Reunited

Chapter 4

"Are you sure you don't want me to get anything for you?" Steven asked as he walked to the front door.

Peridot, not looking up from her laptop responded inattentively, "No. I'm fine." while typing non-stop.

A few weeks have passed since the two have started working on the new drill. As of now, he was going out to get lunch since Peridot was doing most of the work herself.

It's kinda selfish but I wish she would take a break. The Cluster is a big deal of course, but I just hate to see her so stressed.

"Really, you should get out" she said, looking up at him. Her tone was a bit on edge but she managed to give him a semi-sweet smile through her stress.

Steven returned the smile, opening the door. "If I see anything cute while I'm out. I'll get it for you." He said sweetly.

Peridot, looking back at her laptop noticeably blushed and subtly looked away. She didn't say anything but Steven was just happy to make her smile.

...

It was around 2 P.M. by the time Steven got to Little Homeworld. There were a few places to eat, and he decided to stop at a café. He smiled walking to the door, it was Peridot's favorite place to get snacks since there was bubble tea and pastries- but more importantly- cats!

It was a conjoined building, the left side was the café, with the right being a room for shelter cats to be adopted. The building itself was quaint, with light brown and red bricks building up, a gray-green roof and a balcony outside with lights and a few tables for dining.

Steven stopped, hearing a vague squeaking noise yards behind him. "Steeeeveeen! Sweeetiieee!~" He froze at the loud voice behind him. Peridot? He blushed at the thought, but then saw a flash of pink in front of him. He got wrapped within two stretchy arms as he felt chest rub against his back and a head rest on his right shoulder, the voice became more distinct with a strong accent.

...Spinel...

Steven groaned inwardly, faintly. Surprised to not be surprised. He hadn't seen her in months but was always casual about her overly affectionate nature around him.

"Alright, alright. Let go before you start kissing him."

...And now Lapis. Great...

Apparently she was perched on the roof of one of the buildings in the plaza since she flew down from above him.

"Hai Steven!" She announced with that unsubtle brightness she always had when she saw him. Like he was rescuing her all over again.

Showing a hint of nervousness, Steven stepped back, and smiled an awkward greeting to her.

Now that I think about it... it's kinda obvious that she has feelings for me, at least a bit. He looked at Spinel as she slipped off of him as she started talking to the other gem.

Am I just realizing now that at least 2 girls I know have liked me for years?

...And I thought my relationship with Connie was slow. Steven smiled wryfully at the thought.

It's cute...but also weird I guess. They're fine gems but, I don't see them taking Peridot's spot for Best Girl anytime soon. He felt a tingle up his spine as he imagined Peridot giggling beside him. I only really hope that she feels the same about me.

Shaking himself from the thought, Steven slipped out of his nerves as he sat down at a small table with the other gems. Alright, I gotta stop thinking about all that stuff, I'm starting to sound like a Harem Protagonist.

Lapis, unsurprisingly wore her usual outfit, though her hair looked slightly less messier than usual. Either way, she still had that semi-monotone air about her. Only really showing a smile at Steven as she typically does. Though Spinel was actually wearing human clothing. Her hair was still in fluffy pigtails, but she wore a loose black and purple jacket with a broken heart at the chest. Under that was a black and pink halter top with criss-crosses tying from the neck to the lower chest so a bit of her gem was revealed. If she wore shorts under, the jacket was too big to show it. She also wore mostly black and white tights with sneakers. It was cute to see her explore Earth fashion, she could fit into many styles but Steven felt that this type did her well.

It was still a bit cold out, but at least the snow stopped for now. It was one of those oddly sunny Winter days.

"It's actually really nice to see you guys hanging out!" Steven smiled genuinely as the other two were in a deep discussion about some 2000's rock bands Steven was vaguely into.

"I know right!" Spinel exclaimed, pushing her hands on the table in excitement.

More relaxed, Lapis was resting with a hand on the side of her head. "Yeah- I didn't think there'd be a gem out there that I didn't have some sort of 'dark history' with." She smiled to herself, rolling her eyes. "It's nice that we have some things in common-"

Steven broke her off.

"Like being trapped and void of any life for 6000 years and being left with abandonment issues and difficulty finding anyone likable because you feel betrayed by everyone that you've ever seen."

Steven started to see the connection they'd have by the time he finished speaking.

"Actually I was gonna say that she was the only gem who seemed to like my edgy-2000's rock playlist...But sure."

"Yeah." Spinel included. "Just because we're both victims of something kinda messed-up, doesn't mean we'll both like each other just because of that alone." To her credit, she sounded more intact than her usual goofy self.

I guess she doesn't have to be like that all the time. Steven still found it a rare treat to imagine Spinel being quiet.

Getting more energy, Lapis stopped resting. "Oh I know right! I know from experience that you probably maybe can't be friends with someone if all you have between you is negativity and a horrible past. Like, if you can't stand the thought of seeing someone everyday- I wouldn't recommend living with them...Even if Steven thinks it's the best idea ever." Smirking to herself, Lapis turned her gaze toward Steven.

