Warnings: Character deaths due to natural causes, and a LITTLE bit of cussing (by Lars, which shouldn't come as a surprise)
Premise/Notes: Steven and Connie die of old age; read on to discover why they're dying together. There are certain ships I decided to include, one of them just a popular fan-ship that really has no canonical basis. I also threw in the idea of a certain character having (unrequited) feelings for a certain other character. No, I don't ship Lapidot, because I interpret Peridot as being aromantic and asexual; sorry if some of you guys are unhappy about who I ship with Lapis instead. I also don't address the question of whether Steven and Connie's descendants have any powers, although I refer to them as "human" and they certainly don't have gemstones.
My other S.U. fanfic "Doing Something Better" is a prequel to this one focused on Jasper and Lapis! However, this story is able to stand completely on its own; by no means does anyone HAVE to read "Doing Something Better" in order to follow everything in this story! But for those who want a deeper understanding of the parts of this story involving Lapis and Jasper, the prequel is definitely recommended!
This first chapter is entirely self-contained and can be considered the "main" part of the story; it can be read as a one-shot.
I have to give credit to the wonderful Caleb Nova for helping me revise and overhaul this first chapter; anyone in the Gravity Falls fandom on here probably knows who he is.
Their Love Can Take Them Away Together
Within an extremely large climate-controlled medical tent just outside the confines of Little Homeworld is a plethora of medical equipment surrounding a double-wide hospital bed, monitored by human doctors and nurses who maintain a cold and silent demeanor. Resting on the bed are a pair of wrinkled elderly figures, laying side-by-side and hand-in-hand: Steven and Connie Maheswaran-Universe, aged ninety-eight and ninety-seven years old respectively.
Their once dark brown hair has grayed, and Connie's healthy brown complexion has grown somewhat sallow and spotted from old age. A pair of heart monitors beside the bed beat an unsteady rhythm; as Connie's heartbeat gradually slows and becomes more erratic, Steven's heartbeat mysteriously seems to synchronize with and match her rhythm.
But within their eyes shines the same light of life and hope which they have always displayed, with the brief exception of when Steven had his "issues" at sixteen and when Connie went through her own issues with PTSD and burnout soon afterwards (one doesn't simply fight in an intergalactic war as a child-soldier and come away mentally unscathed). But those times are long behind them now, and for decades their eyes have shone with joy and strength.
Aside from one individual possessing Future Vision and another possessing Past Vision, no one is aware that Steven surreptitiously licked the palm of his hand before taking hold of Connie's; he's using the last dregs of his power to ensure that she will remain alive and lucid until such time as they've said their goodbyes. After all, they know just how wordy and dramatic Gems can be, and want to make sure that they'll maintain consciousness to let everyone have their say.
Surrounding them on all sides are figures of all different shapes and sizes, both Gems and humans as well as one animal and a number of animated plants. Among them are Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, all the other Crystal Gems, the Diamonds (thus the enormous size of the tent) with Spinel accompanying them, Lars and the Off Colors (now joined by Emerald who is hand-in-hand with Lars), Jasper, Volleyball, and Nephrite Facet-413 Cabochon-12.
Also among them are a human woman, elderly herself at the age of seventy-one, with a light brown complexion and gray hair with soft curls, as well as a man, age sixty-six, bearing a similar complexion and thinning hair, and another man, age sixty, also resembling them. With them are five more humans of varying complexions and ranging in age from twenty-three to forty-six, as well as seven younger humans ranging in age from four to nineteen. With them are their spouses, of various ages and genders. Those humans are Steven and Connie's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The sole animal among all these figures is Lion. The plants are Watermelon Stevens and the dog-like descendants of Pumpkin, as well as Cactus Steven, who in the intervening years returned and reconciled with his creator before joining the Watermelon Stevens as part of their civilization.
Also among these figures stand, silent and stoic, a pair of Rubies, a burly Amethyst, and two tall and strongly-built male humans carrying sidearms, all dressed in smart suits and wearing earpieces; they are members of the United States Secret Service, fulfilling their sworn duty to protect their charge. The Cluster is conspicuously absent; it is long "dead" and already said its goodbyes to Steven, as decades ago it gave its consent to Yellow to be deconstructed and rebuilt into its individual components, a project which will keep Yellow busy for the next several millennia.
While inside the tent the atmosphere is subdued and somber, outside the tent there's chaos: A fence has been erected at a distance of fifty feet on all sides and plastered with 'Do Not Cross' signs. Outside the fence, many human figures—mostly journalists—clamor in a disorganized and chaotic fashion as they try to get answers as to what's going on inside, while various Gems and several more members of the Secret Service try to maintain order. The human journalists all desire the same thing:
Information about the current state of the former President and First Gentleman of the United States of America. They also wish to know why the former First Gentleman, who saved their planet and universe with Connie during his youth, is dying alongside his human wife despite being half-Diamond. "Doesn't he have a superhuman constitution," they ask? "Shouldn't he at least age at an extremely slow rate even if he isn't outright immortal?"
Ever since Gems became fully integrated into human society and Little Homeworld was officially declared a city/nation-state over sixty years ago, humanity has known the basic details of the story of Steven and Connie's heroics during their youth. However, because such matters are personal and the few Gems and humans in the know have always respected privacy, the human media have never been informed (no matter how much they tried to ask and even bribe those close to the couple) of the full nature and scope of Steven's powers, nor of the more private details of his and Connie's adventures.
Thus, ever since Connie entered the realm of national politics as an up-and-coming Congresswoman for the state of Delmarva at the youngest possible age of 30, the human media have speculated as to why her husband ages alongside her rather than remaining in his 'prime' as he was in his mid-twenties; the various rumors and theories only became more prevalent and heated as the decades wore on and it became clear that not only was Steven aging alongside Connie, but his aging seemed to somehow match hers in a synchronized fashion.
The answer is known only to a select few: Steven has always aged to some extent via the normal human process of growth and aging, but also in accordance with his self-perception due to being a hybrid. By settling down with and marrying the love of his life in his mid-twenties, he 'doomed' (but in his eyes, blessed) himself to age alongside her as a human would. While some of those close to Steven, especially those who are human (or once human like Lars), never seemed to question how he resigned himself to a mortal fate, many of the Gems he's close to had and continue to have a very difficult time accepting his "choice."
Even now, as Steven and Connie lie upon their deathbed, many of the ageless Gems surrounding them find themselves at a complete loss as to how to cope with the scene before them.
Steven and Connie's human family are all very familiar with Gems and their ways; they understand that the situation is something far more difficult for their Gem friends and family than for themselves, so they've already said their goodbyes and now stand quietly by the couple's bedside, allowing the Gems (as well as Lars and Lion) assembled within the gigantic medical tent to have their say.
The doctors have informed everyone that Connie doesn't have much time left, but are unaware that Steven is using the last of his power to see to it that he and his wife will last up until everyone has said their goodbyes.
By seemingly unspoken agreement among the assembled Gems, Garnet (always the one who could be counted on to stay calm and collected, to show the greatest wisdom, to have a plan) speaks first. She walks up to the bed on Steven's side, de-materializing her visor so she can look the couple in the eyes as she speaks.
"Steven, I always... I always knew, since before you yourself told me about it, from the moment you began dating Connie 82 years ago, I—" She pauses for a moment as she chokes back a sob. "I knew this was how your journey would end. All possible futures, all possible statistical outcomes, no matter the case, whether Connie died a natural or unnatural death, ended in you dying alongside her. But now that it's actually happening, I can't— I just, I... I don't know if I can accept this."
Suddenly, her body destabilizes and she falls apart into Ruby and Sapphire. Ruby, always the more outwardly emotional of the two, breaks down into tears and hysterics, shouting, "Steven, I don't want to lose you! I can't! I won't! You have to decide to be young again! Connie, I love you too, but... but..."
Sapphire grabs her by the shoulders and cuts her off: "Ruby, as Garnet told them, we always knew this would happen. We must accept Steven's fate, no matter how hard it will be for us to live on without him... and without Connie, as well."
