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Greg and Steven sat in the waiting room, silent as nurses and doctors bustled about their business. A few other people were waiting too, and Steven tried not to "people watch" as he waited.
The tension was strong and thick, and Steven's knee bounced in worry.
"I'm sure she'll be okay, Schtu-ball," murmured Greg, laying a reassuring hand on his knee, stopping it's bopping. "Connie's mom won't let anything happen."
Steven felt something inside him twist sharply at the thought of something happening to Connie. Again, this felt eerily familiar, and he hated how much this situation was making him think of last time he was here.
"What if…what if this is…our future?" He asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"What do you mean, Steven?" Asked Greg gently, eyebrows furrowed.
"What if Connie has spells like this…again," said Steven, eyes wide with worry. "What if this is what our future is going to look like? Emergency drives to the hospital, hoping that she'll wake up again like she did last time, picking up the pieces and putting her back together again?"
Greg opened his mouth to respond, but Steven began venting in earnest. "I won't abandon her," he said, a hard edge of determination cutting through his words. "I'm here to stay. Connie is never going to walk this alone. But…is this what I need to get used to?" He gestured to the waiting room.
"What if she wakes up and doesn't remember anything again?" Steven moaned suddenly, panic and fear gripping him. He turned desperately to Greg, eyes welling up with tears. "What if this time I can't help her navigate? I…" He trailed off, his words unable to come through the lump in his throat, eyes still pleading with Greg for answers. His skin began turning pink, and Greg felt dread under his skin.
The older man bit his lip. He was painfully aware that now Steven was an adult, he now had adult problems. Since he was a Crystal Gem, he had gem problems too. As a pink light began to shine from his son's skin, he wondered what to do.
Greg was no scientist, he had no magic formula for Steven to use on his problems. He'd also learned from experience that his son didn't appreciate his father trying to simply distract him from his problems, instead of facing them head on. Perhaps reminding Steven of reality would help ground him.
"I don't think even Garnet knows the future on this one," he began, slowly and carefully, trying to stay calm and be calming. "The future is uncertain, but that's just how it is for everyone else too. Whatever happens, you aren't alone either, Steven." He gently rubbed his son's back, and the pink light soon faded as Steven's panic fell from his face. "We are here for you buddy," added Greg, smiling at his precious son. "But if you need mental help, your therapist might have some resources for you that will help you as you walk this with Connie too. I'm sure she'll know what you need during this time to take care of yourself too, so that you can be strong for Connie."
Steven shakily exhaled, steading himself and running a hand through his curly hair. Roughly he wiped his eyes and continued his breathing exercise. He pulled out his phone and began to text his therapist, scheduling an appointment for the next day. "Thanks Dad. You're right - I'm not alone and I'm not powerless. We'll get through this."
Greg breathed an internal sigh of relief. He was still trying to figure out how to be helpful to Steven after his meltdown. As a parent, he would always worry about his son. But shielding your son from your own ineptitude was hard. Greg had always felt unprepared and under qualified to raise such an amazing person, and he probably always would, in his reasoning. At least this time he'd said something right.
Suddenly Dr Maheswaran came trotting out of the door to the patient's ward, and went straight to the desk. She gave some orders to the nurse behind the desk and pointed at Steven and Greg. The nurse nodded and obediently handed her two lanyards.
Dr Maheswaran turned and walked briskly over to them. "These are your passes," she said, handing them the two laminated tags connected to the thick cords. "Show them to the nurse at the desk and she'll let you in to see Connie even if I'm unavailable to let you in."
Steven took his and immediately put it on. It just said "GUEST", but underneath was Dr Maheswaran's signature, and he realized how powerful the name "Dr Maheswaran" must be.
Greg stuck his guest lanyard in his pocket and said, "How is she?"
"She's stable," said Dr Maheswaran, eyes worried. "Amnesia is different for every patient. For Connie, she had trouble remembering things for several weeks, but things were slowly coming back to her. I don't know why looking in the freezer caused her to collapse, but her vitals are all normal, and her organs are functioning properly." She sighed and held her head in her hands. "I have no idea why she is unconscious."
Greg patted her shoulder comfortingly and said, "I'm sure she'll be fine, and we are here for you guys."
"Please, would you come sit with her?" Asked Dr Maheswaran, eyes locking with Steven's. "I'm not sure when she'll wake up, but I have to go get her things from the house, along with some things for me to spend the night with her. It'll just be an hour or so to get everything ready, if that's okay?"
"Of course," said Steven and Greg at the same time, and Dr Maheswaran smiled tearfully at them.
