on her chin to think,

“Hmph… that’ll do… that’ll do …” She covered her mouth, fearing another sinister smile was about to form, Blue winced, thinking she might’ve made a big mistake speaking to her tonight.

“Say, Blue, you take care of the diplomatic side of affairs, right? How’s that treating you?” She snapped her out of her trance,

“Hm? Oh, yeah! It’s alright, I suppose. It got quite exciting after independent gems started to contact us, they call themselves free gems, but I rather dislike that name, it implies gems under us and… them… aren’t free. While I do agree on that side, I don’t think gems under us are shackled, don’t you think?” White thought for a moment,

“Yes… yes… what exactly made them free in the first place? If anything they’re doomed! Don’t think I’ve not heard about the raids and ambushes performed by the… tsk!... Order… eugh… on those poor free gems! Say, Blue, why don’t you make an attempt to contact more of these free gems, offer them protection of some sorts, how does that sound?” Blue beamed in excitement,

“Oh, White! What a wonderful idea! Of course, I’ll try it out!” White nodded,

“Yes, yes! And all they have to do in return is raise our flag and fly our banner!” Blue’s smile slowly turned upside down.

“Wait… so… you want me to… subjugate them…?” White shook her head rapidly and put both hands on her cheeks, as if she’s in shock,

“Whaaaat? No, no, stars, subjugate is such a violent word! No! All I want is for them to promote our Empire so that it has the image of a valiant protector of all gemkind! Isn’t that beautiful?! Doesn’t that scream, peaceful ?!” Blue still seemed rather unconvinced, White cleared her throat,

“Uhum, I understand why you’re reluctant, you did just hear my speech about… supremacy after all… hmph… still, tell me this is a bad idea, I dare you! Look, I am aware of our truce with them, I am after all, the one who gifted them that planet… Ugh… not a day goes by where I don’t regret that decision… I mean, come on now, who would’ve thought they’d grow so much in power with just one barren planet?!” She’s outraged, Blue nodded, listening intently,

“So, here’s the plan, you convince these free gems to fly our banner and raise our flag, that way, the damned Order will have no choice but refrain from attacking, since they know better to honor our truce… or else…” Blue raised an eyebrow,

“Or else…?” White scoffed,

“War, Blue! War! And no matter how much power they’ve amassed, there’s no way in galaxy they’d even think to try and beat three Diamonds! Four, if we’re lucky…” Blue frowned, the prospect of another war had never sounded so grim…

“Well alright… I’ll try my best… but! I will not pressure them into anything, It’ll have to be just a peaceful conversation, no strings attached!” White smiled and nodded intently,

“Yes, yes! That’ll do, Blue, that’ll do! Thank you soooo much for listening to me! I’m happy to call you a fellow Diamond! And of course, a fellow Queen!” They giggled,

“Right then, I suppose I’ll get to it! See you later, White!” They waved at each other as she made her way out of White’s room.

The sliding door closed, now the room’s pure White once more. She sat back down on a “throne” in the room, rested her chin on her hand, her smile grew wider and wider, so did her eyes.

“Yes, yes… that’ll do, Blue… that’ll do. ”

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 20 - Reunion

—

Bright, it’s finally bright again. For the first time in a week, he woke up in a bright room, mainly since he’s sleeping inside a warm giant glass dome, as opposed to a cold metallic basement. He tried to roll down the mattress, but couldn’t, he was wrapped tightly by a set of pink noodly arms. He sighed while recounting the things he went through yesterday. 

—

After getting back to bed next to Peridot, he couldn’t get any more sleep, so he just stared at the ceiling until 6 AM or so, and that’s when she woke up. He explained that he no longer needs to stay at her house, he’s already quite stable and ready to go back home. Peridot is happy to hear this, but can’t help but feel a little lonely when she realized he won’t be staying over anymore, he told her that he will still be dropping by from time to time, after all,

“I wanna see you in a sundress again, heck, I might even get you another hat!” She punched his elbow as she blushed, and then they giggled away. They parted with a hug and he drove away to the Beach House. He passed the gas station on his way, he only smiled as he drove past, since his tank is full, and so is his heart, no longer does he need to fill a hole with booze and smoke… for now at least.

He reached the Beach House and,

“Yo! Stee-man! There you are! Where have you been, man! We’re worried sick!”

“Heyy there Amethyst, haha, sorry I was just, Augh! ” He was tackled onto the sands with a hug from his sister, followed with a coil of arms from his roommate, soft head pats from his foster mom, and a thumbs up from Garnet.

“Glad to have you back, Steven.” Garnet remarked with a smile.

“Well, whatever it was, we’re glad you’re safe. Just… make sure to update us on your wellbeing if anything like this happens again, okay? You have no idea how much it worries me… and your father!” The hand soon moved from his head as she made points after points on parenting, he could only sigh and hold his laughter as Amethyst made a silent impression of her scolding.

“Amethyst!” She caught on and the purple gem soon dashed away, running around in the sands, Garnet shook her head, him and Spinel giggled at the sight.

“Oh I’m so glad you’re back, Sunshine! We can have more fun from now on! And ooh! Why don’t we go around the city! I can drive us around! How does that sound?” He chuckled as he stood up and dusted his jeans from the sands,

“That sounds great, Moonie! Let’s do that tomorrow!” She folded her arms and pouted,

“Tomorrow? But I wanna go now!” Steven shook his head, still with a smile,

“Now, now, Spinel, I’m tired right now, like real tired…” He leaned closer and whispered,

“After I drove home from the gas station, I couldn’t sleep, so yeah… I’m like, real spent now…” She smirked,

“Wh- what’s that look?” She raised a pointer finger and swayed it while shaking her head,

“Oh, Steven. How long do ya think I’ve been yer roommate, eh? I know you can’t take naps, let alone a morning slumber ! So, while you wait to get comfortably sleepy, why don’t I take us on a drive around town?” He had a look of discomfort on his face, knowing she’s right, but still looking for ways to bail out of it, she’s now the one to lean closer to him,

“What? So Peridot can have her date but I can’t?” She pulled away,

“And here I thought I was your Moonlight… oh, Spinel, poor Spinel… no one wants to play with her…” She dramatically paced around him and sang in a somber tone,

“I played with her, she taught me to juggle.” Garnet chimed in, Steven looked at her, then back to Spinel, this time with a sharp stare, to which the jester smiled awkwardly and shrugged. He sighed in defeat, placing his hand on one of her pigtails, gently stroking it, she blushed with the surprising gesture of affection,

“Oh well, I suppose you’re right, come then, let’s see how well you can drive the Dondai with a sleepy teenager on shotgun~” 

“Yayyy! Thanks Steven!...” She leaned in closer,

“Love you…” He blushed, but tried to play it off since they’re in front of Garnet right now, he glanced at the fusion and yep, she’s smirking. He rolled his eyes, then dragged Spinel by the hand,

“Come on, Let’s go…” She giggled, and was met with a smile from Garnet as she turned back to her, she blushed, then looked down to their tethered hands once more.

“Oh? Going out again? What did I just say?!” The pale gem yelled at the pair, ready to scold them. The boy turned around, still with Spinel’s hand in his,

“Ah, right. Pearl, Spinel and I are going around town for the day, we shall return before sundown, and might or might not bring boxes of pizza to celebrate my homecoming, is that allowed?” He bowed with grace, to which Spinel followed on the bit. The pale gem cringed and scoffed,

“See, that wasn’t so hard… actually it was rather hard to watch, I appreciate the sentiment, but don’t be so formal with me ever again, I’m tired of those kinds of things…” The two chuckled silently,

“Alright, Pearl… Love you, bye!” They waved at her,

“Yes, yes, have fun you two!” With that, they drove away,

“Heyy! Why’s he going again?!” Amethyst came into the scene with sand falling from her hair,

“Eugh, what did you do to her?” The fusion asked the pale gem,

“She slammed me into a rock! I fell face first and got buried in the sand!” Pearl raised her hands in outrage,

“Oh shush! I barely shoved you! You launched yourself on purpose!” They were about to quarrel again when Garnet picked them both up by the shirt,

“Now, now, let’s stay calm so we can welcome Steven and Spinel back home with a cool head, okay?” They both pouted and folded their arms as she put them down. Pearl was first to sigh and speak,

“Well alright, I suppose that is in order…” Amethyst relented too,

“Yeahh, let’s just chill I guess…” With that, they went back in the house, only to be met with a sight of a balding man eating cereal while shirtless,

“Hell yeah! Breakfast!” Amethyst launched herself to the cereal box and poured it into her mouth,

“Bleh! What is this crap!” She turned the box to see a “Low sugar high fiber” label on it,

“Eurgh, where’s the fun of cereal without sugar!” Greg chuckled,

“Eh, you gotta do what you gotta do to stay healthy, oh hey Pearl! Where you been?” His smile slowly disappears as he saw his girlfriend’s face turning sour,

“I can’t believe you!” His brows furrowed,

“What?! It’s the brand you recommended!” She scowled,

“Wha- Your son was here! And you didn’t even come out to welcome him home? He was away for a week!” His eyes widened,

“Steven’s back?! Oh man! Gosh, sorry Pearl, guys, I just got up and got hungry so…” He shrugged with an awkward smile, she sighed,

“Hmph, alright… He said he’ll be back before sundown, make sure to be home that time, okay?! Stars, I swear I can’t stay mad at you… and I really should!” He chuckled at the sight of her being conflicted between anger and fluster,

“Heh! Guess the Universe charm strikes yet again!” She scoffed,

“Ugh, really? In front of my cereal?” Amethyst remarked with a mouth full of dry ass cereals, Garnet giggled silently,

“I, uh… whatever! Greg! Get ready for today’s practice, finish your breakfast and go take a shower!” He downed the final scoops of cereal, then stood up straight to salute her,

“Breakfast finished ma’am! Now heading to the showers!” He said as he sprinted to the bathroom.

