Steven's First Christmas
I do not own Steven Uiverse
It was late November and the winter was promising to be long and cold. While snow had not yet fallen it was below freezing and a frost coated the ground. It was in such conditions that Greg decided to call. With a knock on the farmhouse door Steven's father came right inside. After greeting the adult gems Greg stated his case.
"Hi there is Steven around?" Steven father asked.
"He's in the barn with Peridot. Shall I go get him?" replied Pearl.
"No, that won't be necessary. I know that after Steven was born we agreed not to celebrate Christmas. Christmas was Rose's favorite human holiday and without her it just doesn't feel the same. But what you told me about the cluster has me scared. It made realize that I've been a bad father. Steven has missed out on so many things-"
"Spit it out," ordered Garnet.
"I want Steven to come with me and experience a Christmas, a real Christmas before it's too late. So can I take him with me? You've got the drill to build. Steven's just going to be hanging around. So can I take my son to experience Christmas?"
"No," said Garnet coldly.
Greg and the other gems protested loudly. Garnet simply raised her hand for silence.
"As I was saying Greg you can't take Steven away for Christmas. We're going to celebrate Christmas right here at the farmhouse."
Cheers erupted in the farmhouse Pearl had refurbished.
"Ooh this is going to be so much fun. I'll go get out the old decorations, We'll have to buy a turkey and I'll make some mince pies," gushed Pearl.
"Let's not forget the presents," smiled Amethyst.
"Money's a little tight but we'll make do," smile Garnet in one of her rare smiles. "Now Greg, go, tell, your, son the good news."
As the aging rocker approached the barn he could hear Steven's voice. "–and this is my favorite time of year. Every year around this time Dad, the Gems and me go out for a 'Super Special Family Mission'. We warp down to this tropical island. Oh Peri it's so much fun."
"What makes you think I'll be invited," said Peridot sadly. Geez what a whiner.
"You're part of the family now," said Steven as her kissed her cheek.
"Whoa hold the phone Stu-ball," barged in Greg. "There's been a change of plans. How would you like to spend Christmas right here with me and the Crystal Gems?"
The answer Steven gave broke his heart, "What's Christmas?"
After explaining as best he could Greg wasted no time. When he got home he went to work starting preparations. After Pearl quit her job, money got to be quite tight. He needed to make a lot of money fast if he was to give his son the perfect Christmas. Suddenly the phone rang. It was his idiot brother George.
"Hey Greg, Christmas may not be your thing but Mom's not getting any younger y'know. Anyways it would make Mom so happy if you came over with your son. He must be in college by now. We could have a real family Christmas in my trailer."
"Sorry George but I'm going to celebrate Christmas with Steven and his foster family at the old farm."
"That's great really great I'm sure it will be wonderful."
First Obstacle
As Pearl unearthed the old Christmas decorations from the temple storeroom she frowned. Mold had grown on the ribbons and tinsel, the lights and ornaments were tarnished and shattered. Yet another unexpected expense this month. While the gem could do some research on the net to find cheaper alternatives it would still take time and money. Then there was still the drill to contend with.
It was a Christmas miracle. Greg was wondering how he could possibly afford to buy his son the WowWe virtual game console but the answer was right here. God bless the internet. Posted right on the job board was exactly what he was looking for.
Wanted older man to play Santa at the Seaview mall in Oceantown. Must be portly, have real beard and own costume. Make lots of cash for your perfect Christmas.
Greg smiled slyly. He already had a Santa costume somewhere. How would they like him if he brought his own elf?
Steven was going stir crazy. While everybody was rushing about, building the drill or preparing for this Christmas Steven was cooling his heels. There was only so much he could do at the barn and Peridot couldn't play with him right now. He wanted to go home, his real home in Beach City.
He found Pearl getting into the family car.
"Hey Pearl, what are doing" he asked.
"Steven you startled me. I'm just getting some Christmas decorations and some supplies," answered Pearl.
"Can I come with you and we could take Peridot. You know Garnet doesn't like her being left alone."
Pearl frowned. The boy was developing a full grown crush but that was to be expected after all the Maheswarans didn't allow Steven to be left alone with Connie anymore.
