♡Worth The Wait♡ Spinel x Gem reader (Gender Neutral!!)

~part 22: conflicting instincts~

During the warp, you couldn't help but have conflicted emotions about this visit.

On one hand, it was Steven. THE Steven Universe! Peace bringer to the entire galaxy. Savior to all of gemkind! Son of the defender of the earth. You had every right to feel safe, secure and happy around the half-gem and his squadron of heroic gems. You knew for a fact that he wouldn't let any hostile gem or foolish mortal lay so much as a fingertip on spinel.

But then there was that nagging feeling that something can always go awry. Unlike the the diamond palace, Steven's beach house was completely vulnerable. While it had steven and the crystal gems to keep the place secure, they just don't meet up with the massive rulers of homeworld. And sure, they're all exceptionally strong and weapon efficient, but most folks, especially gems that don't know him aren't intimidated by a young half-gem boy.

Not only that, but you couldn't help but think about the actions of Steven's mother and how they left an indelible mark on spinel's psyche. Something that'll always haunt her. She was already sensitive to waiting as it is, but now with these mood swings, she very much needed someone to accompany her at all times, lest they want her to have a nervous breakdown. And that type of stress alone might cause severe harm to your litter. This thought seared your chest with a sad fury, and you growled lowly in the back of your throat.

Now, you appreciate the fact pink went out of her way to defend earth. This was the place you had formed, the only home you've ever known.

But you just couldn't help but want to ask a few questions to the pink pebble as to why she had to resort to abandonment.

Spinel was immature at the time, maybe, but she could have learned how to behave properly.

Just.. why? Why would she do that..?

"Hey (name), why ya so tense? you're not nervous, are ya?"

You flinched as you looked down at spinel, who was hugging your arm, staring innocently up at you in concern. just the sight of her gave you an strong pull in your chest. An almost feral urge to keep spinel close to you. To not let her out of sight and keep her safe.

You blinked suddenly, shaking your head as your rationality came crashing back. "Er... slightly. It's just... been awhile." You reassured steadily. You smiled as spinel giggled and nestled into your arm. "Aw! don't worry, I'm sure Universe is still as harmless as a puppy." You snicker at this, dipping your head to kiss her head. "That, I have to believe." Behind you both, pink pearl silently watched on, a soft smile on her face.

But then she felt a sense of unease.

This was your first gemling litter, so she knew in the back of her mind that you had no way of knowing on how to gain full purchase of your protective, near feral sire gem instincts.

After a while, you make it to Steven's conservatory and you were almost instantly greeted by a joyous steven, who had jumped up from the bench he was sitting on. "Awesome! You guys made it!" He suddenly dashed over to you and threw his arms around you into a firm hug. Spinel's cheeks lit up as she awkwardly wraps an arm around the boy. "Aw, gee. It's nice to see ya to." You merely give an awkward laugh and pat the boy's back, fighting back an odd urge to push the boy off of you both. "Y-yeah." You replied steadily, your voice sounding slightly deeper. "Good to see ya, champ." After a moment, Steven broke from the hug and gestured you to follow him. "Come on! we've all got a little something for you!"

Pushing down any concerns and protesting nerves, you smile warmly and follow him.

Keep it together, (name)....

You told yourself.

You have no reason to feel unsafe...