He'll admit. Things were getting a bit too monotonous. I mean, yeah, he's got little Homeworld to look after, as well as some newfound diamond duties to sort through in helping gems acclimate to life on earth or life by self governance, but it's gotten…

Boring.

With a sigh, Steven lays in his bed. Staring up at the ceiling of his room within the temple. Simply thinking about his life. It used to be such an adventure. There was so many scary moments, happy moments, sad, angry, and downright confusing moments. But they were so much fun when they happened.

Well, maybe not at all of it. Seeing the Gems practically being killed, and seeing Garnet cut in half traumatized him quite a bit. As well as the cat trauma when he nearly turned into a monster feline. And realizing his mom was not only Rose Quartz, but also Pink Diamond…

Okay, his life was full of trauma, but he'd rather look at the bright side. Else he'd have already gone insane from the amount of crazy he went through.

But that doesn't change the fact that once all is said and done, he found himself a new normal. A new schedule. While he's grateful for it, sure, it doesn't mean he won't miss the adventures he had while he was younger. Nowadays, the most exciting thing he really did was give lessons from time to time at Earth School in little Homeworld. Maybe spice it up by having eggplant instead of pineapple on his pizza.

Yes, Steven eats pineapple on pizza. Despite how strange it was the first he heard of it, he couldn't help but appreciate the flavor.

Maybe that's why his thoughts have been drifting towards a certain cartoonish gem. And why he's looking forward to her visits more and more.

Spinel at first, like most of his friends really, hated his guts. While she did nearly destroy the earth, again, who hasn't at this point? He had to admit, she was a needed wake up call. There's no such thing as happily ever after, but that doesn't mean he can't get it as close as possible to it. There's always someone out there that needs his help.

Steven was loath to admit it, but he rather enjoyed that thought. Of someone depending on him, and looking at him for guidance. Not like how the uncorrupted gems do, like a saviour or a leader, but as a friend. A playmate.

He also admits, he rather enjoys spending time with Spinel. She never fails to take the initiative when it comes to entertainment. He has no idea how she manages to rope him into playing games like hide and seek or tag, but she does. He returns to favor by leading her to all the best parts of Beach City, in his opinion anyway, to have fun as well. At times, even dropping whatever it is he's doing to do so. To the point where it became a competition to see who can one up the other when it comes to fun.

He sighs and turn on the sheets, looking out the half drawn window and towards the starry sky beyond. A small smile on his face as he traces them into lines and connects them into constellations. He wonders. Was Spinel looking out at the stars too?

Steven hums. Why did he think of that? And why Spinel specifically? Why not the diamonds, or the gems, or even Connie? Why not Lars, or Sadie, or even his dad?

With a grunt he turns to the other side and drapes his blanket over his body. Closing his eyes as he tries to force himself to sleep. If you ever try to do the same, you'll know just how impossible that is.

And so with an exasperated sigh, Steven gets up from his bed, and puts on his slippers before making his way downstairs. The quiet of the temple being his only company as he raids the kitchen fridge for a cold drink. Canned apple juice.

A quick pop and fizz, Steven begins to drink. Sweet and refreshing. Just like months ago.

His memories bring him back to that day, after Spinel suddenly showed up at Beach City as he was watching the stars. Her hair sticking up from that stone hand. Her embarrassed face once she realized she was caught. The softness of her voice.

Steven couldn't help but smile. That really felt like months ago, but at the same time it felt as if it was yesterday. Especially when Spinel wanted to sleep with him, and he had to help chase away a nightmare.

He couldn't help but miss it. Miss the way Spinel would slowly stop shivering when he tells her she would be safe. How she would begin to smile as they talk and have fun during whatever silly activity the pink gem would come up with. Hell, he even missed the way she would squeak and turn away in embarrassment when she would realize he noticed her presence.

Steven blinks, and mutters softly to himself, "Oh, so that's what that squeak was…"

Huh. He misses Spinel.

Maybe him making a visit for a change won't hurt?