“You made the right choice Pearl, thanks to you the house is now more lively.” Garnet said with a smile and a hand on her arm. She then walked away and entered her room. Pearl could only blush even more upon realizing what she meant with those words.

“Uh… Pearl? You know you’re like… really pale, right? I can see your blush, like, almost every time… hehehehehe…” The purple gem giggled, Pearl turned to her with a pout,

“Oh, hush!”

—

“So? Where exactly are you taking me?” The half awake teenage boy asked to the driver, a wide awake gem, she giggled,

“Just you see! It’s gonna be very exciting!” She said, swaying her head left and right,

“Spinel?” He called out to her, she glanced for a while but quickly returned her eyes to the road, just like he taught her,

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry…” Her brows furrowed,

“For what?” She asked genuinely, he sighed,

“For… kinda neglecting you? I know it’s kinda lonely here on earth for you… yet I just keep thinking about myself… I ran away, I hid in Peridot’s basement, I went on a date with Peridot, and just… left you in the glass dome… I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you… played with Garnet… still, I feel like I should be around you more often.” The car slowed down til it came to a halt,

“Spinel? Is this the place you’re taking… me?” He looked around, they’re on the side of a highway, so clearly not.

“Oh, Steven… am I really that vulnerable in your eyes?” Suddenly he’s wide awake,

“Uhm… what?” She scoffed,

“You’re not responsible for me, sunny… your mother is. I’m happy if you like hanging around me… but very disappointed if you do it only out of pity… or worse… guilt.” He’s sweating profusely, weird, the AC is on full blast right now.

“Aiieee… Ugh… Sorry, moon. Didn’t know you feel that way.” She held his hand, tightly.

“I love you, Steven Universe. Do you love me?” The sentence pretty much gave him a whiplash,

“Y-yea! Of course I love you, Spinel! You’re precious and important to me! No one, and I mean no one, could ever replace you! There could never be anyone like you!” She chuckled, then giggled, then burst out laughing.

“S-spinel?” He raised a hand trying to reach her, she swat it in the air.

“All those nice words… each telling me I’m special… yet none made me feel special.” She sighed, then looked at him straight in his eyes once more,

“But it’s alright, I get it. I saw the way you look in her eyes, It’s different from when you look into mine. I think.” Now he’s speechless, a million words are in his mind, yet only two made it out of his mouth.

“Her… who?” She looked at him in disbelief, then amazement, then burst out laughing once again.

“Hahahahahahahaha! Really?! That’s the first thing you ask?! Ah, ladies and gents! The savior of the galaxy, Steven Universe! Ahahahahahaha!” He could only look away in embarrassment, that was a valid question though, just asked in the wrong place and wrong time. She composed herself, then cleared her throat.

“Uhum, the one that’s not Connie, Steven. The way you look at Connie is… regret? Remorse? Hope? I don’t know what you’re hoping for though…” He cringed, she continued,

“The way you look at Peridot? Pretty sure you might have a teeny tiny bit of crush on her, hehehe… me on the other hand.” He sharply exhaled as she stared directly into his eyes, this time he can’t find it in himself to look away.

“You look at me like I’m the most pitiful thing in the world… like I’m nothing without you… like you’re doing such a good job helping me… which you are… still… you look at me like I’m just another sad broken gem, another project for you to do, another person you can fix.” She waited for a minute or two for him to jump in and defend himself… but no, never happened. She sighed, then put her foot on the clutch, disengaged the handbrake, and shifted to first gear. The car started moving again, yet the boy sat still.

“Spinel… I’m sorry.” She rolled her eyes,

“What is it for this time?” He looked at the road ahead,

“For making you feel that way. And yes, all that you said were true, though I never realized it until you said it. I did treat you like another project, I did see you with pity, and I certainly did take pride in… fixing you… geez, what a shitty guy I am.” She stayed silent.

“But if you think that’s all I see in you, then you’re wrong. I enjoyed each day I fell asleep next to you, I enjoyed your presence, I enjoyed your jokes, I enjoyed your japes, I enjoyed hugging you, smiling with you, playing with you… and honestly? I think I’d feel the same no matter what, like, say we didn’t meet the way we did, say we met in the garden, way before you spent six thousand years standing there motionless… I think I’d still enjoy being with you.” The car came to another halt.

“Oh? Is it here…? But… why here?” He looked around, he’d been here before. It’s Dead Man’s Mouth.

“Step out of the car.” In a strangely stern tone, he did just that. He closed the door behind him, and turned around to find her with bloodlust in her eyes.

“Grit your teeth, I’m gonna punch you.” No questions asked, he did just that. Sure enough, a right hook followed right after that, blood splattered from his nose, a drop even landed on her pink jacket. He winced in pain, and the wound soon healed itself.

“Ugh… well, is that all?” He asked in a smug tone,

“No… Can I really go again?” He nodded,

“Yea sure, that’s the agreement right? You warn me, and I let you punch it out, so go ahead.” She smirked. Left hook, left hook, right hook, uppercut! He flinched only on the last one, all wounds soon healed.

“Is that it? You can keep go- uhmp!” instead of another punch, he got struck with her lips wrapping his. While his gem healed the wounds, her kisses healed the pain. Their heads turned and tilted as the kiss got deeper, she gripped his collars, he gripped the sides of her jacket. She slips her tongue little by little, flinching upon feeling his tongue pulling hers deeper. They made out intensely for five minutes or so, before she pulled away and buried her head on his chest.

“Sowwy for punching ya.” She muttered. He sighed and patted her head.

“It’s alright, you needed that. Although… it’s time to talk now, Spinel, why did you need that?” She sighed, and pulled away to look at him in the eyes,

“You really mean that?”

“Hm?”

“You said you’d still love me even if I’m not broken… you mean that?” He tilted his head, then smiled,

“Of course. I’m sure you’d still be fun to be around no matter what! That’s the Spinel I know!” She giggled, then buried her face once more.

“... I miss you.”

“I know, I’m sorry… I miss you too…” He said while stroking her pigtails. She pulled away once more,

“No, no, that won’t do, I need something a little more intense than that.” He tilted his head in confusion. She pulled him away from the car, turned around so that now she’s the one leaning on the car. She placed his hands on her neck,

“Choke me. Now.” He stood there bewildered,

“What?!”

“Choke me, hard, now.” She said once more. Hm, the look in her eyes… She's serious. He did as ordered. 

“ Arckk, arghhh, Hmph! Umpf!” She squealed as she struggled to breathe. He wanted to stop, so he slowly loosen his grip, only for her to squeeze his wrist, and looked him dead in the eyes, with a breathy voice, she said,

“No… harder…” Well well well…

“Your wish is my command.” She squealed and choked and struggled once more.

“Ohoho, shit… this might be fun…” He said with a sadistic look in his eyes, she smiled ear to ear, and nodded at him, still staring at him with crazy eyes. He gripped harder, so hard that it lifted her off the ground, she wrapped her legs around him,

“ Arckk! Hurgh, Hrurgh, HMPHHH! ” Her legs tightened, then slowly loosened. He let go of her neck. She dropped down on the ground, gasping for air.

“Huh… that was fucking amazing, Steven… Hehehehehe…” She looked up, only to find a funny look on his face,

“Wh- what? Is there something wrong?” He glanced at his pants…

“Aaaah! I’m sorry! Ohhh golly… I’m really sorry…” It was wet. She might’ve enjoyed it a little too much and sprayed some… cherry juice on him. He burst out laughing,

“Ah, classic Spinel… I’m home.” She gets flustered,

“HEY! Don’t be like that… I don’t like it…” She said, twirling her thumbs. He sighed, then picked her up bridal style,

“Eh, don’t lie, you liked it a little too much…” She buried her face on his chest yet again.

“So… Dead Man’s Mouth? What are we doing here?” Suddenly she’s stiff. She leaped out of his grip, standing up straight.

“Right, this place seems to be hidden enough. Steven, sorry for lying to you, I didn’t actually have anything planned for today, I just dragged ya out here to tell you something in private.” He flinched,

“Okay… what is it you wanna tell me that even my family can’t know? Or rather, why can’t my family know?” She looked down,

“Because they’re not diamonds.” Ah, so that’s what this is.

“Speak.” He said pragmatically.

“First of all, I’m sorry for overstepping, your majesty.” She bowed down while pinching two ends of her hypothetical skirt. He stood there, confused. What the…? Oh… Oh!… Okay…

“All is forgiven, please continue.” She stood back up, then leaned on the car once more.

“I spoke to the other diamonds… or rather, they spoke to me .”

“Oh?”

“When you were gone, they called again and again and again and again… I ain’t picking it up of course, but then they started leaving messages… It seems like it’s quite urgent.” He nodded,

“How urgent? Is there a war breaking out? Did Jasper finally make a move?” She shook her head,

“Nope, nothing that bad… Still, I think time is running out, and we have to go to Homeworld, I think you’re ready now.” He inhaled deeply, then slowly exhaled.

“Okay, I will. Still though, you gotta tell me why.” She stood up straight, then paced around the lake with him following her around.

“Okay so, Jasper’s faction, commonly known as The Order, has been launching raids after raids on settlements of free gems-”

“Free gems?”

“Gems that aren’t under the Empire or Jasper, there’s a lot of them, you should know this, they’re the result of your diplomacy!”

“Ohh, that’s what they’re called, okay, continue.”

“Yes, while the Empire and the Order have an ongoing 500 year truce, the same cannot be said about the free gems, since they aren’t subjects of the Empire. White Diamond has a rather alarming idea to solve this problem… She wants the free gems to plaster the Empire’s symbols and flags all over their ships! Therefore deterring the Order’s attacks… Do you see the problem with this?”