In the hospital room it was silent except for the heart monitor, faithfully proclaiming every heartbeat and letting them know that Connie was still alive. The sunlight from the window brightened the room, but Steven didn't like the white walls. For some reason he was reminded of White Diamond's head when he saw the closed, white spaces.
Connie remembered White, He thought to himself as he drew near to the hospital bed. The memory of her terrified face, her eyes staring at nothing, and the way she had screamed about his gem and clung to him worried him. She has some deep trauma from it. Maybe I should give her my therapist's number.
Connie lay on her back in the hospital bed, wearing the hospital gown and tucked under the covers. Her hair was fanned out around her face, her eyes closed, and Steven noticed the drawn expression on her face.
He had always thought she was beautiful. Even on that first day on the beach as he rode his bike to impress the mysterious, quiet girl with glasses and red boots, he had admired her dark skin and dark eyes, her wavy hair and sweet face.
He'd had no idea then how far their friendship would take them. Now as he pulled a chair as close as he could to her bed, he took her hand in his and gazed at her, willing her to wake up and say his name how she had said it a million times, with laughter and a smile, her face lighting up and making him feel so special.
Her eyes remained closed, and her breathing remained steady.
"Dad, would it bother you if I sang to her?"
"Not at all, Schtu-ball," said Greg smiling. "I'm a sucker for music, you know that. But do you want some privacy? I could get us some chaaaps from the vending machine."
"I'm not hungry right now," Steven said softly. "But yeah, some privacy might be nice."
"Text me if you need me," said Greg, giving him the thumbs up and walking out, gently closing the door behind him.
Steven looked at Connie, still and peaceful, and said softly, "It's just us, Connie."
Her hand was limp in his, but he rubbed his thumb on her knuckles fondly anyway. "If you can hear me, squeeze my hand."
Her hand didn't move, and he rubbed his eyes hard, trying not to cry. He was scared.
"I'm going to sing to you until you wake up," he said softly. "Even if it takes…a long time." Saying "days" or "weeks" seemed too frightening, as if saying it would admit that she might not wake up.
Connie didn't stir, and he took a deep breath and began to sing in his lovely, baritone voice.
My love is like a melody,
She's always on my mind
She's written in my heart and soul
I can't leave her behind
The heart monitor slowed it's beeping, and he looked up quickly, alarmed. However it kept beeping, just at a slower pace he noted, and he wondered if the song was calming her. Tentatively, he continued singing, eyes on the monitor.
My love is like the southern wind
When I am lost at sea
She fills my sails when I'm off course
To home she's guiding me
She took a deep breath shifted, turning on her side to face him, her eyes still closed, but looking more rested as she curled into a cozy ball. She had pulled his hand close to her heart, tucking it under her chin. He smiled, his song pausing momentarily. He had heard her version what happened in the cave, and knew that he had curled up to her when she was nearby. Maybe their love was strong enough that they could sense each other's presence?
Forever will not be enough
For always isn't long
To whisper tender words at night
To sing my lovesick song
He knelt on the floor, pushing his chair back with his foot and laid his head on the bed. He was still tired emotionally, and was more comfortable this way. He felt his eyes welling up as he sang the chorus:
Oh my love, oh my love,
I'm finally on the shore
Oh my love, oh my love,
I can't see you anymore
Oh my love, oh my love,
Across the deadly sea
Oh my love, oh my love,
Just come home safe to me
She didn't stir. He reached up and wrapped his hands around her wrists, feeling her pulse flutter faithfully under his fingers.
They say the sailor sang his tune
Until the crack of dawn
Waiting for the one he loved
To set his eyes upon
He yawned, the comforting feeling of her warm hands soothing him. His PTSD was calming down - she was here, he was here, they were safe…
Until there on the waves of gold
Like a goddess from the past
Came the woman of his lonely heart
Coming home at last
He smiled at the last verse that ended his romantic song. He'd written it a few days ago, waiting expectantly for the day that Connie remembered everything. "Oh my love, oh my love," he sang softly, tears in his eyes. "Just come home safe to me."
Connie wasn't home safe yet, in his eyes. At least, not all the way. The day she was completely well, she would be home. Until then, he was that lonely sailor, waiting patiently for his love to come back to him.
He laid his head down all the way on the bed, feeling exhausted from the day. His eyes drifted closed, and he tightened his grip on Connie's hands, and felt gentle sleep take him far away.
She woke up slowly, eyes lazily opening, and she inhaled deeply, feeling contentedly rested. It was the kind of contentment you feel when you wake up with no alarm set, no dreams, and no plan for the day.
Her hands were weighed down, and she looked to see Steven, snoring softly as his head and shoulders rested on the bedside from where he knelt. He was holding her hands, his larger ones gripping her smaller ones tightly.
