Chapter 25: Play Time

Steven was currently in a location similar to outer-space. He remembered falling asleep and thus quickly realized this was the mindscape within this gemstone! He was currently looking at his mother, who was giving him a look of worry. Steven himself looked a bit nervous…

Then, Rose simply said, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Steven sighed… he then said, "I… I don't know…"

"I know it's a bit late for me to act like a mother, but I know a bit about what you're going through. Feeling inadequate, unsure of how to handle life, disappointing someone you love…"

"Are… you reading my mind?" While that got a chuckle out of her, she shook her head.

"Technically no, but I have seen all of this and it reminded me of how I was when my rebellion began. I felt all this pressure to live up to everyone and I… wasn't exactly a flawless leader."

Steven gave a weak nod in understanding; he knew the risks his mother took in her double-life. "How… How were you able to cope?"

"Kindness," she replied in a simple tone, "Understanding, from both myself and others. But also, patience." Rose then paused for a second, then she proceeded, "Internal problems don't always get solved overnight. It takes time and work."

"Oh…" Steven looked nervous for a sec.

"And another thing? You don't have to solve everything alone. As much as the Crystal gems looked up to me, I needed them just as much. Not just to fight, but to remind me why I needed to succeed. Every time I saw them happy from whatever battle or sacrifice, I made it worth it that day and I kept telling myself this until we finally won."

"That doesn't sound easy…"

"And yet I have every reason to believe you can do it. You've already beaten me to ending the fight with Homeworld and you did it while barely raising a fist. If anyone can find a way to stop all this, it's you."

"Thanks, Mom," he said gratefully as the black void around him began to change to white. He then looked down at his body with it being in its original state before his workout binge and had a thought. He then smiled, saying, "Hey, Mom? I like the present you got for me, and I don't want to sound ungrateful but..."

"Hm?"

"Do you think… I could go back to my old look please?" he asked politely, "Y'know, before I got poofed."

Rose thought of it for a second, then she said, "Sure, Steven whatever makes you feel comfortable. I let your form slip back to something more familiar. Besides, I'm pretty sure Connie already found you pretty attractive before the growth spurt!"

For the first time in his life, Steven caught on to the type of suggestion implied and began to blush madly, "Moooom!"

This made Rose giggle a bit, "Oh, don't mind me, just rambling." She then gave off another giggle as Steven had a hunch that she wasn't just rambling.

"Alright then," Rose said, "I'll see you in the future. Good luck…"

In his bedroom, Steven's form began to glow, and not subtly in a way that made his body appear pink, but rather his form turned into light for a split second, changing shape in his sleep. As the sun began to rise, Steven's physical form finished reconfiguring itself, translating to a more familiar appearance. Eventually, the glow faded away and the young hybrid began to come to.

Steven woke up with a slight yawn and slowly got up from his bed. He then walked over to his mirror and saw a familiar sight…

His appearance was back to square one, just as he wanted. He now looked a few years older than his actual age with being almost as tall as his father. He had the same chubby cheeks from before his first encounter with Red Pearl, along with his curly hair, and normal eyes. To him, it reminded him of his 14th birthday where he tried to use shapeshifting to stretch himself taller and older. Only this time, this taller form was his normal appearance now. All in all, this made him smile. He went over to his dresser and rummaged around the clothes inside until he found a look that fit his new body well. He now wore a black t-shirt with the same yellow star as his old outfit but now with a pink jacket over it. He still wore a pair of dark pink sandals and cropped blue jeans, but now in a larger size. He looked in the mirror at his new look and gave himself a playful wink. The old Steven was back.

He then began to walk downstairs where Pearl was making a simple pancake breakfast. "Mm… Something smells good!" Steven stated, getting Pearl's attention.

"Well, it looks like someone's ready for the day!" she said happily, "And it looks like you've changed shape again! Feeling alright?"

"Yeah, I don't think we're gonna have another birthday problem," he chuckled while heading downstairs to the kitchen island, "You like it?"

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I do. It feels pretty natural."

"Then that's all that matters." Pearl then served his breakfast and he happily dug into the plate in front of him.

Later, he decided to go and see Connie, texting her that he was in town and would like to hang out for a bit after the craziness that was happening the past few weeks. Speaking of which…

The townspeople who noticed Steven were quite receptive to him sporting this new, more classic look again. Gone was the overly arrogant musclehead and back was the child they knew and loved. As he waited by the Big Donut for her to arrive, he enjoyed the calm atmosphere of his hometown until Connie ran up to see him.

"Now this look," she said cheerfully, "I can go with. You sure you don't wanna do a few hundred push-ups?"

