Steven's P.O.V

What was that!? What was that!? What was that!?

No serious, what the stars was that!? I don't even know this Andy guy, or really Ethan for that matter, and already I wanted to put him on my special hate list along with Kevin. I'm honestly like this, and it didn't feel this bad before either. Whenever Kevin hit on Stevonnie, or downright annoyed them, I just wanted to uppercut the guy or push him into the ocean. Andy though, the moment he said 'My Ethan' I was seeing dark pink in my vision. I was only able to snap out of it when I noticed how much he flinched in the gripe I had on his hand. Even now it was giving me such guilt. The guilt died though when I saw this Andy guy give Ethan an odd look, a look that brought the sparks of pink in my vision again. What was this? A new power or something? Honestly, right now my mind was telling me not to care. This guy was pissing me off and I didn't know why.

Still though, I was happy to see Ethan again and seeing him smile helped some of the weird anger boiling in my insides. He was giving me a weird feeling looking back at him, but it was more of a soft bubbly feeling. It made me grip the book in my hand tighter, made me look into his eyes a bit longer than normal. He looked so... pretty I guess. It felt like no words could really describe him. His hair looked soft and made of the most softest sliver cotton in the world, his skin looked like it was glowing, and his eyes always seemed to bring my attention in. I couldn't help but feel my cheeks slightly grow warmer. Argh! I wish I knew what was happening to me. First this other jerk is making me mad looking at him, and now I can't seem to focus or even speak around the silver haired teen. Great Amethyst, I knew it was a bad idea to come here. The only reason now though that I didn't just head off and leave was one: this jerk is way too close to Ethan for my liking, and two: Peridot is pulling on my shirt to head inside the library.

"Come on Steven," Peridot halved whine and chuckled out, pulling on my hand now. "You have to meet my new gaming group! I think they call themselves preps."

"Peeps," Ethan chimed in, smiling at my green gem friend. "Normally it is pronounced peeps."

"Oh, come on Steven!"

I give her a slight groan, frowning at her and then at the two watching us. I didn't want to make Peridot upset, but now I can finally get to know Ethan. I didn't want to go inside and it seemed that Ethan was thinking the same. I saw him turn to his friend and place a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Andy," He spoke in his light cheerful voice. "Can you help Peridot inside? I'm sure she wants to meet her friends again."

"But Ethan," This Andy jerk just whined out his name. I was still seeing sparks in my vision, my grip on the book tightening more. "I wanna get to know Steven too."

Ethan rolls his eyes. "I'm sure, but after I speak with him okay."

With another huff from his friend, I saw Andy get up and help Peridot into the library with little to no trouble once he started to speak to her about the new game her group was playing. Once I saw Andy jerk leave, the pink in my vision vanished and I was feeling a whole lot better with them gone. Still, being alone with Ethan wasn't really helping me neither. I don't get it, I really don't. It was like I was in a whole other world just by looking at him, and for some odd reason my cheeks like to get hot when he smiles or even looks at me with joy in his eyes. I only met him once and that meeting was him reading to me, though he is an amazing reader. Even better than Connie was honestly. I had to read the books in my head I never liked her reading the stories. It was always missing something when she told the stories of Spirit Morph, something that Ethan definitely had for sure. Still, why does looking at him gives me butterflies in my stomach and my heart to flutter like one? Why do I want to spend time with him, alone, while almost growling at his other friend like a dog? Urgh, it's times like this I wish Garnet could help me ou-

"Steven?" I snap out of my head again, blushing when Ethan was frowning at me in confusion. He asked, "Are you okay? You froze on me and went to brain space for a second there."

Damn it! I shouldn't be getting lost in his eyes, no matter how amazing they are. Why do I keep thinking that!? "O-Oh... Sorry Ethan," I said nervously, wishing I could kick myself. "Just a lot on my mind I guess."

The white haired teen just let out an airy chuckle. "It's cool Steven. In fact i was wondering when I would see you again. I've been dying to meet you again."

"Really? S-Same!" I stuttered again. Why do i feel too happy to hear this.

Ethan looked to have been shocked too, but I honestly couldn't tell why. Instead he just chuckled again and moved slightly to the left on the beach, petting the spot next to him for me. I blushed, but quickly went to sit next to him as I held the book he gave me in my hands. It feels almost just like yesterday back in the library. I never realized how comfortable I was until now. It was so nice.

Ethan was quick to talk again, which I'm thankful for. "Sorry about Andy there. He likes to mess with people in more ways than one."