Connie smiled, and took in her surroundings. She was in the hospital again, dressed in the hospital gown and with all the familiar fixings attached to her. But unlike last time, she felt fine, and happy. Suddenly the door creaked softly open, and Greg entered, eyes wide in surprise when he caught sight of her sitting up.
She gave him a radiant smile. "Hi Mr Universe," she whispered, giggling softly. "Are those Chaaaps?"
Greg looked down at the barbecue flavored Chaaaps in his hands. "Yeah," he said softly, noticing the sleeping Steven. "D…did you want some?"
Connie nodded. "I'm hungry. I'm too old for Mom to worry about healthy food, and it's better than donuts anyway." She looked down at Steven's tight grip on her hands. "I don't know if I can eat them now though."
"We can wake him - " began Greg.
"No!" She hissed, shaking her head. "He's been so good to me, Mr Universe. Please, let him rest, he's worked so hard and is so tired." Her eyes pleaded, and he smiled.
"I'll go get your very own bag of Chaaaps," whispered Greg back, grinning. "We'll let Sleeping Beauty snooze a little longer. I'll get your mom too. How are you feeling?"
She smiled. "I remember everything."
His eyebrows shot up. "Everything?"
She nodded, a quiet but bubbly laugh escaping her. "So yeah, I feel pretty good."
Greg leaned down and kissed the young woman's forehead, happiness for his practically adopted daughter overflowing his heart. She giggled as his whiskers tickled. "We were all worried," Greg whispered, smiling at her. "I'm so glad, and so relieved!"
Connie beamed at him as he left. Looking down at Steven, she suddenly realized that she wanted to hug her parent's when they came in. She bit her lip - she really didn't want to wake him, but both her hands were being held captive by his strong grip. Slowly, she began pulling her hands gently from his grasp, hoping the slow but steady movement wouldn't alert him. His breathing was deep and slow, relaxed and calm, and she had just freed a few fingers when -
BAM!
Conne shrieked, startled as a seagull hit the window, leaving some feathers stuck to the glasses it squeaked and flew away. Steven jumped to his feet with a shout, still half asleep, flattening himself against her and summoning a bubble with spikes to ward off any danger, knocking over the bedside table and sending the glass, Kleenex box, and clipboard crashing to the ground.
All was silent for a moment, save for the heart monitor that had spiked dramatically and now slowed to a gentler speed.
Connie panted breathlessly from the scare, pinned under Steven's back, giggling from the shot of adrenaline that had flooded her veins. Steven shook his head, clearing the foggy sleep from his brain and slowly let down the bubble. He was still panting, and she noticed the pink tint in his skin.
"It was just a seagull," she murmured gently in his ear, laying a calming hand on his shoulder. "It startled me. Sorry I yelled. Are you okay?"
He turned to her, his brain connecting the dots that she was awake. "I…" he laughed, relaxing. "I was startled too. But never mind that - how are you feeling?" He asked desperately, spinning around to face her fully.
She smiled and cupped his face in her hands. "I remember everything," she said, and kissed his nose.
"You do?" He asked, his voice rising with happiness. "Wait, everything everything?"
Connie laughed, nodding emphatically. "I even remember the time you proposed to me, and I told you not yet."
He blushed and pulled away from her hands, crossing his arms grumpily. "You could have forgotten that one."
"But if I had forgotten it," she said, grinning ear to ear, eyes sparkling, "then that would mean that telling you that my answer has changed to 'I'm ready' wouldn't mean as much, would it?"
He looked at her quickly. "Y…you mean it?"
"This whole…experience has shown me that I don't have a future without you," she said with a smile. "Even when I didn't know anything in the cave, I knew I needed you." He blushed and took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "When you asked me before, we were young and immature," Connie murmured, giving his hand a squeeze, "and you were so full of pain that I knew you needed time. And you are doing so well, Steven," she added, smiling radiantly at him. "And I'm so proud of the young adults we have become."
He smiled and took her hand in his, and while he looked down she could still see the unshed tears in his eyes.
"I have half a year of campus left, and then everything can go online after that," Connie continued, voice tender and soft. "I…I want to start living my life now. I want to make new memories, and I want to make them all with you. Would you ask me again if - "
The door flew open and Priyanka and Doug cried out, "Connie!"
She looked at Steven apologetically, a sheepish smile on her face. Obviously she had wanted to talk to him about this in private. He just winked at her, whispering "Later."
