I'm back! So I know I said I was done with fanfiction but then I came up with this oneshot series and I couldn't resist! I hope you all enjoy, this is going to be a lot of fun to do.

...

The sun was beaming, the air was clear, and the clouds were gently moving in the soft breeze. A perfect day. And it ought to be. For today was a very special day and Steven was very much looking forward to it.

For today, his girlfriend of five years, Connie Maheswaran, was about to graduate college after four years of school. She had worked hard to get to where she was now, with a major in political science and a minor in sociology.

He sat in the uncomfortable chairs that were set up in the auditorium, sat between Pearl and Connie's mother Priyanka. While Pearl fiddled with her phone to check the time, Priyanka beamed with pride at the stage where the graduates would be entering. Sat next to her was Doug, her husband who was also looking at the stage with pride but also slight anxiety. His daughter was 20 years old now! And here she was, graduating college!

But of all the people sitting around him, Steven was the most filled with anxiety. Things had definitely gotten better since his infamous meltdown five years ago, but the normal anxiety spikes were something that not even the strongest of medications could fix. He was extremely happy for Connie and her graduation, but he was anxious over something much much bigger than that he'd been thinking about for years.

Before he had any more time to think about it, the ceremony began and the announcer began listing off about how wonderful the class of that year had been, introducing the teachers and staff that were involved. After that was out of the way, the announcer cleared his throat and got ready for the next part of the ceremony.

"And now, I'd like to introduce our valedictorian of this year's class, Connie Maheswaran!"

Steven made sure to clap as loud as he could in support as Connie walked across the stage in her red and white Jayhawk graduation gown, smiling at everyone and glancing over to her family and Steven, giving them a confident yet nervous look as she approached the announcer.

"As per Jayhawk's regulations, Miss Maheswaran will now give a speech to her graduating class." He gave her a nod and stepped out of the way, going to sit down with the staff.

Connie approached the podium, clearing her throat nervously. "Hi...ahem, my name is Connie Maheswaran and I am the valedictorian for this year. When I sat down to write this speech, the first thing that came to my mind is how all my life I believed education to be the most important thing in life, and how everything is based on your intelligence and where you go to school."

Priyanka gave a proud look, nodding her head in agreement.

"But I was wrong."

There was a slight murmur among the crowd, and Steven looked up in confusion. Connie had always been about education. What was this about?

"Education is important. School is important. But it's not the most important thing in the world. What's important is our relationships. Our families, our friends, the people we love," she gave a look towards Steven, "and the people we care about. Our support system. Without that, education won't really get us anywhere. It's because of those people that we're able to grow and change, and we have the confidence to believe in ourselves. So don't take the ones you love for granted. They can help you through anything. And then, when you go out and get your education, you'll feel even more ready and powered up than you ever could have been alone."

As she finished her speech, the auditorium filled with applause and soft cheers, especially from the section with her family and boyfriend. She gave a big smile as she stepped away to let the announcer take back the podium, and he sent her back to sit with her classmates.

The rest of the ceremony was pretty boring, listening to the announcer call out names and hand out diplomas to all the graduating students. But finally, they got to the M's, and Connie was the third one called.

"Connie Maheswaran."

The crowd cheered softly as Connie stepped up to receive her diploma and shake the announcer's hand before getting her picture taken and going down the stairs to sit with her classmates again. Once she was sat down she gave a small wave over to her family, who gave her big smiles and Steven waved back eagerly.

Once the ceremony was finally over and the students had thrown their caps, Connie reunited with her family in the hallway outside the auditorium. She immediately gave her mother and father a hug before wrapping her arms around Steven tightly.

Steven squeezed her back just as tight. "I'm so proud of you, babe! You're graduated!"

"I know! I honestly can't believe it. I'm done with school at the age of 20!"

After gathering up everything, Connie said goodbye to her parents and the gems who would have a long journey ahead of them before getting in the car with Steven, who was tapping the steering wheel nervously.

"You okay?"

"Huh? Yeah, of course. I'm just definitely ready to go home after that long ceremony." He laughed slightly.

"I understand that, my butt feels so sore from those metal chairs." She laughed and held one of his hands as he backed out and drove out of the parking lot, squeezing it as they headed home to their apartment.

Things had truly been different from five years ago. Steven's trip had been absolutely magnificent and just what he needed. He'd gone through several different phases during his journey, such as a piercing phase, a tattoo phase, and a photogenic phase. Connie had always been right there beside him though, doing the same things. She still had her ears pierced, and both her and her boyfriend had matching Crystal Gem star tattoos on their arms that linked together. Once Steven turned 18 he stopped beach bumming and motel surfing to settle down near Jayhawk with Connie in an apartment that they shared. With Connie working as an office assistant and Steven working a bakery job, finances were pretty good, and they finally felt stabilized.

Which was perfect for Steven's plan.

As he drove into the parking lot and helped Connie out of the car, he rushed to open the door for her so she could go in first.

"You're too sweet" She gave him a soft smile and kissed his cheek before walking in.

To her surprise, she didn't need to turn on the light. The living room area was decorated with lit candles, all red and halfway melted but settled safely in candleholders as well as glow bracelets scattered around. There were chilled chocolate covered strawberries set on a tray on the coffee table, bluebell petals scattered on the floor, and of course, a jar of jam with biscuits.

"Steven...this is…"

She turned around, pressing a hand to her mouth as Steven was on one knee, nervously holding a little black box.

"S-steven…?"

"Connie...I've spent eight amazing years with you. Five of which I've had the privilege of being your boyfriend. I've been in love with you since before I even knew what that word meant. You've been absolutely everything to me, and I can't imagine my life without you. You are my Strawberry, my knight, my lady, the biggest part of my universe. I know I messed up all those years ago...but I put a lot of thought and time into it this time...and I need to ask you a very important question…"

Connie waited with baited breath, eyes filling with tears.

"Connie Maheswaran...will you marry me?"

He opened the ring box, showing off a dazzling blue gemstone on top of a silver ring. He looked up at her nervously, seeing the tears in her eyes. "Connie…?"

She felt like she couldn't speak, though she desperately tried to. "S-steven…" All she could do was smile widely and nod her head. "Yes...yes, yes, yes...I will marry you!"

With a quick breath of relief, Steven quickly stood and slipped the ring on his new fiancee's finger, smiling widely at her before pulling her into a passionate kiss, cupping her cheek. "I love you, Connie…"

"I love you too, Steven…" She wiped his eyes as she noticed the tears falling down his cheeks. "Aw babe, don't cry…"

"I can't help it...I'm just so happy...you're crying too, you know…" He reached up to wipe her tears away with his thumb.

The two lovebirds continued to sniffle and wipe at each other's tears before they finally began to settle down, sitting on the couch to enjoy some strawberries and jam covered biscuits.

As Steven looked over at his fiancee, biting into a strawberry, he couldn't help but feel his heart fill up with love and contentment. This truly was the happiest day of his life.

And it was only about to get better.

...

So I'm not going to write the wedding because we all know how weddings are. I'm so excited for the next one though because Connverse is going to have a little surprise coming their way. Let me know if you all liked it by reviewing or following the story! I also have an art account you can follow if you want more Connverse and their upcoming kids at rosewaterdrawings on Instagram!

- Rosewater (formerly Carla ;)