"Okay Steven you and Peridot can come but stay in town."
The boy whooped with joy and rushed to get Peridot.
When Pearl reached Beach City she gave Steven some money and prepared to drop him off at his father's carwash. She could see that Greg was wearing a Santa costume.
"Oh Steven good to see you little man. I was going to see you at the barn." Greg's eyes lit up as he saw Peridot come out of the van.
"Hey Dad what are you wearing?" asked his son.
"It's just a costume for a new job. I'm going to make a little extra cash. Hey do you mind if I borrow Peridot for a while?"
Before the boy could answer Greg had shoved his friend into his van. The little green gem gave an eep. Then the pair drove off.
Pearl looked down at the boy. When did he start frowning like that? "Steven don't be like that you've got the entire Beach City to explore and perhaps you can meet up with Connie."
That brought his smile back. Pearl watched the boy rush straight into town and then turned to start her own work.
Nothing is more forlorn than a tourist town during off season. Despite the strange decorations dispersed among the stores and houses the town had a desolate look. Mr. Smiley's Arcade and several shops on the board walk were closed. Steven wandered aimlessly in a town getting ready for an event he didn't know or understand. Questions burned in the young man's mind. Why was there a large decorated tree in the middle of the town square? What was with all these sales and the desperation as stores urged people to buy, buy, buy.
Finally he bumped into a familiar face literally. He quickly apologized to the mayor's son Buck Dewey.
"Steven you're looking bummed, what's the matter?"
"Oh hey, I've never been into town at this time of year. It's so strange Buck can you tell me about Christmas?"
The young man was taken aback. "Steven I'm not the person to ask I'm Jewish." Steven look disappointed. "But I know just the people to ask."
When they got to Fish Stew Pizza, the pair found the family cheerfully singing a Christmas carol from the radio.
"We're just closing up," called out Koffi.
"We're not here for pizza," said Buck. "Steven wants to know about Christmas."
A look of pity crossed the mans' face, "You mean the Gems never- well I guess they wouldn't they're not Christian. Steven sit right down I'll make you some cocoa. Girls get to work. Mother why don't tell Steven the true meaning of Christmas."
The old lady gently brushed Steven's hair as she sat down. "Okay Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It marks the day when the greatest man on Earth was born, Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago the world was a much different place-"
Steven eyes widened as he heard the story of Jesus Christ' s birth, the star of Bethlehem and the impact a carpenter can have on the world. When Nanefua had finished his eyes lit up.
"Oh that's sounds wonderful but that doesn't explain the decorations and the sales going on."
The old woman sighed sadly, "I'm afraid that Christmas has been commercialized Steven. All these decorations and presents were just a way of celebrating Christ's birth but Big Business has perverted it, that now the message is greed and the fear that we don't do enough for our families."
"That still doesn't explain why the Gems and Dad are suddenly deciding to celebrate Christmas." Said Steven.
"Well Christmas is also a time when families get together and show that their love for each other. Perhaps that is why the gems are celebrating Christmas. Tell you what, this Saturday come with us to the Seventh Day Adventist's church and we'll tell you more."
Steven hastily thanked the Pizza's as he left. Nanefue called out to him and wished him a merry Christmas. As he walked further along the boardwalk. He saw that the Fryman's chip shop was open. Steven breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that it was Ronaldo and not his father tending the shop.
"Steven you've lost weight," exclaimed Ronaldo.
"I've been at the barn and thanks to your Dad, I lost the taste for fried foods. Ronaldo can you tell me about Christmas?"
"Christmas? Christmas?" Ronaldo nostrils began flaring. Steven was beginning to regret asking him. "Christmas is a lie. Oh it's supposed to be a season of love and forgiveness but our corporate overlords have turned it into a season of greed and self-indulgence. I hate the tinsel, I hate the commercialization and I hate eggnog."
Steven backed away slowly. Maybe it would be best to observe Christmas from a safe distance through the TV for instance.
Second Obstacle
"Wait George, you're coming to the farmhouse for Christmas with Mom?" cried Greg.