"Connie darling!" Gasped Priyanka, throwing her arms around her daughter and hugging her gently. Doug followed close behind, and beyond them Connie could see Greg and Steven standing back, smiling at them. "Oh you had us so worried, so worried!" Priyanka was babbling in relief, and suddenly drew herself up. "How are you feeling, are you okay?"
She laughed, and smiled at her mother. "I remember everything, Mom."
"What did you say?" Priyanka asked, voice tight and low, barely believing what she'd heard. Her hands gripped Connie's shoulders, and her eyes bore into Connie's sparkling ones.
"I remember you, Mom," Connie said softly, gazing at her mother. "I know you. You changed the rules for my happiness." She smiled. "I'll always be so grateful."
Priyanka leaned forward and kissed Connie's cheeks, tears of happiness and relief pouring down her face. "Oh sweetheart," she whispered, "I love you so much."
"Dad," Connie said softly, and as Priyanka gave them space her father looked up hopefully. "Dad, we were on chapter 9, when the Gibson's wagon breaks down."
Doug laughed, eyes shining with unshed tears. "Yes we were, kiddo," he said, and hastily wiped his eyes. Stepping forward, he hugged his wife and daughter. "Welcome back, darling."
They asked questions, and made sure she truly remembered. Priyanka ran a few tests while Steven, Greg and Doug grilled Connie about their adventures, and it was finally decided that Connie did indeed remember everything.
As Priyanka grinned happily at the test results, Steven looked up with large puppy eyes at her and asked in a serious voice, "In your professional opinion, would a kiss containing magical healing properties set her back?"
Everyone laughed, and Connie blushed.
"Well, my dear Mr Universe," replied Priyanka, winking with her voice jokingly severe, and tapped Steven fondly on the nose. "I believe she is out of danger now. Some sparkly kisses won't hurt her." She turned to the door. "I'm going to get your release forms, Miss Maheswaran," she said dramatically, pulling Doug with her. "You'll be going home tonight. Greg, would you come with me please? I have a favor to ask you."
Greg handed Connie a bag of unopened Chaaaps with a smile, and followed the couple of the of the room.
The door shut, and Steven and Connie were alone. Thanks Mom.
Steven spun around, and taking Connie's face in his hands, began sprinkling her face with kisses. She squeaked, then giggled and tightly closed her eyes as his lips peppered her forehead, cheeks, and nose, then zoning in to plant a long kiss on her lips, finishing with a dramatic "Mwah!"
That tingly, energizing feeling rushed down her limbs, but her memories remained the same. I'm well, and all is well, and life is as it should be.
Steven pulled away, eyes looking her up and down, suddenly concerned. "Sorry, was that too much?"
She giggled helplessly. "No," she chuckled, eyes dancing. "It was perfect!"
"You feel okay?"
"Yes," she giggled. "I feel wonderful. Fabulous. Incredible. And all my memories are the same, so it's as we hoped." She beamed at him. "I've made a full recovery."
"Then here's more!" He smirked, and showered her with gentle, rapid kisses.
"Steven!" She laughed, pawing his face away. "Come up for air!"
"I don't need it," he snorted, brown eyes playful. "I'm" -kiss- "not" -kiss- "entirely" -kiss- "organic!"
"Yes you -mph!" Her words were muffled by a fantastic kiss on the lips, and he mumbled out of the corner of his smiling mouth, "Less talking, more kissing!"
She grew competitive, and threw her arms around him and pulled him in for a deeper kiss. He hummed in happy surprise and leaned in, equally invested.
After a sweet moment, they broke away, giggling and gulping air. "You are too organic," she accused, her hands resting on his shoulders. "You are panting with your organic lungs like you just ran up an organic mountain!"
"Naw," he replied, grinning and nuzzling her temple. "Your beauty and grace just make me breathless is all."
She burst into laughter, and he laughed with her, loving that he'd made her belly-laugh. She ended the happy laugh with a sigh, leaning her forehead against his. "Whatever you say, Jam Bud."
"You know what we should do?" He asked excitedly in his charming way, and she giggled.
"Out with it, Steven," she laughed. "Tell me your genius plan."
"We should watch a movie, while I let you eat your Chaaaps Dad got for you, and the whole time I'm going to sneak you kisses and snuggle you as long as you want."
She clapped her hands like a diamond at him. "You're a schmaltzy genius, my good sir," she said. "But I'm curious. We were just talking about the future and I need…well, I guess I want to know when…" she winced and said in a voice that raised in pitch nervously "…are you going to ask me to marry you?"
He grinned and crawled closer, pressing his forehead against her own. "I have a plan," he said softly. "Ever since my meltdown I've always had a plan of how and where. But I want to give you some time to get out of the hospital and get back to normal life before I hatch it." He kissed her nose. "You'll just have to wait, Maheswaran."