"Believe me, I'm gonna hold off on doing anything like that," Steven said with a simple grin. The two then shared a laugh as they then walked down the sidewalk together, heading to a nearby boardwalk.

Eventually, the two began to chat about recent events and that included the chat with his mother. When he got to her last comment about her, Steven blushed and figured she would do the same. Instead, she dropped to the ground from laughing her head off.

"It's not funny, Connie!" Steven demanded, his entire face bright red, "It was totally humiliating!"

"Exactly! Now you know what it feels like! That's what you get for laughing at me when my parents did it!"

"People are staring…"

"Oh, wait, I know! Let's get her out here so she can tell stories of when you were a kid! You said she's seen everything, right?"

At that point Steven could not even! "Connie!" He then covered his face in sheer embarrassment. It was actually surprising that he hasn't begun to glow pink again from the shame.

"Alright, sorry, but I couldn't help it! Let's just agree that our parents are equally embarrassing and have fun."

"Y-Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," Steven said, giving off a sheepish grin…

Later the two were passing by the streets after a fun few hours touring the boardwalk and made their way down the main town streets up to a very familiar building. It was Jamie's acting studio and they quickly noticed the line of people going out the door.

"Wow, looks like Jamie's place is starting to trend!" Connie stated.

"Yeah!" Steven added in agreement, "Let's check it out!"

Once they managed to get inside the building, they soon found the thespian turned teacher Jamie standing on a stage with over a dozen people crowded around the base.

"I would like to thank you all for attending today. The first production in Jamie's School of Theater Showmanship is fast approaching and I cannot be more excited. It took a fair amount of effort to get here, but seeing all of you hopefuls re-energizes me! While some of you have taken formal lessons here, others are new faces and all of you are welcome to display your abilities here! However, the first rule of the stage is that rejection is a reality. I cannot count how many refusals I faced in my short career," Steven nodded in acknowledgement as Jamie continued, "But what's important is not how many rejections you get, it's how much the stage calls to you. Many get dejected and flee to other careers, but those who persevere will find everything they've ever wanted. Acting is a labor of love that is immensely rewarding, personally gratifying and brings untold joy to anyone who seeks entertainment."

The thespian hopped off the stage and walked right in front of the enamored audience. "Now then, who's ready to start the path that could change their lives?!"

Much to the friends' surprise, Jamie instead revealed that the audition would be later that day and instead began one of his classes. Fortunately, the class was actually pretty fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. About an hour later when everyone was leaving. Connie and Steven stayed behind, the former calling out to him, "Hey, Jamie!"

"Hm?" Jamie looked and saw Steven, "Steven? Is that really you!"

"Yup! It's me!" the young hybrid said cheerfully, "I went with a more classic look."

"Ah, many a performer has changed their appearance for the role. Whatever suits you in life is your choice."

"Thanks. Anyway, I can't believe how much there is to know about the history of theater props!"

"Yes, this school encourages everyone to find their role in the arts. For some it is in performing and for others their calling is backstage. After all, actors would be nothing without the staff necessary to run a production smoothly."

"That's really nice to hear," said Connie, "But something's been on my mind while we were here. Your play. How's it been coming along?"

"Fantastically! The premiere date is only a few weeks away, tickets are going on sale now, we have a livestream planned to draw in more people, but there is one problem."

"What's that?" asked both of the younger teens.

"I need you all to get Lapis Lazuli in here."

"What!?" Steven was shocked, "But I thought she was up for the role as the female lead!"

"Well, I haven't been able to contact her since and she never came back so I tried casting someone else for the princess and yet… I couldn't find anyone. A few girls even painted themselves blue to try and mimic her more, but that just felt desperate. Not to mention the wardrobe department would've mutinied at that point…"

"Don't worry, Jamie," said Connie, "I'm sure Lapis would be more than happy to act for you."

"Yeah!" agreed Steven, "She said the last time was tons of fun last time!"

"No," said Lapis flatly, much to Steven and Connie's shock. Both of them went straight to the temple after talking with Jamie and now their plan was kaput.

"But why not?" asked Connie, "You were pretty excited when you first joined up."

"This'll be exactly like last time! Just longer and with an audience and-" Steven started, but then the gem interrupted him.

"Yeah and the audience is the problem. Doing it with just you guys was one thing. But in front of dozens or even hundreds of people? Forget it."

The teens were both in a state of disbelief. The gem was about to walk away from them, but they knew that Jamie would not take the rejection well.

"Wait!" called Steven, "We can work something out! Maybe you only do the first night?"

"No," refuted the gem but Connie would not let up either.

"We'll pay you double your salary!"

"I did the first one for free! Plus I don't use money…"

"Private dressing room?" tempted Steven.

