You hear the door close, quietly picking your head up, you notice Mr. Universe walking out. He rubs his temples viciously, while leaning against the door. Flustered and red as he is, you wonder how he still standing.

Strangely, he doesn't seem to mind your presence, taking a package of cigarettes out of his back pocket, he lights one, and gazes towards the setting sun.

You're shocked at this, you didn't realize he smoked, let alone had the will to buy cigarettes. You want to intervene the silence, but fear what to say.

"I don't want to be mad at them. They gave Steven everything. And I should be grateful for that, but I'm out here killing my lungs, instead of inside making things right." Breathing in the smoke, he releases it, a tear taking over one cheek.

You understand. You get how hard it is not to be mad at the gems, nor at yourself. But here you both are, humans lost and confused without your favorite person. Getting up, you go to place a hand on his shoulder.

He looks down at you, giving you a weak smile. His eyes look just like his. You smile, holding up your other hand, "Human beings?"

His smile turns from weak to gold. Wiping his tears away, and putting out his cigarette, he high fives yours. "Human beings." As you two begin to converse, you retreat back to a time where it was simpler.

"Connie, you really should be at home, and not tangled up in this crap. It's not good for you."

Removing your hand, you trace it back to the sword, and speak with confidence drawn from only it.

"Mr. Universe, forgive me, but it is my business! This 'crap' involves me because I know Steven! Heck, I've fused with him! He's my best friend, who was the only other being that believed in me! And to get him back, I have to be involved in this."

He furrows his eyebrows, a hint of annoyance bubbling inside him. But you knew he couldn't deny you had a point. His son had a soft spot for you, talking about how you had been the most understanding person he'd known. And considering the state the both if you were in, you both held a clear understanding for each other's pain.

Taking himself out of his trance, you noticed his eyes locking yours. He murmurs a few words under his hushed breath, but they seemed unfathomable.

"Mr. Universe? Uh, are you okay?"

He places a hand upon your sword. And your grip tightens.

"Connie please. I know you can fight, and I know your bond is stronger than anything. But you're too young to be involved with any of this. Please, you need to stay away."

Your eyes linger on his. Yanking the sword away, you watch his hand jerking back, and his unscathed face never changing. Running down the stairs, he doesn't seem to chase after you. Just watches, hopelessly.

Stopping, you turn to his view, "Mr. Universe, you'll see. You'll see I'm not just some novelty like everyone else had thought, I know you used to believe in me! But it seems like you've lost faith! Why? Do you think him being gone has only affected you? It involves me too! But-"

"Connie I don't want you to get hurt! Since Steven's gone, who knows what might happen to you! I know your parents would never forgive me, the Gems would blame themselves, and Steven... He'd never, ever, forgive me."

You both stare at each other, weary of what actions you yourself could muster. He walks towards, and reaches out to wipe away tear that mysteriously appeared on your cheek.

He says, "Don't you see?" Flicking away the tear, he backs away.

You do, but you don't want to. You want to help, help the Gems, Steven, Mr. Universe!

But you can't.

And that makes you feel helpless. Helpless that you can't help them at all.

You go to leave, sand filling up your sandals, causing them to make a squeaky sound. Rubbing the sword comforted you. Made you feel calm, and safe.

"Hey," he calls out.

You turn back around, and he smiles.

"I like your hair." Fumbling with one of yoir locks, you thank him, and get back on your way.

Halfway on your journey back to the boardwalk, you go to call your mom. Typing away at the numbers, you hear footsteps coming from behind. Getting louder and louder as you pick up your walking pace.

Panicking, you go in to a full on sprint. But before you realize, its already caught up to you.

Looking behind, you see it. Slowing your pace, you realize it's not a person.

"Lion? You nearly scared me half to death!"

He waddles up to you, nestling his mane under your chin. You return it with a hug, and say, "Are you here to tak-" you're interrupted as he uses his head to lift you upon his back. Readjusting your sword, you put on your back. Safe in its sheathe.

"Thanks, Lion. You remember whe-" interrupted once again, he speeds off, out of Beach City.

"Guess you do."

OoOoOoO

Thank you for still clinging onto this abadoned story guys, I really appreciate it. I just haven't had the best motivation to get another chapter out. But it's okay of you're mad. I get it. I'm not sure when another chapter is coming, but hopefully it won't be almost two months. Anyway, thanks for reading!

Hope you're having a great summer!