Hey everyone! Told you I'd be back. This one got away from me, that's why it's a bit longer than usual. I'll admit, I did use some of the SU Wiki for the descriptions and I credit Rebecca Sugar and Ian Jones-Quartey since it's their dialogue that I'm lifting from. Either way, I hope you enjoy it! :)

Stars and Diamonds

Steven had gotten up shortly as Connie was wrapping up part of the story. He approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. A bright color entered Connie's cheeks.

"Connie, I'm so so sorry you went through all that."

"It's okay, Steven." Connie added. "It wasn't your fault."

"Yeah, but… I really wish I could've been there for you, you know?" Steven had a sincere look of concern in his face. "I wish I could've met you sooner. Been there for you even then. I could've protected you, talked to you, been your friend then."

"Hey." Connie placed her hand on Steven's available one. "You're here now. That's the most important thing."

A smile peeked from Steven's face.

"I may have gone through a lot back then but… you came into my life at the perfect time. I think that's something only a good friend would do."

"You think so?" Steven asked hopefully.

"I know so."

They both embraced. Connie always appreciated her gem friend's hugs. Steven may have been a bit bigger but to her, he was soft, gentle, and very protective. She allowed herself to feel safe in his arms. They both quickly let go however and look around all a-flushed.

Steven started again, "That story, the stars and diamonds one. I never heard of it. I don't remember my dad or the Gems ever talking about it and they've been here the longest."

"It's possible the guy just made it up to sell products." Said Connie.

"Well, either way, I'll ask the Gems about it tonight. So can I ask you something else?" Asked Steven.

"Yeah, of course."

They both sat back down near the cliff. Steven got some durian juice boxes and handed one to Connie.

"I told you about the other times I tried to get your attention. Are you sure you didn't notice me then?"

"Well… yes and no."

Steven groaned and hid his face in shame.

"I'm sorry but you're not very subtle sometimes, you know?"

"Hey, you're talking to a kid with a glowing pink gem where his belly button should be. Subtle ain't exactly in my vocabulary!"

They both laughed.

"You don't have to keep going if you don't want to." Steven added.

"No, I want to!" Connie chimed. "This is a lot of fun. I like reminiscing with you, even if the memories are painful sometimes. I'm just thankful you're not the judgmental type."

"Connie, I would never in a million years judge you."

"I know that, ya goof." She giggled making Steven giggle as well.

"So you want me to keep going?"

"Of course!"

"Alright." Connie took another sip from her juice before putting it down and getting back into the "spotlight" to continue her story.

Two months had passed since losing that cheap pink bracelet. Connie had stopped caring about meeting anyone and just settled into her schoolwork, blocking herself from anyone in her path. Not mad, just mind settled. She wanted to be like a certain girl in a movie she saw. The girl who always read books while the whole town saw her as… abnormal, save for the one guy who was obsessed with her. She could've done without that. Still, it all ended happily for her. That's the only thing that was missing. It entered her mind every now and again. The whole finding someone just like her or at the very least, someone interested in her. But for now, the books would do.

Besides, this Meg Murry she was reading about was just like her in every way. Until she meets Calvin, darn! Oh, well. At least the book was entertaining her… for now, anyway.

The noises around her started to grow, not realizing she was entering a new location called "Funland", some amusement park located on a pier with a couple eateries, an arcade, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and plenty of rides and carnival games to choose from. How did I get here?, she thought. Should I turn back? Nah, now that I'm here, I might as well explore. Still… Connie carried her book in one arm and continued walking around her new environments.

SMACK!

The sound of metal and what sounded like someone collapsing was registered. Connie's pink-lensed eyes scanned the area until she saw what it was. A trash can was on the ground with its content scattered on the floor and next to it, a boy with poofy hair, pink shirt with star, and sandals. Wait a minute, he looked familiar. She could've been sure that she knew him. Well, maybe not KNOW him, but at least seen him somewhere. Either way, it didn't matter. Once he caught sight that she was examining him, the boy quickly hid behind the fallen trash can. Connie thought about going over there, saying something. Maybe helping him up and getting the garbage back. It would only be the correct thing to do. But then, why was he hiding? Did I do something? Crud, maybe I scared him. She opened her book back up and continue reading as she walked away from the scene. Her face turned partly pale and a bit red. Why didn't she help him? Ugh!