Unbelievable, now he'll have to buy more food, bedding and presents. At least he got the Santa job thanks a certain green elf.
Peridot fumed. The Crystal Gems taken away everything. They had taken her limb enhancers, her vid screen, her freedom and now her dignity. Forced to wear a ridiculous costume she handled one brat after another while Greg played the role of some mythological being all the while smiling pretty for the camera.
"Hi Peri take this kid back to his parents will ya," ordered Greg. She had lost all respect for the human.
The brat in question was screaming about getting the wrong toy. "I wants the red super ranger the red."
She had enough, "Human child you're behaving foolishly. Christ mas isn't about toys it's about being together with your family and enjoying their company."
The child at 5 years old didn't understand, "Mommy that mean elf said I won't get any toys for Christmas."
The undeveloped human ran its overindulgent progenitors. Three more weeks of this slag.
It was Saturday and Steven was walking to the Big Donut after church at the Seventh Day Adventists'. He was feeling like having an extra special donut when he saw Lars of all people tending shop alone.
"Lars I didn't think I'd see you today," said Steven.
"I'm doing extra hours to buy Sadie an extra special gift this Christmas," Who would have thought that Lars would be so happy about work?
"So Christmas is about gifts?"
"You bet! Christmas time is about giving gifts to the ones you love. The more expensive the better. I'm buying Sadie this heart shaped pendant. She'll be so happy. With any luck we'll have a very Merry Christmas if you know what I mean." Lars leered knowingly.
Just then Pearl drove up in the family car.
When he got in Steven turned to Pearl, "Hey Pearl can I have some money?"
"Steven money's a bit tight right now."
"I know but I want to get you guys each a Christmas gift."
Pearl's mouth quivered "Oh Steven that's so sweet but we Gems aren't interested in material things. All we want for Christmas is you."
"Can we stop off at the used book store?"
Pearl smiled. Her baby was growing up so fast.
Steven could never get used to the sight at the bookstore. All those books in one place he didn't know where to start. So he went up to the cashier and asked about books about celebrating Christmas. The older man who kind of looked like a skinny version of dad pointed him to a specially made up shelf for the season. Stars lit up in the boy's eyes he saw exactly what he wanted pulling book after book off the shelf he rushed back to the salesclerk.
"Now Steven, that's way too many books. We just don't have that much money," chided Pearl.
"But I need these if I'm going to celebrate Christmas."
"Just take two for now."
In the end Steven chose 'A Pioneer's Christmas' and 'The true history of Christmas'. Those proved very useful to the Gems in the coming weeks.
The next few days left Steven bored and fuming. While the drill was put on hold for missing parts he saw very little of Peridot and the rest of the gems were scrambling with holiday preparations. He started to look forward to Saturdays with the Pizzas at church. Having enough of this he confronted Pearl as she was baking.
Steven started uncomfortably, "Pearl it's about this Christmas thing. I'm not liking it. Oh Geez this is difficult. I know you guys are working really hard trying to get money and all but I miss Super Special Family Mission. By time last year we would have been on the beach drinking virgin coladas. Dad would be cooking something special on his barbecue and you would be splashing about in the water. So can we forget this thing and go back to where it was?"
"Oh Steven I'm so sorry. We got caught up in preparing for Christmas we forgot about you. I think that going back to our Super Special Mission would be wonderful but we can't"
A look of hurt crossed Steven's face. Reluctantly Pearl continued, "You see your grandmother and uncle George are coming over. Your grandmother's very sick so she can't go with us on our Special Mission and face it Garnet would sooner bubble Peridot than take her with us to Family Mission."
"Then can I take part on the preparations. I've got some ideas."
That night Steven went to bed frustrated and lonely. Usually late at night he would visit Peridot and watch some late night TV in the barn but the technician and his Dad were trapped in a snowstorm and couldn't make it back. With some difficulty we feel asleep and found himself straight into a strange dream.
He found himself in a small dark room. He could see a fat woman stirring a crockpot of chocolate while a dinosaur stood in attendance.
"You're looking very glum Steven," said the woman.