“Hm… yeah… that’s just… subjugation with extra steps…” She nodded,

“Exactly, especially with the idea coming from White, and the envoy to carry the message is Blue…” He cocked his head,

“What?! There’s no way the free gems are going to refuse! I mean, first of all they’re Diamonds, second, they’re significant royal powers now! They’re Queens! There’s no way they’re going to decide out of merit… they’re gonna feel the dread and cave in!” She nodded rapidly,

“Right?! That’s what I told them! I got to slow them for a bit, but I cannot stop them. They say I’m overstepping, even as the only member of your court. Still, they decided to postpone the decision until tomorrow. If you don’t show up by then, they’re gonna execute the plan. So please, Prince Steven, my liege, come with me to Homeworld, all of Gemkind needs you!” He felt a shiver down his spine.

“...Prince, huh… somehow, it doesn’t sound that bad… just… heavy.” She put her head on his chest,

“I’m here for you, yer majesty… count on me…” He snuggled onto her,

“Eugh… are the other diamonds called majesty too?” 

“Heheh, yeaaahh…” He sighed.

“Okay then, guess I’ll have to get used to it, hahah… hmph…” A wave of silence hit them, though he was pleasantly surprised to have her arms wrapping around him.

“Hey, is that it? Did you take me all the way here just for business?” She pulled her head but not face him, she instead snuggled a little higher to his neck.

“I dunno… I can’t think of anything that you and Peridot ain’t done yet…” He raised an eyebrow, then stared at her with eyes wide open,

“Spinel… did you spy on our date?” She pulled away, this time to face him, she had an awkward grin on her face, he frowned,

“...teehee…? Yeowch!” He flicked her forehead,

“Oww, that hurt…” She stared at him with a cartoonish exaggerated frown, he sighed, then kissed her forehead, right on the spot he flicked her before,

“Hehe, all better now~” She pulled away and skipped around,

“So? Where do we go now?” Steven asked her, she thought for a while, then frowned.

“Steven… there’s something else I need to tell ya…” He tilted his head,

“Oh? Something else about Homeworld?” She shook her head,

“No, it’s about your ex-girlfriend.” He cringed,

“Did she come over?” She shook her head, cringed, then nodded with a shrug.

“Kinda? She portaled to the hill and leaned on that little cherry tree like, three times since you were gone, but never ever knocked at our door, not even once.” He thought as they walked hand in hand back to his car,

“Hm, might have to call her or something… clearly she got something to say to me… we didn’t exactly part on good terms last time we met, also I haven’t thanked her, all things considered, she really did save my life back there…” She nodded, though still a bit bothered with the notion of him interacting with Connie again. They reached the car, she hopped on the driver seat like before, he got in through the other side.

“Hey, Spinel? If you’re done relaying information to this liege of yours, I might have an idea of where we can hang out, you up for it?” She chuckled, then nodded. 

She drove the car following the direction he provided, though she grew a little suspicious after realizing they’re just driving back home, she questioned it many times, but he just shook his head and said to trust him.

“There, park in that spot right there.” She parked the car in a parking spot right in front of a fancy looking glass walled store, she tilted her head,

“Steven? What is this place?”

“It’s a cafe! I’ve been here before, just once though. Also, I couldn’t bring Peridot in here last time cause of the attack and uh… fuck, I know this sounds like I’m trying to use you as her replacement, but it’s really not that, I swear! I just wanna hang out with you in this cafe, that’s all!” She folded her arms and looked at him with stink eyes.

“Hm… okay… actually, no. Clench your teeth, don’t worry, I’ll go easy this time.” Nothing a little right hook won’t fix. They exited the car, she was smiling, he was cringing, rubbing his left cheek.

“You know, I’m starting to regret our clause…” She giggled,

“Well too bad! No takesie backsies!” She said with a smile, he could only sigh.

They entered the cafe, still walking hand in hand. The cafe employee greeted him, still remembering that he’s the guy that ordered a lot of decaf.

“Ah, yeah, I like being able to sleep at night, haha! Anyway, I’ll take the tiramisu, and of course, the decaf, oh and Spinel? What do you want?” She read the menu, there’s no pictures of the dishes, strange for such a boujee cafe like this one.

“Eh, I don’t know… what do you recommend, Steven?” He thought for a while, 

“Let’s see, you like donuts and pancakes… hm, ah! Maybe try waffles?” She put a finger on her chin, thinking,

“Hmm, that’s not a bad idea, I’ve had waffles before, Pearl made me some a few days ago,” He nodded, Hmm, of course she’s had waffles… man, did I really go for that long?

“Ah, alright, what about cheesecakes? It’s sweet but a different kind of sweet, what do you think?” She raised an eyebrow, a different kind of sweet? How exciting!

“Mmm, sounds great! Yeah, I’ll have some cheesecake!” He nodded happily,

“Well, then it’s settled! One cheesecake please!” The waiter nodded,

“Alright, so one slice of tiramisu, one slice of cheesecake, and a cup of hot decaf, will that be all?”

“Oh, right, Spinel, do you want anything to drink?” She looked at the menu again,

“Oh! I’ll take a cola, please!” The waiter nodded,

“Alright then, please wait for your order,” and walked back to behind the counter.

“Right, right, you like soda! I didn’t even know this place served sodas…” After each of their driving lesson sessions, Steven would take her on a stroll on the boardwalk, one of her favorite destinations is Fish Stew Pizza, though not for the pizzas, but for the sodas.

“Yep! I love how they feel in my mouth, hehehehe…” Their order soon reached their table, and they happily munched on the delightful desserts.

“Ah, nothing beats a tiramisu brunch… Spinel? Do you not like the cheesecake?” He asked worriedly, she made quite a bizarre face after all,

“Hm? No, no, I kinda like it actually… interesting, sweet but savory… yeah, I like this!” He sighed,

“Nice, nice… hey uh, mind if I grab something from the car? I’ll be quick, I promise,” She nodded without taking her eyes off her plate. He came back carrying his laptop, he opened it and went straight to the browser, Spinel got up from her seat, which was right in front of his, and sit right beside him this time,

“What’chu doin?”

“Hm… just checking my finances, and… ohhh yess baby!” He cheered, she looked at him in confusion,

“Wh- what happened?”

“It’s up! The stock prices are up, I just gained like a bazillion dollars there… well, not really, more like thirty grand but still!” 

“I don’t get it but, that’s good, right?” He nodded,

“Yeah, we can get a nice car with thirty grand! A really nice one actually…” 

“Aww but I like the Dondai! We really getting a new one?” His brows furrowed,

“What? Oh, no, no, I would never sell the Dondai! It’s my first car, plus, it’s under my dad’s name so… technically If I buy another car, it’ll be the first car I have under my name, which is very cool I think!” She smiled and nodded,

“Cool! But, what do you need two cars for? I mean, Steven, you have a spaceship.” He burst out laughing,

“Oh, Spinel! Yeah, yeah, I guess that’s right… Still, driving has got me through a lot of hard days… sometimes I feel like the road takes my mind away from shitty things, y’know… If I can feel that with just the Dondai, imagine what I’d feel driving other cars? I think it might be neat…” She rested her chin on her hands,

“Hmm… yeah, I guess that makes sense… so, you got your eyes on anything yet?” He smirked and clicked on another tab on his browser. The tab opened to a tubetube video showcasing a sleek red two door-two seat convertible, with its iconic pop up headlights, Spinel gasped in amusement,

“Woah! That’s so cool! I want one too!” He laughed,

“Hahaha! You can just drive mine, y’know, tell ya what, once we return from Homeworld, we’ll go straight to a dealership, how’s that sound?” She nodded enthusiastically,

“Well, it’s settled then!” She went back to eating her cheesecake, Steven slowly closed his laptop.

“Spinel?” She glanced at him,

“Hmm?”

“What are we gonna do in Homeworld? I mean, I know I’m gonna have to be all royalty and shit, but still, what’s the main objective here? What’s the mission?” She sipped her bottle of coke,

“After I stopped Blue from going out on her… mission… I tried my best to reason with them and call off the entire plan, they did, sorta… Basically what happened was, I used democracy and the public opinion to deter them, so they went “oh well what if we just ask the public?” So uhm, Homeworld’s gonna have yet another election tomorrow, this time for the positions of the Primary Imperial Council.” He raised an eyebrow,

“Primary… Imperial Council? What the hell is that supposed to be?” She set down the bottle of coke on the table,

“Listen, Steven, I wasn’t just wandering around aimlessly back in Homeworld y’know… I was pretty heartbroken when they laughed at my title… Jester Princess… So I went snoopin’ around putting my ears where they don’t belong… that’s how I find out most of Homeworld’s current government structure. With that out of the way, you ready to listen?” He nodded,

“Right, so as of right now, there are two branches of government in Homeworld, Legacy and Democratic. Legacy is the royals and nobles, named after the foundation it stands on, the Legacy of the old Empire, with the Diamonds being crowned as Queens and creating nobility titles which they bestowed on many different gems with history of heroism and other significance during the old Eras. Democratics, on the other hand, have all of its members elected directly by the people; this consists of the current Prime Minister, Zircon, Governors for each Facet, and Mayors for each settlement/city. Each of these elected officials, from PM to Mayors, has a seat in the House of Representatives, where they… I dunno, make laws and things like that? The Legacy branch members, from The Queens all the way to the Counts are huddled in the Imperial Senate, located in the Homeworld Capital.” She cleared her throat and took another sip of her cola,

“Woah, and they achieved all of this without me… all I did was teach them about freedom and friendship… I’m like… I don’t know, proud? Oh wait, what does the Senate do?”