"No!"

"First refusal rights for the movie deal?" bribed Connie.

"NO!"

"You might get to meet the cast of Camp Pining Hearts one day!" they both shouted, but Lapis still was not having it.

"Guys, I spent long enough getting looked at when-" she started, but suddenly covered her mouth, her eyes wide in shock.

Connie looked concerned and confused. That is until a memory stirred in her and Steven's minds; the mirror.

"Oh… I… I get it…" Steven said. Lapis then had a look of shame as she realized she gave it away.

"Lapis… it's not like that anymore. They'll just be watching for fun, not to interrogate you."

"I know that, but… The thought of so many eyes on me, expecting me to act how they want me to act. It's just too much for me… I... I don't think I can handle it..."

"But… you're not gonna be you on stage, remember?"

"Wait, what?"

"You're playing a character! That's totally different than someone asking you questions, right?"

"Well… yeah…"

"And you've seen how Jamie acts! He's a totally different person when he's in character. That's all you've gotta do."

"I… still don't know…"

"Lapis, did you notice the camera watching you when you were acting before?"

"No."

"See? You've already done it. Now you just have to do it again."

That got Lapis thinking and realized maybe she had less to be afraid of than she thought. Although she still sounded shaky, she spoke what he wanted to hear. "I'm in." This made Steven smile, "Great! That's good!" He then held out his hand, "Let's get back to the acting studio, okay?"

It took a few seconds, but Lapis took his hand…

Later, at the main stage…

"Nice to see you back and willing, Lapis!" Jamie said, smiling.

"I'm not sure about willing, but I'm here," the gem replied, reading through the much larger script, "Plus this is a LOT to go through."

"And this is why you have several weeks to memorize it instead of a few hours before shooting a scene. Don't worry, most people get nervous at first. It's nothing to be afraid of."

"Yeah," Steven agreed in a knowing tone.

"And besides, we'll be here every step of the way!" Connie added in a show of support.

While she began the first rehearsal with some uncertainty, Lapis was somewhat relieved to see her character did not actually arrive until the end of the first act with her meeting Rocco. The downside was she still had pages of lines to learn and often found her eyes drifting to the theater seats. That negative voice in her mind kept needling her about how hundreds of eager people would be watching her and they would boo her off the stage if she made the slightest mistake.

The other bright side was that both Steven and Connie stayed by her side for the first several days to help her nerves. They both sat in for many rehearsals with copies of the script on hand in case Lapis flubbed a line so she would immediately get back on track.

It was actually pretty fun, and Lapis didn't even mess up that often!

Eventually, she was able to do each scene with finesse. She actually began to have fun. She then saw the chairs that would be filled with people in the big night, but then she looked at Steven and Connie smiling at her, the former giving her a thumbs up every now and then, and her confidence would rise up again.

Opening night drew closer and closer and, once Lapis seemed confident enough to act on her own, the jam buddies threw themselves into helping the production wherever possible. Connie volunteered to run the livestream, but Jamie said they already had a man on the job. The girl then turned her efforts to the other technical aspects such as lighting, props and the general gruntwork that came with any production from lugging items around to fetching treats from Spacetries.

Steven put himself to work as something of Jamie's assistant director. A few were confused by the decision until the head of the school clarified that he was one of the co-writers of the original one-act play the larger production was based off of. The boy was especially taken into the costumes and cosmetics and soon found himself spending more time fiddling with the wardrobe and script than anything else. He was also amazed to see Jamie acting as both the leading man and the director, going from acting out scenes flawlessly to choreographing the entire production on a dime.

And before long, the fabled time arrived. Jamie's School of Theater Showmanship invited over 150 people into the building and had thousands more watching online even if some were fangirls who just wanted another shirtless Rocco scene.

Upon seeing some of these fangirls, Steven said, "Wow… some of these guys are… pretty devoted huh?"

"Yeah…" Connie said, seeing a few fanboys looking forward to seeing the lovely female lead in person. She only hoped none of them would do anything to make Lapis any more nervous. The gem was already shaking like a leaf in her dressing room.

"Lapis, breathe!" insisted Steven, "You've ran through this whole script how many times?"

"Eight," she replied stiffly.

"And did you ever ruin the whole show?"

"No but-"

"No buts! You can do this! We all believe in you!" Steven said in a serious, yet encouraging tone.

"Yeah… Okay, I can do this!"

"That's the spirit! You've got ten minutes."

Steven walked out of the dressing room, only to be confused when the door slammed behind him and locked from the other side.

"Uh, Lapis?" he said, trying to pull the handle open to no avail, "I think something's wrong with your door."

"No, I did that! Because I'm not coming out until the show's over and everyone else leaves!"