Steven and Connie look upon the scene with compassionate gazes, allowing the two Gems to work things out.
Ruby replies: "I know, Sapphire, I know, I just... it's so hard. We're gonna live forever, and they'll be gone forever! It's horrible! How can you be so calm?!"
Sapphire embraces Ruby and cradles her head to her chest as she too sheds tears: "Of course I'm not calm, Ruby. You know I am feeling great sorrow. But we must accept that Connie was always fated to die as all humans are, and that by marrying her Steven decided to share that fate with her. We may lose them, Ruby, but I will always be here for you, no matter what."
Ruby, still sobbing but beginning to calm down, replies, "aggh, I know, Sapphire. I just love them so much... and I love you too." At that moment, they re-fuse into Garnet.
With tears streaming down her face, but more collected than before, Garnet summons all her courage and compassion and turns back towards the couple on the bed.
"Steven, and Connie as well, I apologize that I, Ruby, and Sapphire made such a scene. As I said, I always knew that things would end like this, but now that I'm faced with this scene actually occurring before my eyes rather than in my Future Vision, it's difficult for me, the ageless embodiment of the love between two ageless beings, to accept what I'm witnessing. Steven, it was an honor and a privilege to help raise you into the wonderful man you became, even if I sometimes held you back without realizing I was doing so. I'm so proud of you."
"While I can claim that I 'raised' you, the truth is that you helped Ruby, Sapphire, and me grow as people and as a relationship, and I'll forever be grateful to you for the positive influence you've had on my life. Connie, I will always love you as well; I know I wasn't always the best at showing it, but you're my family just as much as Steven is."
"I love you dearly, Connie, both for who you are as an individual, as well as out of gratitude for always being there for Steven as his soulmate. Thanks to you, my dear boy was able to live a happy life; you're the one whose love brought him back to us on that fateful day on the shore 82 years ago, and it's only fitting that you be the one to accompany him as he leaves us one final time."
"Being what I am, I fully understand true love, an eternal bond between two souls which transcends all spatial and temporal boundaries and the entirety of the physical cosmos itself, and I can say with absolute certainty that the bond which the two of you share is the truest love of all. I will always be grateful that you allowed me to plan your wedding just as you planned mine, Steven. Thank you, both of you, for being here for me, Ruby, and Sapphire, and reminding me of what love really is; I will fondly remember you two for as long as I live, for the rest of eternity, and so will Ruby and Sapphire."
When it's clear she's finished, Connie speaks first: "Thank you Garnet, and Sapphire and—" her sentence is punctuated by a short wheezing cough, "—and Ruby. Those sentiments, they mean so much to me. I want to say that I'll never forget you either, but I guess I—" she coughs again, "—can't really be sure of that, can I? I love you too, Garnet, and Ruby and Sapphire as well."
Steven now speaks: "Garnet, and Ruby and Sapphire, I love you so, so much. I know there were sometimes issues, but please don't sell yourself short when it comes to how you raised me. You know, it wasn't just Connie who helped me that day on the shore; she may've given the final push, but everyone helped me, and you were the first one to reach out to me! I've always been so grateful for how you hugged me and didn't let go until I was back to my old self. And it's not just me and Connie who taught you about love, Garnet; you're the one who taught us about how fusion is an experience, about how Stevonnie is an experience. I'll miss you Garnet, Ruby, and Sapphire, and I love you."
By this point, the rest of the Gems—aside from Jasper who continues to maintain her stony facade—are openly sobbing to various degrees. Now that Garnet (the 'wisest' among them) has spoken, the floodgates have opened for the rest. By another unspoken agreement, everyone knows that just as Garnet was first, Amethyst and Pearl will be the last to have their say.
It's Lars (who's slightly aged over the decades to take on the build of a man in his early 20s), surrounded by the Off Colors and Emerald who offer him their unspoken support, who's the next to speak.
Lars says: "Steven, Garnet's totally right! All of us were so lucky to have you in our lives, man. I mean, what would I have done without you? Sure, maybe you got me mixed up in all your crazy Gem-War stuff. But I wouldn't have it any other way, 'cause that's what made me the person I am today! You taught me what it means to be brave, to be a hero! And when I finally got my shit together and became brave myself, you were the one who... brought me back."
"I was always so mean to you when we were younger, always teasing you, but, dude, I just... damn, how do I even put this into words? I guess I should say I owe you everything, Steven. And I speak for the rest of the Off Colors when I say that they owe you everything, too."
At this, the Off Colors solemnly nod their heads in respect, although Padparadscha doesn't nod until several seconds later.
"I'm sorry for what a piece of shit I was when we were young. I just hope that I've done you proud by becoming an adventurer and hero in my own right, and helping the enemy I fought against turn her life around like you always did with your enemies; heck, she's right here and she's my girlfriend, ya know?"
Emerald and Steven both chuckle a bit at this.
"Connie, I owe you an apology too; the first time I ever met you, I teased you about being in a bubble with Steven. But later when I really got to know you, I found out that you're the smartest, coolest, bravest human ever! Heck, you became the damn President; that's awesome! I'm so happy we became such good friends, Connie."
Lars and Connie lock eyes for a moment in a knowing glance; they both know they'd each become like the sibling that the other never had, much more than what could be encompassed by the word "friends."
"I'm really glad I was able to know both of you guys, and Stevonnie too!"
Once it's clear that Lars has finished, sensing that Connie still needs to rest a bit before she can speak again, Steven speaks up: "It's okay, Lars, we already talked this over a long time ago. You know I never had any issue with you—there was never anything to apologize for in the first place."
At this, Lars chokes back a sob; even after all these years, Steven's kindness and compassion is able to shock him to his core, to shake the very foundations of who he is as a person.
"Of course I'm proud of you, Lars," Steven continues. "You went from just being the guy in the donut-shop, to being a badass space-pirate captain! You're a hero who gave your life to protect the Off Colors, and you're even dating your former enemy! I'm just... I'm so glad I was able to revive you that time on Homeworld. Go on and live your life; you deserve to be happy. I wish you, Emerald, and all the Off Colors the very best. I love you, Lars."
Even Emerald, who never knew Steven very well, becomes a bit choked-up.
Connie speaks, although she has to keep her statements brief, and they continue to be punctuated by coughs and wheezing: "Lars, you don't need to apologize for anything. You're a cool guy, you're my bro, and I've always appreciated you. Live a happy life."
Lars can only nod his head in response as he sobs, and he and the Off Colors step back into the crowd so that others can approach the bed to have their say.
The next to speak is Nephrite. She only speaks to Steven, as she never really knew Connie except as "Steven's human wife" and as the American President.
"Steven, you know why I'm here. When I was corrupted, when everyone else thought I was hopelessly stuck as a monster, you were the one who hoped against hope and tried to help me. Even if you couldn't help me all on your own, I'll always have those hazy memories of when you tried so hard. I'll always be grateful for that, and for how you convinced the other Diamonds—" she briefly glances towards Yellow, Blue, and White with a look of gratitude, "—to help you cure my corruption. Thank you, Steven. If it weren't for you, I'd still be stuck as a monster."
Steven replies: "You're welcome Nephrite. I know we never became close friends or anything once you were un-corrupted; sometimes people just don't click, you know? But I never forgot about you. Trying to help you was something that helped me become who I am; it taught me to always show compassion and understanding even to those who would try to hurt me, which was a valuable lesson I always applied to my life from then on. So thank you, as well."
Nephrite chokes back a sob; she turns her face away and slowly walks back to join the crowd, as she can't bear to see her hero, the man to whom she owes everything, and in her mind, Her Diamond (although she's never had the audacity to voice such a thought) on his death-bed suffering the fate of a mortal.
After Nephrite comes Volleyball. Her typically cheery façade is broken, a look of sorrow upon her face which now bears only the smallest of cracks over her left eye. She briefly glances over at Pearl, the sister she never thought she would have, before stepping up to the bedside and looking down at the two figures upon it.