Already talking about that Andy jerk, though he it seems to be Ethan's friend so i can't get so upset. I don't even know why I was upset. I sigh and shake my head. "It's alright. I figured he was just messing with me."

"Yeah, but really Steven. It's nice to catch up with you again." He then smirked and took my hand again before saying, "I'll be honest when I say that I miss kissing such a soft hand as yours."

Oh no, he's making me blush harder. What is wrong with me!? Shouldn't I be creeped out by this? I was when Kevin did it to Stevonnie, but why is it with Ethan I feel like I might turn to a puddle of goo. His hand, it was really soft too and so warm. This is going to make my head spin and i don't know why? Maybe this was a game. Yeah, that had to be it.

Playing his game, I look deep into his red and blue eyes with as much confidence that I could show him. Hoping i was giving off the same smirk he did to me, I said happily, "I hope you do it more now that you free from your slave duties." I saw him grow a pink color in his cheek. "If not, I would have had to bubble the flaming red haired dragon just to free you."

To be deeply honest, I had no idea where that came from. It was like on instinct. Completely and utterly out of my control. I wondered if I did it wrong, said something rude even, for how long Ethan looked at me with shock in his eyes. I was getting nervous and wondering if I just screwed up a good thing we had going. I didn't want to lose a new friend over a dumb comment I couldn't help but say. My worry though seem to melt when I hear the most beautiful sound in the world filled my ears.

Ethan was laughing, hard too. It was pure and honest fit of laughter and giggles that was so sudden it took me by surprise. I had no idea someone's laugh could make me feel this way. It was so amazing to hear him laugh at something I said, seeing him so happy that it made my heart stop. I didn't understand why my body was acting like this. It was I had no control over my body anymore just hearing a sweet sound, it was like it just became my favorite music. It was also contagious, cause i started to laugh with him as well. I don;t understand what was happening to me or why I felt this way with mostly a stranger, but I honestly think I didn't really want this moment to stop anytime soon. This was more than nice, it was almost perfect.

Ethan's POV

I never thought Steven could make such a comment like that, and he looked so confident to say it. He outdid me in the flirt department, and I don't even think he knew what he said was even like that. I couldn't help but laugh. He's scared face was cute, but it was so funny to think of that library bitch a hairy dragon. I think it only made me laugh harder.

After a moment, I hear Steven laugh with me, and it sounded so amazing. I never thought he could really sound like an angel from heaven itself. It honestly made me blush and feel butterflies in my heart just listening to him enjoy himself being around me. It was great though, seeing him so upset when Andy pulled that stupid prank on him. Most guys would give up and make rude comments, but it was clear that Steven was just more jealous in a sense. It was almost too much for me, but it was nice to seem him laughing and happy. Better than I think before cause I think he was thinking of ways to try and murder my stupid friend.

After we passed through our laughing fit, i wipe a fake tear from my eyes and smiled at him. Steven smiled back, looking way more relaxed than before which was good. I saw the book i gave him in his hands and pointed at it before asking, "So did you finish Nil yet? Looks like you read most of it ready?"

"Huh? Oh yeah," He replied in slight shock, he seemed to be thinking about something a lot. "I got most of it done. I absolutely love it by the way!"

"R-Really?" I never thought he would like it so much. Not many like it, but it was one of my favorites growing up. Seeing him nod so happily at me, I couldn't help but drop the flirty guy and go straight to geeking it out. "Did you get to the part about the cheetah that ate the girl's goat?"

Steven seem to light up more when I asked questions on the book, looking even more comfortable with me. "Yeah, I felt bad for the goat but it worked out because she found Thomas! I even got to the part where she failed in making soap, it was kind of funny."

"Yeah, but I found the part with Bart losing the votes on a new leader to be funnier." I giggled at the memory, shrugging my shoulders. "Not many people find the book very fun to read because of the dark plot to it, but every book as a funny part right?"

Steven nodded as the both of us started to talk more about the book, even ending up finishing the last few chapters he still had. He wanted me to read it, which i did happily for him. He seemed to really like me reading books out loud to him which was cool because I loved reading to him. He started to talk more about the ending and how much we both enjoyed it, then it went to topics are other books he could try reading. It was shocking that Steven rarely read any books but No Home Boys and Spirit Morph, both very great books, but there was tons more out there. As i explained the ones I like to read, it was like watching a child on christmas. He was so deep into what I was saying, lamost looking like he could fall asleep and yet still be up and listening to my every word. I could just tell from his eyes and how they shined at me, and when I got worried that I was rambling he told me to continue. I honestly never met any man that enjoyed listening to me for this long. All of the others all just wanted to party and have a good time, never about books or just staying at him and relaxing with conversation, It was pretty clear to me that steven is very much different from normal boys.

