His Corrupted Self Summary: When Spinel attacked his planet, she didn't bring just a rejuvenator but a corruptor as well. He knew she wanted vengeance against his mom. He didn't know she would slash him with the rejuvenator before ripping his gem free and slashing that with the corruptor. Steven is split in two and his gem half doesn't look right. For one, it's red and not pink. For two, it's gained sentience different from his human half. And not the good kind of sentience either. Now Steven is fully human and fighting not just against a rogue gem, but his corrupted self as well.
WARNINGS – Forced submission, Steven suffers, angst, emotional/physical abuse, violence, and molestation.
His Corrupted Self Part 4
Steven's jaw dropped as gasps rose from the crowd. "Y-you…"
Blood dripped from his fingers as the monster holding him strode to the scarlet bubble housing Zebra's jagged remains. He was too numb with shock to move, gaze trained on the shards, as the diamond placed a palm atop the bubble. With an tap, the bubble vanished. Steven snapped out of his daze.
"Where did she go?" He wriggled in place all over again, smearing blood across his dress as his injured hands flailed. "Where did you send her?"
"Easy, dove." The monster's hold coiled tighter when Steven flattened oozing palms against the other's chest. "You're bleeding and sick."
"Where is she?" Steven's voice pitched higher as the shock faded and tears welled and waterfalled. "You killed her! You shattered her!"
"She was insubordinate. Insignificant." The diamond pivoted to face the crowd as he glowed. "Return to your duties. Build the palace."
"Stop!" Steven wailed, the realization that his other half had literally killed a sentient life settling in. The gems exchanged wary glances and soft mutters as they saluted and obeyed. "Just stop!"
His lungs seized as his throat stumbled over a cough. Through the heaving chest and blurry vision, he slammed his fists against the others chest. Pushed and pulled against the monster's shoulders. Even shoved up against his chin to crack the other's head back only for fangs to sink deeply into his skin. Steven yelped.
"Enou'." Red growled around the bleeding flesh. The sensation burned. "She was defect've."
"She was alive." He yanked only for the monster's fangs to shred more of his skin. Pain rippled from the source and shot along his nerves. "And now she's not because you shattered her."
The diamond was unperturbed. His jaw unhinged and Steven took the chance. He snapped his hand back and cradled it close to his chest, whimpering as he took in the bloody mess of his hand. As he tried to resist coughing onto his injury, he almost missed the diamond licking his fangs with a scrunched expression.
"Disgusting." The diamond cleaned his fangs. "Metallic. Regardless, we'll need decorations for our throne. Give me your hand."
"What?" Steven whipped his focus onto the other. "What did you just–"
"Hand."
"Not that!" He scowled. "The–the decorations thing!"
Red merely cast his gaze around the partially deconstructed area of Little Homeworld. Gems bustled around them as they worked to take down current buildings and begin the process of setting up new ones. Briefly, Steven wondered how they could do it all so efficiently, especially without much time or without many if any blueprints, when Red shifted diamond pupils back onto him.
"She'll be the first to act as an example to others. Disobedience will not be tolerated."
"She only asked a question!" His chest seized with a cough. "She just–"
"She stood in my way." The diamond scanned the area once more. "You need to bathe."
"You–" his breath hitched over a sneeze. "You can't be serious! What's wrong with you?"
The monster ignored him. Instead, he was carried, kicking and flailing despite a freshly rising headache, into one of the untouched houses. A simple layout spread before them: a living room blended into a kitchen and the kitchen into a 'bedroom' complete with a mattress on the floor. A door, presumably the bathroom, was tucked not too far from the bed. Red zeroed on the wooden surface.
As he strode towards the other end of the house, he commented with a scowl. "This is in the center of the demolition. Is there not enough gems on hand? Or are they just that incompetent?"
Steven readied a scathing retort but then the diamond had shifted the hold on him and grasped the knob. It didn't turn. They both blinked.
"Locked...?" Steven breathed, confused. He glanced at the other.
Red's lips darkened into a sneer. "This is where they chose to put it? The center of our palace? The incompetence is astounding."
Pain continued to throb throughout Steven's body. From the bleeding skin of his hand and fingers to the burning in his chest and the aching in his skull, he was hurt and tired and hungry. He didn't want to think too much. Not anymore. Not after watching his gem half literally steal another's life right in front of him. Steven would never dare to murder someone. And yet his gem half did. So either he was secretly a monster, or…
...maybe his gem half really was someone new.
"Red…" he croaked. "Don't hurt whoever's in there. Please?"
"Oh hush." The other dismissed. "It's just the organic."
With that, the diamond shifted the hold once more to summon a jagged red shard. A flick of the wrist prompted the shard to slice through the wood, carving out a diamond shape big enough for Red to fit his fist through and unlock the door. The knob turned and the door swung open to reveal–
"Dad?" He stumbled over a cough.
