With the recent threat to Homeworld now gone, Steven can return to managing his health, but will it be that easy? After all, with both his past and recent events still looming over him, recovery isn't something that'll come easy. Will Steven be able to face his demons or will he succumb to his mental weaknesses?

...

This is a continuation of the events in part 1 of this series, Control. If you haven't read that, it would behoove you to do so before moving into this as you will most likely not understand some of the things that are brought up down the line...or rather not nearly as much as us who know what's happened so far lol.

...

It had been a week since the threat of Black Diamond was ended on Homeworld. With the elder diamond no longer threatening the safety and future of all gem kind, everyone began to return to their normal lives. Although there was some clean up and reconstruction that needed done both on Homeworld and Little Homeworld, everything's been coming back together in a good fashion...well, almost everything. Although the threat is no longer looming and lives are returning to normal, one hybrid in particular is struggling. With Black's control over him now gone and his freedom restored, Steven had come to the conclusion that he needed to continue where he left off and improve himself mentally in an attempt to find closure for the past traumas that continue to haunt him and he had been making progress...or at least he thought he had. Unlike before his first transformation months ago, he hadn't been shutting himself out from everyone in an attempt to fix his issues himself this time. Now, he actually tries to seize the day, keep up on his healthy habits, and make use of the time he has in a constructive manner. But where he sees progress, his friends and family grow more concerned as they see only more harm happening. Although it's true that the boy hasn't shut himself out like before, the Gems and his father all noticed that Steven wasn't making a particular effort towards addressing the issue that is the multiple events that have plagued and haunted him before. For the first couple days, no one really pointed it out to him. After all, they had all said that they were ready when he was, and it had only been a couple days since he reclaimed freedom from Black's control, something that is still being worked out as well. Although Steven had been freed, everyone feared of any side effects that the ability may have had on the hybrid. After all, he was under the influence for several months before the control was broken and unlike the others, no one was sure how the long exposure would effect the unique circumstances that was Steven. There had already been a couple times where at least one of the Gems had to remind Steven of his freedom as he would occasionally take certain words from the Gems as orders rather than as a suggestion. After sometime though, Steven began to get better at returning and adjusting to his freedom again, but that still didn't help out that he wasn't talking to anyone...at least not about the elephant in the room. After a few days of normalcy, everyone began to make hinted suggestions towards Steven in an attempt to get him to say something to help himself, with some cases even turning into slight pow-wow sessions, which would be cut off by either Steven or whomever was unfortunate enough to be caught in the discussion.

Now, after a week of this, things haven't changed much still and everyone was getting worried. Not wanting to skip around the topic, the Gems and Greg came together in private to discuss how to deal with the situation. To ensure that they wouldn't be interrupted or eavesdropped on by Steven, they asked Connie if she could keep an eye on him to which she agreed. With their moment being seized, the group moved into the garden on the observatory above the temple while Steven and Connie roamed the beach on a walk.

"So, what does everything think? I don't suppose he's talked to any of you has he?" asked Pearl, though she suspected she already knew the answer.

"Nothing as of today, no." said Greg

"Ugh, I hate this. I want to help him, but how can we? If he isn't ready, then how can we get his recovery going? I hate seeing him like this...like I'm glad he isn't disappearing on us this time around and that he's actually talking to us, but we all see he's still avoiding the issue right?" said Amethyst

"We do, but what exactly can we do? It's not like we can just force the answers to come out" noted Pearl

"What we do is we keep trying to give him the nudge in the right direction. We didn't see the signs before, but now we know and although he has made some improvements since the first time, he still needs that gentle push to get him going", said Garnet.

"And how do we do that G? Anytime we try even bringing up the idea of him talking about the issues, he either gets defensive about it or finds something that needs his attention more."

"No ever said this would be easy...but I'd have to agree with Amethyst here. He won't get anywhere without talking about his problems, but we're getting no where as we are." said Pearl

"Something we need to remember guys is that recovery isn't always easy...or instantaneous. These things take time and sometimes, it could even go on for years. Some people never truly recover from their trauma." explained Greg.

"So what, we just stop and give up then? Let him stew in his own turmoil and anxiety?" said Amethyst.

"Of course not, but this isn't something we can force on him. We can keep making these hints and suggestions and hope that one of them stick, but until then, there isn't much we can do. And even if there was, I'm not sure how well it'd work anyway."

"What do you mean Greg?" asked Pearl.

"He's dealt with a lifetimes worth of bad experiences in just a matter of a few years. Steven's seen more action and traumatizing events in just his childhood then most people will see in their whole lives. Even if we could get through to him...I'm not sure if we'd even be experienced enough ourselves to make a meaningful impact for his recovery."

"Well, aren't there people out there who are experienced with this sort of thing?" asked Amethyst.

"Yeah...therapists. But anytime I've tried bringing that up, he changes the subject almost immediately. I don't know if it's because he doesn't want to put this on someone he doesn't know or what, but he's been pretty adamant about not wanting to talk about that"

"But if these therapists are what he may need, then how do we help him if we aren't even sure if we're enough for him?"