It made me want to learn even more about him. I mean, I hardly know anything about his life or what he does for fun. I think we talked about books for a good thirty minutes, and it was pretty clear that Andy was staying with Steven's friend for the time being. I never got lost in talking for this long with anyone. Steven was really a special person, and I only met him twice. I wanted to know more about him. Andy and Rae were right about getting to know him. Just a day and a half and I already feel like I want to be closer to him. I guess I really do have a crush on him. Maybe...

I finished my drink and said, "Well, enough about books. I rather read another story titled Steven Universe if you don't mind."

Good thing Steven understand what I was implying, cause I just couldn't help but love the cherry blush on his cheeks. "Y-you want to know about me?"

"Well of course I do," I chuckle and place my elbow on the table, looking at with a soft smile. "I already enjoyed so much time with you. I... I was hoping we can get to know each other more."

"I-I like that Ethan. I would like to know about you too," Steven said gently, his smile so innocent and sweet that it made my stomach to flips.

Then an awesome idea came to mind and I sat up straight. "Well, why not we make it into a game?"

"A game?"

"Yeah, it's called 20 questions," I said happily, watching the stars come back into his sweet brown eyes. They look so much like chocolate. Nope! Stop thinking lovely thoughts and explain the game. "Basically we give each other questions back and forth, and we each have to answer them. That way we can get to know each other."

Steven grinned, nodding at my idea right away. "I love it. I would love to play Ethan. Can I start?" I gave him a nod and he then asked, "Where do you live?"

"About twenty minutes into Ocean Town. I live in a five bedroom house with my family," I answered honestly, moving to my question. "What's your favorite color? I already know that you live here in Beach City by the Lighthouse."

"Honestly... I like the color deep ocean blue and magenta." Steven blushed, almost acting like he was embarrassed to like one of those colors. I was just more surprised that the colors were so pacific. He quickly wiped off his blush and said, "Same question."

I just smiled and answered with, "Sky blue and chocolate brown. Favorite food?"

"Tomato juice!" I raised an eyebrow to that one, to which Steven chuckled and rubbed his arm. "What? It's really good."

"Well then, for a freebie I like chocolate chip pancakes."

Steven seem to lick his lips at the thought of pancakes, but he quickly shook his head and asked, "Do you have a pet?"

"Yup!" I grin and answered happily, "I have a rabbit named Cupcake. Such a cute fur ball. How old are you?"

"Fourteen and my birthday is on August 15th. Same question."

"Damn it, and I missed out on getting you a gift too," I chuckled seeing him blush more, but I answered the question. "I'm only fifteen, but my birthday is on October 12th."

Steven frowned slightly at this, but shrugged it off and smiled. "Oh wow, I just missed your birthday too."

I just shook my head and smile before saying, "It's fine Steven, means we can start with you first next year. Being fifteen is a big number for us teens these days, means we're just one more year till we can drive."

"True," Steven shuckled, smiling as he looked like he was enjoying the game. I'm glad he is cause so was I. Ethan you smart genius! He then asked me, "Who do you live with?"

I guess i looked a bit shocked by the question because he tipped his head in confusion at my body tensing a bit. I mean, the question just shocked me. While I'm not ashamed of my family, no i down right love them, it was my father that I was scared to talk about. Most boys that hear me talk about him either try to be with to exploit the fact that i have a non supporting father, or leave cause they can't deal with the drama they already had before with their own parents. My mom took time yes, but she loves me and that's what matters. My siblings were great and supportive too. It was just always a sore topic talking about my father.

Still, just looking into Steven's soft and opens eyes just broke my walls right then and there. I answered with a small smile. "I live with my family. I got a mom, a father, and two siblings. My sister is older than me and I have a baby brother."

"What are they like?" I think steven knew he broke the rules of the game, but I honestly didn't mind answering for him. "Well... my big sister is somewhat annoying, but most siblings are. Rae is sweet and protective, head strong as well. Loves her image a bit too much. Adien is... odd at times, but loves games a lot. He also likes to hit his head on everything and make traps."

I smile fondly and look up at the sky as i continued. "My mom is amazing. She's a journalist and an awesome cook. It was because of her that I like to cook and read a lot. She's a fighter and always makes sure that everyone is taken care off. I honestly can't understand how she handles being a journalist and yet still takes care of the house and us."