"WHAT?! You can't do that! What about believing in yourself and all the rehearsals?"

"You think it's so easy? YOU go out there and do it!"

"But I look terrible in that dress! Plus there's a bunch of guys in the audience who might not be happy to see me instead of you and-"

"Drop it!"

"Steven, what's going on?" asked Jamie as he came down the hallway, "We've got eight minutes until showtime! We need to go over some final notes with the cast."

"Uh, I'd love to, but we seem to be having a problem with our princess…"

"Oh, Steven, don't look so dejected. Bumps happen all the time here from misplaced costumes to-"

"She's barricaded herself in the room."

Jamie's reassuring tone almost instant shifted to an expression of shock and panic, "... WHAT!?"

He then all but pounded the door down and tried to hide his voice shaking. "Lapis, darling? We could really use you outside! The director wants to talk with you…"

"Then talk through the door because I'm staying here! And nothing you or any other person says can make me come out!"

"Should we try bribing her?" whispered Jamie, obviously desperate.

"Nope, she doesn't need money or fan letters. She's just terrified of all those people out there."

"Okay, stage fright is natural and is a problem with many actors… But it's still a problem!"

Steven wracked his brain for ideas and came up with blanks as the clock ticked down until one part of Lapis' words came to him. No person could convince her…

Meanwhile, in the front row seats of the theater, many of the Crystal Gems sat awaiting the beginning of the show. Pearl, Garnet, and Bismuth were there… along with…

"Ugh… this is pointless…" grumbled a very reluctant Jasper.

"We know," groaned Bismuth, "You've said that forty-three times!"

"Actually, now it's forty-four," corrected Garnet, "And we've been over this each time. Being a Crystal Gem means supporting each other even when we don't enjoy certain things."

"And maybe," suggested Pearl, "If you stopped with the misanthropic attitude, you might actually have some fun. I've been personally surprised by how much fun I've gotten from trying new things."

"Your idea of fun is cleaning and laundry," retorted the horned gem, "Anything else for you would be a riot."

Before they could descend into an argument, Steven came running in from the theater doors towards them. "Oh guys, there you are! I need your help! Lapis is panicking and won't leave her room because the show's too scary…"

"Oh man," lamented Bismuth, "That sounds rough, but what are we supposed to do?"

Steven looked over the four gems sitting down and his eyes fell on Jasper who looked like she was trying to drown out anything they were saying.

"Jasper, come with me."

"WHAT?!" all of the gems said in unison. All of them stared until Jasper broke into laughter.

"Alright, now I'm glad I'm here. That's the funniest thing I've ever heard!"

"I'm serious," retorted Steven, "I think you can shake her out of this."

Pearl looked like she was about to protest until Garnet stopped her. "Alright. If you think that's the way to go, then go. Just make sure she doesn't break anything."

Everyone thankfully gave Jasper a wide berth as stagehands got things ready at the last minute and actors crammed their lines. Steven being the only one near her, she looked at him for a moment and frowned. Steven knew why and brushed the thought aside, knocking on the door, "Lapis."

"Go away!" she yelled again.

"See?" he said to Jasper, "Are you gonna just let her sulk in there?"

"Why should I care?"

"Because the sooner the play's over, the sooner you can leave."

That finally got Jasper's attention and soon she broke the door down, much to Lapis' complete surprise. "What are you doing crying in here for?! You've got some show-thing to do!"

"What are you even doing here?!" Lapis demanded, "Steven, what's going on?"

"The others all pulled me out here against my will, ruining a perfectly good night, because they all wanna see you pretend to be someone else or whatever."

"Here's another idea: You just butt out of this and I'll stay here."

"Seriously? You fought two Diamonds and yet a room full of wimpy humans make you cry yourself into a corner?!"

"Ugh… I don't expect you of all people to understand!" Lapis yelled with disgust in her voice.

"You're right, I don't get it. I don't get how someone who's done something a million times can just wimp out. If you've practiced all this stuff, then stop worrying about what might go wrong and just do it!"

"But-"

"Do you know how many hours I spent training every day on Homeworld when I wasn't doing missions? No, because you can't count that high. And I did all of it so that when it came time to bring out the pain, I'd beat any naysayer to a pulp and I'd do it perfectly. I wouldn't be standing here if I let something stupid like nerves get the better of me so stop pouting and just get. Out. THERE!"

Lapis stood there dumbfounded, more out of the thought that Jasper was willingly helping her than anything she said, and yet her words actually sunk in. She headed out the door, changing her usual clothes into her costume dress, and headed out towards the stage.

The start was delayed a few minutes, but soon the curtain was raised and soon the first ever production of Jamie's school was underway: Coasting to Love.

