Day 5 Celebrations

Steven woke up the next morning with a smile. The talk he had with Thean he had the nigh before was something he needed to hear. Knowing he wasn't the only one who was worried about everything else somehow soothed him. He got out of bed and took a quick shower before quickly changing into his regular clothes. Once finished, he went into the kitchen and made the sudden realization that he was alone. No one, not even the Crystal Gems were home. At first, Steven didn't think much of it, and chose to simply go about his day until he came across someone he knew. After about half an hour into breakfast and no sign of anyone showing up, he chose to go look for anyone throughout the house. As Steven opened the door to walk out of the house, the sunlight shined directly into his eyes, painfully causing him to flinch momentarily.

"Ah!" He yelped and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to make the pain and eye tricks go away. Once he managed to do so, he looked out once more and couldn't believe what he saw. "Woooa..."

Throughout the entire coast of Beach city, some sort of party was being held. Not just any party, but a really wild one. One so large that there appeared to be more people than sand. Steven saw so many people doing so many different things wearing such colorful party clothes. Many were dancing, others were singing, some were sparring, drinking, eating, playing music, cooking food, it was overall a sight to behold among the beaches of an otherwise calm and mundane city.

"Looks like someone finally woke up." Thean said behind him. Steven turned around and saw Thean wearing very casual clothing, a red shirt with flame patterns and blue swim trunks.
"What's going on?!" Steven asked excitedly with his eyes forming stars.
"It's our last party." Thean said nonchalantly.
"Last party?" Steven asked in confusion.
"Yup. After today, everything is going to change. So the Samaritans are spending all day today partying. And tomorrow, and day after that, it is back to business as usual." Thean said with a smile.
"Wait! So all those people down there are Samaritans?!" Steven exclaimed in wonder and surprise at the realization.
"Yeah, do you know any other group of people that came to Beach City recently?" Thean teased and began to walk down the stairs. "Also, I took the liberty of sending Connie a message from your phone inviting her and her parents to the party." He said and tossed Stevens phone back to him. Steven caught effortlessly, surprising himself and Thean. "Looks like your training is finally paying off." Thean complimented and went ahead to join in on the fun.

Steven looked down at his phone, and even though Thean sent a message to Connie, he wasn't comically mad or annoyed, but simply smiled. Figuring out he would have invited Connie out anyway. Steven began to dial Connie's number and after a few rings, she picked up.

"Steven! Good morning!" Connie exclaimed happily through the phone, causing Steven to smile.
"Good morning Connie! Did you get the text?" Steven replied.
"I did! Thanks for inviting me and my parents! Mayor Dewey told my dad he could have the day off and said that this party being thrown by his and Thean's group. It sounds like it's gonna be an awesome party!" Connie informed him excitedly.
"Yeah, from where I am standing, I can totally tell that this party is going to be the best one we're ever gonna be in!" He said excitedly.
"That sounds awesome! I'm gonna meet you up at your house, is that ok?" She asked.
"Actually, with the crowded beach its better that I meet up with you and your parents. heheh." Steven chuckled softly as he saw just how hectic the Beach was.
"Aw, you're sweet Steven. Where should we meet you guys?" She smiled at his consideration.
"Uhh...I'll see if I can get my dad to drive us to meet you, if all else fails, I'll get Lion to help me and meet you through him." Steven planned and explained.
"Sounds like a plan. See you in a bit, Steven." She said and smiled.
"See ya too." Steven said and they both hung up their phones.


As Steven was making his way through the crowds, he was becoming more and more frustrated at how difficult it was to maneuver through it. He wondered how this was going to be like for Connie. He remembered being fused with her and how uncomfortable it made them when they were the center of attention. He knew he had to be careful with Connie and prevent any unwanted attention from this many people. Though from the way that everyone was partying and doing one thing or another, it seemed relatively fine to go off undetected.

As he kept avoiding everyone's feet, he could see Thean drinking and partying with Fasha, Saif, Ranjeet, Juba, and Ivan. They were dancing and laughing amongst each other. He quickly made his way against hill so he could make his way through the crowd easier to make it to his dad's car wash. As he kept moving, he couldn't help but notice that Saif had subtlety dragged Thean away from the group and began to dance intimately with him. Pressing her body softly against Thean's, causing Steven to blush at her movements. It wasn't that he wanted to see, he just couldn't look away. For curiosity of his friend Thean, and for a growing boy's interest in the opposite gender. Steven made sure that he was out of sight from them.

