Trying to Smile Again Continued (Steven UniverseUniverse Fic)

Part Five Chapter Four: Rescue Mission

Steven sat in his room, scrolling through several photos that had Spinel, plus others, present. Steven stopped on one of him and her, Spinel made a goofy face (her eyes crossed and her tongue sticking out, while holding up a peace sign). Steven rubbed his fingers over his screen, feeling so, so bad for what he caused.

I didn't mean it, he thought. He put the phone down, and groggily got off his bed. His feet dragged against the floor as he got to the kitchen, pouring himself some cereal. He slowly moved over to the counter, only to sit down and rest his head in his arms. He didn't feel hungry, he felt bad. He felt like he betrayed Spinel, because he had. He told her he was a friend she could trust... look how that turned out.

"Woah, you don't look so good Steven," Amethyst said, taking a seat next to the boy. "Still thinking about Spinel huh?"

Steven hummed in response, lazily placing a spoonful of cereal in his mouth. Amethyst sighed, and turned to lean back against the countertop.

"It's alright dude, she's a tough gem! We've seen so ourselves! I'm sure what ever they're doing to her isn't that bad-I mean, they're doing nothing at all!"

Steven dropped his spoon, causing a small bit of milk to drench his shorts. He twitched slightly, feeling worse than before. He got up and left the house, needing a break from the tense atmosphere. Amethyst just dropped her head in regret.

Steven whipped out his phone, dialing Connie immediately. He waited as the long buzzing noise rang in his ear. He waited about 10 seconds til he heard her voice start up.

"Hello, this is Connie Ma-"

"Connie! I really got to-"

"Haswaran. Sorry I can't get to the phone right now, but please leave a message!"

The phone beeped, waiting for a message that never was recorded. Steven ended the call, and tried again. Once more, he waited a while, hearing nothing but loud buzzing. After about 10 seconds... the buzzing hadn't stopped. Weird, he thought. He didn't question it, as the buzzing continued, getting slightly annoying as it increased in volume.

"Argh," Steven yelled, as the noise sprung from a low 1 to a loud 10 in an instant!

He shut off the phone, ceasing the call. He let out a sigh of annoyance, not getting a call back from Connie. It was just like old times. There was a problem that needed to be solved... but he didn't know what to do! He messed up bad once, he couldn't do it again! However, if he didn't take action now, he may never get a good chance like this again.

Steven looked up to the bright blue, sunny sky, nodding at it as if something or someone was calling to him. He walked back inside, to meet gazes with the three gems that lived with him. He didn't know what to say at first, neither did anyone else. Steven finally spoke, finding the words he wanted to say.

"Guys..." he started, getting their attention. "I-I'm sorry... I messed up bad," he spoke softly, beginning to tear up. "I let my emotions get the best of me, and I was blindsided by rage. I didn't want t-to force Spinel away like that! She was-is a friend to me too! Now it's time to show we care for her, we need to go get her! I can't let myself think that she could be in danger because of me! I don't want her to think I'm like mom... I want her to trust me... like a friend. So... what do you say? Shall we go rescue our friend?"

Everyone was quiet, til Garnet sniffled softly. Pearl finally let the tears flow out like a waterfall and Amethyst tried to act cool, though she cried too. Steven laughed, still crying while doing so, as they embraced into a group hug.

"We're so proud of you Steven, you've grown so much, and come so far," Garnet said.

The others grinned in agreement. Steven stepped away from the hug, and wiped away his remaining tears. He put on a happy face, and was ready for action.

"Ok, let's go get the others. We'll need all the help we can get," Steven said.

•••

After warping to Little Homeworld, the four gems found their friends talking to some other gems. They ran over to the trio, catching their attention with their loud movement. Bismuth, Lapis and Peridot ran to their friends as well, until they all got into a quick group hug.

"Hey guys," Bismuth cheered. "What's up?"

"Well, I've got some... news-"

"Wait," Lapis intervened. "Where's Spinel?"

"Yeah, Lapis does bring up a good point. It's not like her to stay home alone," Peridot added.

The four gems frowned, as Steven continued to explain.

"That's the thing. Sooo, I might've, sort've, kinda, maybe-"

"Get to it already," Peridot yelled.

"I FORCED SPINEL TO LEAVE!"

The three gems gasped simultaneously, all looking at Steven in shock. Their expressions just made him feel worse... good, he should.

"Look, I feel bad about it myself. I overreacted," he said, rubbing his arm. "I really hate myself for being so idiot and dull. I just want to make it up to her... show her I still care... I don't want to be like mom. I don't want her to think I don't like her, cause I do. That's why we need to rescue her, and bring her back! So what do you say? Will you help me?"

Bismuth, Lapis and Peridot exchanges quick glances. They looked nervous, but determined.

"You know we are," Bismuth told him.

"Yeah," Peridot and Amethyst cheered.

Steven grinned widely, happy to have such good friends. He looked out to the stars above, even though it was day time, some stars were visible. He thought to himself, hoping some how, his words were reaching to Spinel. Spinel, I'm so, so sorry. I know I was stupid, you can tell me all about it once we break you free. Until then, hang tight, we're on our way!