Steven, Connie, and a reluctant Jasper were sitting in a separate area for members of the staff who would need to easily make it backstage while Onion, of all people, was sitting nearby handling the Livestream.

The play's first act focused mostly on Rocco trying to get by as a homeless young adult with only a handful of friends and his wits to try to make ends meet. As he went around his tiny coastal town, he saw the whole town was abuzz with news that a massive charity ball hosted by a foreign leader was being hosted at the ritzy resort nearby, but he paid it no mind. That only changed after a chance encounter with an immensely wealthy yet kind-hearted Princess Elissa who ended up rewarding him with a hundred dollars for finding her earrings even after trying to keep the immensely valuable jewelry for himself. She made it clear she wanted to see him again, but there was one major problem with that. The hotel where she was staying and hosting the event was owned by his mother who effectively disowned him for refusing to become a businessman even if such a career would mean a lifetime of misery.

As much as Jasper was initially disgusted by having to be there, she began to take some interest in the play. She knew a thing or two about being effectively thrown out of your life. The others, however, paid her no mind as Steven and Connie watched the play go off wonderfully much to the delight of the enraptured audience in the theater and people watching online.

Soon the first act was drawing to a close. Rocco managed to walk into the hotel to try and see Elissa, claiming she was a friend of hers, only to have his mother Gina arrive and threaten to call the police if he so much as set foot on the property again.

"What?!" Rocco shouted as he and Gina stood outside the golden revolving doors of the hotel, "You can't control my life! That's exactly why I left!"

"And yet here you are on MY property," Gina retorted, "And that means you are to be treated just like any other trespassing riffraff that can't take a hint." She then reached up and grabbed the frumpled cap on Rocco's head and stomped on it.

"HEY! Keep that up and I'll call the police!"

"Oh I don't think you will. Last time I checked, you can't afford a phone."

"I've got friends with them and there are these things called payphones!"

"The police will be notified to ignore any and calls from you, Rocco."

"Now you're just being insane! You don't control the police!"

"Perhaps not, but your father happens to have friends in extremely high places. He personally built an expansion on the chief of police's house and he has a handful of allies in the government offices thanks to his contracting work as well."

"You… You're serious…"

"Completely. Now then, I think you've wasted enough of my time."

She then pushed a button on her Blacktooth and called for security to have Rocco roughed up and sent packing. The curtain started to fall as the starving artist was being wailed on by two beefy black suits who proceeded to hoist him up and haul him to who knows where just as the curtain began to fall.

Steven and Connie were hanging on to every word of the play as much as the audience. It was amazing, Jamie's performance was spot on, and it seemed Lapis had a big chunk of her confidence back too! They were half-tempted to check on her backstage as the real bulk of her performance was in the second act, but were both surprised to have Jasper hold them back and insist Lapis was set.

And so, the curtain rose on the second act with everyone rushing back to their seats to watch the show resume. It actually followed not Rocco, but Elissa as she sat bored in her luxurious penthouse suite. Her latest excursion was discovered and now her security detail was under strict orders to keep her within the room. She thought back to a few days ago at the beach where she lost her earring only to have it returned to her. A smile appeared on her face as she thought or rather gave a soliloquy, about the charming ruffian who acted so selflessly even if it meant sacrificing the absurd amount of money he could have sold them for. She wished there was a way to contact him, but sighed realizing she had never gotten anything but his first name. She wanted to find a way to reach him, but her father then called and said she needed to attend an interview about the upcoming event. She would have been excited, but all of her guards followed her out the door and into her limo to ensure that she would arrive straight at the studio and then return to her gilded cage as fast as possible.

The scene then shifted to Rocco in his little hideaway, witnessing the lights of the festivities from afar. He was still busy nursing the black eye and bruises he received from his ex-mother's hired help and trying to convince himself he was not interested in the high-class party Elissa was attending. He played it off to the audience like he was completely fed up with the wealthy and opulent, but the subtle inflections in his voice whenever he mentioned the princess were not lost on anyone. The only issue would be getting in somehow...

Suddenly a bright glow appeared from behind Rocco It glowed faint at first until it revealed a woman adorned in brightly colored robes…

Bismuth went wide-eyed at what her eyes were seeing, "Wait a sec. It's that… Biggs!?"

Rocco stared at the elegantly dressed stranger in shock, "Wh-What!? Who- Who are you!?"

"In a traditional sense, I'm your fairy godmother, but you can call me something else if you'd like," she said in a nurturing tone.

"You're… my fairy godmother," Rocco stated in a tone of disbelief, "You're…" he lightly, yet firmly, touched her shoulder, "You're real?"

