Chapter 15: Love

A new day had arrived at Beach City but this time it was very early in the morning, many of the stores were still closed and many people were still asleep or were just getting up and because of this the streets were almost empty except for Kiki who was in her daily routine running and for another human.

That human was Steven and he was heading towards his house at full speed, without realizing it he was approaching Kiki and she noticed with the naked eye that Steven was very tired and sweaty which made her worry a little "Hey Steven You're good?" Steven ignored her completely and kept running, making Kiki's concern grow.

When Steven finally arrived at his house, he opened the door so hard that he even made a crack in the glass and surprising Spinel who was preparing a coffee, he went up the stairs at full speed and in a jiffy, he lay down on his bed and the tears didn't wait to start falling.

Spinel walked up the stairs slowly knowing perfectly well why Steven was like this and that is why she had to measure her words so that everything would go according to her plan "Steven ... are you okay?" she had a cup of coffee with her and approached the bed "I brought you a cup of coffee as you like with three tablespoons of sugar"

Steven did not react and continued to lie on his stomach while his pillow moistened with tears, Spinel knew that this would be the result of making Connie break with him and even having seen how he got the night before she could not help but feel horrible to see Steven that way.

"Listen if you want me to leave you alone then I will" Spinel left the cup of coffee in the furniture and continued to leave the room but something stopped her, when she noticed she saw that Steven was holding her hand "Do you want me to stay?"

Steven just nodded and Spinel sat on the floor leaning back on the bed without letting go of Steven's hand "I'll stay as long as you want" Spinel was silent listening to how Steven kept crying while she had a small smile drawn on her face knowing that her plan was succeeding.

(An hour later)

Both were still in the same position and Steven was already calming down and his crying was weaker than when he started although he was still face down, Spinel was so concentrated holding Steven's hand that she did not feel that an hour had passed, at that moment Steven turned his head to the side "She left"

Spinel heard Steven say something, but he did it in such a low voice that she could barely hear it "What did you say?" Spinel got down on her knees and brought her face close to Steven's so he could hear "She left me" his voice was cracked, and his eyes were swollen from crying "Who left you?"

"Connie left me last night" saying that made a few tears run down Steven's face "She leave you?" Spinel pretended to be extremely surprised by the news, Steven only responded with a nod of his head "How did that happen?" Spinel was a little scared to ask that question because she didn't know if it was the right choice "She just... called me and... and..."

Steven couldn't finish the sentence because the pain of remembering that was too great "Didn't she even have the dignity to tell you in person?" this was Spinel's perfect opportunity to make Connie look worse and she was going to take advantage of it "When I got... to her house... they were already gone" with much effort Steven managed to finish that sentence.

"Look I don't know if this makes you feel better but I know perfectly how you feel" Steven looked with some curiosity at Spinel for what she said and she continued speaking having caught his attention "I know how it feels to believe that you will be with someone all your life and that from one moment to the next it will disappear forever" for some reason knowing that someone else had been through the same thing and understood his pain made Steven draw a small smile.

"I guess that... makes us both experts in abandonment" Steven spoke with a little more energy, both looked directly into each other's eyes for a moment and out of nowhere they started laughing "Hahaha it's not how I thought it would be, but the result was the same Do you feel better already?" it couldn't be tell but that little laugh made Steven's spirits go up a lot "Yeah I feel a little better already, thanks Spinel"

Spinel stood up and placed her hands on her waist "Well you better get ready because this is just the beginning, I will make sure you have the best day of your life and when you least expect it you will no longer be suffering from what happened with Connie"

Steven's smile grew bigger and his mood was improving "Then I better get ready, I don't want to go outside in these conditions" Steven finally got up and sat on the edge of the bed "Nonsense, it doesn't matter in what condition are you, you always look very handsome "after saying that, it took Spinel a few seconds to process what she had just said and her face soon turned red.

