I do not own Steven Universe, hence the fanfiction.

Chapter 18: New Beginnings

oooOOOooo

Two months has come and went since the first night performance of Jamie's play. Since then, changes around Beach City began to take place. For starters, the town had more people visiting her shores. The publication of Michael Gold's review on the play really attracted people to the town. Something that made the mayor tremendously happy. Another was the construction of Beach City's Public Theater. The new building would be dedicated to the art and along with it, a permanent mark of the current mayor.

Jamie nearly had a heart attack by the news, something that Lapis quickly gasped. Although living here for a while now, she had yet to understand some of the expressions used on earth. So when Jamie claimed to be having a heart attack, Lapis actually believed he was suffering from a form of cardiac arrest. Before she realized it, she was in the midst of carrying Jamie to Steven's house when Jamie finally got her to listen. A definite in terms of how silly they two could be, given the proper (or improper) situation. Speaking of the couple, Lapis surprised Jamie with a proposal.

"Proposal?" He asked.

"That's right." She said, nodding her head. Jamie was confused.

"What sort of proposal?"

Their conversation was saved within their humble abode as they began their morning by waking up. Today, he had the day to rest. Luckily, Lapis too had the morning off though she had to go on deliveries in the afternoon. Adjusting the gown she wore, she turned her head to show Jamie the change in her gem. The gem of itself remained the same, but around it was a silver ring. Before saying a word, his hand found itself caressing the new addition to Lapis body. It brought a sense of chills to her spine as she awaited for a verbal response. His touch made her gem vibrate.

Jamie stared at it some more, but he couldn't understand the meaning of said ring. "I'm sorry Lapis, but I don't get what I'm seeing."

She shook her head. Of course, he wouldn't get it. That form of practice was not even known to majority of the gems in Homeworld. It was from a previous generation before the war. For him to know, would be impossible. Turning so that she could look into his eyes, Lapis planted a quick kiss. "It's an affirmation of my love...waiting for your confirmation."

"Confirmation?" He asked.

Lapis giggled. He was very cute by the look of confusion he had now. She really wanted to see that face more often. "I'll tell you about it later. For now, I want to enjoy this." Her lips found themselves touching his once more. She embraced him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was very content with him in bed. Things were going to change for the both of them, but it was because of the consistency within their relationship that she found no reason to fear of the future. Her gem told her that Jamie's heart felt the same way.

oooOOOooo

Meanwhile, things between the rest of the gang began to change as well. The biggest of them all was between a certain newly established millionaire and a pearl. No one could say that they saw it coming. Then again, maybe Garnet. But when Pearl and Greg began going out and just talk, well it caused a few bulbs to light up. The two had a rough start upon their introduction to each other. They both were entranced by the same female gem.

They were rivals, fighting to give their heart/gem to the rose quart before them. Eventually, Rose picked Greg. They became a couple and with that, their love flourished. Leaving Pearl to the sideline to witness the entire scene. It was painful to say the least, but perhaps it hurt Greg the most when Rose died. When she gave birth to Steven, Greg was the closest person to her. It was his love that killed Rose, giving life to his son. For a human, Pearl imagined the idea to bothered him a lot. He never spoke about it, but Pearl felt he thought about it.

Look at them now. They both were talking and reminiscing the good old days. Of their fights and bickering, and how Garnet and Rose would try to stop them. Amethyst would prefer to watch the fight, a bag of popcorn in hand.

Whatever happens, should just happened. That was the mindset that both of them shared as they closed the distance. Pearl slid closer to the human, allowing contact with their shoulders. Greg felt it was his duty to carry it through as he slowly reached for her hand. He felt the twitch from her hand when he grasped her, but kept his hand in place. No one spoke of what went down, simply enjoying each other's company.

Connie and Steven remained as they were. Although it was clear to anyone that knew them, they decided to stay the same. They were only 13 and 14 respectively, though Steven's birthday was drawing near. Still, they would sometime have their 'moments'. Like when they abruptly held hands on the roller coaster and didn't realize they were still latched on until Garnet appeared with a thumb up.

Then there was Garnet, she was already in a relationship but now Ruby and Sapphire appeared more often. There was something about being separated that had its charm, like being able to see the other person in front of them. And being able to touch their face and pressed their lips against theirs. Even hearing their lover's voice was enough of a change to go through the temporary separation.

