Trying to Smile Again Continued (Steven UniverseUniverse Fic)

Part Seven Chapter Five: Comforting Confessions

"Spinel?"

Spinel now stood next to Connie. She stepped behind Connie defensively, but Connie insisted she talk to him. Spinel looked at Steven with worried eyes. Finally, she built up the courage to get closer to him.

Spinel stared at Steven's new appearance, looking at every detail. She knew he was corrupting, the gems had told her after they saved her from the garden. She was still mad about that.

"You left me," Spinel whispered loud enough for Steven to hear.

Steven's angered eyes dimmed a little in regret and sorrow. He remembered forcing himself to leave Spinel in the garden... alone... for a second time! He had to do it though... to keep her safe.

"Spinel... I..." Steven couldn't find the words he was trying to say. However, it was harder to do so in his current state.

"You don't need to apologize... it won't make me hate you any less."

Those words made Steven's heart drop. He never wanted to hurt her! He did this to keep her safe! Why couldn't she see that?! WHY WAS SHE SO-no. He couldn't lash out again, that's the last thing Steven wanted.

Steven took in a deep breath, then spoke up again. "I understand that you're mad with me."

Spinel looked away, rubbing her arm.

"But please understand, I never wanted to hurt you."

"Never wanted to hurt me," Spinel said more angrily, glaring at Steven. "If you didn't want to hurt me, than you wouldn't have ABANDONED me on that stupid rock!"

Spinel pounded her fists on the bubble containing him. The room grew quiet, Connie silently watching from the stairs. Steven didn't flinch, he knew she couldn't break Garnet's bubble. Though... some of him wish she had. That way, he could give her a big hug.

Spinel looked up at Steven, tears falling down her face. She slouched down to the ground, leaning against the bubble. She now held her knees against her chest, sobbing into her knees.

Steven placed a hand on the bubbles edge, wanting desperately to comfort her. He decided to sit against the bubble as well, stretching out his legs. Steven let out a long sigh, grabbing Spinel's attention.

"You know... I'm really proud of you."

Spinel hummed in response to his remark. She turned her head to listen closer.

"I know things have been hard recently... especially for you. I'm sorry that I did... things. I'm not proud of my actions, please believe that. It's just been hard lately... you would know more than anyone. First I find out about this new, dangerous power. Then the Zoomans swing by, telling me all the Rose Quartz's have been set free. Then there was the whole situation with the Pearls! Then Bluebird came by! THEN... then..."

Spinel was shocked when Steven didn't lash out once more. Instead, he sobbed and sobbed. She turned fully around, and looked at him sadly. He really did feel bad for his actions... didn't he?

Being a hero isn't easy, especially when there's gems that still want to kill you! Spinel was finally starting to realize that. Although, she didn't want to fully believe it. She was tired of being fooled by others manipulative emotions. Then again... Steven seemed more genuine than ever.

"Steven," Spinel whispered, catching his attention. "I know it's not easy to be nice all the time. I mean, hell, I can't even be nice for 10 minutes," she joked, getting a giggle from Steven. "But, you must have it the worst. I... I want to believe you... I really do. I keep telling myself... can I though?"

Steven looked down, understanding what she meant.

"When I saw your message to the universe... I didn't want to believe. I thought Pink Diamond was my friend. I see now... she wasn't as perfect as I thought."

Spinel clenched her fists at the memory, but relaxed herself quickly.

"Then I came to kill you, and your planet. Even then... you believed I could change. I didn't see at first, hence why I went with the Diamonds. However," she gulped. "They were just as toxic as Pink! So, next thing I knew, I was living with you," she smiled slightly. "But of course, like all nice things for me, it didn't last. You started... changing. I felt weak, and alone. I don't know if I can even trust myself anymore! Yet... even with all these negative things. All these negative feelings. I somehow, always, find myself coming back for you."

Steven stared with wide eyes. He noticed she had been crying. He placed a hand on the bubble, the same spot where her hand was. He would give anything to make her happy.
Anything.

"So... what I'm saying is..."

Spinel looked up at Steven. Steven could see his reflection in her eyes, and he knew she could see herself in his. But they couldn't see the longing in each other's eyes.

"Will you let me stay with you... no matter what?"

Steven's mouth was open slightly agape. His eyes were wide with shock.

"Did... you? Did you just," Steven stuttered.

"Yes," Spinel whispered. "Connie told me what it means... and I think I want that. So... will you let me be your girlfriend?"

The room was silent for awhile. No one spoke. No one needed too. Everything could be said in actions, although Steven wanted to say something.

Spinel noticed Steven's shocked face. He was crying. Spinel immediately felt sad and embarrassed. She retracted herself a little.

"Why... Why are you crying," she asked.

Steven shook his head, starting to laugh a little. He wiped away his tears, and looked at Spinel with compassionate eyes.

"Of course I'll be your boyfriend."

It was now Spinel who cried. Yet, for once in about 6,000 years, these weren't tears of sorrow. Or tears of anger, or regret. These were tears of joy. For she finally did something right. Now she could try to be her best self everyday. Now they laughed happily, wishing to feel each other's comforting touch. For now, each other's presence was enough.