Steven also blushed a lot, both were totally silent and neither of them knew what to say until Spinel finally spoke "I think the best... is that I go and prepare the things" while Spinel said that she was slowly retreating walking backwards "Yes and I... I will take a shower that I really need"

Both were looking at any part of the room in order to avoid looking into each other's eyes because of the shame they felt "Then I'll see you in a while" with that said Spinel ran out of the room leaving Steven alone trying to process everything that had just ended to happen "Okay"

(A few minutes later)

Spinel was in the middle of the Little Homeworld and was catching her breath from how quickly she ran out of the house "I can't believe I said that out of the blue" her face was turning red just remembering that moment "Okay Spinel take it easy, this is the chance you set up to win Steven's heart so don't screw it up"

Spinel lightly slapped his cheeks twice with both hands to mentally prepare herself "Okay, the most important thing is to have something romantic ready for the night, but I will need help with that" while Spinel thought about who could help her with the romantic affair, she observed that Lapis was passing near her "Bingo"

Who better to help Spinel with a romantic gesture than someone planning to get married, Spinel approached Lapis with moderate speed so as not get tired again "Lapis, Lapis!" Lapis turned to look for who was calling her and when she saw that it was Spinel, she was happy "Hello Spinel, it is good to see you here"

"It's good to be here, and tell me what are you doing?" Spinel knew she had to start a casual conversation before asking her for such an important favor "I'm just going around the place to clear my mind, remember I'm going to ask Peridot for marriage in a few days" Lapis couldn't help but blush a bit from the idea of getting married "I'm not going to forget something so important, just remember to invite me to the wedding"

"Don't worry, I'll give you a seat up front, by the way How are you doing with your love affair?" Lapis was very curious to know how Spinel was doing in her romantic affairs, which was very practical for her "It's good that you mention that because that's precisely what I wanted to talk about with you"

"So, you made progress, you have to tell me everything but not here" Lapis's emotion was so much that she was almost screaming "Come with me, I know the perfect place where we can talk" Lapis took Spinel's hand and started running to who knows where while pulling Spinel "Hey not so fast"

(…)

Steven was taking a shower to be ready for when Spinel returned, he believed that he could not get Connie out of his head but to his surprise the only thing he could think of was spending the day with Spinel, since the party the other night he thought more in Spinel and how beautiful she looked than in Connie.

Remembering Spinel made Steven blush and began to think about how she would look with other outfits until at one point he wondered what she would look like with less clothes than usual, Steven's face became a tomato on that thinking "What am I thinking about? Spinel is my friend and I shouldn't have that kind of thoughts"

Steven said to himself that they were just friends "That's right, she's just my friend" the sadness was returning to him, he knew that something between him and Spinel was almost impossible, but the question was why that made him sad if he had no feelings beyond friendship.

Steven reacted and slapped himself "React Steven you shouldn't be like this, Spinel is trying hard to brighten your day" with that in his mind Steven continued with his shower but this time more cheerful.

(…)

Spinel and Lapis were sitting at one of the tables outside of a small cafeteria and they were both having a milkshake "Now that we are sitting you have to tell me everything" Lapis's smile couldn't be bigger

"Well, you see, the day that you and I met, I was determined to tell him my feelings, but something happened that I did not expect and at that moment I thought I could never have anything with him" while Spinel was telling her story Lapis was paying close attention while drinking her milkshake.

"Then the next day there was a situation with the diamonds and to avoid making a long story I managed to convince them to stay and live on Earth and that gave me the courage I needed" Lapis was so focused that she had not realized it was over her milkshake and she was just sucking air.

"Now I am planning to declare my love to him today and for that I need your help" Lapis froze when he heard Spinel say that she wanted her help "We are going out and I want to end the day with a romantic gesture but I don't know much about it so I wanted to know if you can help me prepare something special for the night "

Slowly a smile was drawing on Lapis's face "For... my... stars... Of course, I will help you!" Lapis was so happy that Spinel asked hers for help that he stood up and hit the table hard, almost throwing the things on it "Do you know where you want to do it? How are you going to tell him? What do you plan to wear?"