"I miss you sometimes, you know." Saif explained to him. This interested Steven as he only knew that Thean and her had some sort of history that was hidden in the dark.
"I don't honestly." Thean admitted. "What we did was in the past, and that's that. Let's leave it at that." Thean said, looking rather impatient.
"You don't have to be a jerk about it. I never really liked this side of you." She pouted playfully, which only made Thean frown more than he was.
"You're the one that broke the other parts." He near spat at her. "What we had shouldn't even have happened. Hell, we were barely anything to even begin with." He said with anger bordering in his voice, but still keeping a low profile so as not to create a commotion among the other Samaritans.
"Look, we can have our fun on our last day, or you can be like this. Your choice." She retaliated slightly and held his arm, yet no one turned, whether out of avoiding in getting involved or just not hearing them.
"I choose not to get involved with you the same way twice." He reminded. "Besides, you're the one that ended things and I chose not to let it get the best of me." He jerked his hand away from hers.
"We were kids!" She yelled louder in a last attempt to convince him. "We were young and I wanted to have fun before missions." She said and looked at him hoping he'd agree with her. Thean crossed his arms.
"Just like now?" He said and walked away, leaving Saif speechless. As he walked away from her he noticed Steven was listening in on them and made his way to him. Steven tried to look for an immediate way out of the situation. But Thean managed to catch up to him. "Steven. Whatcha up to?" He asked as if he hadn't had the conversation with Saif just now.
"I-I was heading off to find my dad to go meet up with Connie and her parents and lead them to the party." Steven said, not knowing really how to react after witnessing the Thean and Saif's encounter.
"I'll join you." He said and they both began to walk toward Greg's Car Wash. Steven couldn't help but wonder and worry about his and Connie's friendship. Thean noticed his reaction and sighed. "Look Steven. Don't let this get to you. Ok? That was between us." He advised. Only Steven was already thinking about it.


Once Steven and Thean made it to the Car Wash, they saw that Greg was playing his guitar and singing in front of some Samaritans, all of which were listening intently and in wonder. Steven couldn't have been more happy for his father, as he was told how as a rockstar he wasn't very successful. Even Thean acknowledged this smiled for Greg who had grown fond of as a friend.

"You know, I think dad's busy right now, do you want to just get Lion to take us to meet up Connie?" Steven asked.
"Sure." Thean said smiling and seemingly out of nowhere, Lion appeared shortly and allowed them both to mount him.

As they rode, Steven wondered more and more about Connie. From what he heard, he could tell that at some point Thean and Saif were good friends, but he didn't know just how good. If they like him and Connie, then he had more reason to worry, if not then he still worried because they adults and wondered if that was what adulthood was going to be like. Suddenly, Steven found himself losing interest in the party bit by bit. As Lion continued to sprint down the empty streets of Beach City, they finally came across an all to familiar and single car driving down the road. Steven smiled and waved at the Maheswarans car.

"Hey! I know a spot where you guys can park, follow us." He said and lead them just outside his dad's carwash. The Maheswarans got out and greeted Thean and Steven. "Hey guys! I'm glad you could make it." He said as he and Thean extended their hands out to Connie's parents.
"Well, this seemed like a nice place to attend. As long as Connie is safe with you." Mr. Maheswaran said as he admitted his confidence in Steven.
"Trust me, there's nothing to worry about sir." Thean confirmed. "In fact, let's catch up, I want to talk to you about the day we met. I may have created a farce introducing myself as Steven's half-brother." Thean admitted, not surprising the Maheswaran's.
"Is that so?" Connie's mother asked in a less than surprised tone.

As they were talking, Steven and Connie have already snuck out to the party giggling and laughing as they ran around looking at all of the festivities. Connie was more than happy to have participated with Steven. Recently, she has been thinking more and more about the upcoming battle with Homeworld, and the more she did, there was not another person she'd rather be with. She felt safest with Steven, but her emotions did come into question. She found herself not only wanting to be close to him during battle, but she found herself wanting to be closer to him. Closer than fusion. Connie didn't necessarily understand her own feelings just yet, but she was realizing that here feelings for him were bordering more and more above friendship alone. She thought about whether or not she should act on her feelings before the battle happened. She didn't want something to have happened to either of them in the fight that would result in not doing something now that couldn't be done afterwards.

Steven on the other hand, was still worrying over the argument that Thean and Saif had. He certainly didn't want him and Connie to end up like that. From what he saw in their encounter, was that they were both intimate in ways that he didn't understand. And the less he understood, the more he thought that he would mess it up with Connie like Thean and Saif did. He certainly knew he liked Connie more than just a friend, but the risk of engaging in something that could jeopardize their friendship was something that he didn't want to try. The mere idea of Connie rejecting him, or them having an argument like Thean and Saif scared him. For the moment and during the battle he thought that he should just be friends with Connie and only after the battle make a decision on their relationship. At the moment, risking it wasn't something that he thought should happen.