Peridot was intrigued. This feeling that brought several of her friends close, was prevalent in most of her day-time soap opera. Something about the intimacy caused her to become curious in the affair. A test was required, proposed the small green gem. She already came up with a hypothesis; if met under the right conditions, a form of intimacy would occur. The conditions were already presented on the board but before that, Peridot needed to get some much-needed information. Any ignorance in her part could disrupt the experiment. So for now, she was a field agent. On her way to question several of Beach City's couples. Aside from the couples in the Crystal Gem, there were a handful of others.

There were Buck, the son of the current mayor of Beach City, and Jenny, one of the twins that works at Fish Stew Pizza. From what she gathered from hanging out with Ronaldo, both of them were technically together though they mostly spent it together with their other friends. Atypical, as stated by the conspiracy enthusiast, but everyone had their own mode of displaying affection. Perhaps they were more extroverted than most. To the point where their intimacy were nonexistent to those that could not see. The twin was quite happy all the time, and mayor's son was well... cool as a cucumber. An expression that Peridot acquired from Steven. The next one was not as clear as the first; which says a lot about the couple. Lars and Sadie, both work at a donut shop. Peridot never hears the end of Steven and his 'love' theories between those two. She never saw them in any content found in her soap operas, though Steven mentioned that they were once stranded on an island for a while.

For now, she would put them down as test couple # 2. The next one was quite the shocker. Onion was in a relationship with someone. Sources say the person is not from Beach City, but not much was known about said person. A difficult case to examine, but it matters not. She got her supplies and made her way into town.

oooOOOooo

Lapis quickly arrived to work after sharing a wonderful meal with Jamie. As she descended to the boardwalk, she could hear the excitement within the shop. She had an apologetic smile when she realized she didn't have much on Jamie's newest play. Since the first one, which was an instant success, there was a talk about his next project. People from all around were asking her when the next new play will come out. What would it be about? Was she going to star in it?

She usually shrugged her shoulders, not really pressuring Jamie for some answers. She knew he was constantly writing when given the chance, but not every one passed his careful examination. His eyes were sharp, but what ultimately decided their fate was his heart. He had to be completely satisfied with how it came out for it to be considered into a live performance. Thankfully, he had a new crew to give helpful criticism; mainly Connie, Steven, Peridot, Garnet and of course, Lapis. Lapis had full access whenever he was writing to peer over his shoulders. Perhaps sneak a kiss or two while she was at it. She caught snippets of what it was going to be about, but not enough to make connections with each one.

Entering the workplace, she was quickly greeted by the loud cries of every single customer in the Pizza Fish Soup.

"Lapis!" "Lapis!" "Lappy!" "Space Girl!"

She smiled as she waved her hand. At first, she was taken aback by their enthusiasm. She didn't do well with a huge crowd surrounding her, but the crowd here were quite respectful of her space. They were genuinely nice and considerate which helped in opening up with them. She eventually learned of their names and a few things about each one of them. A nice crowd with a big heart. Something she thanked Jamie for giving her the opportunity.

"Lapis, any news on when your boyfriend is done with his next play?" Asked Boris Ywell. A former sailor now fisherman under the employment of Onion's father. A huge fan of her performance and the story written by Jamie.

Lapis smiled as she gave the big negative. Something they were okay with as they all shared to her their excitement once more. Another thing to be excited was the new building that was being constructed. There was talk with the mayor that could suggest that Jamie and Lapis may provide acting classes to the youth in Beach City. As a way to give back to the town for their lovely dedication and participation.

She saw Jenny walking toward her with her uniform. A simple apron with the store logo on the front. Aside from performing deliveries, Lapis occasionally help with taking orders. Something she did whenever Jenny had to go somewhere with her friends.

"Thanks for relieving me. Now I can catch that concert the town over." Jenny said calmly though Lapis caught her twin shaking her head. This was her third one this week that she went to a concert. Lapis didn't mind though. With the additional hours, she was thinking of getting something nice for Jamie.

"Sure. Have fun." Lapis said as the girl gave an "of course, girl" before leaving.

Making her rounds, she began taking the orders of any new arrivals.