“Great question! After the Representatives come up with a law, they gotta check with the Senators, since most of the senators are considered to be, uhm… wiser or something. You got nothing to worry about though, the laws get passed like most of the time, so we’re good there.” He took a sip of his decaf coffee.

“Alright then… wait, you didn’t mention any councils…” She raised a finger,

“Yeah, I was just getting into that. This is where things get… shady…”

“Shady?”

“Yeah… as of right now there are two councils, the Diamond’s Council, which you’re already familiar with, their one and only job is to officiate the elected Prime Minister and give her advices on how to run the government; the other one is the High Council, consisting of all the Facet-holding nobles, which is of course, eight duchesses and three countesses… plus the three Queens… These guys decide inter-facet relations, like trade, and passing Facet-level policies that affect the entire Empire… and wars.” He choked on his coffee,

“I’m sorry, wars? Fuck you mean wars?!” She cringed,

“Yeah… there were some border disputes between Facets three and four, the Upper and Lower Mesa, they almost broke into war until the Diamonds stepped in and instead made Duchess Topaz “Gentle”, who holds Lower Mesa, the more prosperous land, transfer a county over to Duchess Nephrite “Pluck” who holds Upper Mesa, a facet with less prosperous lands. If the Diamonds didn’t step in, each Duchesses were rumored to have gathered like, a thousand gems each, ready to fight for their cause…” Steven shook his head,

“Dang it… So it really is that serious, huh?... Wait, what do you mean prosperous ? I thought the only resource available over there is real estate? What the hell are they fighting for? More houses?” She shook her head,

“No, no, sunlight Steven, they’re fighting for sunlight.” He raised an eyebrow, then facepalmed in realization,

“Right… gems feed on sunlight…” She nodded,

“Not only that, PM Zircon, upon her election, had established a universal currency for all Imperial gems, the “cells”, I dunno exactly how it’s made, but I’m pretty sure it uses sunlight to make, making sunlight exposure even more important over there in Homeworld.” He sighed,

“Wowza, seems like they’re doing pretty well… do they even need me?” She thought for a while, sipping the last drops of her cola.

“Yeah, yeah they need you… I need you, Steven… listen, as much as I love it here on earth, I can’t forget about my mission in Homeworld…”

“Mission?”

“To show the Empire that Pink Diamond’s court still exists… that her son now runs it, and he’s much better than she ever was.” His brows furrowed,

“What?… why do you need that?” She stared deeply into his eyes,

“Because I love you, Steven. Don’t worry, you don’t have to understand, just know that I’m not doing this for you… but for me… still, it involves you, so please, can you help me?” He’s still a bit confused, but touched by her words nonetheless. His hands ran through her hair, then rested on her cheeks,

“Your wish is my command… my princess… ” She giggled lovingly, he swore he saw hearts in her eyes,

“Hehehe… thanks… my prince… but just so you know, the proper way to address me is actually “Your Royal Highness”, might come in handy during court processions…” He giggled back at her,

“Understood… your royal highness. ”

—

They closed the car door, he carried two boxes of pizza, she carried another two. She realized the sun is setting while they walk closer and closer to the beach House’s door, he opened it,

“Hey guys! Pizza’s here!” All of them were there, sitting on either the sofas or the counter. Pearl came up to him offering a hug, to which he accepted, though not before setting down the boxes of pizza. Spinel came to his side, but soon pulled into a hug by none other than Garnet,

“Welcome home, Spinel, how was your date?” She whispered the last part, the pink gem got flustered,

“Urgh, back off, Garnet! You’re gonna squeeze the pizza…” Doesn’t matter how far she turned her face away from the fusion, she knew the answer just from her tone.

“Glad to know it went well. Now then, let’s eat those pizzas!” They sit around eating pizzas, this time not as tense as that day. Greg sat next to his son, patting him on the shoulder, without saying a word, the two smiled and nodded at each other, as if communicating telepathically. 

“Hey? Who wants to see me eat a whole pizza in one bite?” A certain purple gem stood on the table, holding an unopened box of pizza, Pearl tensed up and stood from her chair,

“Amethyst, no! These four pizzas are all of different toppings! I will not allow you to consume one unique flavor as it will ruin everyone else’s eating experience!” She scoffed,

“Oh come on, P! You’re such a buzzkill!” Steven chuckled, then chimed in,

“Haha! But seriously though, Amethyst, put the pizza down… please…” The purple gem clicked her tongue, then put down the box of Pizza,

“Aw, man… you’re no fun, Steve!” She pouted, but soon smiled as she caught a glimpse of her little brother smiling at her,

“What? You miss me or something?” He sighed,

“Hmm… maybe?” She leaped to his side, and put him in a headlock,

“What? Come onnnn, you were gone for a while and that’s all I got? I mean, I miss you man!” He giggled,

“Yeah, yeah, sorry Amethyst… I miss you too!” She loosened her grip,

“Heh, that’s more like it. Welcome home, lil bro.” She sat back on her seat. Pearl, who was sitting next to Greg, seemed to have whispered something into his ears, she then walked out of the front door, and leaned on the porch. Steven leaned back on his chair upon realizing she’s just taking her usual smoke break, but then he decided it might be the time when she’s most relaxed… therefore the best time to speak to her, he followed her to the porch.

“Hey Pearl!” She turned to him with a cigarette in her mouth, to which she promptly took it out and put her hands away from him,

“Steven! I’ll be right back in a moment, just give me a few minutes… I’m uh, taking my break here as you can see…” He perched next to her,

“Yeah, it’s alright, I just needed some night wind, that’s all.” They stared at the beach waves together. He felt a nudge on his shoulder, 

“You want one?” In front of him is an opened pack of Marlboro Menthols, handed by his mother figure.

“What?! What kind of parent offers their child a cigarette?!” She rolled her eyes and sighed,

“Clearly the kind that smelt smoke on their child’s hair earlier this morning.” He cowered, she nudged him with the pack of cigarettes once again.

“Uhm… hehehehe… Thanks, but uh… I don’t like menthol.” He took out the pack of Luckies from his blazer, she raised an eyebrow,

“Very well, need a lighter?” 

“No, no, I got my… own… huh, where is it?” He roughed his pockets, til he realized that he had given his only lighter to Liz…

“Actually, yes please.” She sighed, then summoned a lighter from inside her gem, his brows furrowed,

“Uhm, Pearl? You already have one right next to you…” He pointed to the chrome zippo on her left, she paid it no mind, instead handing him a beat up golden zippo with vines and floral ornaments etched onto it.

“Woah… this is so cool…” She smirked,

“Of course it is, I found it a few decades ago in an antique shop… we warned the owner to move away since there’s going to be a tsunami soon, he didn’t listen… so we took the liberty to pick up the remains of his shop in the aftermath… though that lighter is the only half-decent souvenir we could scavenge…” He listened intently as he lit his cigarette, took a few puffs, then handed the lighter back to her, she however, refused,

“I want you to have it Steven, so you’ll always remember me, remember home, wherever you might be.” He was touched by the gesture, still,

“I uh… thanks? But seriously, you’re just okay with me smoking cigarettes?” She shrugged,

“Eh, you have Rose’s powers, I figured you can just heal yourself if things happen… right?” He nodded,

“Yeah, I suppose that’s right… Hey Pearl?” She took a long drag from her cigarette before looking into his eyes,

“Hm?”

“I’m gonna go to homeworld, I need to take control of my mom’s court… my court… they need me there… Spinel explained all the issues going on up there, they really need me… I hope you understand, though of course, I don’t plan to stay there forever, I’d actually prefer it here, hahah…” He glanced at her, she’s looking at the moon.

“Hm… I figured as much… I’m sorry but, I might have eavesdropped on Spinel’s call with the Diamonds… That’s why I was a little apprehensive when you left again this morning… I thought you were going straight to Homeworld…” He chuckled,

“Nah, I didn’t even know about it this morning… besides, I’m not gonna leave without telling you, you’re my family!” She smiled at him, then ruffled his hair,

“Of course, Steven… we are a family…” She pulled him into a hug, to which he wholeheartedly received. Heh, strange… she used to be so much taller than me that I could just jump and leap into her arms… family, huh… 

“I love you, Steven…” She uttered with love. He mustered up the courage, then sighed,

“I love you too… mom. ” Suddenly, the hug loosened. Oh shit… I fucked it up, didn’t I… God Damn It Steven! Why do you keep… huh? Water trickled down his cheeks, is it raining? No. Is he crying? No.

“Huh… St- Steven…? I… uhm… Hahahah… what am I supposed to say?” Ah, those aren’t his tears.

“No… no… I can’t do this… I don’t deserve this! Rose is your mother! Not this silly old Pearl! All I did was nag you and scold you and… stars… No… I don’t-”

“Pearl!” He pushed her away and gripped her by the shoulders,

“What are you talking about! You’re much more of a mother then she ever was! Hey, at least you were around! You were there for me, you taught me things, you took care of me, sure it wasn’t perfect, but who is?! And since when does that even matter?! Didn’t mom work so hard for the freedom of imperfection? Then why are you standing here, talking nonsense about how you don’t deserve the very title you’ve been working on your entire life, with the very result right in front of you! I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for you, Pearl… Garnet and Amethyst too.. But… you know… ugh! Whatever! You’re dating my dad! And I think that’s just kinda the last push I needed to start calling you mom? I don’t know, ugh… this is hard…” She started ugly crying now.

“Aw, sh- look, If you don’t want me to call you that, then… I’ll stop, it’s alright, I-” She raised a hand to stop his talking,

“... Thank you… Steven… I love you… son. ” His cheeks are wet again. Strange… right now she’s about an arm’s length away from him.