I took a quick glance at my side view and felt like frowning. I saw Steven smiling at me, but it seemed so strained. It was like he was holding something back once I started to say something about my mom. It made my head turn a bit. Does Steven had issues with his mother? Does he even have parents? I remember when me, Rae, and Andy dropped off at his house and those three ladies showed up at the door. Where was his father? Where was his mother? It didn't look like he had any siblings either. It made my mind fill up with questions, but my heart slightly pinch at the thought of asking them. It was like something inside was telling me not to ask just yet. Even though my heart was also telling that I needed to ask hopefully soon.

Before I could ask if he was okay, Steven moved closer to me and gave me a small smile. It didn't really reach his eyes. He asked softly, "And your Dad?"

Such a simple question was causing a lump to form in my throat. I haven't called him Dad since I came out as gay. It hurt to even hear the word, but I could tell steven wasn't doing it to be mean. He was honestly just curious. It was shocking, but also so sweet how innocent he looked. I wonder how much he knows about this world to even stay this pure. I hope nothing hurts him like the world has hurt me.

I sigh, placing my head in my hand as my other one played with the fires on my plate. Very slowly, after a few silent breaths, I answered him. "My father and I... we don't get along that much. Don't get me wrong, I love the old man, but we haven't been really close in the past year or so. Maybe never in fact."

Steven frowned even more, it was a look I don't really like on his cute face. "How come?"

"A lot of things really... I... I don't think I'm ready to say though. Sorry.." Great I ruined the mood with my depressing Daddy issues. Great freaking do.

"I can see you have family issues too." I turned quickly to see that he was no longer looking at me anymore, but rather at his feet. I didn't think he was going to say anything else, but he chuckled and just smiled at me again. "It's okay Ethan. Things happen... I try not to think about though. Sorry for bringing up bad thoughts."

That threw me off big time. What was going on in Steven's life to get him to say that? If I didn't know his age, I might have been more scared and shocked to hear that coming from a boy that looks ten. I mean I get that my life sucks with my father, but hearing such a deep sentence from someone so cheerful Steven was shocking me with even more questions. It was just a simple sentence, yet it had a raw emotion that I couldn't place. Maybe more than one in fact, and it was confusing me over what those emotions even where. Still, the statement was quick enough for me to understand. He doesn't think about it, and no matter how small the thoughts maybe I learned that doing that wasn't good at all. I wonder what's happening at his place? Was it his parents? Those parents? Maybe the girl? Too many questions and yet no answers. It made me feel so powerless...

And I hated that feeling.

Before I could say anything, i saw Andy coming over to us with Peridot on his heels. He waved at us and smiled. "Hey Ethan, sorry man but it looks like you need to cut your date short. Red-haired bitch wants you back inside."

"B-Bitch?" Steven tipped his head in confusion at the word. Oh no, my crush is just too pure and Andy was already corrupting him. No fair, I want to do that!

I-I mean. "Andy! Don't use that word." I sigh as he just laughed, ignoring him as I turn back to Steven. "Well Steven, it looks like I must return to the kingdom of slavery."

Steven looked upset for a second, but then just gave a determined look. "Don't worry! Someday I will defeat the Dragon and save you so we can hang out more!

I gasped dramatically. "My knight and shiny armor. I will wait for that fateful day!"

"You mind if I have your number though, so I can find the day you are free so I can take you away from this prison?" Damn Steven is so good at playing this little game. He already pulled out his phone to give to me. I blushed but quickly gave it to him. Before he took it back though, I squeaked as he took my hand and kissed it. I'm pretty sure that Andy just dropped his soda, but I was too lost in his soft lips touching my hand to really pay attention. He looked up at me and I swear his brown eyes grew a glint to them. I thought this kid was a cinnamon roll! Since when did he become the forbidden sinnamon roll!?

Steven chuckled and picked up the NIL book from the table, he walked over to Peridot and gave me a glance. "I'll call you. Till then wait for your Knight!"

As I walked away, I was standing there watching with shaky legs. My heart really pounding in my chest. I felt Andy's hand touched my shoulder, snapping out where wonderful cloud nine hot tub I was in right now. I turn to him and saw him giving me a knowing smirk. I pouted, "Don't you dare..."

"I didn't even say anything. " Andy laughed, moving to clean up the food on the table. "By the way, the kid gave him a murderous glare as he walked away with Peridot."

I smirk. "I don't blame him. You're a jerk."

"But you love me." Andy whined, making a move to give me fake kisses on my cheek. I just laugh and push him off.

This was a great day, and I had a great time with Steven. I honestly can't wait till he calls me. Though, I hope one day I can find out what's going on in his life too.