"It's just that I want to buy some Christmas presents for my family but I don't have any money," said the boy sadly.
"That's okay money's very tight right now for me too. So I'm making my Christmas presents. Right now I'm making almond bark." Said the woman as she poured the chocolate over a tray of almonds.
"Couldn't you just buy some almond bark?"
The chocolate instantly hardened.
"Steven the point of a handmade gift isn't the money you spend. It's about the love and care you put into it," Then she produced a hammer and started smashing her bark.
Steven thanked the odd pair as he left the dream.
"You should have told him that handmade gifts cost just as much as bought ones," said the dinosaur.
It was late at night with wind chill of -20C when Greg finally reached his carwash. After he had parked the van he tossed Peridot a sleeping bag.
"Okay lets crash in the van and you can wash off in the carwash sink," said Greg the cold air frosting his breath.
Peridot replied snootily, "These facilities are inadequate."
"Well la-di-da this may not be the Ritz but you're a gem you can stand much colder conditions like outer space."
"These facilities are inadequate for you. Tonight you risk the possibility of freezing off your body parts. You will lose much needed energy and nutrition growing them back."
"uh Peri human body parts don't grow back. Look I'd like to take us to a hotel but we just don't have the cash."
"There is the beach house. The Crystal Gems aren't currently occupying it."
Peridot smiled as Greg agreed. Now her plan would come to fruition.
As soon as Steven's father reached the domicile Peridot rushed straight into the bathroom. Stripping off those ridiculous clothes she jumped straight into the shower. After the shower she found Greg waiting for her at the door.
"You just wanted to have a shower didn't you?" the man accused.
"Greg I smell of vomitus, I am locked in the cold barn when the gems have no use for me and I am sorely in need of downtime. Can you blame me for this manipulation?"
The human gave her a dark look. "Fine but I'm calling Pearl in the morning."
On Saturday after church Steven prowled the town looking for some ideas. Love and care how do you express that. Then he saw the perfect solution at a small shop called the Knittery. Posted right outside was a notice that said Christmas knitting circle free make the ones you love that special gift. Steven marched right in he could get some wool and make some gifts for Dad and the gems. He left holding a pair of knitting needles it was all he could afford.
Amethyst thought that this Christmas would be fun but it wasn't. She was stuck in the middle of nowhere away from her junk and forbidden to eat any of the cookies Pearl had made. It wasn't a total loss. At night time after Peridot came back from work with Greg she and Steven would watch TV in barn with Peridot. It was during one such night that she had her great idea.
They had just finished an Edwardian Christmas on PBS when the Antiques Roadshow came on. The people in the show were displaying the best junk she had seen when she saw something amazing.
"I have that in my junk pile," commented the purple gem.
"Amethyst that thing is worth over 2000 dollars!" exclaimed Steven.
"Is that a lot of money?" asked Peridot.
"Oh yeah it's a lot. We'll be able to buy whatever we want I think we just might save Christmas," said Amethyst cheerily.
"That's great but can you help me pick up a tree and some pine boughs in the morning," asked Steven.
Peridot trudged after the pair in the snow trying to keep up. While she had gotten her fill of the Christmas Spirit in Oceantown helping Steven and Amethyst pick out a tree sure beat being locked in the barn. She scanned the horizon for a suitable tree. All she knew was that it had to be some sort of conifer. She turned when she heard Steven yelp for joy.
"There's the perfect tree, right there," shouted Steven.
"Ah, Steven that's great but its right next to the highway and we need to move it quickly if we don't want to get caught." Said Amethyst reluctantly.
"No problem I know exactly what to do." The boy then started to pee on the tree's roots.
Peridot gasped in amazement as she saw the large plant shudder and jerk as it became mobile. Steven then ordered the tree to follow him. Which it did exactly that using its roots as limbs to walk across the snow. This must be his mother's magic at work.
Peridot giggled, "Steven I just saw your injector."
After that she passed out.
Upon seeing Peridot face down in the snow Steven gave a little shriek. Quickly he ordered the tree to pick up the prone gem. Amethyst was freaking out a little saying "She'll be okay," over and over again. Setting his mouth firmly Steven marched straight down to the farmhouse.