“Yo, what?! Do I also have to start calling you mom?! Oh man, this is lame, booooo!” The pair flinched as a purple gem made her way into the porch,

“A- Amethyst! Wh- what are you doing here?!” He yelled as he tried to shake away the blush on his cheeks, she looked at him in disbelief,

“Dude… we can see you too from inside y’know…” The mother and son pair cocked their heads into the window, and sure enough, there sat two gems and a human, staring at them with a wide smile. Pearl turned away once more in embarrassment, Steven covered his face with his hands, Amethyst seemed to let out her loudest laugh in a while.

The dinner party was over, they tossed the pizza boxes away, and made their way into their rooms. Steven hugged his mom and dad before going to his room with Spinel. She took off her jacket and laid down on the mattress, patting the spot next to her, hinting for him to lay down. He was about to do just that when,

“Ah, actually, I need to go to the bathroom, hehe,” She rolled her eyes,

“Alright, alright, don’t take too long~” He shook his head as he made his way out of the conservatory, not using the warp pad purely out of habit. He jumped over to the front door of the beach house, not wanting to disturb his parents, then walked into the house, then the bathroom. He was about to take off his blazer, but figured it might be a good idea to take out all the items in the pocket first.

“Let’s see… Keys, cigarettes, the cool ass lighter, and… oh…” It was a piece of paper,

427-XXX-XXX 

~Liz 

call me! xoxo

“Ah… right…” He took out his phone, and the clock showed 9:10 PM. He put the numbers in, luckily, or unluckily, it didn’t go straight to voicemail.

“Hello?” He gulped,

“Heyyyy! Uhm, Liz? This is Steven! Steven Universe? Half alien guy-”

“Oh my Gosh, hiiii! You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for your call, magic boy!” He chuckled on the nickname,

“So, I assume you’re done with all the family drama?” She said teasingly,

“Heh, I guess so… actually, not really…”

“Oh?”

“Yeah… I gotta go to space tomorrow, Royalty stuff, y’know… guess I finally gotta step up and be a prince… haha!” She swooned once more,

“Woah… I still can’t believe I’m friends with Royalty!” 

“I don’t think that’s the surprising part but… okay…? Heh…” She chuckled,

“I really wish I could come, I really want to see what it's like out there you know! I mean at least now I know that we’re not alone in this world, am I right?” He sighed,

“Yeah… yeah, I guess you’re right… Actually, I would love to take you out to space if the situation isn’t as fucked as it is right now, just saying…” She gasped,

“Really?! Oh golly gee! Then make sure to do your princely duties correctly, yeah? So space is safe once more and I can explore it!” He couldn’t see her right now, but he figured she might as well be jumping up and down while holding her phone,

“Alright, alright, don’t worry about it, I’m sure it’ll go well!” Silence.

“Liz? You there?” He heard a long sigh,

“Are you gonna be out there for long?” His brows furrowed,

“I, uh… maybe? I can’t tell for sure…” Another sigh,

“It’s just that… My birthday is coming up… in two weeks actually… I was hoping you could come to my birthday party… all is well though, don’t let it be a burden! Just do your princely duties!” Now he’s the one sighing,

“Aw man… hey, tell ya what, I’ll take a leave or something for that day, that way I can attend the birthday party! Just tell me when and where and I’ll show up!” She chuckled,

“Oh, Steven, you’re too kind… seriously, though, don’t let my birthday hinder you! Besides… it’s not like there’s a real party! It’s just going to be me and a cake!”

…

What?

“Sorry, what was that?”

“Yeah! I mean that’s what a birthday party is, right? Blowing into a candle and slicing into a cake? That’s why I think it’s gotta be amazing if on top of that, I get to celebrate with a friend! How cool is that! But again, don’t worry about it! I’ll just celebrate it like how I’ve celebrated the previous ones, no pressure!”

Is this girl serious? He recalled his birthday party weeks ago. The cake was merely an icing on the… cake. What truly mattered was his family and friends, they all… well, most of them showed up, and that made him incredibly happy. So you’re telling me…

“Liz… I swear on Stars, I will be there for your party. You can shoot me if I break this promise.” She was taken aback,

“Woah, woah, woah! What is it with you Americans and shooting! Okay, okay, I hear your enthusiasm… though I can’t understand why… Right then, you better show up!”

“Yes, yes I will. Alright then, I need to go to sleep, I’m quite sleepy right now, hahah!”

“Okay! Goodnight magic boy! Sweet dreams!” He giggled,

“Yeah, goodnight human girl! Sweet dreams to you too!” The both of them giggled as she ended the call.

“Right then… Now, to the task at hand.” 

He entered the conservatory once more, this time in his pajamas. He smiled as he found Spinel already asleep in a rather cute position. She was curled onto her side, just like a cat. He climbed behind her, and assumed the position of big spoon. He leaned into her ear,

“Goodnight, Moon.”

—

Present day, morning.

He emerged from the bathroom, this time all tidy in a new pair of his casual wear. He wore another piece of an identical blazer, still pink with the two buttons, worn over his black star shirt, complemented with his blue jeans, which rested on top of his signature salmon pink slippers. He looked around the room, Huh, no one’s in here… So he warped over to the conservatory and sure enough, they’re all there, waiting to send him off.

“Guys! You’re all here!” He exclaimed with excitement,

“Well, duh! You boutta go on an important diamond mission, dude! Of course we’re gonna be here to support you!” Amethyst said to him, Pearl nodded in agreement,

“That’s right, Steven, we know we might not be of much help over there, considering the situation, but we believe that you will be able to diffuse it and make Homeworld a better place once again! Don’t hesitate to call us if you need help, okay? We are still the crystal gems, after all!” Garnet nodded, followed by… Peridot?!

“Oh, hey, Dot! Sorry I didn’t tell you about the whole mission… kinda flew over me haha… anyways, who told you?” The green gem scoffed,

“Spinel was kind enough to let me know of the situation… next time please do not forget that I am indeed a member of the crystal gems, got it?!” Her tone stern, he cowered as he glanced over to the gem next to him, now also standing on top of the warp pad. She shrugged, he couldn’t exactly be mad, after all, he doesn’t know which would be worse, her being the one to tell Peridot instead of him, or Peridot not knowing about the mission altogether… he had a feeling it might be the latter. I gotta buy her a bottle of coke later.

“Well, whatever it might be, I’m always ready to give you my support. Please return safely, it would be a great loss to m- all of us… if you were to be harmed.” She said with a deep green blush on her face. He put everything he had into stopping a smirk from forming on his face.

“Yes, of course! You are after all, the most brilliant member of the crystal gems!” She folded her arms and smugged at the statement,

“Alright schtu-ball, I’ve never had the chance to say this so… give ‘em hell, son!” Pearl nudged his elbow for cussing, but ultimately relented and smiled,

“Yeah, what he said.” The boy chuckled, then scanned the room once more, it’s filled with the faces of his supportive family. He's grateful to have grown up in such an environment, it wasn’t perfect, but by no means was it bad.

“Alright then, see you guys later! Love you Garnet! Amethyst! Peridot! Dad!...

Love you mom!” He quickly warped them away after saying the last sentence. Everyone glanced at the pale gem with teary eyes, 

“Stars… he grew up so fast…” She leaned on Greg’s shoulder as they held hands, everyone in the room smiled at the lovely scene.

Chapter Text

—

Chapter 21 - …Comes Great Responsibility

—

The warp pad brought them to the Throne Room, it was dark and empty. She was first to jump off and stretched her joints, not like she needed to.

“Ahh… Homeworld… guess it’s time to work again…” She said nonchalantly as he made his way off the warp pad.

“Hm, it was a little more lively the last time I was here… what even happened?” 

“We don’t really use this room anymore except for coronations and those high importance ceremonies, counsellings are usually done in the Diamond’s private chambers.” She explained briefly. He stopped in his tracks, then stared at her intensely, she turned to him,

“What?” 

“Hey uh, why do you talk like that?” He asked,

“Huh? Talk like what?” She asked, confused, he rolled his eyes,

“Oh come on, you know what I’m talking about, you’re usually goofy and shit, but when you start talking about Homeworld and all the royalty things suddenly you’re all formal?” 

“Oooohhh, that, well, hehehe! It just… kinda happens? I dunno, like work mode I guess? I take my “job” very seriously, you know… maybe too seriously…” She sighed and stared at the glossy floor below, he came up to her and patted her shoulder,

“Oh, no, no, I don’t hate it or anything, just kinda curious… I actually find the gap quite… Interesting… so uhhh, yeah, keep it up, your royal highness!” She lightly punched his arm as they giggled,

“Well alright then, I’ll keep it up… yer majesty… hehehehehehe!” A sliding door peered open from the side, three large figures walked in,

“But White!” The blue figure nagged at the white figure in the middle,

“No buts!” She raised a finger in contest, the Yellow figure sighed and pinched her nose,

“White, you know I never get between the two of you, but seriously, you must listen to her!” She said with an annoyed tone,

“No, no, no, no! The plan must go on if Steven doesn’t attend, — oh, hey Steven, — as I was saying… Steven?!” The two other Queens cocked their head to the prince and princess,

“Heyyyy guys… hahah… been keeping my seat warm?” The three Queens struggled to find a way to greet him, they never expected him to return in the first place, thus the bickering on how to proceed after his eventual failure to attend… which now fell apart. 

“Oh, Steven! You’ve returned! Please, we have two years of government to catch up on!” Blue bent down to speak to him, who looked rather annoyed. 

“I miss you too, Blue.” She recoiled, cleared her throat, and continued,

“I uh… miss you, Steven… But you must understand! We might’ve been able to hold up without you for a while, but now things are changing!” Yellow nodded, then kneeled to speak with the boy,

“That is true, Steven, right now we’re facing a crisis like never before! A separate Gem government seeking war and destruction against ours! Before this all we had was conquests and rebellions! With Pink’s rebellion as the only Gem versus Gem conflict!” The largest figure joined the plea, bending her knee and begging the boy for wisdom,

“As much as it pains me, Starlight, what the both of them said is all true! We’ve never had to fight gems before the crystal gem rebellion, if war really breaks out, this will only be our second ever Gem versus Gem war!” He shook his head, outraged.