An hour had passed and Connie was halfway into her book, sitting down on a park bench. She had done some more exploring and even rode the Ferris wheel. But even then, just used it as an excuse to continue reading and not bother anyone. Still, she didn't have enough change to stay atop the thing so she had no choice but to use a random old park bench for comfort. Better than nothing.

The main protagonist's brother had become corrupt with something mysterious when suddenly, a loud digital noise. A bit louder than the other games. Connie bookmarked her spot and got up to investigate. It was coming from the arcade.

Meat Beat Mania, the game was called. God, that was an awkward title. Whoever came up with that was definitely a weirdo. Who else could see the connotation but her? Seriously.

"Baw-kawk!" The game went. The music on the console was intensifying and whoever was playing was either playing to save his or her own life or was just about to lose a lot of points and possibly the whole game.

The poofy hair she noticed said it all for her, it was the same boy for earlier. He may have been clumsy but he seemed like a heck of a good player.

Why do I keep running into him, whoever he is? Should I say something? Well, he's busy playing. What if I distract him? Maybe I could compliment him? Nobody else seems to be. What if I come off as awkward? Connie's eyes began to shift from the kid playing the game to the ground, the book, the crowd, and suddenly, away from the environment as her feet guided her out of there and towards the exit of the amusement park.

You're so stupid, Connie!

Three months had passed. Summer was over, the school season was in full swing but Connie still found time to read as always. This time, a story about a happy-go-lucky girl with a ukulele singing Happy Birthday to anyone whose name she remembered and boy trying to figure her out. Most of the books she read included romance in one way or another. It used to bother her but she wound up getting used to it. She figured it would never happen to her so she might as well read about it. Either way, Connie wished she could be like this particular girl; cheering people up who needed it, singing them songs, be their ray of sunshine, a… star girl, to be exact. But who was she kidding? She'd die of embarrassment within the first note. Thank God for the sun hat she was wearing. It covered her face up nicely so she wouldn't have to read anyones faces or them hers. It was a beautiful day to be basking in the sun, so why wasn't she? Either way, she walked along the Beach City dock once again reading while walking, barely focusing on where she was going and more so on this girl and her pet rat that surrounded the pages of her book.

The voice of a boy yelling out something about a magic trick began to fill the air but she paid little attention to it. If anything, it spoiled the trance she was in. So she kept walking, not even realizing that the boy performing the magic trick was the same one she encountered several times before.

Another six months have passed. Not much has happened since then. More viola lessons, more tennis, more "diplomas" for succeeding in math and other courses. More books, more of the same, really. Her parents have been incredibly proud of her. She'd been staying out of trouble, studying, reading, learning, achieving, all that "Fun" stuff that her mother was more supportive of. It was a very slow year, but it was what it was for her. More of the same, really.

Except today. Today would be the first REAL day of the rest of her life. But she didn't know it at the time.

Connie had found the beach along with the tranquility of the waves and the atmosphere just spoke to her.

A rumbling had begun shaking the ground and the sand vibrating. It started out small at first but over time, grew more and more. Why today of all days?

She thought maybe they'd go away. She could only hope. Anyway, Connie found a nice spot near a cliff to read her book, one about a depressed teenager having a very eventful night of his life in New York. The subject matter seemed very adult for her but this is what she wanted to read. The title caught her eye, and so did the cover. Or at least the lack of one. It was very white with a small stripe on the side, and no synopsis on the back. This book could've been about anything. Oh, well. She was bound to learn about someday.

One thing she loved about the atmosphere was the temple… or a beach house? Whatever it was, it had a very unique statue of what seemed like a goddess.

It was very beautiful, and it made her wonder who could've possibly lived here? Would it be rude to knock on the door? Nah, she didn't want to intrude. Just sit here quietly, bask in the noon sun, listen to the waves, read her book, and- RUMBLE!

…not have to worry about those dang tremors.

A boy went over to somewhat brag about his new bicycle but Connie paid no attention to that. Besides, it probably wasn't even directed towards her. Still, there was no one else. Oh, well.