"Speaking of that, how's Peridot doing?" She noncommittally asked.

Steven felt a wave of delightful surprise to hear her sound nice, even if it sounded like she was obligated to ask.

I don't wanna worry them about the Cluster. Steven decided. Things are going really well right now.

"We made it through dinner just fine, oh! and she wore the cutest dress- she also tried wine while we were out." Steven blushed thinking about her acting a bit tipsy.

Something shined in Lapis's eyes. Amusement? concern? annoyance...? Probably all three.

"I told her she wouldn't like it. She is far too young to withstand stuff like that." She rested her hand on her head again, her bright blue hair looking messier.

Steven and Peridot alone knew that Lapis wasn't a complete stranger to wine and recreational drug use (with that patch of weed in the farm that one time being an "accident" according to her). So she knew what she was talking about there. It was still sweet to see her act like a concerned older sister every now and then. At least Steven hoped this was her way of showing sympathy.

"Huh? Wine?" Spinel confusedly put a finger to her chin.

"Nope!" Lapis interjected. "I can already tell that'll be a mess."

The two laughed and Lapis rolled her eyes again.

"Alright, if you ever do try it, do not get me involved, for the love of stars!"

"Um... where can I get it? Does Steven have to take me to 'dinner' first?"

Spinel and Lapis looked at him, Spinel looking genuinely curious and Lapis looking closer to laughing than she ever has before in public.

"Sorry." Steven playfully shrugged. "I'm pretty booked. I'm gonna be spending most of the next week moving in with Peri, and we're going camping on the 13th."

"Daaaaaw" Spinel looked playfully dejected, Steven couldn't tell if he should take her seriously or not.

"Oh, camping!" Lapis uncharacteristically jumped. "So is Peridot gonna see you pitch your tent?" She snorted at what sounded like a joke, but only Spinel laughed with her.

He cocked his head like a confused puppy. "Noooo...? I rented a cabin for us. We can't really make tents in snow.

Lapis sighed. Yeah, I definitely missed some subtext there.

The three talked more about their plans for the week. Tomorrow Spinel and Lapis were to hit the mall. Then Lapis was going to hang out with Lars for the night for a cheesy horror movie marathon. It was really nice to see Lapis getting friends. Though Steven thought it was cute to see her smiling a bit more than usual when she briefly talked about spending time with him.

...

Some hours passed quickly as Steven enjoyed hanging out with Spinel and Lapis. They walked around Little Homeworld for a bit until the sun started to set. Steven had to insist on leaving, realizing he abandoned Peridot far too long. I really hope she's not worrying about me. Steven thought as he drove home.

His and Peridot's home.

His heart thumped as the words clicked into place, and he accidentally put too much pressure on the gas, just for one or two anxious seconds.

It was almost 5:30 by the time Steven walked up his driveway. It was a sunny day so it wasn't usual Winter dark yet.

"Peri- I'm home" Steven quietly announced, walking into the living room. Peridot was there, but laying on the couch. Steven didn't know if she was sleeping but she didn't seem to hear him.

Half talking to himself, he started.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I met up with Lapis and Spinel and- well. Anyways I got something for you!" Steven tried to sound bright as he brought up a green and pink sparkly gift bag. He knew she was secretly into Littlest Pet Shop toys so he picked up a few small sets for her at one of the small stores. He also got her some candy of course.

Peridot was curled up, holding Pumpkin who definitely was sleeping with her. She was facing the back of the couch so he couldn't see her face. but he caught the gentle rise and fall of her stomach as she rested. She didn't seem to be hurt. Regardless, Steven softly stroked her blonde hair for a minute and wrapped a throw blanket over her. She was still wearing her suit from this morning, and Steven wondered if she moved since he left.

He could never leave her alone like this. Maybe I should have stayed today. I knew she was feeling bad! Ugh! I know she doesn't like being left alone, especially when we're dealing with the Cluster again.

Settling himself on the recliner next to the couch, Steven turned on the lamp, set the fireplace on, and picked a book to quietly read as he stayed by her side. He would hear her make small catlike noises once in a while as she snoozed.

Warmed and surprised, Steven saw Pumpkin rouse from her spot and she blinked at Steven, making a small grumble.

"Oh, no no." Steven softly smiled at her. "You have to stay with mama and keep her safe!" As if she understood, Pumpkin plopped down and curled her vine tail around herself as she settled within Peridots arms. He noticed her making a soft muffled moan as she instinctively cuddled Pumpkin tighter this time.

Within the sunset, the sky melted to a grayish pink and purple fade, with an orange glow in the distance. Snow softly fell once more, as the flakes tapping the roof chorused with the crackle of the fire.

Peridot will be okay. I'll stay with her for as long as I have to. I'll work with her as best as I can this week, and I'll make sure she has the best vacation ever next week. She really deserves the best after all.