“Then what the fuck do you want me to do?! Make weapons? Armors? Fleets? I’m not exactly a warlord, you know!” Blue raised her hand and shook her head,

“No, Steven, the most important thing right now is not armies or legions… It's morale. Morale has been at an all time low ever since you left Homeworld, especially amongst Pink’s Gems…” He rolled his eyes, Spinel held his hand, consoling him,

“Alright… yeah… I know… Spinel told me, that’s why I’m here… hmph…” A wave of silence struck the air, until the boy looked at the three of them and spoke once more,

“Right… Spinel told me about an election? One I’m supposed to attend? About a Primary Council or something, right?” White clasped her hands,

“Indeed! We are holding yet another election! This time to fill out the positions in the newly formed Primary Imperial Council!” He nodded, listening intently,

“Okay, tell me about it…” White nodded excitedly,

“Alright, so in order to face-”

“Wait, before we get into all that… isn’t there a better place we can discuss this in?” Yellow cut her off, White seemed annoyed at first, but her expression changed to delight upon picking up what her fellow Diamond suggested,

“Oooh, right! Steven, Spinel, come with us!”

White led them out of the throne room, walking in the bleak hallways of the palace. His eyes wandered around the glassy walls and floors, it really hasn’t changed much since the last time he was here… in fact… will everything stay the same had he never intervened? Are gems truly incapable of change from inside? No, no… that can’t be right… his mom was- ahh, but she was a diamond… Pearl? Maybe, still, she was a pearl. Whatever, it seemed as if no matter how selfish his mother’s decisions were, it still ended up impacting the world of gems for the better. 

“Psst? Sunshine? Are you okay?” The princess whispered to him,

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine… just… taking it all in…” She gave a faint smile, then pulled away from him.

“Here we are! The Diamond’s Council room!” He cocked his neck upwards, looking at the run of the mill Homeworld sliding door, with just one detail that caught his eyes.

“Is that… the current era’s logo?... geez, I don’t even know what to say…” The three Diamonds winced, Blue then cleared her throat and explained,

“We uh… thought this was a better idea rather than going back to the second logo…” He rolled his eyes,

“So you just tweaked the midpoint triangle to be pink instead of black? So much for creativity…” He’s right, all they did was take the logo they used after Pink Diamond’s shattering , the one with three upside down triangles; white, yellow, and blue, with a black triangular midpoint to represent her shattering, and changed the black triangle to pink. Yellow sighed and rolled her eyes,

“We could bicker about the quality of our logo later, can we please step inside and sit down on a chair? Be the civilized gems we are?” Steven rolled his eyes,

“By all means…” He said with a clear hint of sass. Yellow shook her head and stepped into the room, the rest of them soon followed. 

“Wowww… three chairs surrounding a round table, and one pink chair in the corner… is there where I’m supposed to… wait… is that where you made her sit?!” He glanced at the jester next to him, who flinched upon hearing his statement. The diamonds searched their grand minds for answer, before Spinel came up to his face to explain,

“S-Steven no, I mean, yes… I mean, no! I did sit there, but not because they told me to! I wanted to sit there!” He tilted his head and pulled backwards, constantly shifting his gaze between the gem in front of him and the diamonds behind her,

“Uh huh…” He answered, she gulped and continued,

“Yes uhm, I wanted to be around them but they were always so busy with this… council! And since I was the one that refused to stand in for you, I figured it might be rude to just… barge in all the time, but Yellow was kind enough to give me a chair in the sides so I can be around them without having to be in the Council! I mean, in spirit of course…” He sighed and pinched his nosebridge,

“Uh huh, uh huh… hmph… yeah, whatever. So where shall I be seated, your majesties?” White was first to speak,

“Right, uh… we will just, pull that chair over and,”

“Ugh, this is getting nowhere.” He used his powers to summon his barriers, not to protect or attack anything, but to scrape the nearby walls and place the chunk of whatever Homeworld material it is in between the blue and yellow chair, by no means was it a chair, it was, after all, just a blocky chunk of… marble? Whatever. The diamonds stood there mouth agape, he took the gem in his hand and jumped to the top of this chunk, and sat down on it together.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Take a seat! Let us begin!” The three queens sat down on their seats, Yellow folded her arms on the table and rested her chin on it, White put both arms on the table and started tapping her fingernails on it, Blue simply sat down with grace.

“Well?” He struck his arms forward in the air, the Diamonds looked at each other, urging one of them to start, White took the initiative,

“As I have stated previously, we are holding another election to fill the positions of the newly formed Primary Imperial Council. The elected councilors of this council will attend to each and their own duties, in accordance to their seat/position of course.” She glanced at the boy, making sure he’s paying attention, he nodded and gestured with his hand for her to continue, which she promptly did so,

“There are six positions to be filled with many candidates stepping forward to fight over them! For the position of Empire-wide military leader and organizer, the seat of Marshal is desired, deemed to be rather important for the ongoing conflict, so far there have been five individuals who stepped up to covet the position! Next one is the position for those who wish to serve Homeworld as its esteemed diplomat, the seat of Chancellor, so far there are ten gems who stepped up, next is the position Blue’s so determined to establish! One that acts as the moral guide and inspiration to all gems of the Empire, the seat of Cardinal, so far there have been two candidates. Up next is the position to manage and oversee the general finances of Homeworld’s new currency, the position of Coinwright, it is-”

“I’m sorry, what? Coin wright ? Did you make up that word?” White was about to answer when Yellow interjected,

“Yes, yes, but it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Let’s not be too focused on minor details…” He gave her the stink eye, but then sighed,

“Alright, whatever, go on then…” White continued,

“As I was saying, the position of Coinwright! Coveted amongst… hold on… Blue? Is this number correct?” Blue peered over to the hologram projection White had been looking at since the beginning of the discussion, she thought for a while, and

“Yes, it is true… wonder why it’s so desired…” He tilted his head,

“What’s wrong? How many is it?” White cringed before answering,

“Four…”

“Four?”

“...”

“Ugh, I get it, fourteen huh?”

“Ssssttt….. No… fourty.” White answered while looking away,

“What?!” The prince yelled and slammed the table, the pink gem next to him patted his shoulder, trying to calm him down, luckily it worked. He sighed, at this point everybody in the room had come to a realization on why this seat is so coveted. He leaned back on his seat and gestured for White to continue,

“R-right… forty candidates… Next up is the position of intrigue and subterfuge! The Spymaster! Coveted by ten candidates. And finally, we have the position with just a single applicant… the beacon of science and innovation, the Seat of First Magister.” He leaned up, glancing to White,

“Only… one? Why? Or actually… who?” White and Blue glanced to Yellow, she nodded and turned to him,

“She belonged to my court back in the first and second era… a Ruby, she goes by Doc now, I’m sure you’re familiar with her.” Steven nodded,

“Yeah… I am… Are you sure she’s a good candidate? I mean…” Yellow looked confused for a second, but then flinched in realization,

“Oh, well… you’d be surprised! You might not have a very good first impression of her… intellect… but ever since then, she has carried the shame with her and used it for self improvement! Have you heard about our new currency, the Cells?” He nodded,

“It's a rather interesting case indeed! Here, it’s easier to explain if you’re holding it.” Yellow pulled out a small flat black rectangle, about a quarter of the width of a dollar, and the thickness of a phone battery… actually, that’s quite literally what it is. One side of it shows a carving of the Homeworld flag, amplified with… White chalk? He flipped the cell, and the other side shows a carving of a headshot of a figure… It's White Diamond. He scoffed, then set it down on the table,

“Okay… what is this, the hundred cell bill?” He said half jokingly, looking around the room, however, the rest were serious. He cringed,

“Seriously? What, is the fifty cell bill etched with Yellow’s face and the twenty has Blue’s face? Wait… Is my face on the ten buck one?” White shook her head,

“Uhm, no… we used the era three order… so mine is on the ten cells, Yellow’s on twenty, Blue on fifty, and you’re on the hundred!” He facepalmed,

“That’s like… even worse… who’s on five, two, and one?” Yellow chimed in,

“... Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl.” His eyes widened.

“Like… my Garnet Amethyst and Pearl? Why?” Blue leaned in to answer,

“Because they’re important gems to the Empire! To all of gemkind! Also, this was after we figured out that the value of the bill doesn’t determine the value of the person, some human civilizations put their founder’s face on the smallest denomination of their currency, so… that’s how we got here!” He nodded in agreement,

“Yeah, yeah… you know what? I feel honored that you put my family on the bills, thank you.” The three Queens, alongside the Jester, smiled. He smiled back, this was the first time he felt at ease since he got here. 