"Steven, I know we were never close friends, but I'm here today not just for Pearl's sake, but for yours and mine as well. I no longer fear the power you inherited from Pink, and I respect you for the wonderful life you've lived. Just like with Nephrite, you tried your hardest to help me even when it seemed there was no hope. Even if you didn't succeed, even if healing was a journey I had to make on my own, I will always appreciate how hard you tried. Connie, I hardly know you, but I respect you too, both as a warrior and Pearl's student, and as a leader. I wish the both of you the best wherever your journey may take you after this."
Steven softly smiles as he simply replies, "Thank you, Volleyball. I hope that one day, you'll finish healing."
Volleyball steps away with one single tear rolling down her face from her right eye.
The next to move to the bedside and speak are Lapis, Peridot, and Bismuth. Bismuth has been standing with Pearl, alternately holding her hand and hugging her around the waist, but now reluctantly releases her hand to walk over to Steven's bedside with the other two, while Volleyball goes to Pearl and gently lays her hand upon her shoulder. It's Lapis (who'd been standing beside a stone-faced Jasper until now) who speaks up first:
"Steven, I— I..." She takes a breath as tears begin to trickle down her face. "I'm going to miss you. I'll miss you so much! You were my very first friend, when I thought I would never be free or have friends! I feel like Nephrite and Volleyball do; when everybody else thought I was hopeless, when they thought I was nothing more than an object," (at this, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl all look a bit guilty), "just a cracked Gem meant to power a mirror, your compassion and empathy shone through and you reached out to me."
"For the first time in 6000 years, someone spoke to me and helped me. First you freed me, and then you healed me, even after I attacked you and your family! Even with all the conversations we've had about it, even though you've told me a thousand times that you forgive me, a part of me still feels like... like I never really deserved a friend like you. But I've always tried my best to be someone who deserves your friendship... I just hope that maybe I lived up to that at least a little bit."
"Connie, you... you're one of my best friends too! We'll always be the Crystal Temps together with Peridot! You're a really cool and fun person, so hanging out with you was always a blast. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for always being there for Steven. I love both of you so much... I'm really going to miss you. Even if I'm not... trapped again, I know I'm gonna feel lonely without you guys. I... I'm sorry if I'm making this... weird... I..."
Lapis' words fail her and she breaks down and begins to weep, a rare thing for the Gem so accustomed to anguish that she didn't cry even under the influence of Blue Diamond's powers. Jasper haltingly walks over and takes her hand to comfort her; Lapis leans against her side as she cries.
Peridot, wearing Steven's old star t-shirt (she's had it mended and color-restored many times over the decades) from his "Classic Steven" days, comes up to Lapis' other side and hugs her leg as she speaks next.
"Steven and Connie, I love you guys so much! What am I gonna do without you two? Connie, who's gonna teach me all about human history and science if you aren't around? Steven, who's gonna sit with me and watch super-dorky TV-shows and movies and actually outwardly react to them emotionally—" (Lapis, while still crying, nevertheless chuckles a little at this unintentional jab), "—with me? Ugh, this is... it's just..."
She takes a breath before continuing: "Steven, it's thanks to you that I was able to become a good person, because you believed in me and never gave up on me. I know I said this before a long time ago, but where am I ever gonna find another Steven as good as you? You're the best Steven there is! And Connie, you're the best Connie! Agggh, I don't know how to do this, I'm such a CLOD! I guess like always I'm just making a fool of myself, talking first and thinking after! I should keep this short or I'll end up... rambling. My... my point is that you guys are the best human and half-gem friends a Peridot could ever have, and I'll never forget you, and I love you!"
Peridot breaks down into choked sobs and blows her nose into the hem of Lapis' pants (which Lapis doesn't bother objecting to).
Finally, it's Bismuth's turn to speak, having waited patiently for her two less socially skilled friends to speak their minds:
"Steven and Connie, what can I even say to you guys? Steven, I would say I owe you an apology for what happened when we first met, but we've already been there, done that. So instead I'll say that I've always been grateful for how you un-bubbled me and accepted me back into the Crystal Gems with no hesitation, with all the forgiveness and compassion that anyone could ever imagine! You really are a great friend, Steven."
At this, she steps back a bit and grabs Pearl's hand again before continuing: "Heck, if it wasn't for you, I never would've gotten over my jitters and confessed to Pearl here; you're the one who convinced me to stop carrying a torch like a fool for all those years and actually do something!"
Pearl, still crying, nonetheless chuckles and blushes a bit.
Bismuth continues: "It's always been you, Steven. You've always been the one to bring me to my senses, to help me be the best Crystal Gem I can be, to convince me to never take shortcuts or make excuses! I know you don't think of friendship as a give-and-take, and that's one of the things that's so great about you, but the fact is that you could live a thousand human lifetimes and I still couldn't ever do enough to repay you. I'm grateful that you at least gave me a chance to do everything I could to help you, and to help Connie here too."
"Connie, you're the greatest human I've ever known, a trooper to the very end, a true Crystal Gem! It was an honor to forge your sword for you, and it was an honor to fight by your side. You grew into a wonderful woman not just as a warrior, but as a great leader in the human world, a leader who helped us Gems in Little Homeworld integrate into this world! Connie and Steven, thank you for everything. I love you so much, and always will; like everyone else said, I'll never forget you."
She too breaks down into tears, and once again takes Pearl into her arms; this time it's as much for her own comfort as for Pearl's.
With 'the trio' done speaking, Steven replies first so as to give Connie a chance to rest before speaking. Despite aging and currently dying alongside Connie, who has significantly weakened (despite his best efforts) during the course of all this conversation, Steven retains the strength to speak in entire paragraphs thanks to his superhuman constitution.
"Lapis, like you said we've already been over this tons of times, but I'll tell you again that you shouldn't feel like my friendship is something you need to earn or deserve. You know that isn't how it works. And even if you did owe me some kinda debt, I'd say you paid it back with interest by holding me down and stopping me from hurting anybody when I became a monster. Lapis, you're awesome, and I love you a whole lot. I'm really happy I was able to free you from the mirror, and I'm really happy that we became such good friends! I know that sometimes you feel insecure or lonely, but you're a great person and an awesome friend who's always stepped up to the plate when I really needed you, that one time even literally when we had to play baseball!"
This earns a tearful chuckle from everyone who was present for the baseball game against the Ruby Squad, and confusion from everyone else. Even now on his deathbed, Steven still has his dorky-yet-charming sense of humor.
"I'm gonna miss you too, Lapis; we'll always be Beach Summer Fun Buddies. Peridot, I love you too. You said I'm the best half-Gem friend a Peridot could ever have; well, you're the best Peridot friend a half-Gem could ever have! I always loved hanging out with you no matter what we did; back when I was having those issues at sixteen, you were the first person to really figure out a hint of just how isolated I felt, and what you told me then, that we don't need an excuse to hang out and be friends, has always meant so much to me. It's totally okay if you're not always the best at expressing yourself with words, because your actions have always shown me what a great friend you are."
At this, Peridot becomes even more choked up, taking off her visor and looking Steven in the eyes as she weeps.
"Peridot, I'm gonna miss you too," Steven says. "I guess my only regret is that once I got better, we never did get around to making our own reboot of the reboot of Camp Pining Hearts... what a shame, heh." Peridot chuckles a bit through her tears, and only Lapis and Connie understand the in-joke to any extent.
"And Bismuth, I mean, aw man, what can I even say? Sure, maybe we didn't start off on the best foot, but to be fair, how many people here didn't try to kill me before becoming my friends?"
This earns a chuckle from everyone present besides the Secret Service agents and the doctors and nurses, who watch Connie's monitors with concern and a hint of confusion.
"And like you said, we already moved past that a long time ago. I'm so grateful to you for how you helped us in battle and for your friendship! You said I was the one who convinced you to ask out Pearl; well to be honest, that was just my way of repaying you for convincing me to get over myself and reconnect with Connie at the roller-rink!" This earns an amused, grateful, and surprised 'aha' look from Connie towards Bismuth as Steven continues speaking:
"Bismuth, I'm really happy I was able to un-bubble you, bring you back to the Crystal Gems, and become your friend. I love you, and I'll miss you."