"We might not be enough in the end, but we are enough to make a change and start the beginning of his recovery. We continue with our efforts still, but we may reach the point where we need that kind of help. Until then however, there isn't much else we can do." explained Garnet as she looked towards the beach as she noticed the two young adults walking along the sand.

The two of them had been walking and talking for sometime now, catching up on recent events and current happenings.

"I'm glad to hear your getting back into college prep Connie. I was afraid with everything that had happened, it would put things on hold for a lot longer."

"Yeah, though I think I'd still prefer fighting against bad gems. At least that has it's excitement. It's still a culture shock, going from mortal peril to boring texts within a week." she joked.

"Heh, yeah...how are you doing by the way? I never did get around to making sure the wounds healed up all the way or to see if I missed any."

"Its fine Steven. You managed to heal all the major ones back then and any other minor ones, my mom made sure to check into to. Trust me, if you missed anything, she's healed those up about ten times now with her multiple examinations. I think the worst I have now is the occasional ache on the back of my head."

"Well, that's good at least, versus the alternative I mean. I'm just glad I made it in time."

The two walked for a few moments before Connie brought up a particular topic. "Steven...how are you doing though? Have you talked to the gems yet...or anyone for that matter?"

"-sigh-, No, not yet."

"Steven."

"I know Connie...I know. It's just not that easy. It's not that I don't want to, but I just don't feel like I can you know. I love them all and their attempts at getting me to say something, but I just don't feel like the time is right."

"And when is the right time for this kind of thing then?"

"I don't know. I want to get this over with, but I can't Connie. Not after everything that's happened. Heck, I'm still getting over Black Diamond still. The others tell you that I'll think I'm still under his control every now and again?"

Seeing her confirmation nod, he continued. "I don't even realize it. They all have to literally tell me that I'm acting that way for me to realize it. I was under his power for so long that I didn't even feel it after awhile. Everything just felt like an average day. Get an order, do as your told, complete the task, wait for the next one, repeat."

Seeing the struggle on her friend and the turmoil he was going through, Connie attempted to comfort him. "Steven, I know this isn't easy and that your still adjusting to a lot of things, but nothing will go back to how they were before. You need to accept that this may be a part of who you are now."

"But what if I don't want this to be me Connie? I don't want to be this damaged person anymore...I just want to be me again."

"I know you do and you still can. Some of these things might be a part of you now, but you can find ways around them. Find out what you don't want and see how to get around it, but you'll never get there if you don't talk to us or someone. Have you thought about a therapist Steven, you know, people who specialize in this kind of thing?"

"I have. Both you and Dad have brought it up a couple times, even before all of this stuff with Black Diamond. I still hold the same opinion that I did before though. Maybe one day I'll be ready for that kind of help, but not today Connie. I can't even begin to wrap my head around that one without being able to get it around what's wrong and how I fix it first. I know you, Dad, and the gems want me to talk about everything, but I can't right now. I'm not ready for that yet. Maybe one day I will be, and stars, I hope I will be, but now, all I can do and know how to do is keep going on with my everyday life...the best I can anyway."

Seeing that he wouldn't crack today and give in to her pleas, Connie moved to drop the topic. "Oh Steven, I know that one day you'll be ready. Just know, we're all here for you and will always be here whenever you need us. Just please, remember that yeah?"

"Yeah...of course Connie. Thanks."

With this, the two continued their walk on the beach. After while, the day began to come to a close. Connie headed home and Steven did the same. As the day ended, Steven hung out with his family before calling it a night. With the day now over, Steven laid down and allowed himself to drift into another night of slumber with silent hopes and wishes that he would be able to gain the courage to address the issue.

...

So, as I've mentioned before, this fic covers bringing the story back into Future canon (aside from the few months time difference we're currently experiencing plus the non canon add ons). We'll be covering Steven's health and how the past events of everything are addressed, plus potentially a few other points I'm considering...but for now, I can say the main plot point is addressing Steven's mental issues and moving to his recovery.

Thanks for stopping out everyone, both returning and new individuals. Always glad to see the support on these types of things. Happy Thursday to you all and I hope to see everyone in chapter 2.

Also, yes, I'm continuing my trend of naming chapters after music, either regular or instrumental. I enjoy doing this and will take this trend with me to my grave if need be lol...with that being said:

Life to Fix by The Record Company

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This is a continuation of the story Control. If your reading this and you haven't read that...you're probably already confused as to what's happening. It would behoove you to go read that (which is part 1 of this series) before you read this any further...or don't. Maybe you enjoy the thrill of trying to figure out what happened...I won't judge.

Either way, thanks for coming out. Let me know what you think of the fic (if you hate it, tell me with a burning passion why it's terrible or if you like it, explain in a graceful manner why it's enjoyable...I can't read minds and therefore appreciate the comments on this giant mess I've made/am making.) Thanks all, and have a good day!