“Right, so what does this have to do with Doc? Did she come up with it or something?” Yellow nodded,

“That’s right! She realized that her skills and passion were not in combat, but in research and innovation! She studied human trade and economy, and came up with a stable currency for our Empire!” He’s got to admit, he’s quite impressed,

“That’s… great! Oh man, I’m just glad she found what works for her… wait… isn’t she already a noble? She’s a Duchess right? She holds a facet?” Yellow nodded,

“Yes, that is her reward for the invention of the cells!” He snapped his fingers,

“ That’s why no one else applied! They realized there’s no way they can compete with the literal inventor of currency… wow… alright, things are getting very interesting…” 

…

“Wait… if she can apply… did you guys…?” The queens looked at each other, white gasped after picking up what he insinuated,

“Oh, yes! Of course! I applied for Cardinal, Yellow for Marshal, and Blue for Chancellor!” He sat there mouth agape, before slamming his head onto the table, the Queens flinched, not knowing how to react, he soon sat back up with an outraged expression,

“What the fuck were you guys thinking! There’s no way this is going to be a fair election now! I mean, figures with powerful backgrounds competing against… everyone else?! There’s no way you guys are not getting elected!” The three queens stared at each other, confused, White was first to speak,

“What’s the matter, Steven? Isn’t the whole point of democracy is to let everyone have the same chance? It only makes sense that we too have the same chance as everybody else!” He shook his head while sighing loudly,

“Ugh… whatever, so we have First Magister Doc, Cardinal White, Chancellor Blue, and Marshal Yellow… any idea who’s gonna be the Spymaster and Coinwright?” The three diamonds cringed while eyeing around the room, they seemed to have understood what he implied, and started to reconsider their choices… still, their lust for power seemed to have never completely disappeared after all… so they carried on. Blue was next to speak,

“Uhm… Spymaster… perhaps my… uhum… Blue Pearl…” He shook his head, Yellow quickly added on,

“But oh! We have no clue who will win the position of Coinwright! Trust us! There’s no candidate with era 2 connections in there!” He inhaled deeply, exhaled, then folded his arms on the table, leaning forward so his face is covered with his folded hands,

“... I’ll do it.” The three of them cocked their heads closer to him, White was first to speak,

“Wh- What are you talking about! I was just considering conceding from the election! (lie), after everything you just said, now you want to step up?!” He leaned back on his seat,

“Yes, that way it’ll be easier to keep an eye on the three of you… besides… better me than some crook who wants nothing but to siphon our treasuries…” The three Queens leaned back on their seats, seriously considering the proposition.

“Honestly? Not a terrible idea.” Yellow uttered, the other two nodded,

“You’ve got my vote!” Blue added,

“Ohh I look forward to working with you again, Starlight!” White clasped her hands, enthusiastic of the prospect of all four Diamonds working together … on a real job… with a real position… once again. She gazed at the Prince, waiting for a response, only to be met with a concerned face.

“Starlight? Is something wrong?” He sighed and leaned on Spinel’s shoulder,

“You all seem to forget something… will Homeworld accept me? I mean, this whole thing happened cause I left the planet…” White wanted to answer, though she soon realized she had no idea what she’s going to say. Blue and Yellow only looked at each other, til Blue leaned to him,

“Oh, Steven, I’m sure it’ll be fine… as long as you prepare a good speech…” He sat up and glanced at her,

“A good… speech?” Blue nodded,

“Yes, I believe it’s in line with the circumstances… What do you say? We can announce your grand return tomorrow, and push back the election to the day after, right White?” The brightest diamond gave a thumbs up in agreement.

“Right… One day to prepare a speech… a wonderful era to be a prince…” Blue added once more,

“I can help you write it! I’m quite good with diplomacy after all!” He shook his head and smiled at the three queens,

“Nah, it’s alright. It’s my speech so I need to come up with every single part of it… thanks anyway. Well then, guess I better get at it, where can I find you guys once I’m done?” He said as he jumped off of the mound of marbles, still with Spinel in his hand. Yellow was first to answer,

“I will be chatting with my commanders, I’ve assigned them as peacekeepers during the elections, though it seems like they’re going to have to work an extra day, what about you, White?” She answered as she got off her seat,

“I’ll be going to my chambers, Steven? You can go see Blue after you’re done, is that okay with you, Blue?” The diplomatic queen nodded as she stood up from her chair,

“That’ll be best, I am the event manager for the election, after all.” He smiled at the three of them,

“Well alright then, see you guys later!” He waved at them while walking out of the room with Spinel’s hand in his.

“That went well!” She said with a wide smile, which soon disappeared upon looking at his saddened expression,

“S-Steven? Is someth- urgh!” He buried his face on her chest, which surprised her, in a good way of course.

“Hehe… there there…” She ruffled his hair with one hand and patted his back with the other, his breathing went from rushed to relaxed.

“Thank you… Moonlight…” He circled his arms around her, relaxing even more.

“Okay, I’m fine now… Hm, I wonder if my room’s still available.”

“Wha? What are you talkin’ about? Of course it is… no one dared to step in it even after you left…” He raised an eyebrow, 

“Why? I mean, after all I said about freedom and equality and all that? I mean, it’s whatever y’know?” She fiddled with her fingers,

“I uh… I didn’t wanna let anyone in…” He shook his head, confused,

“What? What do you mean?” She turned away from him,

“Cause I… wanted to keep it all for me… I like to sleep in there… sometimes…” He smirked,

“Awwww… Spinel, Spinel, Spinel… Keeping my bed warm, are ya? Well then, let’s see if it still is warm… or are we gonna have to heat it up?” She turned back to face him, a deep blush on her face,

“Gee I don’t know… what I do know is… I’m cold…” He shook his head playfully,

“Nahh, you were plenty warm when I hugged you… hahahahaha!” She punched his shoulder lightly, then took him by the hand,

“Come on then! Let’s go to your room!”

The door opened to reveal a familiar room, though the layout slightly changed. There’s nothing in the bedroom save for a bed, no pedestal, no chairs, no mirrors, at least not in the sleeping area. They stepped in, then immediately got swarmed by the pebbles,

“Oh my Stars! It’s Spinel! And look who she brought with her! Steven! It’s Steven!” They swarmed his feet and climbed up to his blazer,

“Ahahaha! Heyyyy, guys! Miss me?” He slowly walked to the dressing area of the bedroom, still with the pebbles hanging over his garments. He came across a relic from the past, his old Pink Diamond dress.

“Ah… what a time in my life…” He glanced over to the mirror, and promptly sighed upon realizing his attires are not at all ceremonial.

“Hey, uhm… Pebbles? Mind making me a new set of clothes?” They gasped in excitement,

“Of course not, Steven! What do you want it to look like? We can do anything!” He giggled,

“Hahahaha, I’m sure you can! Okay, so…” He started describing the design of his new royal attire. He began with a clear statement that he no longer wants to wear Pink Diamond’s dress, or anything similar to it. Instead, he wanted to take inspiration from his current daily wear,

“Yeah I want to keep the blazer, but make it fancier!” They ended up going for a more archaic yet formal version of the blazer, similar to a late 19th century garment. The end product consisted of; a knee-length two button formal pink blazer and a trouser with the same color, with a magenta waistcoat worn under it, complemented with a black tie over a white long-sleeved button up shirt. He drew a general sketch and showed it to the pebbles, to which they smirked and nodded,

“Got it! And oh, do you want shoes with that?” He blushed upon realizing he was about to wear all those fancy clothes and still rock the salmon slippers,

“Uhm, yes please, light brown leather shoes should do…” The pebbles giggled, then nodded and got straight to work. He turned to face Spinel, who for some reason has a quite the smile on her face,

“What?” She turned around and walked back into the sleeping area,

“Nothing, I’m just imagining how good you’re gonna look in that outfit…”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow, and held her in the waist upon hearing her attempt to flirt,

“Well that’s… uh, actually, speaking of outfits, are you gonna go just like this?” He eyed her up and down, still wearing the pink jacket, she pulled away,

“Oh! No, no, I’ll lose the jacket of course,” She unzipped her jacket and tossed it onto the bed,

“Right… is that all?” She folded her arms, he’s starting to get on her nerves,

“Ah, shit, no, no, you look great of course! Just uhm… not enough frills?” She sighed in disbelief,

“Yeah, yeah, I have this cape actually…” Her form glowed for a moment, after the light dissipated, she appears to be wearing a magenta cape with puffy white fur collars,

“Now that’s fancy…” He glanced at her up and down, closed the distance between them, and once again placed his hands on the sides of her waist,

“Now that’s my Spinel…” She blushed deeply, grabbing his shoulders and embracing for a kiss, only for him to let go of his touch and examine her hands.

“Ugh… what now?!” He looked at her hands intently, not even hearing a word she was saying, or rather, yelling, at him.

“Hm, you wear gloves… Hey pebbles, you there?!” Some of them popped out of the walls,

“Yes, Steven!” He nodded at them,

“Gloves, black. And don’t pop out like that no more for another… hour or so…” The pebbles glanced at each other, shrugged, and,

“Okay, Steven!” The walls closed once more.

“Well then, onto the task at hand.”

“Right, to write a good speech-”

“Forget the speech.” He pushed her onto the bed and shoved his lips onto hers. Despite being startled, she welcomed his tongue into her mouth, rigorously stirring inside it. Their hands traveled from the shoulders, then back, then waist, then hips, as if craving for something more.

“Urgh… Steven… you don’t even know…” He chuckled as he swept his hair up,

“Hmph… trust me, I know.” He does. She sighed in anticipation, then shapeshifted into the form that got him excited the last time they did this. His eyes burning with desire as he took in the view of the form of the gem under him. Those plump breasts and ass are right in front of him once more.

“Jackpot.” He took off his blazer and black star shirt, revealing his ripped muscles, glistening in all the sweat he got after getting worked up on all of this. She bit her lips and ran her fingers through his abs, he smirked, and promptly bent down to suckle on her breasts.

“Ahn! Steven! Yes!” She moaned and groaned upon all the sensations going through her form. He could feel his pants getting tighter and tighter, until he couldn’t take it anymore. He sat up,

“Can’t let you have all the fun now, can I?” He said as he glanced down to the bulge in his jeans. She smirked, sat up and unzipped his jeans, pulled down his underwear, revealing the source of the bulge.

“Wowie… always so impressive no matter how many times I look at it…” He scoffed in pride,

“Thanks, I work out… pfft!” The two of them chuckled, though he soon stopped after getting his whole ten incher shoved into her throat.