He gives a questioning look to Connie; she's become noticeably weakened during the course of all the conversations so far, but nevertheless, she summons the strength to speak, even if her words are frequently punctuated by coughs and wheezes:
"Guys, I've gotta keep this short. Lapis, I'm really glad we got to be friends, too! Being the Crystal Temps was fun, and I always had fun when we hung out. Peridot, you were a great friend too; I always had a blast talking about science, history, and other intellectual stuff with you! Bismuth, I'm so grateful to you as a warrior and as a friend; you were there for me when I needed you, and you always built whatever I, whatever we, needed. Thank you for making my sword, for building the house in which Steven and I lived, and even for making this giant medical tent for us! All three of you, you're the be-"
Suddenly Connie breaks into a coughing fit that lasts for a good ten seconds; Steven grips her hand tightly, secretly channeling more of his healing powers into her. Once she settles down, Bismuth, Peridot, and Lapis look at her through watery eyes and nod, with Bismuth saying, "It's okay Connie, you don't have to force yourself."
The next to speak is Jasper. She separates from Lapis and walks up to Steven's bedside with as stern a look on her face as ever, but when she looks down at Steven and Connie, her façade cracks and her expression softens, and she speaks after hesitating for only a moment:
"My Diamond, Steven... you know I'm not good at this kind of thing, at being... sentimental... and that I can't really accept this. Sure, I did what what you told me. I did something better with my life. I became friends with other Gems, I became friends with you rather than continuing to act as an underling you never wanted... I even found love with someone who was able to teach me what you meant about being 'better.'"
At this, Lapis gently pries Peridot off of her leg and walks over to take hold of Jasper's hand again, as she knows that this is very difficult for her partner. Jasper briefly glances down at Lapis with poorly concealed gratitude before looking back towards Steven and continuing:
"I even learned to be civil with humans and other Earthlings. You already know this Steven, you've known it for 82 years, but I still think of you as My Diamond. But you also know that it's not just because of your power. At first I only respected your power—and I still do—but later I came to also respect you for being the person who gave me the push I needed to finally get my act together and become better."
"I respect you for being strong in the real way. I'm glad that I was able to get past thinking of you as my superior and learn to see you as a friend. You will always be My Diamond because you're the person I respect the most out of all my friends, the person who taught so many people how to be truly strong. I've accepted you and I respect you for who and what you are, Steven."
Jasper sighs and continues: "But this, what's happening now... even though I've known it would happen ever since you explained it to me decades ago, it's... hard for me to respect it, and I don't know if I can ever truly accept it. That you chose to cohabitate and have offspring with a human, I accepted that long ago."
Jasper looks at Connie and says: "Connie, you know that I haven't disliked you for a very long time. You know that I immensely respect you for your intelligence, your skills as a warrior, and your abilities as a leader who was recognized by both humans and Gems... But Connie, you know that while I don't dislike you, and while I respect you, I also don't like you either."
Jasper sighs before continuing: "There was a brief time when we nearly became friends, Connie, but then... then I found out that this would be the end result of Steven's relationship with you. You know that after that I never could like you, because a part of me will always feel like this is your fault, even if I know how unfair that is to you. I'm... sorry, Connie, that I was never able to like you, that I was never able to stop blaming you for My Diamond's, my dear friend Steven's... mortality."
Connie gives Jasper a nod and an understanding look in response; she talked about this with Jasper long ago and ever since then, Jasper was always friendly with her but never befriended her. At least Jasper wanted to try to befriend her, but was honest with her about how she simply couldn't do so. This is exactly what Connie expected from Jasper on the day of her and Steven's death, and she long ago accepted it.
Jasper nods back at Connie, a look of respect on her face as they lock eyes, before she turns her eyes back to Steven and continues: "Steven, My Diamond, why do you have to die with her? It's not too late. Can't you live on? Can't you become young again like Ruby said? I know I'm being weak, I'm being a fool and disregarding your wishes, I'm not treating you with respect as a friend should. But I just... I... I don't know how to go on living in a world without you. I know I can't actually change your mind. I guess in the end I'm not really that much better after all, huh? I... I'm sorry, Steven."
When it's clear that Jasper has finished, Steven responds: "It's okay, Jasper. You are doing much better with your life! Just look at you—you have friends now, you're my friend. You said it, Jasper: You never attack Earthlings anymore, you're actually nice to people, and you've even found love! I'm really proud of how much you've grown and to call you my friend. I have faith that you can go on living after this; you're strong now Jasper, strong in the real way, and I know that with great friends like Amethyst and the other Crystal Gems, and an amazing partner like Lapis, you'll be able to move past this someday."
Steven briefly locks eyes with Lapis before looking back at Jasper. The three of them have shared a very special and unique connection for 82 years now, and there are countless things conveyed in those glances that go unsaid as Steven continues: "I always knew, Jasper, that you wouldn't be able to accept my fate, a fate which was never a choice at all. I knew from the time I first told you about how things would end that you'd never be able to accept it. And Connie and I, we never expected you to like her, so that's okay; we're happy that you at least respect her so much!"
At this, Connie gives another affirmative nod, but still doesn't speak as she's saving the last of her strength to speak to Lion, Amethyst, and Pearl.
Steven continues: "Jasper, I don't expect you to accept my fate. Like I always have, like I did the first time I told you about what would happen, I ask that you try to understand and respect it. You've found love, Jasper, so you know what it's like to have a soulmate, someone who completes you. So you should understand why growing old was never really a choice for me. If Lapis was going to die, could you live on forever, for the rest of eternity, without her?"
Jasper finally begins to shed a few tears, squeezing Lapis' hand as she says: "No, of course I couldn't. I... I do respect and understand why things have to be this way, Steven. Wherever you go after this, I wish you to be happy. I'll always remember you, and always... always love you... My Diamond, my friend... Steven." She briefly gives him the old Diamond Salute, which now has so much more meaning between the two of them than merely a gesture of submission, before her façade crumbles completely and she breaks down into tears in Lapis' arms.
Now it's time for the Diamonds and Spinel to have their say. Everyone else steps aside to make room for the towering former leaders of Homeworld. Yellow Diamond, as always the best at containing and handling her emotions, is the first to speak while Blue leans upon her shoulder and clings to her like a lifeline:
"Steven, I long ago gave up on trying to convince you to find a way to avoid aging and dying as a human. But just as your friend the Jasper told you, that doesn't mean I can accept your choice. I'm trying my best to understand your reasons, but the concept of romantic love remains... foreign to me. And yet, I know that living forever in a world without Pink has and will always cause me grief, so I can at least somewhat understand not wanting to go on living in a world without someone you love."
"But... no... I suppose I still can't understand this. Have I really changed at all, Steven? I guess I'm the same old Diamond I've always been, unable to understand and accept others' feelings, always wanting things to go my way. Perhaps I'm still nothing more than an obsessive control freak, just like I was when I abused you on Homeworld 84 years ago. I'm sorry, for everything."
With tears beginning to trickle from her eyes, Yellow sighs before continuing: "Steven, the time which I've had to get to know you, only 84 years... it's far too short. I and my sisters, we've lived for eons, and will likely continue to live on for as long as the universe itself. We're old, Steven, older than anyone can imagine; before Era One, there was Era Zero. We Diamonds were... born... billions of years before we eventually created other Gems, so even they seem young by our standards. I don't think that you, Connie, or anyone can fathom the way we Diamonds perceive time."
All the non-Diamond Gems present are shocked to hear Yellow speak of such things; the Diamonds never say anything to anyone about their age or origins. But it makes sense that if there was any time when the Diamonds would speak of their origins, it would be now when the light of Pink's gem is about to fade away forever.
