Lost

Chapter 16

 Darkness has long settled into night, the stars glitter in the sky, the sound of the ocean waves a soothing rhythm. He's awoken by the sound of a door opening. The pale gem is leaving her room and he watches as she leaves the house to sit on the deck just outside. Something about her downtrodden appearance urges him to go to her. Some instinct to comfort her and make her feel better. He carefully crawls out from under the coffee table and, quietly so he doesn't wake the bigger human, he sneaks over to the door. He manages to pull the door open after a couple attempts, leaving the house to join the pale gem where she sits on the deck.

Sitting next to her, she glances at him, then gently puts one of her arms around his back, carefully avoiding his spikes. She squeezes him gently, then moves her hand to pet his head. There are tears in her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall.

"I'm so sorry Steven, I let you down. You've been struggling this whole time. I knew something was going on but I didn't do anything. As long as you said it was fine I wasn't willing to push. I know how it feels to keep a part of yourself hidden." She reaches around and squeezes him gently again. "You shouldn't have to hide anything from me. No matter what, I won't let you down again. I won't fall apart. You deserve better Steven. I love you so much!"

She wraps both her arms tightly around him. He leans heavily against her and places his head on top of hers. Somewhere, deep down, he feels tears. As though he's sad, but also happy. He feels loved. They spend a little more time together on the deck, just enjoying the sounds of the night and the pleasant sea air. He yawns, so the pale gem stands and guides him back inside. He lays back down on the floor by the couch while she returns to her room.

He dreams. He dreams of swords and spears, of long talks, of stories and adventures. He dreams of caring, pale arms wrapped around him. He dreams of someone who's always been there for him. Who's taught him, learned with him, who's made incredible machines and amazing meals. Who's argued with him but always cared. He dreams of someone who's grown right along with him. Someone who's struggled and fought for herself while struggling and fighting for him.

He dreams of Pearl.

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As the sun rises Garnet enters the beach house from her room. Greg is in the bathroom and Steven is sitting in the center of the room eating some food. Greg must've woken up to get him breakfast before getting himself ready for the day. She waits for him to finish before kneeling and wrapping her arms tightly around him.

"Steven, when I fell apart you were there for me. I want to be there for you now. You don't have to do it all alone anymore, I'm here." she squeezes him gently, "I'm here." He leans heavily on her just like he did with Pearl the night before.

Garnet spends some more time with Steven, petting him and pulling random bits of shell and sand from his fur from the day before, until Greg leaves the bathroom. Garnet and Greg exchange smiles as he sits on the couch and she heads off to Little Homeworld. Steven joins him by the couch. Greg has his laptop out and Steven watches curiously as he types away. He smiles at Steven's curiosity, something he's always had that even corruption could take from him.

"I'm working on the tour schedule for Sadie and Shep. They're both worried about you too, but their tour is keeping them away for a few more weeks. Thank goodness for modern tech, eh bud? This way I can be here for you, and work." His smile turns to a frown, Steven watches his face feeling sad for him.

"Growing up I tried to be there for you, but also give you the freedom I always wished I had. When gem stuff would happen I'd always run away, but not anymore. You're my son, whatever you need I'll make it happen. Gem stuff, human stuff, whatever it is, I'm not going anywhere." Steven huffed resting his head on Gregs knee in contentment. Greg pets his fluffy head while getting back to work.