"Waitress." Spoke an unfamiliar voice as Lapis spotted a woman sitting by herself in the corner. She was rather flashy, thought Lapis as she made her way to the newcomer. The woman was reading a magazine of some kind as she put it down to look at her. Her eyes were hazel pools of serenity as they bore their sights on Lapis. For a moment, Lapis thought she was examining her for some reason. It was quick, but her eyes were viewing Lapis entirely before speaking of her order.

"Um... I'm sorry but that's not in the menu." Lapis replied. She never heard of a 'frappuccino', but knew very well that was not in the menu.

"Fine. Then I guess I'll get plain coffee." Spoke the strange woman as she cast her eyes away from Lapis' direction. Her mannerism was foreign to the space gem, though Lapis simply went with it as she left to give the order to Kiki. The cup was given to her in a matter of minutes. No more than four as she quietly made her way back to the woman. Handing her the hot cup of coffee, she gave her caution. "Be careful. The coffee is hot."

"Took you long enough." The woman commented before taking the cup and settling down to her reading. "You're welcome?" Lapis said, though it was more like a question. It didn't take that long in her opinion, but said not a word before returning to her duties. Aside from her, everyone else was nice.

After an hour, Kiki and Lapis were enjoying a small chatter among girls. During the midst of their conversation, Kiki brought up the strange woman that continued to read her magazine. Her coffee from before was left to the side. The steam no longer present as the liquid was now cold. Normally, Lapis would offer to reheat it, but she didn't think the woman wanted to drink her coffee.

So why order one, thought the two girls. Seeing how it was a few minutes past five, Lapis realized her shift had ended. "Oh, I better go and meet up with Jamie. Tell Mr. Kofi Pizza goodbye for me."

"Sure, Lapis. Take care." Kiki waved at the gem before seeing the appearance of two wings on the blue girl's back. Lapis bent her knees a bit before ascending up the air. As Kiki continued to clean the countertop, the woman from before finally stood up.

"Waitress." The woman said, lifting a finger up to get her attention. Kiki smiled politely.

"Yes?"

"Could you tell me who was that lady that flew in the sky?"

Kiki had a smile before the woman.

oooOOOooo

Peridot was just finishing up her observation with Buck and Jenny. From what she gathered, Jenny was supposed to work today. How she got out of it, only she knew. Peridot heard from Jamie that having a job was a responsibility that required one to be committed.

Aside from that, the only thing she saw was a simple gesture of their heads. Something too explicit, which was frustrating to say the least. Peridot literally spent close to an hour in a trash bin, overhearing a pointless conversation about today's music. There was also the matter of forming a band. The issue was that they still didn't have a style.

As she cleaned herself of the last of the grime from the discarded french fries, Peridot started looking for another couple to observe. Love was still a mystery to her, but she felt the answer was just waiting to get the drop on her. It took no more than a few steps to feel the impact of a body on top of her. Her face hit the floor as she let out an annoyed groan. When she thought the answer would drop on top of her, she didn't think it would literally drop on top of her.

"Peri! I saw you from up above and figured, why not drop by for a visit." Spoke the ever so bothersome crystal gem. She had a Cheshire smile as she looked down at the flattened gem as she spoke her name with a lisp.

"Amethyst..."

"That's my name. Don't wear it out."

"Can you get off me?"

Amethyst transformed into a ball that self bounced. "So...Peri, wha-cha doing?"

"Arrgh, field work. I'm trying to figure out the concept of LOVE." Peridot began, which caused Amethyst to transform back to her default form.

"Um, Peridot...don't you think you're a bit too young for something complex as that?"

"Nonsense. I am fully equipped to understanding it, even if it's continuing to elude me. I just need to find the perfect specimens." Peridot rubbed her chin, pondering over what to do next. Amethyst sighed, grabbing Peridot by the arm. This took the smaller gem by surprise as she was dragged through the city. "Where are you taking me? I demand to know!" Shouted Peridot as she struggled to free herself.

"Calm down." Amethyst said as she stopped in front of a building. "I'm taking you to see a sappy flick."

"A fappi what now?" Peridot was confused. "Was that gibberish?"