Yellow continues: "To us Diamonds who have witnessed the births and deaths of entire star systems, the lifespan of a human seems like nothing more than the blink of an eye during the vast span of eternity. I will always be proud that I was able to love you, to call you my nephew. But the thought of losing you, of living on forever without you in my life, I don't know if I'll ever be able to accept it and move on."
"Connie, I... I don't harbor any ill will towards you, despite Steven's love for you being what has doomed him to this fate. I always respected your intellect, leadership abilities, and dedication. You were a wonderful President, an infinitely greater leader than I ever was. And I'll forever be grateful to you... 84 years ago on Homeworld you empathized with my situation; it was you, Connie, who convinced me to finally be honest with White about our issues. I hope you realize that I love you too, Connie—we're family after all. Both of you, I hope you can forgive me for being unable to accept what's happening."
"Steven, Connie, wherever you go now, I will always love you, and always miss you. I wish you both the best during your journey, a journey which White, Blue, and I may never be able to make until countless more eons have passed and the very last star fades from existence."
Blue, still leaning on Yellow's shoulder, has broken down completely in tears, and it's taking all her willpower and control to keep her powers from manifesting and forcing her grief upon all the Gems (including Steven) present. Barely trusting herself to speak, all she manages to say is, "St-Steven, Connie... e-everything Yellow said, it's... it's how I feel as well. I... I l-love you and will forever miss you." She returns to sobbing uncontrollably as she leans upon Yellow, herself now openly weeping, and is unable to speak further as she focuses on suppressing her powers.
As Connie gazes towards Yellow and Blue with compassion and understanding, Steven replies to them: "Yellow, Blue, you have nothing to apologize for. I always knew how how impossible to accept this would be for you, and for White as well." At this, White, who has been standing beside Yellow and Blue with her hands over her mouth, clearly holding back tears, nods sorrowfully. Spinel is perched upon White's shoulder, openly weeping.
Steven continues: "I learned a long time ago to stop blaming myself for things I can't control, but even so, I'll say that if anyone should apologize here, it's me. Resigning myself to a mortal life by living with Connie was never a choice for me, but still... I always knew that it would hurt you, and all my Gem friends and family, very deeply. I always had my suspicions about just how old you really are... so I already figured that my life must seem unbearably short to you. I'm sorry that I can't be here for you, as your family, for longer than this, and I'm sorry that the light of Pink's gem will disappear forever. As for the stuff you did in the past, it's behind us; you know I already forgave you long ago. I love both of you so much."
Yellow, speaking one last time for both herself and Blue, says between sobs: "Steven, i-it's... it's alright, don't apologize... your life was always yours to live the way you wanted to. Steven and Connie, we love you both dearly." Steven and Connie nod towards Yellow and Blue, who step back while continuing to lean upon one another and weep.
As Spinel hops down from her shoulder, White steps closer to the bed and speaks, trying her best to avoid melodrama and theatrics:
"Steven, and Connie as well, I... Yellow said everything that I myself would say, except for a few very important things. I... I know we've already discussed this, and that you've forgiven me, but one last time, I feel I owe you an apology. All the suffering and hardship you, your family, and your friends ever experienced, it was all my fault for imposing my faulty ideals upon the universe. What I did to you that time inside my Head on Homeworld... Of all my countless wicked deeds, it will forever be my single greatest regret. I... St-Steven, I'm s-sor..."
White pauses and takes a breath to steady herself before continuing: "I'm sorry Steven, and Connie as well, for all the pain I caused you. Connie, I will forever be grateful to you for laughing at me on that fateful day, for humbling me as was so necessary at the time. I'm also grateful to you for bringing all of us to our senses on that later day upon the shore when Steven needed our help. You're both my family, and just as Yellow said, I will always love you, and forever miss you. There is one final matter... a favor I wish to ask of you Steven, if it wouldn't be too much. I wish to understand what you're feeling, what you are going through physically and mentally. May I, perhaps, use my powers to connect with you?"
Most of those assembled are surprised that White kept her words short and to the point while avoiding excessive melodrama. As Connie nods towards her in understanding, Steven answers her: "It's okay, White, there's no need for apologies. The past is the past, and like you said, we've moved on and forgiven you. I only hope that someday you, Blue, and Yellow can forgive yourselves. Connie and I love you, White, and I'm happy I got to have you, Blue, and Yellow as my aunts. And yeah, you may use your powers... I dunno if you'll like learning what dying feels like, but... if that's what you really want, then go ahead."
White tearfully nods and takes a slight step back. She outstretches her arms, the room flashes with various colors, and suddenly, her body turns pink. A few seconds later, she deactivates her powers and returns to normal.
She gasps, clearly shocked, briefly looking down at the couple's joined hands and then glancing compassionately at Connie, before she solemnly speaks once more:
"So this is natural death by aging. The inescapable fate of organic lifeforms. I... I feel that perhaps I understand it now. No one else in all of existence could have given me the opportunity to comprehend this concept. Thank you, Steven." She begins to tear up and her voice trembles as she continues: "I just wish th-that I could alleviate your... your pain." She glances at the couple's joined hands again and says: "And Connie, I, w-well... n-no, never mind... I shouldn't take up more of your precious remaining time. Steven and Connie, both of you... thank you for being my family. I will forever love and miss you both."
Connie nods again and she and Steven briefly lock eyes with White; White finally lets the floodgates open, collapsing to her knees upon the ground (causing a small earthquake in the process), mournfully sobbing with a waterfall of tears streaming from her eyes onto the ground below. Yellow, still weeping herself and with Blue still clinging to her, walks over to White and gently takes hold of her, helping her stand and moving her to the back of the crowd.
With tears streaming down her face, Spinel walks up to Steven's bedside. She speaks in a voice choked with tears: "Steven, Connie, I... I know that when we first met, I did horrible things. You've forgiven me for the stuff I did, but I'll still always feel kinda bad about it. I know that I've always been too... clingy, that I haven't always been the best friend, and that I haven't ever been good at taking stuff... seriously. But now... with this... I guess I finally have to be serious again for once, huh?"
Spinel chokes back a deep sob while simultaneously chuckling a bit, obvious hysteria in her tone, before continuing: "Steven, I think we both always knew that I'm in lo-... I... ugh, I suppose even now, I shouldn't say it. I never said or tried anything because, well... I always knew that you don't feel..." She briefly grips her head in her hands and scrunches up her eyes, a look of anguish and madness upon her face, yanking at her pigtails for a moment before somewhat pulling herself back together and opening her eyes again.
"Aggh, Steven and Connie, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything at all, I don't wanna make things all weird. I know that you two were always meant to be together... and deep down, I always knew things would end this way, but just kept hoping that Steven would somehow always be around at least as my friend if nothing else. Connie, you know we're friends too, I never hated you and I never will—you're a great person after all! I'm happy that you were around to make Steven happy, Connie, and I'm also really happy that you're my friend like he is! I... I l-love both of you, and I'm going to m-miss you so, s-so much!"
At this, she breaks down completely into deep, heaving sobs, and using her powers proceeds to firmly but gently wrap her arms around both Connie and Steven, as well as the entire bed and its frame, hugging them as if she's hanging on for dear life as she continues to weep.
Connie weakly nods along and both she and Steven gently take hold of Spinel's arms to reassure her as Steven responds: "It's okay Spinel, really. You have nothing to be sorry for. I... we actually always realized how you feel, and we never held it against you; I actually understand it Spinel, because I know you can't control your feelings any more than I can control how my own love for Connie made me age with her. I do love you dearly as a friend, Spinel... we both do. You were fun to have around. Just, promise us you'll try to move on and keep being the same funny, upbeat Gem you've always been, okay? We'll miss you."
Spinel nods and barely manages to choke out, "I... I p-promise," and begins sobbing all the harder, hugging them more tightly. The doctors glare daggers at her; before any of the nurses can do anything, Garnet dashes over to gently tap on Spinel's shoulder and whisper something in her ear. With reluctance, Spinel relinquishes her hold on the couple and their bed, allowing Garnet to lead her over to the Diamonds. She hops back up onto White's shoulder and with a look of agony on her face hugs her gigantic friend with long stretchy arms, each of them providing much needed comfort to the other.
