The Party

"Can I open my eyes now?" asked Steven as he walked through Funland.

"Not just yet," said Pearl.

It was early evening and Pearl and Bismuth were leading a blindfolded Steven to his party. Ever since Steven got up this morning he could feel himself bursting with anticipation. The Gems had greeted him with his favorite breakfast and then he went with the Gems swimming on Mask Island. The Watermelon Stevens made him King for the day. Even throwing him a small party in his honor using the local fruits to make a small meal. In the middle of his lunch he noticed that some of the gems had left.

"Hey where are Garnet and Amethyst?" asked Steven.

"Hey Steven, you don't think this is your entire party did you?" replied Bismuth. "Garnet, Amethyst and your Dad are organizing the main event at Funland. We're just keeping you busy until they're ready."

When the sun on Mask Island started to set they warped back to the temple. Once Steven got dressed Pearl insisted that he wear a blindfold. Now giggling with anticipation he let himself be guided to the party.

"Okay you can take your blindfold off," said Pearl.

Bursting with anticipation Steven ripped off the blindfold only to be disappointed with the sight before him. His father and the gems had rented out Funland for the day. They had pulled out all the stops with, balloons, piles of food and a huge cake. Even though there were a lot of guests none of his friends were there, no Lars or Sadie, Buck Dewey or even Peedee. The guests were all kids, the oldest being about 12 at the most.

"Happy Birthday Stu ball," cried out Greg as he hugged Steven. "Oh I can't believe my boy is 18."

Some of the party goers looked shocked at this revelation just like Connie did when he turned 14. Sensing discomfort Steven smiled.

"Okay let's get this party started," he announced.

And the party began. There were games, kids' games really. Steven drove the bumper cars a few times as most of his guests were too short to ride the roller coaster. Most of the time he just watched as the kids played on the rides.

"Hey Steven you looked bummed what's the matter?" asked Amethyst.

"Well I know you went to a lot of trouble but honestly I don't know most of these guests. I was hoping some of my friends like Sadie, Lars and Connie would be here," sighed Steven.

"Ohh you miss Connie don't you? Well don't worry Steeman Connie's coming over later tonight. Now how about we get some grub."

When Steven got to the buffet he was disappointed. He looked down at what there was kids' food essentially hot dogs, pizza, chips and popcorn to name a few. All there was to drink was soda. Where was the steak, the canapes? Even some iced tea would have been nice. This party was beginning to blow big time.

His hopes were raised a little when he saw Connie and her new boyfriend come in. Pushing the kids aside Connie handed Steven a small present.

"Happy Birthday Steven, we got this just for you," she said proudly.

After thanking her, Steven ripped off the wrapping paper. Only to be disappointed again. The present was expensive, a video game but Steven was way too old to be playing Super Bubble Brothers pro. When he looked up he saw Connie smiling up at him as if nothing was wrong. He let her hug him as she wished him a happy birthday. Then she was off to more mature pursuits.

He smiled diplomatically as the guests gave him present after present toys mostly. Just as Steven thought he couldn't take one more toy he heard Garnet shouting. The cube headed gem was pushing against what looked like a tiny car with a bow on it?

"Let me through, I have a present for Steven," yelled Peridot from inside the car.

"I told you to leave you're not welcome here," shouted Garnet. The fusion formed her gauntlet and smashed the little car pulling Peridot out.

"Garnet let her go," cried Steven as he rushed towards the pair. "I invited Peridot myself."

Garnet frowned and dropped the little gem on the ground. As Peridot dusted herself off, Steven could see that she had indeed worn the dress that he had bought for her.

"Happy Birthday and here's your present," said Peridot as her little car collapsed in a pile.

"Uh thanks Peri what was it?" asked Steven.

"It was a battery powered three wheeled single-person mini car. This baby was street legal but required no driver's license to operate, so you could drive it right away. At least until that clod Garnet ruined it."

"Hey no problem. I'm just glad you can make it. Come over to the buffet and get yourself something to eat."

Peridot attacked the buffet like a starving man, at least she was enjoying herself. When Peridot had finished eating Steven invited her to dance. As the music played Peridot leaned onto him as they danced. Steven felt funny but in a good way. All to soon the moment ended.

"All right everybody it's time for the Birthday Cake," called out Pearl.

As Bismuth carried the cake in the guests sang a ragged Happy Birthday. The cake lit by 18 candles was a huge slab cake, a kiddie cake. To make matters worse Bismuth was dressed like a clown. Steven couldn't take it anymore. He rose up from his seat.

"Alright stop right there. This is enough. I'm eighteen not ten but you keep treating me like a child. Well enough is enough I'm going," shouted Steven.

Greg and the gems stood still as Steven ran off crying. Peridot was about to follow when Garnet held her back.

"Let go me you cube headed clod," shouted Peridot as she twisted in Garnet's grip.

"No Steven needs to be alone right now," said Garnet.

"After this disaster I doubt you know what Steven needs."

Peridot then pulled herself out of Garnet's grip but not before tearing her dress. Ignoring the others, she ran off into the night.

Peridot found Steven under the old docks crying. Sensing movement Steven sat up.

"Go away I really don't want to talk to anyone right now."

"Not even to me?" out of the darkness came the form of Peridot.

"Peridot!" cried Steven. "You're hurt."

Peridot's dress was torn. Bruises were forming at her shoulder but the little gem didn't seem to mind. She walked up slowly to Steven and held him.

"I'm sorry your party was a bust. I know how you feel that you're being left behind. You needed a rite of passage not this fiasco. The gems and your father may not see you as an adult but I do."

"Peridot?"

"Steven I'm in love with you. I always have been."

She wrapped her arms around and kissed him. Steven eagerly responded. As Steven opened his mouth Peridot's little tongue flicked inside his mouth. He felt warm all over as his hands roamed over Peridot's body. All too soon Steven came up for air.

"Wow," was the only word he could say.

"Hey Steven how about we go through another rite of passage?"

Steven's reply was to pull her onto the sand and kiss her again.