Her heart rose in her throat, and she smiled at him. Steven cared so much about her and her wellbeing. "Thank you," she whispered softly, hugging him. He squeezed back, kissing her temple and giving a contented sigh.
Connie let them rest in the hug for a few minutes, feeling safe and loved. With a happy sigh, she murmured from his shoulder, "Enjoy saying that name while you can, I plan on changing it soon."
He laughed, and she pulled out of the hug with a smirk. "Now, hand me those Chaaaps and let's start the movie!"
Connie was discharged the same day. The Crystal Gems wanted to celebrate her recovery, but since it was late, a barbecue and bonfire seemed fitting. The cool night air made Connie shiver, and she scooted closer to the fire that the Greg had masterfully made. Her brown hair fell in waves around her face, and she was careful not to get marshmallow in it as she nibbled on her s'more.
The stars shone overhead, and Connie smiled and laughed with her friends and family. She felt so much peace, knowing who she was and what she was, where she had been and what she had done, and now she knew better what she wanted for the years ahead.
She was a young woman, ready to continue pursuing her dreams. Autumn registration was coming up, and her professors were helping her align her classes to continue taking things at a gentler pace than she had originally designed. And after that - she and Steven would be building their life together.
The future was calling.
Steven was laughing by her side at something Peridot and Amethyst were saying, the firelight shining a golden glow on his happy face. She memorized his smile, and the gentle curve of his nose. She knew that he was a part of her future, and always had been. He had lovingly suggested going to a therapist to confront her trauma with White Diamond, and she hesitantly agreed. It was time live in the present, and not the past, and Steven wanted her to have freedom from what had happened on Homeworld all those years ago.
She smiled at the gems, holding her s'more and nibbling at it, enjoying the familiar taste. She remembered so many other nights like this - enjoying time with her precious Jam Bud and their families together, making memories under the stars.
Greg brought out his guitar, and began singing and playing for them. Steven joined in, and she rocked gently to the beat, nudging him playfully. He wrapped an arm around her and she leaned into him, sighing contentedly. Another arm wrapped around them, and she looked up to see her mother and father smiling at them, joining in the hug. Soon Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst joined in too, and in no time there was a giant group hug around Connie. Greg played softer, and stopped singing.
"We love you, Connie," said Garnet softly, filling the space that Greg had provided for words. "We are so happy for you that you are well again."
"Here here!" Said Pearl, patting Connie's head and beaming at her.
"Yeah," said Amethyst, "and you look happier now too!" She ruffled the young woman's hair playfully, and Connie laughed.
"I'm so happy that you had Steven," said Priyanka with a smile, smoothing Connie's mussed hair, "And that he had you."
"You've grown up so fast, Connie," said Doug. "We are all so proud!"
"And 'wow thanks' for staying alive!" Said Peridot merrily, waving her stick with a marshmallow in the air, causing Doug to duck out of the way to avoid getting a hot sticky marshmellow to the face. "You are one of my best friends!"
"One of the best Crystal Temps," said Lapis softly, and Connie smiled up at her, remembering that time.
"And one of the bravest humans I've ever known," said Bismuth proudly, hugging everyone tighter.
"You are the very best, best friend I have," said Steven, and he nestled himself closer to her, cheek pressed against hers, whispering so only she could hear, "And I love you."
Connie's eyes brimmed with tears. "I'm truly the luckiest girl to ever live," she said, melting in their embrace. "I love you all. Thank you for walking this journey with me, and helping me at every turn." She kissed Steven's temple and squeezed him tighter. "Especially you, Steven."
She felt his grin against her cheek, and the group sat for a minute, gazing at the stars, arms wrapped around each other, the warmth of love and friendship touching each of them. Connie wiped away her tears and gave a deep sigh, feeling as though she could have burst from happiness.
"You deserve it, Connie," said Garnet softly. "My wish is that you and Steven have all the happiness in the world, forever and ever, until the end of your days."
A shooting star flashed in the sky, and Steven giggled, knowing Garnet had predicted it. "I think you have to wait until after the star to make a wish," he said in that gentle way when explaining something to the gems.
"And yet," said Connie softly, "I think that this wish will come true."
"Oh?" Asked Pearl with a smile. She knew Connie well enough to know that she had more to say.
"Yeah," said Connie softly. "Because no matter what happens, we all will stick together." She turned and gazed at Steven. "And that's all I need to be happy."
He gave her a radiant smile and kissed her forehead gently, his powers causing sparkling pink lights to dance on her brow in the moonlight. "Welcome home, Connie."
THE END
Thanks again for reading my fan fiction! =)