By this point the doctors are quite perplexed by the readouts on the monitors. It's been longer than they expected; Gems are so long-winded compared to humans when saying their final goodbyes to elderly relatives, and Connie shouldn't have been able to maintain consciousness and lucidity for this long. Noticing the doctors' confusion, Garnet glances at them and then at Steven and Connie's joined hands, a knowing look in her eyes. White, having caught a glimpse into Steven's mind, notices as well. Some time later, Padparadscha also knowingly glances at the doctors and then at the couple's joined hands.
Finally, just as Garnet was the first to say her piece, it's now time for Lion, Amethyst, and Pearl to say the last goodbyes.
Lion walks over to Steven's side of the bed and nuzzles his arm while gently purring and growling, giving one firm lick to Steven's hand; Steven reaches up and ruffles Lion's mane. Lion then walks over to Connie and does the same; she and Steven both smile and nod at Lion as Connie summons some of her last remaining strength to reach up and pet him, before allowing her hand to fall limply back to her side.
She speaks, punctuated by more coughing and wheezing: "Lion, I speak for both of us when I say we love you so much. You're such a good boy, you were always there for us when we really needed you. We're gonna miss you. Try not to be too sad, and don't be a stranger to the Crystal Gems just because we're gone. Goodbye, Lion."
Steven nods along while maintaining eye-contact with Lion, and then Lion steps back, settling down upon the floor beside Lars, who pats his head as he grows and sulks. "I know, buddy, I know," Lars says, as tears stream down his face and Emerald holds his other hand to comfort him.
Amethyst walks up to the bed on Steven's side, rivers of tears already pouring from her eyes. In a wavering voice, she speaks to the couple.
"Steven, Connie... dudes, what can I even say that'd be enough? Steven, bro, you mean so much to me. When I say 'bro,' you know I mean it in the real way, 'cause you're legit like a brother to me, ya know? You were always there for me, whether we were separate or fused as Smoky, and you helped me grow outta all my dumb insecurities and junk. You did everything you could to help me, even if that meant fighting me! You taught me that we didn't have to be the worst Gems, that we never were the worst Gems; you taught me how to believe in myself, man. You taught me how to like being me. You are the ding-dong sunshine future, Steven, and I'm still your friend forever!"
"And Connie, if Steven is my bro, then I guess you must be my sister-in-law or whatever, huh? I'm sorry I never told you that sooner. You're the coolest human I've ever known, even cooler than Greg or Vidalia; you're so strong and brave, always ready to take on anything with Steven. You were an awesome President! You were always so great to Steven... I'm not mad at all that he's like, subconsciously chosen to die with you or whatever, 'cause I know that you made him so happy, girl! Your guys' wedding was one of the best days of my whole life! Ugh, dudes, this sucks. I... I'm sorry, I'm not good at this kinda thing, I'm not any better at it than I was when Greg passed."
Amethyst briefly pauses, clearly trying to hold herself together, before taking a deep shaky breath and continuing: "I just... I knew this would happen, you and Garnet both warned me and Pearl about it like eighty freaking years ago, but that doesn't mean I'm ready for it to actually be real, ya know?"
Shape-shifting her left arm for longer reach, she takes hold of Steven's free hand with her right hand while reaching across the bed to grab Connie's with her left.
"Just like everybody else said, I'll miss you dudes forever and ever! Wherever you guys go now, I just hope you won't forget all the great times we had. I love you sis... and bro."
Steven, looking Amethyst straight in the eyes while squeezing her hand, tells her, "Haa haa, you care about me." Amethyst tearfully giggles at this inside joke as Steven continues: "I hope I won't forget you either, Amethyst. I love you so much. You're the best sister a guy could ever have. It wasn't just me who supported you, Amethyst... you helped prop me up and give me confidence, too, so I guess we're both the ding-dong sunshine future! I wish we could become Smoky one last time, but my power's running too low for that. Just, well... Amethyst, always stay funny and keep being the absolute coolest, okay?"
Connie, also looking Amethyst in the eyes, tells her (again punctuated with coughs and wheezes): "Amethyst, I love you too sis. You really are the coolest, and like Steven said I hope you stay as funny, upbeat, and laid-back as you've always been."
At this, Amethyst gives their hands one last squeeze, before walking in a daze over to Garnet and breaking down into frantic, choked sobs, her arms around Garnet as she clings to her for support; Garnet, herself still crying, kneels down on one knee and gently strokes Amethyst's hair in a soothing fashion.
At last, after all the others, it's Pearl's turn. Bismuth and Volleyball begin to ask if she needs them to go with her, but she shakes her head and haltingly walks up to Steven's side of the bed. She tries several times to speak before the words finally pour from her in a shaky voice; it's clearly difficult for her as her face is contorted into an expression of pure agony as tears stream down her face.
"S-S-Steven and C-Connie, I... I don't know what I'm going to do without you two in my life. Steven, like Amethyst said, you and Garnet both warned us that this would happen, but I still just... can't really face the harsh reality before me. Steven, you were always like... l-like a son to me. I think that maybe you already realized that, didn't you?"
Steven nods his head. Pearl says, "I suppose that I was sometimes... a bit overprotective or overzealous, wasn't I?"
In the background, Amethyst overhears this and chuckles in spite of her own grief.
"At first that was because I saw so much of your mother in you, but later it was because I came to love you so very dearly. Even now, I feel I can't let go. When you... pass on, the light of Pink's gem will fade from this world. But that isn't what matters to me anymore, she isn't what matters to me anymore; I've long since moved past the loss of your mother, and I've accepted that she was far from being the paragon of strength and virtue that I once believed her to be."
"But you, Steven... losing you will be like losing her all over again, but even worse because I only had such a short time with you, and also because you, Steven, really are a paragon of virtue and strength who we can all look up to and admire. I know this is selfish of me, but just like a few of the others said, I wish... I... I w-wish that you would stay here with us, your Gem family, forever."
Pearl pauses to collect herself, taking several deep, wavering breaths before continuing:
"But I know all too well the pain of having the one you love most pass away while you live on, so... I understand why you have to stay with Connie forever. I will always be grateful to you, Steven; if it weren't for you always pushing me to open up to others, I would've stayed within my shell forever as the same boring and uptight Pearl I always was. I never would've allowed myself to make new friends if it weren't for you, and certainly never would have allowed myself to find new love."
She briefly steals a glance at Bismuth, and looks back at Steven before saying: "I know I'm dragging this out, but since I'm the... the last to speak before you... l-leave us... I want to speak for everyone here, not just for myself. And that's why I need to say, Steven, that I'm so proud of you. We all are."
Garnet and Amethyst, looking upon the scene while sobbing, both nod their heads in agreement, as do all the other assembled Gems, even the Secret Service agents; even they have begun to lose their composure and shed tears.
Pearl continues: "It all went by so quickly. Before I knew it, you grew from a silly, lovable little boy into a wonderful, equally lovable, sharp-witted, incredibly strong man who saved the world and the entire universe. Sure, you had a bit of a rough patch, but thanks to Connie here whipping us all into shape, you were able to get through it. Connie, I am so proud of you too. Just as Steven is like a son to me, you... I know you had your own human mother, but I hope it isn't... strange to say that you're like a daughter to me. Connie, you're far more than just a student who surpassed my expectations in the way of the sword."
She takes another breath before continuing: "Connie, you're one of the most intelligent people I've ever known. You are the bravest warrior I've ever known, facing countless dangers alongside Gems despite being a human with a fragile body. And look at you now; you survived all of that and lived a long, happy life with Steven. You even became the greatest leader in human history; you took the final political steps to integrate Gems into human society, you forged an alliance between Earth and the Gem Republic, and you led humanity to work together with Gems to save this world from an environmental catastrophe of their own making! You're an incredible woman, Connie, and you are truly strong."