Lapis was flooding Spinel with questions who was feeling overwhelmed "Lapis please one question at a time" Lapis realized the scene she was creating and when she turned to her surroundings, she noticed that everyone who was passing by the place were watching "I'm sorry"

Lapis felt very embarrassed and sat down with her head hoping to disappear from the sight of everyone, after a few moments all those who were in the place continued their way "I expected you to help me, but I did not imagine that enthusiasm"

"Sorry but knowing that I can help you find love moved me more than I thought" Spinel was surprised that Lapis was so excited to help her "You don't have to apologize, you just surprised me" an awkward little silence formed between them as Spinel sipped her milkshake, the instant she tasted it her pupils took on the shape of a star and she finished it in a matter of seconds.

"I think you liked it" they both laughed at Lapis's comment and the atmosphere relaxed "Hahaha I can't help it I love sweet things... then will you help me?" now that Lapis was calmer, she wouldn't be bombarded with questions "I'll help you with whatever you want What do you need me to do?"

"All I need is for you to help me prepare something romantic on the cliff of the temple, more precisely next to the lighthouse" Lapis made a mocking face because she knew perfectly well what Spinel was planning "I know what you are up to, you plan to declare yourself to that person with the sunset in front of you and if everything goes well it will be the perfect time for you two to kiss"

Spinel couldn't help but blush at the idea of kissing Steven, although she wanted it with all her being she couldn't help but feel a bit of shame "That's exactly what I want" Spinel spoke while her gaze was focused on the floor and she played with her fingers which made Lapis mourn.

"Don't worry, I know exactly what I should do and I assure you that by the end of the day you and that special person will be kissing and who knows... maybe you will get to something else" Lapis said that last part with a mischievous voice "What do you mean by coming up with something else?" for good or bad luck Spinel did not know what she meant.

"You are too innocent but don't worry, you'll understand what I mean when the time comes" Spinel was only left with the doubt but she knew that it would be useless to try to find out what she was talking about so she better decided not to continue with it "So at what time do you think you'll have that ready?

"I don't think it will take me more than a couple of hours, by the time you arrive at sunset everything will be ready and whether you want to or not, you can keep the credit for that" Spinel could not believe what Lapis said, besides that she was helping without asking for anything in exchange, she was giving her permission to keep the credit for what she was going to do.

Spinel couldn't help crying a little "Hey, are you okay? Why are you crying?" Lapis was a little worried to see Spinel cry and for a moment she thought it was because of something she had said "I'm fine it's just ... I'm happy to know that there is finally someone I can call a real friend" Lapis couldn't feel more moved by the words of Spinel "And I am happy that you consider me your friend"

As if they had read their minds, they asked for another round of milkshakes but this time they took them more calmly "And before you leave, I better give you some quick explanations, so you will be ready for tonight" and with that Lapis went on to explain various things about romantic matters.

(…)

Steven was already dressed in his daily clothes and ready to go, he was just waiting for Spinel to return to start the day of fun, he was sitting in one of the couches in the living room and while he was waiting, he was looking at the photos on his cell phone.

While going through the photos, he reached the folder where he had his photos with Connie and could not help being sad when remembering all the good times that he had with her, Steven wanted to open the folder but he knew that doing so would only make him more sad and he would start crying again so he refrained from opening it and decided to put his phone away.

At that moment Spinel slammed the door open causing the glass to crack even further "Who's ready for a fun-filled day?!" Seeing Spinel so excited made Steven leave that sadness "You came back faster than I expected"

"Well then if you want, I can come back later" Spinel was not offended but pretended to be to play a little joke on Steven "Wait don't go!" the joke worked as Steven got nervous and believed that Spinel would really leave.

"Hahaha easy Steven I'm just playing" Spinel's intention was to cheer Steven up and it worked "Okay you got me, for a moment I thought you were really mad, so what do you have planned for today?" Steven stood up and approached Spinel who was still at the door.

"I have so many things planned that I don't know if we will manage to do everything so we will simply go to what is closest to us" Steven did not know if it was a good or bad idea not to have a concrete plan to spend the day but due to the recent events he gave it little importance and decided to follow Spinel's idea without hesitation.

"Then let's get started" without wasting time Spinel wrapped her arms in Steven and lifted him up to carry him "Spinel you don't have to do this, I can walk alone" Spinel ignored him and continued to run out of the house to start the day of fun.