Suddenly, she heard a crash and it was enough for her to look over. Connie saw a familiar looking boy looking mighty embarrassed. She swears she saw this kid before. On numerous occasions but she couldn't exactly pinpoint where exactly. She also thought this probably wasn't the best person to start a conversation with. She was awkward enough as it was. No need for a second.

The boy looked shocked that this girl was now staring at him. He saw the book on the ground and his cool was completely gone. With no other choice, he took his helmet off and ran off screaming.

Okay, then. Back Connie went towards her book.

Another moment had passed or at least half a chapter had been read. The boy was coming back toward her with a newfound sense of confidence. Connie knew this, she wasn't ready but it was happening. She took a deep breath and-

Another tremor, this one more violent than the last and it knocked her off her balance, her book knocked to the ground. The kid was now running toward her, trying to introduce himself at the same time. Before she could say anything however, she was immediately knocked her over.

Suddenly, a pink aura surrounded them both and in such a short amount of time, she was lying on something round. A bubble of some sort. On top of her, she saw that same boy just as confused over what happened. She also noticed that that same bubble was protecting them from a piece of debris that had fallen off the statue and would've probably killed her had this not come out of nowhere.

"Whoa, how did I do that?" He asked? Wait, he did this? HOW?! She had several questions but she couldn't find her voice. The boy then turned his attention back to her and once again introduced himself.

"Hi… my name… is Steven."

She registered the name and while she still had those questions in her head, she figured she might as well give him hers. She adjusted her glasses and found her voice to give him an answer.

"…Connie."

The boy, Steven, helped her back up.

Connie had several questions, but she started with one. A simple one. "What happened?" She asked while touching and admiring this newly piece of… whatever it was.

"I'm magic." Said Steven. "Well… half magic, on my mom's side."

So, he DID do it. "You did this?"

"Apparently." Answered Steven, still wondering exactly how. "I'm a member of the Crystal Gems. We fight monsters and protect humanity and stuff."

Okay, NOW she had more questions, but she may as well relate to him on a personal level. "Oh! That's kind of like my dad. He's a cop. Well… more like a private security guard."

Another awkward silence filled the air.

"Hey, wait a minute." Steven interrupted. "I know the outcome of this story. You do too. So why are you retelling it?"

"Because every story needs a resolution, Steven." Connie added. "Besides, it's my turn to tell the story and I'm gonna tell it exactly the way I see fit. Now may I continue."

"Okay, fine." Steven playfully sounded defeated.

Connie stuck her tongue out at him and continued.

The boy and girl exchanged looks, more like weird smiles, until one of them, mainly Connie, broke the tension.

"So… how long does it usually last?"

"Oh, right." Steven started to strain himself, still confused over how this even happened. He hit the gem where his belly button should be. Connie noticed that. Weird piece of jewelry. Is it pierced? Is he even old enough? Okay, focus, Connie. One thing at a time.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

Steven definitely looked embarrassed. Sweat started to show itself on his forehead and he didn't have an answer other than, "It…doesn't seem to wanna go away."

"Oh." Was all Connie could say. She didn't have an answer either. Heck, she thought only the characters from her books could do something like this. This should be a dream come true, but she seemed just a confused as the boy in the pink shirt with the star.

With no other options present at the moment, they began pushing against the bubble, attempting to walk forward in a very slow manner.

Steven tried to break the awkwardness in any way he could. "So... I don't see you around that often."

"My dad works for a bunch of different beaches, so we're never in the same place long." said Connie.

"I go on adventures with the Gems sometimes. They usually say it's too dangerous for me though."

Steven slips on the bubble and falls over. Connie really wanted to ask Steven more questions about these so-called "Crystal Gems" and especially more about the round pink prison they seem to be in. But her priorities were straight. First freedom, then questions.

"Do you always go in a bubble?" Connie asked as she helped Steven back up.

"No, this is new. I don't know what this is. But it's okay! The Gems will know what to do!"

Steven and Connie try to roll the bubble to Steven's house, but can't get up the steep hill leading towards it.

"Awww what?" Steven tried to push the bubble more, but it kept failing to move. "Hey guys! Garnet! Help!"

Nothing. They either weren't there or the bubble was mad sound-proof.