"I mean, I'm taking you to see a romantic film so you can begin to understand what it means to be 'in love', Peri..." The older of the two crossed her arm as she looked toward the poster of the film they were going to watch. A foreign film written by some European author that sold millions with his book. The film adaptation was only available for selected theaters. Amethyst wasn't planning to see some foreign film with English subtitles. Especially since it was so sappy, but maybe watching with Peridot wouldn't be so bad. She had nothing planned for the day. "What do you say?"

Peridot stared at the same piece of paper displayed in front of the building. The image consisted of a male individual with a bizarre facial expression as he tried to beseech the other individual, a female one, to do something. He was on his knees, while the other one was gasping in surprised. Another thing to note, they both weren't wearing corresponding attires. Her dress was covered in patches, with poor patchwork by someone incompetent. The male, was laced with fancy golden trim around his shoulders and wrists of his blue shirt.

"Sure. Thanks." Peridot smiled. Perhaps this was the thing Peridot needed. She then saw a couple walking in, holding hands. It happened so quickly, but she could have sworn she saw their faces slightly discolored.

"Then let's go before I change my mind." Amethyst said, making their way to the ticket booth.

oooOOOooo

Lapis flew through the sky, taking a slight detour to explore an area she came across recently. She learned through Connie that people typically celebrate their relationships in the form of anniversaries. At first, she was confused by the notion. That was until Connie gave a hypothetical scenario.

"Do you think Jamie would be happy to be reminded that you two have been dating for a certain amount of time?"

Lapis barely had to process that. "Of course."

Connie nodded. "Okay. Now, would you be happy if Jamie did the same? Giving you something to commemorate the time since you two became a couple."

"I would be happy with anything he gives me..."

Lapis gave a small smile, followed by a flaring blue blush. She found the landmark as she descended to the ground. She told herself to make quick work, as to not arouse any suspicion from the thespian. She walked for a short distance until she came across a clearing that held what she was withholding.

"Now, I just have to bring Jamie here." Spoke the blue gem as she viewed the scene one last time before returning to the sky. She flew quickly back to her home. Each time she thought about home, an image of Jamie would appear. Right now, everything in her life revolved around Jamie. Of course, Steven would always have a special place in her gem. He was her first friend she made on earth. She would still visit him from time to time as would he. He actually came to her to go on a double date. Steven and Connie were going to the museum within a neighboring town, but needed chaperones. He didn't want to take any of the crystal gems since they nearly destroyed several establishments already and because he wanted to go somewhere with both Jamie and Lapis. Since becoming a couple, Steven explained that he barely hanged out with either one of them. Something about not losing their friendship, which Lapis responded with a hug.

There was no way she would forget Steven. After all, he was the reason she was here now. He freed her from her imprisonment. Before him, no one really spoke to her. They would simply give command, confusing her as a tool to keep track of historical events. And before that during the war, her people confused her for being a part of the rebellion.

No matter what, she would always be there for him. Aside from Jamie, Steven was her special friend.

When she spotted the house, she dropped to the surface. Despite the speed she descended, she managed to touch the ground without much of a sound. Something she found good as she quietly made her way inside. From what she could hear, he wasn't at the kitchen. In response, she took to the stairs as she made sure not to make a creak from the floorboards. As expected, she found him by his workstation. Writing something on paper as he had all of his attention on what he was diving into with his pen. Lapis looked above his head, where most of his drafts, novels, notes were held. The shelves were filled to the brim. Seeing him work so passionately, brought a smile as she quickly tiptoed her way toward her Jamie. His hair was a bit ruffled, most likely he didn't shower. Either way, she had the inclination to play with his bedridden hair, but she held her composure. Instead, she decided to take a more delicate approach. One that had more amore etched around its surface as she wrapped her arms around his person.

"Guess who's back?" She chimed. Her tone naturally brought a smile into the thespian's face.

"You're back." He said.

Lapis dived down until his arms caught her in a loving embrace. "I'm back."

"Must we do this every time?"

"Do you want it to stop?"

Jamie didn't need to think about that question. "Never." He kissed her. She kissed him.

"Me neither."