"Thank you Connie, for being the daughter I could never have due to my nature as a Gem. Thank you for being there for my precious boy and for loving him with all your heart and soul. Both of you mean so much to me... Just as Amethyst said, your wedding day was one of the happiest days of my entire life."
She pauses once more for a breath before continuing: "I'm not really sure how I'm going to cope with losing you two, or how long it will take me to move on... but I promise you, I w... I will try to stay strong, because I know you want me to. I'm so proud of you two, I will never forget you, and I will miss you for the rest of eternity. I love you so much. Good... goodbye." At this, she leans over the bed to place a soft kiss upon Connie's forehead, before then shifting backwards and kissing Steven's forehead as well. A few of her tears fall on them.
When Pearl straightens up and looks down at them through eyes blurred with tears, Connie takes a deep, wheezing breath and summons all her remaining strength in order to reply in complete sentences, a few tears of joy leaking from her eyes.
"Thank you Pearl, that was beautiful. What you said, it's not weird... I honestly do think of you as a second mom, and I'm glad you feel the same way and told me about it before the end. I'm really happy I was able to make you proud. I love you too, and wherever Steven and I go, I hope I'll never forge-" Suddenly, Connie breaks into another coughing fit, this time lasting for over twenty seconds, causing Pearl and everyone assembled to look on in great concern as Steven tightly squeezes her hand and pours his remaining strength into her through the saliva between their palms.
Once Connie is back to breathing (well, wheezing) normally, Steven, with tears of joy in the corners of his eyes as well, replies: "Pearl, you really are like a mom to me. After all, I never did know my real mom, but you were always there for me to act kinda like a human mom would. I don't mind that you were overprotective or overenthusiastic or that you messed up sometimes; it's not like anybody gave you a manual on how to raise a human-Gem hybrid, or on how to be a parent at all when you're from a species that doesn't have kids."
He takes a breath before continuing: "Pearl, we may've had our ups and downs, but when it came to the stuff that really matters, in the end you did right by me. I'll tell you what I told Jasper: I have faith you can move on from this with everybody's support, because you're strong in the real way. Pearl, it was you who taught me what that means, that strength comes from the mind and spirit rather than from power. Like Connie said, I'm glad I was able to make you proud. And as Connie was gonna say, I hope we'll never forget you. Thank you for everything, and I love you so much too... mom."
Pearl, with trembling hands raised to her mouth and her face contorted into an expression of agony as tears stream down her face, staggers over to Bismuth, who has now joined Garnet and Amethyst along with Peridot and Lapis (Jasper has put her stony façade back up and stands a bit off to the side near Lapis), and falls sobbing into her arms.
It's obvious that Connie expended the last of her strength in order to speak those final words to Lion, Amethyst, and Pearl. The doctors continue to look at the monitors with great confusion; Steven doesn't surprise them, being what he is. But Connie should no longer even be alive, let alone conscious and lucid enough to speak so intelligently and clearly.
All the Gems and humans gathered, as well as the sapient plants and Lion, force themselves to stand upright, some leaning upon others for support, and form a very wide quarter-circle around the foot of the bed, making sure to stay within the couple's field of view.
Spinel hops down from White's shoulder to stand next to her, Yellow, and Blue (who leans upon Yellow for support) while wrapping her stretchy arms around all three Diamonds' lower legs. Pearl leans upon Bismuth for support while Volleyball stands next to her. With Lapis' arm around her waist and Peridot holding onto Lapis' leg, Jasper steels her face and makes the Diamond Salute one final time, determined to maintain the salute until Her Diamond breathes his last breath. Amethyst stands on her other side and shapeshifts her arm to place a comforting hand on her Quartz sister's shoulder. Hesitantly, Nephrite makes the Diamond Salute as well; no one seems surprised or offended by this. Garnet stands alone, but she's never truly alone.
Sensing that the end has come, everyone looks towards the couple on the bed with bated breath. While tears still stream down the faces of many present, the audible sobbing has ceased; the only sounds within the tent are the heavily muffled clamor of the journalists being held back at a distance outside, and the gradually slowing and fading erratic beeping of the heart monitors and other medical equipment. Even Lion and the descendants of Pumpkin have ceased their growling and whining, and the Watermelon Stevens and Cactus Steven stand as part of the circle while holding the pose of Baby Melon with outstretched arms.
Steven and Connie, still hand-in-hand, slowly pan their eyes around the room, surveying all their friends and family, those who they love so dearly, arrayed all about them showing their support. They both grin; it isn't just a soft smile, but an ear-to-ear grin which lights up their entire faces with joy.
Steven chuckles softly and voices his thoughts, as well as Connie's on her behalf, one final time as they both continue to grin:
"It's okay everybody, seriously. We're happy, really happy. All of you being here with us like this and showing your love and support, it means more to us than anything. Nora, Robert, and Greg, you were the best kids ever, and we're so proud of you." Their three elderly children all tear up a bit at this along with their own children and grandchildren, but continue to remain strong for all the Gems present.
"Watermelon Stevens and Cactus Steven, and all you little Gourds, we're really proud of you for how far all you plants have come with your civilization."
"Volleyball, stay strong and keep healing, and please be there for Pearl. I know she's gonna need your support after this, not just Bismuth's and the Crystal Gems'."
"Nephrite, I know you don't mean anything weird by it, so I appreciate the gesture of respect, and I understand your reason for it."
"Lion, I dunno how many decades or centuries you have left, but try to find some happiness, and like Connie said, stop in to say hi to the Gems sometimes and please don't go back to being all alone, okay?"
"Lars, I dunno how long you've got left either, but keep being a totally awesome and happy spaceship captain. Off Colors, and Emerald too, we wish you guys the best as well."
"Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot, thanks for being the best friends we could ever have. Stay strong and keep being there for each other, and try not to be too sad, okay?"
"Jasper, I know you're strong enough to make it through this and move on. I appreciate the salute; I'm happy to have been your Diamond and your friend. Stay strong for Lapis, too."
"Spinel, I know we sometimes had our issues, but you're a great friend, and we'll miss you; I swear that you didn't make things weird for us. Please try to move on and keep being yourself."
"Yellow, Blue, and White... thank you for being my aunts, for being our family. We hope that someday, you'll be able to forgive yourselves like we long ago forgave you. We do wish we could've had more time with you guys so it wouldn't seem so short to you; please don't spend too long mourning us, okay? We love you."
Pausing for a moment, a few more tears of joy and gratitude begin to leak from Steven's eyes, and Connie's as well.
"Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl... thank you so much. Thank you for being my family and raising me. All three of you, like I told Pearl it's okay that we had our ups and downs; in the end you really did right by us. Thank you for protecting us and being there when we really needed you. I guess thanking you for each and every thing you did would take too long, so, thank you for everything you've ever done for us. We were so lucky to have you guys in our lives, and we love you."
"Thank you everyone for being here for us until the end. We love all of you so much, and we wish you the best. Goodbye."
Steven and Connie continue grinning from ear to ear, tears of joy and gratitude trickling from their eyes, as everyone around them silently weeps. Steven lets go of Connie's hand and turns onto his side to face her; several of the monitors attached to Connie suddenly start going haywire, and the displayed heart-rates (with Steven's still syncing to Connie's) start to slow and grow more erratic far more rapidly than before, causing the doctors and nurses to become even more confused.
Connie's eyes begin to glaze over as Steven gently takes hold of her and turns her onto her side to face him. As she struggles to maintain consciousness, she leans her forehead slightly forward as Steven does the same. As their grins fade to soft, loving smiles directed towards each other alone, their foreheads gently touch. A pink glow suddenly emanates from the gemstone in Steven's navel and envelops the couple in its soft light; their assembled friends and family softly gasp and choke up further with tears.
When the glow fades, to no one's astonishment except that of the doctors, nurses, and human Secret Service agents, in place of the couple a single very tall figure, so tall their feet dangle off the end of the nine foot long bed, now lies upon their back; a very elderly Stevonnie. The various pairs of medical monitors attached to them indicate that the quarter-Diamond is rapidly fading.