"Steven?" Greg jumped from his spot on the closed toilet seat, his terrified gaze darted from the hole in the door to the two of them. He backpedaled and nearly tripped over the edge of the nearby bathtub. A quick scan of the two had Greg switching from survival mode into worried father mode as he zeroed on the injury. He stepped forwards, absently placing his phone face-down on the sink countertop. "Son, are you–"
"Stand aside." Red stepped forwards, clearly expecting to be obeyed.
Greg stumbled back onto the closed toilet, the phone clattering to the tiles from the movement. Steven made to protest, but then Red was placing him in the tub and reaching for the hem of his dress.
"Red!" He shrieked, swatting at the intrusion. "What are you doing?"
"You're filthy." The other answered.
His father hurried to the diamond's side. "Steven, you're hand! You're bloody! What–"
"I will handle this." The other shoved Greg aside and he landed back-first on the floor.
Steven yelped only to choke on another cough. "Don't hurt him!"
"He was in the way." Red answered instead. "Arms up. You need to undress."
"I can bathe myself!"
"Unlikely." Red grabbed the hem and hauled it up Steven's battered body. It was then Steven confirmed he was wearing panties. Why? He didn't know. But he did know it was humiliating.
"Dad, don't look!" He cried as the diamond overpowered his already weak struggles. His cut skin burned.
"Son, do you–"
"Get out." Red snapped, tugging the stained fabric completely off him. "Make yourself useful and fetch another dress."
"Uh–" His dad slowly pushed himself upright, grabbed his phone, and stood. "Um–"
"Well?" Red had the nerve to reach for the panties. "Go."
"But–" Greg tried, gesturing the hand holding the phone at the exit.
Steven flushed as he tried to keep the only garment protecting him from view secure. Still, he could feel the rising tension. If the tightening jaw and ridged shoulders weren't a clue, then the nasty snarl definitely was.
"Dad," he peered around his duplicate, accidentally allowing the other to yank off the panties. His voice pitched falsetto. "Go! He said you can go!"
His dad finally, mercifully, made to leave but then Red had tossed the clothes to the tiles and turned the bathtub's knobs. Cold water splashed and Steven yelped. His throat burned as the startled noise escaped him. He hacked on a cough.
"Oops." Red said with a slight smile, clearly not sorry at all. He grasped Steven's shoulder and turned the other knob. Oddly, he didn't test the temperature.
Steven yelped once more. "Too hot!"
His dad instinctually stepped closer. The blood from his hand swirled in the tub. Red shouldered Greg, grip tightening on Steven's shoulder as any sense of humor soured. The diamond glared and his dad paused, visibly unnerved. Steven scrambled to not only save himself from further humiliation, but to save his father as well. This corrupted version of himself was willing to kill. The only reason his father was still alive was due to Steven's own obedience.
"Dad, go!" He cried. "It's fine! I'm fine." When his dad continued to hesitate, he added. "He won't hurt me! Don't worry, just get me some clothes. Please."
A vibration filled the air and both his and his father's gazes dropped to the source: the phone in Greg's hand. Red ignored the sound, instead having found something else to focus on. Too warm fingers tapped idly against Steven's skin while ruby eyes zeroed on one particular spot of skin. As the water continued to run, Steven lurched to fix the knobs and in turn cover himself with his thighs. The diamond smirked as he blushed scarlet. A quick glance confirmed that Greg wasn't looking at the phone anymore, instead offering the two a puzzled expression.
"I can handle this." His voice cracked, cheeks rosy.
His dad frowned and Red finally detached himself from Steven. Greg retreated a step but the diamond only brushed past to grab the rag hanging from a towel bar. In the moment it took the other to take the rag and a bottle of shampoo waiting atop the sink, father and son had exchanged worried looks. With an even quicker glance at the diamond lathering the rag and approaching, Greg flashed the phone. On the screen, a phone call was clearly depicted with a glowing name and icon.
Connie.
Steven's jaw dropped. His dad had been talking to Connie? Had he already told her about the strange take-over of Little Homeworld? What did Connie think? How would she react? Oh stars, what if she showed up? Would Red kill her on sight? But, the two had technically met before: back when White had–
Black fingernails. Prying the source of his powers from his very soul. Skin rippling with pain as the gem popped free.
"-ball." His dad said, backpedalling towards the exit with the diamond shaped hole. The diamond himself followed the slow retreat with a glare. "With a fresh pair of undies too!"
Steven blinked. As his nose threatened to convulse with a sneeze, he barely managed to call out, "okay," before the door shot and his lungs throbbed. He buckled with a hard series of coughs. Fingers threaded through his hair, almost comforting as an oily substance was woven through them. The shampoo bubbled.
"Insufferable." The diamond grumbled, voice low as he massaged his scalp. "Took it long enough to leave. You're lucky I'm feeling benevolent."
"That's my dad…" He murmured, avoiding the other's stare by studying the engagement ring. The water filled the tub. "Don't be so cruel."
Red scoffed. "It is insignificant."
"That's not true." He said softly, only to recoil when the fingers trailed from his hair to his neck and then shoulders. "Wait, I can–"
"Do not struggle." The voice deepened into a growl.