"I don't think they can hear you" Connie added.

Steven facepalms. "Awww, that's right! I told them not to watch."

Not to watch what? "We can just wait here until they come out."

"No, no, no! It's okay!" Steven quickly interrupted. "I've got other friends that can help."

Their first attempt was at the Big Donut where employees Lars and Sadie attempted to free the two kids out of quarantine. Well… Sadie mostly. She was just as confused as the two but she at was at least trying. Lars, on the other hand, was getting a laugh out of this entire situation. Sadie tried to get him to focus on the task at hand as she broke everything she had around at the bubble to no avail. Steven however made light of everything and used it as an excuse to tell the nervous girl about the Big Donut and how he loves to go there every day to get some of their yummy donuts. However, his cloud escaped when he found out Connie was not allowed to eat said donuts due to the terror that was "Trans Fats".

Several broken chairs later, Steven excused the failed attempt with another "It's okay." and off to the Beach City Pier they went.

Connie soon exchanged her rather intriguing knowledge of boats such as trawlers and skip-jacks. She explained since she spent a lot of time at beaches and due to a lack of a social life, she learned more about her surroundings than anything. They soon ran into a young boy with an onion-shaped head eating from a bag of popcorn. Some failed attempts to get Onion's attention as well as communicate to him about acquiring a harpoon gun were had. Once he got the message, Onion shot the harpoon towards the bubble which then deflected and shot a nearby boat, completely sinking it. Onion gave them a thumbs-up but the other party wasn't exactly happy with the outcome.

Another "It's okay" from Steven and onto Plan… D? Connie was starting to become frustrated but she didn't want to say anything. She knew this kid was trying. He too was in familiar territory and she didn't exactly know how to help him. There wasn't even a book in sight with the answers. With no other option, she kept pushing forward.

Funland. There had to be something here. Steven eyed the kiddie coaster and pushed Connie and him towards the platform. The very naive star child was convinced the coaster would crash right onto the bubble completely breaking them out of their round pink prison. Connie however… wasn't so convinced. Before she could say anything however, Steven pushed the bubble forward and onto the track they went. The coaster immediately hits the bubble and rolls with it rather than doing any damage. Well, not to the bubble anyway.

The manager Mr. Smiley immediately notices this and heads straight to the emergency brake, pulling it and stopping the ride… but not the bubble. Instead, it was launched off the tracks sending the two kids flying and out to sea.

The bubble immediately sinks and hits the bottom of the ocean floor. The two kids get back up and notice their surroundings. Steven was uncertain about this. Connie however… was horrified. Again, with no other option, they kept pushing forward… possibly to shore.

"It's a good thing this bubble is airtight, otherwise we'd be drowning right now." Steven laughs nervously. None of this was making the agitated girl next to him feel any better. "Don't worry Connie, I have an idea that will definitely work. When we get back-"

Suddenly, a huge worm-like creature swims above them. It consumes some seaweed that's glowing red from nearby. Connie was immediately terrified but chose not to say anything to not get its attention. Steven attempted to calm her down, telling her its attention was elsewhere. Not so scary. Well, not to him anyway.

The creature then began to burrow into the ocean floor which created a crevice underneath the bubble, sinking the two deeper into the ocean. The bottom of what should very well be the bottomless.

"Oh! Sorry!" Steven got his foot off of Connie's face and helps her up. Fear was out the window. Something else replaced it. Hopelessness. A pale form overtook her face and her breathing quickened. Steven was more focused on his… surroundings. Dark, secluded, a pale glow; it may have well been a grave.

This was not good, and Steven knew it.

"Uhh, I-it's okay. I-uh-"

"IT'S NOT OKAY!"

Connie had had enough. Steven turned around to face her, completely out of excuses. He was clearly out of his element.

"You keep saying that but you don't know what you're doing! Now we're going to suffocate or starve at the bottom of the ocean and only my parents will notice because no one else cares about me!"

Steven wanted to say something so bad but he knew it would be inappropriate timing. Still, he needed to do something. The girl was tearing up.