"Of course. I know you've been through so much hardship, but I have a way to fix that. A way to have you reunite with Elissa and have a better life…" A glow appeared from a stone embedded in her body and the audience was blinded until the curtains suddenly closed and soon stagehands bustled through to change the scene into an opulent ballroom. A grand fanfare soon played as Princess Elissa of Kyrena descended from a grand staircase to the applause of the public. She then recited some speech about the party being used to raise awareness for refugees in her home country, but her tone lacked much conviction. It was only made worse as the party guests all chatted with her either about general fluff or about how much opening a branch office of whatever business they owned would benefit her cause. She all but gagged when one of the people schmoozing her went on about his crematorium business would be the perfect thing for "her people."

Just when she was about to give up this whole thing and find a way to ditch the party, one of the security guards made his way to the front door to deal with an argument between the doorman and an unexpected arrival.

"Oh, thank goodness you're here!" exclaimed the hired help, "This crasher keeps spouting nonsense about how he's invited, but I know every single guest has arrived! Escort him away at once!"

"I'm glad you're here as well," said the stranger, dressed in a white pinstripe suit, "I have a personal invitation here from Princess Elissa herself and yet this man won't accept it. If you could remedy this situation, would you?"

The guard took the piece of paper the new guest was holding and was stunned to see a handwritten letter that matched Elissa's penmanship to a tee complete with her signature at the bottom.

"I am deeply sorry for the confusion," he continued, "But I was a last-minute invite and this hotel's concierge seemed dead on her feet. If you ask me, the owner might not be giving her enough vacation time…"

Elissa kept looking at the man and bore an off feeling that she knew him from somewhere before, muttering, "He looks… awfully familiar…"

Eventually, the man's invite was accepted with the guard saying, "My apologies again, sir. Please, enjoy the evening."

The young stud then waltzed inside, much to the amazement of all the other guests. They watched the young man in his black wingtip shoes move along the dane floor over to the still staring princess. His eyes were hidden by the white fedora sitting on his head and yet her eyes were more drawn to the sapphire cufflinks that seemed to glow against the white fabric underneath them. Their design looked awfully similar to the earrings she was wearing…

Before she knew it, he was right in front of her. He raised his hat to reveal his eyes and then whispered into her, but loud enough for the audience to hear, "No more scenic routes today?"

"W-What?" she stammered.

"I would've loved to run into you again, but maybe it's for the best. I might not be able to find your things next time…"

"Rocco?!" she almost shouted but was hushed by the man laughing out loud. When the crowd seemed to think that the name was a punchline to a joke, he moved them to the side of the dance floor to talk.

"Is… is that really you?" She said in a subtle whisper as the small orchestra began to play another score of waltz music.

"Yes, it's me," Rocco stated, "It's so good to see you again…"

"But… How? I thought you weren't on good terms with your parents."

"Understatement of the decade, but that doesn't matter. Let's just say I had some help from a new friend of mine."

"I mean… The clothes, that invitation, that whole story…"

"All things she came up with. Look, I can't give you the full story but I'll explain it when I see you again. You… do want to see me again after this, right?"

"Of course! You're so honest and kind and now you're doing all of this just to see me again… I think I'm going to cry…"

"Don't. Please don't."

"I'm sorry, it's just… All my life has been one big plan. Nothing but events and ceremonies and throwing myself into the public. No one asks me about my hobbies, my personality, or even my skin condition..."

"All of that just makes you more unique. And if other people are more concerned with your money or using you to make money for themselves, then that's a tragedy. You easily could've become some spoiled brat or a clueless airhead, but you've shown me more kindness than my actual family."

Being moved by his words, Elissa then said, "Thank you, Rocco, for being here tonight. It's… more than I could have asked for."

"Hey, anything for you, right? Speaking of which," he said as the music moved to a new song as he held out his hand to her, "Would you like to dance?"

She looked at him with awe before smiling warmly and taking his hand. The crowd parted as everyone watched the duo take the center of the floor. To them, however, no one else was around as they let the music, their feet and the longing in each other's eyes take all of their attention.

When the song ended, they drifted outside to the hotel's back garden not far from the swimming pool. The noise of the event was replaced by the quiet ambiance of crickets and the occasional splash from someone taking a dip. To the new couple, however, it was a welcome change from the commotion that was the ball. They sat on a stone bench and looked up at the stars as the night wore on and only now noticed they were still holding hands.

"Where did you learn to dance like that?" asked Elissa.

"I've had some time to practice in my free time," Rocco asked, "To be honest it just comes naturally to me. I've been dreaming of attending an event like this, so I began to practice when I was alone. Heh." He had a shy smile when he finished that statement.