As they both made their way through the crowds, they got food and drinks and turned to the skies when fireworks began to go off.

"Woah!" They both exclaimed in excitement as Steven's eyes formed stars and Connie's diamonds. They both suddenly turned to one another and blushed before Steven looked away in worry and noticed someone handing out fliers, he and Connie were given one each.
"A special song is going to be performed later tonight. If you have any of the following instruments, you're welcome to play the following notes to the song. If you can't play, don't worry, you can dance." Connie read out the flier in excitement. "Steven this is great! Instruments include a ukele and a violin! This is perfect!" She smiled and looked at Steven, who chuckled nervously.
"That sounds awesome! You brought your violin?" Steven asked.
"Yeah, dad has an extra one for me in his car if I ever forget my other one at home." She blushed, not really wanting to be associated with being forgetful.
"Well, it was good idea." He complimented and chuckled as she did so. "So where do you wanna go to now?" He asked.
"Hmm..." Connie pondered and looked around and pointed down to under the peer. "There! It's getting a bit crowded and I need some room." She admitted and took Steven by the hand, causing him to blush and follow. When they arrived, they sat by a support beam and placed their food down.

"So...things get pretty serious tomorrow..." Steven admitted and sighed, but wasn't panicking. If anything, he felt more relaxed with Connie. He was honest with her.
"Yeah...a battle huh? It seems only a few weeks ago we were only playing around in your mom's room..." Connie said reminiscing happily but then sighed. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk to him about what was on her mind. "I was actually wondering where we go from here Steven..?" She admitted.
"Huh..? Well we just do our part in the mission and use our training..." Steven said quickly, he very well knew what Connie meant, but he still wanted to avoid this topic.
"Steven..." Connie frowned sadly. "I want to know about us...I don't want to go to war tomorrow with you and come back without you...or you without me." She was honest and placed her hand over Steven's. As soon as her hand touched his, an image of Thean and Saif arguing flashed across his mind and caused him to unintentionally move his hand away from hers, causing Connie to immediately regret doing that. "I'm...sorry." She was about to stand up when suddenly Steven reached out for Connie.
"No Connie, wait..." He looked up apologetically and sighed as he got up as well. "Earlier today...I saw Thean talk with a girl...and from what I saw...they were pretty close...but they argued and I guess I'm pretty shaken up about that...I just don't want to do something that would drastically change our friendship...I don't want to this to be a mistake Connie..." He looked down as he began to get teary eyed. Steven didn't know how Connie would react to his confession, but when she sat back down with him, he smiled at her decision to stay.
"Steven...I trust you wholeheartedly. I know that you want what's best for us...I honestly wanted to...I guess move up from our friendship into...something more. But if you don't think it's a good idea right now...I trust your judgement." She sighed in defeat. A pang of guilt and regret swept through Steven's chest, causing him to stand up defiantly.
"Connie! I want to take our friendship above and beyond...I just don't want us to end up like Thean and Saif...the way they argued...I don't want us to be like that!" He exclaimed, and Connie stood up as well.
"Then let's not let it!" She exclaimed teary eyed like him and both of them looked into each other's eyes with a sort of determination unseen before in the other's eyes. "You're my best friend and I trust you!" She proclaimed, really hoping that she could convince him.
"I won't but...It's a lot to think about Connie..." He sighed. "I have the same feelings...but right now, I don't think it's a good idea to be involved like that, especially with what we're going to face tomorrow." He sighed and looked away, this caused Connie to frown sadly.
"You sound like Thean." She mumbled out loud.
"..." Steven's eyes widened at the horrifying realization. He just caused what he dreaded wouldn't happen, a rift. He didn't realize it until Connie said it and really looked hard at their conversation. He let his fear get the better of them. He couldn't have felt any lower. He clenched his fist and noticed his tears began to fall and heard Connie sob softly behind him.
"I'm sorry..." She apologized sincerely. "I shouldn't have said that...I was being selfish." She confessed.
"No...you're right...I'm sorry..." He sat down next to her and held her hand. "I care about you Connie. I really do. You're my best friend and I trust you more than anyone else." He spoke softly and let Connie lay her head on his shoulder in consolation.
"I care about you too. I just don't want to miss out on something we could have today that we won't be able to have in the future." She repeated and kissed Steven's cheek. "But we can wait." She held onto him tightly, and he did as well with her.
"Thanks." He kissed her forehead.