After panning their eyes around the room one final time, taking in the figures of all those who love and care about them, Stevonnie smiles softly and closes their eyes, drawing in one final breath and letting it out slowly. The heart monitor flatlines, and the soft pink light from the diamond in Stevonnie's navel fades away until the gemstone is a dull grayish-pink, dead and inert forevermore.
Steven and Connie lie dead as Stevonnie, fused into the corpse of a single being forever embodying their love for one another.
Everyone stands in shocked silence, but all present, even the doctors, nurses, and Secret Service agents are now shedding tears at the scene before them. One of the doctors breaks out of her confused and tearful stupor and walks over to Stevonnie to manually check and confirm their lack of a pulse, and then with tears in her eyes, notes the time of death upon both Steven and Connie's charts: 2:53pm, May 17.
The silence is finally broken by the medical equipment being shut off and the soft scratching of the doctors' pens; many of the assembled Gems now fall to the floor in grief, mingled with shocked awe over the beauty of what they just witnessed, and begin to sob very loudly. Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot huddle and cling to each other for dear life while crying their eyes out at one end of the tent, as do the three Diamonds and Spinel in their own corner, and Lars and the Off Colors in another.
Lars doesn't fail to notice how Lion, after taking one last mournful look over his shoulder at the corpse of Stevonnie, roars open a portal to who-knows-where and leaps through it; hopefully he'll do as Steven and Connie asked and still visit the Crystal Gems rather than becoming a loner once more. Volleyball and Nephrite, crying as well, awkwardly stand beside the Crystal Gems where they are huddled, until to their surprise, Amethyst shape-shifts her arms and grabs them to bring them into the group hug.
The descendants of Pumpkin huddle in a corner while whining sadly, and the assembled Watermelon Stevens and Cactus Steven look upon the scene with sorrow; when they return to Mask Island, they will build statues of Steven, Connie, and Stevonnie, which will stand proudly alongside the statue of Baby Melon. Steven and Connie's elderly children and other human relatives (except for those too young to fully comprehend the scene) look towards the corpse of Stevonnie with a few tears in their eyes but with smiles on their faces, knowing that they lived full, happy lives and left the world in a manner of their own choosing.
Jasper, never one for so much touchy-feely stuff even after softening up over the last eight decades, allows Lapis to have a moment with her friends. She chooses to vent in her own way by taking care of a truly obnoxious Earthling problem, finally dropping her Diamond Salute and haltingly exiting the tent through the flap at its entrance. She may have long ago learned to see and respect Steven as a friend rather than as a superior, but she can still perform one final service for Her Diamond as his friend by seeing to it that others show him the respect he damn well deserves.
The assembled journalists, as well as the Gems and human Secret Service agents attempting to maintain order, go silent and back away a bit as she picks up speed and breaks a hole straight through the perimeter fence. Jasper turns her face upwards towards the clear blue afternoon sky and lets loose a deafening roar of anguish, rage, and grief as tears stream down her face freely. She kneels down on one knee and punches the ground, creating a small crater and localized earthquake with cracks spreading from its center and approaching the feet of the assembled crowd.
Jasper rises back to her feet, and turning towards the shocked and terrified crowd of human journalists, addresses them with all the venom that she can currently muster in her fragile state, which is still quite a lot of venom: "It's over! Now get lost before I make you!"
She may not actually attack Earthlings anymore, but that doesn't mean she can't convincingly threaten them. This terrifies the journalists to such an extent that they rapidly disperse, even as they jot down notes on Jasper's behavior (she couldn't care less what they think) and make calls to their bosses to inform them that the former President and First Gentleman have passed away.
Once all the journalists have dispersed, only the Gems and Secret Service agents—who know that Jasper won't actually hurt anyone—remain. Several of the assembled Gems look with sympathy upon Jasper, who collapses onto her haunches and heaves out choked sobs of pure agony with her face in her hands. To her surprise, she hears a rustling from the flap of the tent; a few seconds later, Lapis joins her, having left Peridot and Bismuth inside with the other Crystal Gems.
She sits down beside Jasper; they put their arms around each other's shoulders and lean upon one another for support; neither of them speaks a word as Jasper weeps loudly and Lapis silently lets the tears stream down her face. Out of respect for the couple's privacy, the assembled Gems and Secret Service agents, no longer needed for crowd control, begin to disperse as well.
As Jasper takes care of the chaos outside, Padparadscha stands inside the tent with rivers of tears streaming down her face; she raises her hand to her mouth and gasps before loudly saying: "Steven and Connie's love is... it's going to take them away together. And it will be beautiful."
Everyone overhears her and nods, only to resume sobbing all the more. She collapses to the floor in grief, and Lars, Emerald, and the Off Colors bring her into their huddle.
By the next day, the entire nation, world, and universe join together in mourning. Hymns and tributes are written and sung by humans and Gems alike for the former President and for her husband, the Savior of the Universe. The human news media mostly talk about nothing else but the couple's accomplishments for the next few weeks. But to the news media's frustration, no one who was present inside the tent will disclose the details of how the couple passed on; in fact, no one will even grant them a single statement or interview.
Even the doctors and nurses who were present, despite promises of large under-the-table payments, refuse to disclose anything about the immensely beautiful, but very private, scene which they witnessed, although some of them choose to remain silent out of fear of possible retribution by Jasper rather than out of a sense of integrity.
So instead of reporting the truth, the news media speculates endlessly, creating baseless rumors about the couple's demise and why there was only one coffin, until they give up and move on to the next story upon realizing that they've wrung every bit of airtime that they could out of this one. Most Gems are thoroughly disgusted (Jasper especially feels disdain) by the human media's handling of the story, but they know it was inevitable.
The funeral is held the very next day after Stevonnie died, as Steven and Connie didn't wish to be embalmed and the grave marker and coffin don't take long for Bismuth to produce. Most of the Gems attending the funeral stand numb and outwardly cold as the coffin is lowered into the ground; after just twenty-four hours, they aren't yet able to process what has happened.
Although the press is banned from the event (and after the 'threat' by Jasper, none of them feel brave enough to try to defy that ban), the current United States President stands at a podium and gives a eulogy praising the late couple for their wonderful lives and accomplishments; but no eulogies are given by any of the Gems, as none of them are ready yet. Perhaps they will have something to say at memorial services in the coming years. Jasper and Nephrite hold the Diamond Salute once again until the last bit of earth is shoveled atop the grave and flattened down.
As per Steven's and Connie's wills, Stevonnie is buried in a single grave atop the Lighthouse Hill overlooking the Beach House and Crystal Temple, with a simple gray stone composed of nigh-indestructible material as the only grave-marker; that and the coffin were Bismuth's final gifts to the couple.
There is no monument at the grave, although statues and paintings, many housed within great monuments, are commissioned for display at various locations on Earth, Homeworld, and other planets. According to the ever-humble couple's wishes, there is nothing at the grave to indicate their great accomplishments during life. The gravestone simply reads as follows:
Steven and Connie Maheswaran-Universe
Together, they were and always will be Stevonnie
Beloved by all, they left behind many who will never forget them
In the end, their love took them away together
Final Notes: Yeah I know guys, I'm a sappy dork, kinda like Steven himself, haha. Feel free to let me know how overly sappy you think I am in any reviews you may wish to leave!
For those of you who want to know about the "special and unique" connection that Steven, Jasper, and Lapis share as a trio: That's one of the big character arcs in my Jasper/Lapis-focused prequel-fic "Doing Something Better!"
For those who had their suspicions and may have been wondering about it: Yes, the title and premise of this story are references to and inspired by "The Notebook." I was thinking about the ending of that movie while also thinking about the S.U. franchise, and was suddenly struck by the revelation that thanks to the nature of his powers and how he "ages," Steven's and Connie's love will indeed take them away together someday like what happened with Noah and Allie. But I decided that Connie doesn't get dementia as long as Steven kisses her on a regular basis (those healing powers do have some major perks, lol), so Steven and Connie go out surrounded by all their loved ones after getting to say their goodbyes.