"Well, call me impressed. I've seen guys spend thousands of dollars on private lessons and they still end up tripping over themselves."

"That or they're too busy trying schmooze instead of actually dancing."

"You have no idea…" The two then shared a happy laugh, enjoying themselves. After a second, they began to look at each other. At that moment, Rocco appreciated just how lovely she looked that evening, and from the look in her eyes, it was evident that she had similar feelings for him… Then the two leaned in… they got closer…

… Then their lips met… The two actually began to embrace in a warm, tender moment.

A lot of people in the audience truly felt this moment when it happened. Connie herself gave a warm smile at this scenario…

Then the two parted, smiling warmly at each other… That is until the grand clock began to chime out!

"Oh-Oh gosh! … It's midnight!" Rocco said, freaking out.

"Um… yes… why?"

"Goodbye!" He said, giving her a quick, warm hug before making haste to the nearest exit.

"WAIT!" she called as he ran off, "What's going on? Was it something I said?" When he did not turn around, she was about to run after him until she spotted something on the ground behind him. The single white glove he had been wearing the whole evening had fallen off. She picked it up, and stared at it, longing, "Please… let me find you again…"

Meanwhile, Rocco was trying to flee the area desperately trying to make it out before he was captured or worse. He looked down at his outfit, the fabric was starting to wither, becoming more rag like and even bits of it fading into dust! He knew it was only thanks to the magic imbued in the clothes that his mother or her hired hands did not recognize him. Now that he was back to a tattered shirt and some raggedy pants, anyone who saw him now would not hesitate to throw him out. He just barely made it over the fence separating the hotel garden from the nearest street, not realizing that the white glove on his right hand looked no different despite the passing time.

Eventually, he was able to make it to a nearby alleyway, safely away from any of the guards and workers. Panting, he almost instantly began to wipe his forehead with his hand, only when he brought it up, he saw that the glove was still there! Untarnished! He thought it must have been a miracle. He had a memento of the evening, a reminder that he would see his new friend again…

The audience was not lost on the situation either thanks to Jamie elaborating to the crowd. They were all taken in by the story despite its familiar structure and were especially impressed by the techniques. Steven made a note to thank Peridot for coming up for the transforming costume even if it meant several days of her non-stop bragging. And he KNEW how much she liked to brag about her ideas and inventions…

He and Connie also saw a few giggling fangirls every here and there. Connie silently nodded at Jamie's shamelessness in the play…
The next day, Elissa refused to give up on seeing Rocco again but knew her father would not just accept some random beggar being the suave surprise guest at her party and also had a hunch his mother would stop him if he tried to return it. Instead she came up with a plan to sniff him out: she claimed that the glove in her possession was another priceless heirloom and put an ad around town for $100,000 to anyone who could show her the missing glove. In order to find the real article, however, she kept the ad intentionally vague only mentioning the glove's color. When hundreds of people inevitably turned up with random white handwear, she knew she would write off many of them instantly. Half of them were the same hand as the one she had, many were cheap mittens bought in the hopes of people trying to make a quick buck and a few were from chumps from last night's soiree trying to make more money off her. Those were the easiest ones to spot since her glove did not have monogrammed initials or were studded with enough gemstones to make them worth as much as her reward. At least she got a kick seeing a few of the more pompous suitors from that night, including Mr. Crematorium, insist they were right only to have their hopes shot down when she presented her glove. Despite that though, there was little else of interest that came from her search. But still, she continued even after several days of searching. That all changed when Gina came knocking on her suite's door…

"Your Highness? Are you available?" she said from the other side.

"Hm? Yes, you may enter." Elissa stated absentmindedly.

The woman immediately entered the room, then bowed to the princess before she spoke further, "My apologies to trouble you, but I understand you're still searching for your matching glove."

"Yes, that's true. Have you found anything?"

"Unfortunately not. I asked all of the staff who worked that evening and none of them are missing a glove and they know no one who has."

"Oh? That's quite a shame."

"If you would like, I have some porters who could search around the town for your heirloom…"

"There's no need for that," Elissa assured, "Because I… have a confession to make?"

"Y-Your highness?"

"I know exactly who this glove belongs to. It's not me, but your son."

Gina looked shocked for a moment, but quickly regained her composure. "I'm sorry, but you must have mistaken me for someone else. I've never had any children."

"Really? Because Rocco had plenty of things to say about you."

"Ooooooo!" the entire audience went as Gina's demeanor went from calm to cold.

"Burn!" Connie said almost too loudly, luckily the play went on without a hitch.

"So," Gina continued, "You're trying to say my worthless vagabond of a son who's spent the past five years drifting aimlessly somehow got into a high-society banquet and danced with royalty like you? Pardon the question, but are you well?"