For a while, they stayed like that in each other's hold, looking at the fireworks and listening to the songs being played at the party. They continued to talk about their feelings and history as friends. They were both smiling happily as they forgot about their conversation just a few moments ago.

"I think the final song of the night is about to play in a few minutes, should we get our instruments?" Connie asked.
"Yes. I really want to know what this song sounds like." Steven said and they both got up. "Connie?" He asked.
"Yes?" She looked to him with blushing hope.
"When this is over...I want to take you out." He said more so than asked, causing Connie to smile and tear in joy.
"I would very much enjoy that." She smiled and hugged him as they each went to get their instruments separately.


Steven just picked up his Ukele and made his way back to the beach and noticed that many Samaritans were standing and others were holding instruments and sitting on the sand softly. He looked to where Connie was, hoping he could sit with her. He noticed her and she waved at him and they eventually met up together. Once they caught up together they sat down together and took out the flyer they were given.

"So what song do you think this is?" She asked Steven. Before he could answer, Thean was standing behind them.
"It's called Lazulai. Its an folk song passed down from the first Samaritans. It truly is a favorite amongst all of us." Thean said. They both looked up to see him in surprise.
"You know this song?" Steven asked.
"Know it? It's my favorite!" Thean said happily and nuggied him. Causing both teens to laugh.
"What's it about?" Connie asked in interest.
"It's about an angel of the sea. Listen to the lyrics and you'll see what I'm talking about." He said, Steven noticed that he was sitting down.
"Are you going to dance, Thean?" He asked.
"You bet!" He said as he began to join the rest of the standing Samaritans.

Steven and Connie looked up and noticed that Saif approached Thean. Both teens began to worry at what the sight might turn into, and Steven definitely did not want to bare witness to something like that again. They began to talk but Steven and Connie couldn't hear what they were talking about, but from the looks of it, Saif wasn't bothering Thean and he wasn't being hostile, they were just having a civil conversation. Their interaction seem to have ended and they shook hands and smiled before hugging. Steven and Connie smiled at the display, and this made Steven feel better about his relationship with Connie. He wasn't going to be like Thean. He held Connie's hand one final time and they shared one last look before everyone began to prepare to play and they quickly went to their instruments.

The song began with a soft, soothing bell ringing twice and the dancing Samaritans were moving smoothly in a synchronized fashion. Each one keeping their distance until an upbeat rhythm began to play. And almost all of them sang

Merrily we sailed along
Though the waves were plenty strong
Down the twisted Ocean blue
Following a song

The Samaritans began to move smoothly in their own independent circle in perfect synchronization.

Legend's faded history
Fared a warning to us all
Oh they called her 'Lazulai'
Careful or you'll fall

Many of them began to join in two's to begin form a more elegant dance with one another.

Oh the stories we were told
Quite a vision to behold
Mysteries of the seas
In her eyes of coal

It was then that Steven began to understand that this song must have been about Lapis.

Flying through the azure skies
Such a lonely sight
Stormy clouds become her throne
That poor Lazulai

Steven was coming to an understanding he hadn't thought of Lapis before. Was she truly this lonely even before she was entrapped in that mirror.

'You won't believe what you have seen
From her blue sky water wings
She was born the Ocean queen
Ne'er to grace a friend

Steven began look to the ocean and promised himself that he would bring Lapis back and show her the friendship and kindness that she hasn't experienced. As he continued to play, the dancing looked like it was picking up rhythm and speed as were the notes on the sheets.

And the winds will cry
And many men will die
And all the waves would bow down
To the Lazulai

Thean was dancing with Saif and let her be his partner for this dance. He didn't think much of it. What they had was over, and he preferred to have been on good terms with the woman that was in front of him. He bore no grudge or ill will, he simply wanted Steven to see that he could get along with her, since he knew it got to him.

And the winds will cry
And many men will die
And all the waves would bow down
To the Lazulai

As the song was nearing its end, everyone was playing, singing, and dancing faster than all night. The intensity of the song sparked a cheer and beautiful camaraderie among everyone that it truly made the best party ever.

And the winds will cry
And many men will die
And all the waves would bow down
To the Lazulai


I have to honest with you guys, this was probably the hardest chapter i've written for this series, I debated a lot on whether some content stayed on and what got scrapped, especially since I had this song in mind for this scene for the longest time and was worried I couldn't execute it well. But for the time I have put on it, I feel comfortable with this chapter and really hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I had fun writing it. Also, I did my own modifications to Blackmore's Night's Loreley, but i really do think it fits with Lapis Lazuli's character.