(…)

The first stop they made was at the beach "Why are we on the beach?" Steven wondered what they were doing there "I was digging around a bit and discovered that humans like to create figures with the sand from the beaches so I thought this would be a great way to distract you from what happened" Steven didn't expected to start with that but it was not a bad thing "Well, I must admit that it is indeed a great idea you had but can I ask you for a favor?"

"Sure, whatever you want" Spinel was willing to accept whatever Steven asked her, after all this day was dedicated to him "Do you think you can put me down?" Spinel was still carrying Steven and when she realized that she had not lowered him, she got a little shy "Oops, sorry I forgot" Spinel lowered Steven and shook him a little.

"Don't worry about it but tell me how long you plan for us to be here?" Steven liked the idea of making some sand castles but was worried that they would spend too much time there and not do the rest of the things "I was planning an hour maximum, so we can show off our sand building skills"

"It seems perfect to me" at that moment both separated a little and began to build their castles although they both thought of doing something else instead of castles.

(…)

After the hour, they were both done and ready to show off their sand sculpture skills, Steven had made a one-meter replica of the temple statue and it was very well detailed and had he missed the details it would have been bigger.

"I'm done" Steven was proud of his work and was ready to show it off "I'm also done" Spinel was also finished and when Steven turned to see what she had done, his jaw dropped.

Spinel had made a three-meter sculpture of Steven, he had his arms on his waist as if he were posing like a hero but the curious thing about the sculpture is that Steven was not wearing anything on top and his muscles were very well defined.

"Why did you make a sculpture of me?" Steven was curious to know why on earth the sculpture was about him "The truth is that I started making a figure of myself but at some point, you crossed my mind and I decided to create a statue to symbolize your heroism" Spinel could be seen very proud of the result.

"I understand why you did it but why am I without a shirt?" Steven was more concerned about being without a shirt "Because that way anyone can see your big muscles" Steven did not realize that Spinel's pupils were shaped like a heart while admiring his sculpture "But I'm not even muscular, in fact I am a little overweight"

Steven didn't realize that his words were hurting Spinel "Don't you like it?" Spinel believed that Steven had disliked the sculpture she had made of him and was on the verge of tears "Of course I like it, I even feel very flattered that you see me in that heroic way"

Steven knew that a few simple words would not be enough, so he came up with an idea "I know! What do you think if we take a photo in front of our sculptures to commemorate this moment?" the idea was successful because Spinel was immediately happy "I would love to!"

Both stood in front of the sculpture of Steven, the human put his arm on Spinel's shoulder, which made her blush a little, while she made a peace sign with both hands "Very well now say Sand"

"Sand!" * click

(…)

Several hours had already passed and the whole day was full of fun for the cheerful duo, after playing in the sand they went to the amusement park where they went directly to the big attractions such as the rotating cups and the roller coaster, although the second was plus a whim of Spinel who was left with the desire of the previous time they were there.

From there they went to the forest where they took advantage of the large open space to play many things such as tag and hide and seek and obviously Spinel had all the advantage, then they both had lunch at the pizza shop where they stayed longer than expected since they got too much into the stories they were telling and each of the places where they went had their picture taken to commemorate the occasion.

It was already beginning to get the sun and Spinel had her hands over Steven's eyes as she guided him to the location that Lapis had prepared "By the wind and the inclination of the road I know we are going to the cliff of the temple Why do I have to be blinded?"

"You surprised me the first time you took me there, so now it's my turn" both Steven and Spinel were excited to see the surprise that she had to end the day, the rest of the way they continued in silence, but it was not uncomfortable.

When they finally reached the end the first one to gasp was Spinel "Wow, Lapis really got over this" Spinel was so shocked she hadn't taken her hands-off Steven's eyes "Will I be spending the rest of the day like this or can I see?" Steven's question was more of a game than a serious one.