"I should be asking you that. What kind of mother completely shuts her own child out of her life?"

"One who, after decades of planning and resources, has all that thrown away by an ungrateful 'artist' who'd rather not make tens of millions of dollars."

"Take it from someone who has tens of billions, money isn't everything. Now call your son and get him here."

"I'm sorry, I have other business to attend to today…" Gina said trying to leave the room, only to have two armed guards of the princess stop the hotelier in her tracks.

"I suspect you are a very busy woman," Elissa pondered, "After all, assaulting your own son is a serious offense."

"What?! How did you-?"

"You don't think I have access to your hotel's security footage? There's been someone watching it 24/7 since I've arrived as part of my security detail. It has audio and video, so I also know about your husband's connections to the police."

Some of the color drained from Gina's face when she heard that tidbit of information.

"... So? He can easily cover his tracks?"

"Are you sure about that?" Elyssa asked daringly, "One call to my father with the evidence I have and I'll have your hotel shut down, your husband's construction company shut down as well and I'm fairly certain you'll both be facing jail time for corrupt business practices. Not just for the corrupt ties to the police, but I know you let Rocco go when he was 16 which means you might be guilty of child abandonment! Granted, I'm not entirely familiar with the legal system of this country but it still sounds rather bad, doesn't it?"

Now Gina looked half ready to faint. "Y-You can't do that… Everything we've worked for…"

"...All made you so greedy and ambitious that you mistreated a young man with a wonderful heart so he could be your successor. And if all the evidence I have isn't convincing enough, I can simply blacklist your business. And given I'm a figure of international royalty…"

"I… I'll go get him."

"Good. And Gina?"

"Yes?"

"I suggest you watch your finances for the next few months. I may have had some background checks run on you and your husband's enterprises after hearing what horrendous parents you are. That will be all."

The audience loudly cheered, the most prominent being the gems in the audience including Jasper, as Gina stormed off the set.

"This is getting pretty good!" Connie said.

"Yeah," Steven added, "Everyone's doing pretty awesome in this play!"

Later, the scene was of Rocco, being escorted to a small audience chamber where Elyssa was waiting for him.

"Excuse me," she said as he approached and pulled the glove out of her purse, "But I believe this belongs to you."

"Yeah, it does," he replied happily, slipping the glove over his right to compliment the one on his left, "So… Care to have a second date?"

"I'd love that," she said as Rocco took her in his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. The curtain closed on the couple finally getting there happily ever after while applause flooded the actors' ears. Connie looked over the screen to see the comments section for the stream was immensely positive while the in-person audience gave a standing ovation as Jamie and Lapis came out from behind the curtain to give a final bow to everyone watching. The gem never looked happier even as she looked over to her side and saw Jasper giving a begrudging expression that was trying to hide how impressed she was.

A few minutes later, Steven and Connie were both with Jamie and Lapis, personally praising them for their performance.

"That was amazing Lapis!" Steven said, proud of his 'beach buddy.'

"Heh, thanks Steven. I guess Jasper was kind of right when she gave me that… 'advice.' Heh."

"Well I thought it was amazing." Jamie said.

"Yeah!" Connie said, "That was amazing!"

"Y-Yeah… She's right…"

The five wheeled around and saw someone who surprised them, Kevin, "Heh… hey Jamie…" He said nervously.

The rich guy's presence was a shock to the group. "Kevin…" Jamie said in some slight disbelief, "You never took an interest in my acting ambitions before."

"I've been trying to expand how I spend my time. Plus I… gotta admit that was pretty good."

"Really?"

"Yeah… I gotta admit I wish I could meet someone like that. And Steven, you did a pretty nice job on this yourself."

"Thanks!" the boy replied, "You wanna stick around?"

"I would but I have someone to meet with later and Sabrina can't stand someone being late."

Steven and Jamie were both stunned to hear this. "Wait, THAT Sabrina?" said the latter.

"Shockingly, yes. I finally owned up to how I treated her and she was really impressed that I apologized. Anyway, I gotta go. Later!" He then left, sliming.

Connie herself was shocked, she never really experienced Kevin being that… pleasant before… It was too weird for her.

Suddenly Steven's phone began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and noticed a text. When he read it, though, he could not hide his reaction. His entire body started glowing pink while he looked at the device like he was trying to stare through it.

"Steven? What's going on with that?" said Connie, "Does glowing like that… hurt?"

"Uh…" he hesitated before shutting the light off and slamming his phone in his pocket, "It's nothing! I just have to go too!"

And with that, he rushed out the backdoor of the theater, a look of panic across his face.