Pearl was putting the last touches on a batch of cookies when she saw an unusual sight even for her. Steven and Amethyst leading a walking pine tree straight to the farmhouse but the strangeness didn't stop there. In the trees branches was an unconscious Peridot. The little technician did not look well, her form flickered from exhaustion. The pale gem rushed out of the farmhouse.
"What happened?" Pearl cried.
"I don't know," said Steven allowing himself to cry. "We had just picked this tree when Peridot collapsed. We were having so much fun I don't know what went wrong."
Pearl, however did. It was obvious to anyone who looked, that Peridot was a juvenile with her small stature, stubby limbs and temper tantrums. Being locked in a cold barn, working from morning to night plus the emotional strain of being isolated was not good for an adult gem let alone a child. Not to mention the fact that the little gem was probably starved.
Pearl straightened up, "Everybody get into the car. We're going back to the temple."
The entire group including the tree climbed straight into the car. As Pearl drove she saw what looked like a concerned look coming from the tree.
"Hey look Peridot made a new friend," laughed Amethyst.
When they got there, Pearl ran straight to the feeding chamber inside the rest of the group following her. She gently picked up the green gem and explained the situation.
"Peridot is suffering light starvation. It's to be expected. After months on the run and then working for us she exhausted her energy reserves. She'll be okay she just needs to feed for the day. Afterwards we need to seriously rethink about the way all of us have been treating her."
Once inside the plain white chamber, she ordered the chamber to run at maximum power, laid Peridot down and pulled off her jumpsuit.
Peridot woke to the sound of pounding on the chamber's door. She lay back down hoping it would stop. From the corner of her eye she saw movement. It was Pearl, she had been waiting for her all along and now she was moving towards the chamber door. Peridot shook her head. From outside the technician could hear Greg's muffled voice. Grumbling she shuffled towards the door.
"Sorry Dot Greg just followed me into the temple," apologized the purple gem.
Peridot glared upwards towards a clearly flustered Greg. "What is there something you want?" Greg backed away as Peridot left the chamber. "Tell me Greg do you like me? No, have you tried doing anything nice for me? Well why should I have to help you with your ridiculous holiday duties?"
"Peridot, we all have to make sacrifices for Christmas." Stammered Greg.
The green technician jabbed her finger "Oh and am I going to be involved in this Christmas.?Oh I've been playing the good little elf for all those squalling brats at the mall but it ends now. Did you even ask if I wanted to help you with your new job? No you just packed me away into your van and used me like I was some tool. Did any of you think to let me into the farmhouse, give me a simple cookie or even give me a cup of hot coffee?"
"That's ah hot cocoa."
"Whatever, the point is except for Steven the only time you people even talk to me is if you want something. Amethyst I know that Garnet ordered you to play chaperon for Steven and me during our late night TV sessions."
"I still had fun doing it," muttered the purple Gem.
Peridot's face softened, "Fine what did you want with me?"
"Um me and Steven were wondering if you like to look through my junk pile and find any good stuff to sell?"
Peridot took Steven by the arm. The boy turned a beet red. She turned to Greg and said, "Now if you excuse me, I'm going to do something I enjoy with someone I actually like."
Amethyst burst out laughing, "Peridot you're not wearing any clothes."
"Arrgh fine, I'll get my symbiote."
Greg looked down at his son. There were stars in Steven's eyes. The boy was enjoying this too much. "Hold on bucko I still need an elf."
With the help of Peridot, Pearl and the tree Amethyst found quite the haul of antiques. Leaving the tree at the temple the trio carried the first batch of antiques into town. They found the first antiques store they came to a small little shop called Precious Memories and unloaded their haul.
They left the store laughing. Pearl was counting the money they earned.
"Who would have thought a chamber pot would be in so much demand," said Amethyst.
"And with some refurbishing of your other valuables, we'll be able to make much more," stated Peridot." So Pearl how much did we make?"
Pearl's faced widened in a grin, "Three thousand dollars. With this amount of money alone Christmas is saved. What could possibly go wrong now?"