"Sorry I forgot" Spinel removed her hands and Steven could admire the stage that was in front of him, it was a square table that was covered with a red tablecloth and had two chairs at the sides with a heart in the back, in in the center of the table was a lighted oil lantern next to two glass goblets and a bottle of orange juice in a steel bucket filled with ice, the table was covered by a folding white awning and everything was surrounded by candles that formed a heart and all that was decorated with the sunset as a background.

It was a scene worthy of a romance movie and they were both genuinely surprised "Spinel, did you do that?" she was about to tell him the truth but she remembered what Lapis told her about being able to keep the credit, she thinked about it for a moment and decided to listen to her "Yes, I did it. Do you like it?"

"It is incredible" both were admiring the stage for a few seconds until they decided to take a seat, Steven as a gentleman offered Spinel to sit first so that he could accommodate the chair and he continued to sit down "I can't believe you did all this on your own, and you are very considerate for putting a normal juice instead of wine or something alcoholic"

"You know, I always think of the best for you" Spinel said it with a little air of greatness, Steven opened the bottle and poured the juice in both glasses "Do you know what a toast is?" Steven had a slight hope that Spinel knew what it is "If I know, it's one of the things I searched out ahead of time for this" actually it was one of the things Lapis explained to Spinel while they were drinking the milkshakes.

"Then I would like to make a toast" both took their glasses and raised them "This is for you, for giving me such a memorable day and being there when I need it the most" Steven's eyes were shining as he was close to crying, both took a sip from their glasses "I would also like to make a toast" Spinel saw that this was her opportunity to open up and finally tell Steven what she really felt about him.

"I would like to toast for you, because despite what I did you forgave me and gave me a second chance, because you rescued me and thanks to you I am happier than ever..." Spinel put her hand on Steven's making them both blush "You gave me a new reason to keep smiling and that is why even if it costs me my life I will never leave you no matter what happens..."

Neither of them had noticed that they had risen from their chairs and that their faces were slowly getting closer "What I feel for you is something I don't feel for anyone else and I no longer want to hide those feelings..." they put their glasses on the table, the toast had already passed to second term "Steven Quartz Universe... I love you"

"I ... love you too" both stared directly into each other's eyes and slowly brought their lips together to kiss each other but it was not just any kiss, it was one full of love with which they were both expressing their feelings and emotions, the kiss lasted several seconds until Steven had to separate to breathe and neither of them knew what to say.

They were silent for a few seconds and either by the emotion of the moment or by an impulse they both kissed again but this time in a more passionate way, driven by the passion both climbed onto the table throwing the things on the floor in the process, Steven was on top of Spinel and their lips were only parted so that the human could take small puffs of air.

Their breaths were shaking and the heat of their bodies was increasing "I think we better continue this in my room" Steven did not want to stop but he knew that it was not the right place to continue "Sounds good" Steven stood up and before that Spinel could do anything he lifted her up and carried her in his arms.

"Steven, what are you...?" Spinel couldn't finish her sentence because Steven interrupted her with his lips, but it didn't bother her at all, while they were still kissing Steven started walking to head for the house but instead of going the long way, he just jumped off the cliff and they slowly descended to the house.

Once they touched the floor Steven could not open the door with his hands as he was using them to carry Spinel so he opted to kick the door to open it which caused the glass to finally break but neither of them cared, once they entered Steven put down Spinel and without wasting time they continued kissing but this time with even more intensity than before.

As they climbed the stairs Steven and Spinel were taking off their clothes leaving them on the stairs as if it was a crumb path to follow, when they got to Steven's bed they were both already wearing only their underwear, the two stopped to admire the body of the other and they were hypnotized since in their eyes they were observing the embodied beauty.

None of them knew what to say, they were speechless to express the magical moment they were experiencing "Are you sure about this?" as much as Steven wanted to continue, he had to make sure that Spinel also wanted to continue with that "I have never been more sure in all my life"

With that affirmation it was more than enough for both to continue, and throughout that night it was where both consummated their love.

It took me longer than I expected but it's finally over, the moment that surely many were waiting for finally came, the love between them blossomed and things are going well, for now.

This story is nearing its end, I calculate that between 3 and 5 more chapters will end, so look forward to it and we will be reading later.

Richie3f out