“Woah! Shit! No one’s done that before!” A slurpy noise was made after she pulled away,

“Oh don’t lie! You’ve had blowjobs from other people before!” He tilted his head,

“Well yeah, but none of them took in my whole thing at once!” She smirked,

“Oh really? Well, what can I say? I am very… stretchy after all…”

“Argh!” She did it again. She proceeded to cock her head back and forth rapidly, he moaned and moaned, even tried to muffle it from time to time to no avail.

“Oh fuck… fuck! Spinel, I’m gonna!... huh?” She pulled away and sat back up,

“Heyyyy come on now! I was almost finished!” She shook her head, laid down on her back, then lifted her legs,

“If you’re gonna do it… you know where to do it…” She gazed lustfully into his eyes,

“Oho… you asked for it.” He pounced onto her, shoving his member with all his might straight into her gemussy. She moaned so hard, but he promptly silenced her by yet another kiss. He didn’t know how, but he felt like he had a thousand more pumps despite almost finishing just a few seconds ago. Five minutes passed, now she’s getting dogged. Ten minutes passed, now it’s reverse cowgirl. Fifteen minutes passed, regular cowgirl. Twenty minutes passed, back to missionary.

“Alright Spinny… get ready…”
“Hmph!” She could barely get the noise out.

“Shit! Here I come!... wait, what are you, argh!” Last second leg lock, I mean sure, he was already going to creampie her, but how’s a guy supposed to react upon a last second leg lock? He shot his essence inside her, releasing the pent up stress from the council earlier.

“Ah… fuck… that was good.” He said while laying down next to her, gasping for air.

“Heheh… thanks…” She put her head on his arm, he started stroking her pigtails, it’s like a ritual at this point.

“Hehehehehehe… I like it when you do that…” She said while smiling softly,

“I can tell.” They stayed in this position for a while, until they checked the time, and hastily put their clothes back on, realizing the pebbles were perhaps almost done with their work.

“Steven! We’re done!” He stood up from the bed, smiling upon seeing a mannequin with his outfit on it.

“My, my… now this’ll turn some heads…” The other gem leaped from the bed straight to the mannequin, inspecting it.

“You think so? Now that I’m looking at it… don’t it seem a little… excessive? I dunno…” He said while pacing around the mannequin, she scoffed,

“Oh, trust me Steven, those other pompous gems wear even more excessive garments than this… eugh.” He cringed,

“Uh oh, sounds like someone has a bad experience with nobility…” She rolled her eyes,

“Damn right! I’ll never forgive that Agate for saying I look silly, I mean, you’re the one with a furry cone on your head!” He burst out laughing,

“A fucking what now?! Hahahahahaha! Oh, man… I think I’m gonna enjoy court life more than I thought before…” The pair went back to looking at the outfit,

“Well, what are you waiting for? Try 'em on!” He sighed, then nodded. He first took off his jeans, replacing it with the pink trousers, then he took off his black star shirt, putting on the white long sleeved button down shirt, not forgetting to tuck it inside the trousers, he then put the black tie around his neck,

“Heheh, you look like a fancy butler!” She said, he shook his head,

“Hah, just you wait!” He then put on the magenta waistcoat, followed by the final touch, a pink knee-length blazer.

“Woahhhh, now you look like a real prince…” He rolled his eyes as he flicked the lapels on his blazer,

“Hey hey hey, I am a real prince… hahahahahahaha~” The two of them giggled,

“Oh, right! Steven, here’s the gloves!” One of the pebbles came forward with the black gloves he requested. It's not a goofy puffy one like Spinel’s, it’s slimmer and sleeker, but still soft to the touch. He grabbed the pair of gloves,

“Right, thanks pebbles!” The pebbles gave him a thumbs up, then disappeared into the walls once more. He put the gloves on,

“My, my… pleasure to be in your service, your majesty…” She said while running her hands through his hands, arms, shoulders, lapels, and finally chest.

“Hoho, pleasure’s all mine… your royal highness… pfft!” They burst out laughing once more, she shrieked as he picked her up by the waist and spun her in the air. He set her down after coming up with an idea. He ran to the bed, grabbing his phone,

“Hey Moon, put on your cape again, let’s take a picture together!” She put it back on without a second thought, he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, immediately snapping a picture,

“Hahaha! You look goofy!” She pouted in embarrassment, 

“You startled me! Let’s take another one!” He shook his head, 

“Nuh uh! This one’s just perfect.”

“Hmmph, come onnn, I want more pictures with you!” She begged with puppy eyes. Aw man, this must be how it feels like to face that… face… urgh…

“Well alright then, but we really need to work on that speech after this…” She hugged his arm,

“Yeah, yeah, come on, just take the pictures!” He chuckled,

“Heh, alright, alright…” They took many more pictures, some even ended up in his snapstagraph stories.

“Oh, oh! I wanna do that too! Teach me!” She took out her phone from inside her gem, she bought it weeks ago during one of her driving lesson sessions. He looked over at her screen, and raised an eyebrow after seeing how much apps she has on it.

“Woah… you use any of that?” She shrugged,

“Meh, I just like the pretty icons,” He shook his head,

“There, snapstagraph, click on the icon and… oh? You don’t have an account yet?” She shook her head,

“Well alright then, let’s make one!” Name, email, date of birth… hm…

“Uhh, let’s just use mine…” Her heart skipped a beat upon realizing that they’re sharing a birthday, at least in snapstagraph that is.

“There! All done! Now stickers!”
“Stickers!” Gasps of awes could be heard throughout the room as he showed her the many cute stickers they could use to decorate the pictures she’d like to upload.

“Ooh, ooh! Use this one! Pretty flowers! Ooh! What’s this one?” He smiled at her cute behaviors, can’t believe this girl just deepthroated me.

“That’s a dolphin! Funny story about the dolphins, Ruby and Sapphire’s wedding was almost-”

“Ooh! What about this one?” He sighed lovingly,

“That’s a capybara, hm… come to think of it, I’ve never seen one in real life before… might have to visit a zoo once we’re back on earth…” She gasped,

“Ohhh I would love that! I wanna!... oh…” Her energy suddenly disappeared. Oh shit.

“Uhm, Spinel? Something wrong?” She shook her head,

“No… no… it’s just… you probably wanna go with Peridot…” Ah… fuck.

“What? No, no, that’s not!... well… I uh…” She leaped off the bed, phased off her cape, and put the jacket back on.

“It’s alright, Steven… I get it…” He stood up,

“No, no, no! You don’t get it! Shit’s complicated enough as it is, you can’t just pretend to know how I feel!” She flinched,

“I uh… I’m sorry… but… Am I wrong?” He looked around the room, nervous,

“Y-yeah! I mean… no? But, yeah! I guess…” She sighed,

“Steven, look at me.” He slowly looked into her eyes, no longer is it full of desire or lust, now it’s filled to the brim with… determination? Or something of that nature.

“Y-yeah?” He could barely get past the stutter,

“You love Peridot more than me, yes or no?” He recoiled even further,

“I- uh, what kinda question is that?!” He looked down once more, only for her hands to grip his cheeks, forcing his head to face her again,

“A yes or no question. So, yes or no?” He closed his eyes, then opened it slowly, only to be met with the same determined look from earlier, he swore he could see fire emerging from it, waiting to engulf him in the heat of the flames.

“N-noooo, maybe? I don’t know! I’m not sure!” She squeezed his cheeks, violently,

“It’s a yes or no question Steven. Not a yes, no, not sure, or maybe!” He shook his head slowly, tears starting to form in his eyes.

“I- I don’t know! Why are you doing this!” She started to chuckle, and slowly but surely, her grip loosened, and her laugh loudened.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Then I was right! I know how you feel.” He wiped his tears away, then slowly took off the formal attire, putting on his casual everyday fit back on.

“Spinel? I’m sorry.” She flinched and held her shoulder,

“What for?” He planted his head on her back, and slowly hugged her from behind.

“For how I feel.” She sighed, and held his hand that’s coiling her from behind,

“Don’t be sorry for how you feel, Steven… it ain’t good for ya…” He sighed,

“But just so you know… I wanna go to the zoo with you too… might be nice y’know… I can show you the animals, you might even like some of them… they got dolphins too, y’know!” She slowly chuckled,

“Heh… can’t stay mad at you… I really should, though…” She turned around to face him,

“I’m here for you, Sunshine… now let’s go write that speech…” He nodded, and hugged her even tighter,

“Yeah, let’s do that… In a minute.” She chuckled, then ruffled his hair. If only she could read his mind, she wouldn’t do that right now.

Zoo with Peridot? Hah! Might be fun… with Spinel? Also fun!... with the both of them?... Perhaps a recipe for disaster… still… can't help but want to do it… Stars, I really am a diamond.

—

Loud sound of a wind breeze, the coldness of the mountain side. She looked around her and winced, until her gaze stopped at her side. A set of familiar blue wings retracted into the back of its owner.

“Peridot? Is something wrong?” She recoiled to her back,

“Gah! How- wha- why-... why are you here?” The blue gem tilted her head in confusion,

“Huh? Oh come on, babe , it’s not funny, I just flew us all the way here cause you said you want to take some references for your painting!” What the fuck did she just call me?

“I- uh… right… references…” She glanced to her other side, art supplies seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She hesitantly picked up the brush, dipped it in the colors, and started stroking it onto the canvas.

“So? Inspired much?” The blue gem leaned closer to her. Nyeh, you didn’t even love me.

“Y-yes, it’s adequate.” She snort-laughed. She has to admit, she does miss that laughter of hers… still, this doesn’t feel right.

“Unlike you.” The blue gem blurted out, Peridot’s brush struck out of the canvas.

“W-what did you say?” She slowly turned her head towards her, to which she was met with a sinister smile and dead eyes.