Steven stilled. "But I–"
"You agreed to be mine." The diamond turned off the knobs, the tub now full. "You will obey. Or need I remind you what happens to insubordinates?"
Steven snapped his focus onto the other's dark expression. "What?" Shock colored his tone. Was his gem half genuinely threatening to kill him? The one he had cornered into a one-sided marriage? "You–you'd actually–? Me? You'd kill–?"
"Not you." Red cut him off fiercely, fingertips digging into Steven's skin. "Never you. But that organic? Or that zebra soldier? Others will pay for their misbehavior. And yours".
The words took a while to register. Others would pay the price for his own actions? That wasn't fair! But when did a diamond ever act fairly? Especially without being taught otherwise. He dropped his gaze. They couldn't afford any missteps. Not with Red around. He had told his dad he would handle the diamond. But that raised the question; how would he handle Red?
Could he even handle Red? The diamond was absurdly stubborn and trigger happy. Usually his solution was to calm the instigator with a song before befriending them. Was that what he needed to try? Share a song and a heartfelt conversation? But Red was unlike any gem he had ever met. Would it work? His talks hadn't so far, but then again, he hadn't been himself lately… and in this case, literally.
Still, he had to try. If he allowed this to continue, who knew how many more lives would be lost?
Who knew if Connie would be lost?
Tears welled in his eyes as another sneeze overtook him. His gem half absently continued to lather his body with both bare hands and with the rag. It was as if the other couldn't get enough of touching him. Like he needed constant contact. It was annoying at best, disturbing at worst. Because the other had clearly undressed him before. And the attention on his privates? Absolutely inappropriate. While the other had forced him into a marriage, he didn't seriously expect… that, did he?
No. Impossible. It was just a different way of staying together. Like fusion without the gem powers. Of course. That had to be it! Or at least he hoped. Stars, did he hope. Because there was no way his gem self would want–
Nope. Not going there. He shook his head, droplets spraying from the movement. The diamond hummed. "What's on your mind, little dove?"
"I just…" he hesitated, scrambling for something to say other than the truth. His nose tickled. "Ah… ah…" He sneezed.
Red chuckled. "Close your eyes."
Reluctantly, Steven obeyed. Fingers and wet fabric glided along his skin before water poured over his hair and ran rivlets over his eyes and cheeks. He kept his eyes closed, body heating with a blush as the other continued to stroke his skin with the warm water. The thoughts from earlier bubbled to the surface and he swallowed. No.
"Are you done?" He breathed through his mouth. Hearing the tone of his own words, he hurried to add. "S-so I can open my eyes?"
Something soft and warm, framed by two solid things, pressed against his cheek. Warmth bloomed from the contact. A sweet sensation rolled through his system as his lungs opened and his head cleared. Any throbs of pain in his hand slowed into stillness. Even the ring on his finger felt looser. The migraine faded and so did the burning in his throat. No longer did his nose feel stopped up or tingly. He felt complete. Whole.
Instinctually, he blinked past the water dotting his lashes, feeling oddly refreshed, when he registered the color red. Scarlet light reflected along the tiles. But that wasn't the main thing. The diamond's face was dangerously close to his own. Close enough to stare deep into his eyes. It was then Steven realized his gem half had kissed his cheek if the satisfied expression was any indication. The other licked his fangs, diamond pupils dilated.
And then lips were on his own.
Notes: Been awhile! But I've been busy. Gonna move IRL from East Coast to West Coast this month! Been running around trying to pack and sell my stuff before the lease ends. I'm active on the Steven-cest & Stevinel Discord Server tho, if you'd like to chat! Also decided to be brave and open up commissions on a site called Commissio. Feel free to Private Message me if you're curious to learn more!
Star-eyed-anime-lover: It's definitely a topsy turvy story! There's not enough steven-cest fics out there, especially since it's such a fun ship! At least there's the Discord Server where my members can bounce ideas around with me. Thank you for commenting!
Shia Rephic: OH MY GOD That'd be ADORABLE. I just might swipe your idea and include it in a future chappie – it's just too cute! Be warned, though, Red will DEFINITELY take a turn for the worse come the wedding night... And you'll see why! Hue hue hue. Muah! Thank you for the comment!
whateves00: Whoo hoo! Glad you like it so far. The plot steadily darkens... Thank youu!
alinel universe: HERE'S CHAPPIE 4, DOES THAT COUNT AS MORE? Heh heh. Thank youuu too!
seekerofdeception: Your English is great! Especially if your English is not your 1st language. I saw your comment on the Steven x Spinel fanfic and I'm glad you enjoyed what I have of it! Unfortunately I don't intend to continue that story since I am currently shipping Steven-cest, after all! Yes the story will get darker. Dun dun duuun! And I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far! I hope the future chapters will continue to be enjoyable! And thank you for commenting! You made me smile.
Thank you all bunchies! I'm glad you've enjoyed this wild ride. It will only get darker, though! Remember the warnings!