"I'm going to disappear without ever making a single friend…"

With no other options, she collapsed back down, tears in her face, hands covering them. She was defeated. She had been here before but this was even worse. This was Hell and it was here. Would the debris have been quick had he not interfered? Was death better than this? Was…

Suddenly, another pink glow entered her near her. She covered her eyes and sniffled, wanting to see where it was coming from. Her eyes grew.

No. That can't be…

It was. It was the exact same glow stick bracelet she had dropped just a year ago, and the boy named Steven was down on one knee showing it to her as a form of good faith.

"We can be friends." He said calmly.

Connie blushed. For a brief moment, her surroundings completely disappeared and once again, it was just her and Steven in a pink surrounding now even pinker from the reveal. She thought she had lost the cheap bracelet for good only to see that not only had he had it the whole time but that he wanted so badly to give it back to her. Seriously, who was he?

Steven explained. "I saw you at the Boardwalk Parade last year. You dropped your bracelet. I picked it up, but then I couldn't find you. I saved it in the freezer so it would last longer, in case I saw you again."

Connie's eyes lit up once again. She remembered, she knew exactly where she first saw this familiar boy. "Oh, that's right! You were the kid on the car wash float." A chuckle escaped her. "You had soap bubbles in your hair."

Steven nervously scratched his head and blushed. "I was trying to be a scrub brush." The two of them laughed at the silly memory.

Steven then carefully took Connie's right hand, making her once again a-flushed at the gesture. And very gently put the bracelet back on her petite wrist.

He added, "I'm sorry, Connie. If I had returned your bracelet back then, you wouldn't be stuck in this bubble with me now."

Suddenly, everything made sense to her, what that clerk had said to her all those months ago. Stars and diamonds.

"No, it's okay. I'm having fun."

And she was… until the bubble suddenly popped.

Suddenly, the two newly made friends were exposed to the water and not being able to breathe. Now in control of the situation, Steven was able to guide Connie upwards towards the surface. They breached through the water gasping for air. They took a look at each other and bursted into laughter. But they were not out of the water yet, both literally and figuratively. All of a sudden, the Worm Monster was back, creating a wave big enough to send Connie and Steven back to shore.

The creature was now pursuing them. Connie climbed up a few rocks with Steven running under the pier. She yells at him to hide with her which attracts the creature towards her.

Steven wondered why it was chasing them to begin with. Then he noticed Connie still wearing the bracelet and remembered the glowing red seaweed the creature was attracted to. It's the glow! That's gotta be it! With that, he ran towards Connie and removes the bracelet from her.

"Give me the bracelet!"

"WHAT?!"

"It's okay, now go! Run that way!" Steven pushed Connie in another direction. "Sorry!"

The Worm Monster never took its unseen metaphorical eyes off the pink glow now that Steven had it in his hands. He began zigzagging round the pillars of the pier while yelling frantically, causing the monster to wrap and knot around itself. The immobilized monster struggles to break free as Connie and Steven hold hands in horror. She now trusted him. He was keeping her safe and he was now protecting her at all costs, something she secretly wanted but never really said out loud. The pillars break from the struggle, causing the pier to collapse on the monster, crushing and poofing it, turning it into a gem.

The Crystal Gems come rushing towards them, all asking questions about the destruction and what happened and all that. Connie however was the first to respond, diamonds surrounding her eyes.

"HE WAS INCREDIBLE!"

"Really? You mean it?" Steven had never been complimented by someone who wasn't the Gems or his dad before. Connie nodded happily in response. Garnet meanwhile picked up the fallen gem in the background and bubbled it away.

Steven picked up the bracelet and gave it back to Connie.

"Here's your bracelet… again."

"Thanks" Connie chuckled. She had just made a friend. Was this real? It may be a dream but if it was, she wouldn't want to wake up. That day was finally here. She wished for this moment her whole life. Now, she wasn't going to blow it.

Two of the Gems, Amethyst and Pearl started asking Steven questions about Connie, wanting to be introduced and telling her about how badly Steven wanting to meet her. Steven blushed hard and wanted to hide. But then Garnet showed up to pick them both up and take them out of the picture.

"Hey! Don't mess with his funky flow."

"Funky… flow?" Connie asked.

More embarrassment.

A/N: I'll try to get the next chapter out by the end of the week. No promises though, but try I shall. Just two more chapters to go. I can do this! :)