As their moment took flight once more, the gem that held the center of Lapis' existence lit up. Lapis could see her future as she stared into his dark-colored pools for eyes. When she felt him lifting her a bit, she went along with it. They both were then up and about as their bodies swayed across the room. Lapis felt Jamie tender touch on his arm as he spun her around. Jamie took caution as he stood behind her, holding the tips of her fingers on each of his hand. Then slowly he slid his hands from tips to arms. Then from there, to her shoulders as they kept a constant rhythm.

They still had half a day left to themselves, and though it may be early, Jamie insisted they had dinner early. Lapis did not complain in the slightly. That is, as long as she helped him in any way she could.

"So, have you completed your next play Mr. Director?"

They both held hands as they were about to head downstairs. Their dancing definitely made the two hungry. Jamie wasn't much for moving his body, unless it was relating to the theaters, but with Lapis, he was willing to dance his heart out for her. "Actually, yes. I just want a little help from Connie before making copies for the cast."

"Which means, there will be an audition for the roles very soon." Lapis announced. "Perhaps another appearance from yours truly." Lapis said, eyes on Jamie.

"I have no doubt you will pass the audition." Jamie said confidently. Instead of the beaming smile Jamie expected from Lapis, he got back a tone-down smile.

"I mean you..."

Jamie was stunned. "M-Me?"

Lapis found his bashful self adorable.

"Yes you, mister." She kissed his nose. "I would love to work with you again."

"Geez... I don't know. We might get a larger crew than before. I can't keep taking the lead roles from well-deserving people."

"All I'm asking for is for you to audition as well. If you make the list, then so be it. Right?"

"Oh Lapis, you are like a tiny blue pixie. Sweet and playful all at once." Jamie pointed out. Lapis giggled. To think, he compared her to a small mythological creature as a pixie. They were indeed small, but Lapis was not. She read a few bits from Steven's collection of books. They were known to be tricksters with small child-like figurine. She was not a child. She may be sweet and playful, but she was definitely not a child.

Omake:

Peridot eyes were wide opened as her mouth was left ajar. What she witnessed in that extensive foreign film was definitely resourceful. Perhaps too resourceful as she was still processing the added information inside her head. There was so much stimulant to take in that she nearly had to remind herself that she was watching a film. She found herself holding hands with Amethyst. It was so uncomfortable. The male protagonist was indeed an idiot. Something as monetary wealth, could never overcome something within the heart. He could give her everything she could ever want, but that would never guarantee her devotion to him. For something like that, Peridot felt it would have to be more intrinsic.

Peridot and Amethyst was close to get kicked out from the theater from Peridot's constant outburst. Each time the 'idiot' does something 'idiotic', Peridot couldn't help but to say something about it. And boy does she say something about it. The loud outburst, along with the popcorn launched from her mouth left a few patrons quite angry to say the least. Then again, Peridot claimed it was their fault for choosing to sit a row ahead of them. Overall, she had a great time watching that movie and made sure her fellow crystal gem knew that. After today, Peridot was more confident that she had a better grasp of this 'love'. It was indeed complex and elusive, even if the ending made no sense. Why on earth would he give up his previous life just to be with her. They didn't even end up together. The ending was more like an ending without really tying all the pieces together.

"Well, yeah. The director is hoping to attract people into making a sequel." Her friend revealed.

"That's stupid. They clearly could have ending it properly without having to add the suspense."

"They could have, but then you wouldn't be able to make more money out of it. Making money is like the main reason they made the film in the first place." The purple gem explained. Peridot was not pleased. If she was directing the film, she would have kept it as that. A FILM. Why ruin a potential masterpiece with a sequel. For the sake of something idiotic as 'money'? This only reinforced her notion that humans were inferior. Peridot stopped her movements. No. There was a few she acknowledged. One in particular that resided in Beach City and would be conducting a new play very soon. Even with that said, there were still many idiotic people in this planet.

"Now I'm hungry. I could go for some pizza." Peridot spoke out suddenly.

Something that brought out a smile out of her companion. "Now you're talking. Let's go before they closed."

-End of Chapter

Author's Notes:

I am really sorry for taking practically a year to update this story. A lot has happened, including working multiple jobs. Despite my inconsistency in writing stories, I will continue to write. This story was a minor project I began that eventually grew through the unfolds. It really became a flower that I want to keep tending to until the very end. See you soon! -sorrowXdarkness