I do not own Steven Universe, hence the fan-fiction. -sorrowXdarkness

Chapter 5: Intruder

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Today would mark the fourth day that Peridot joined Jamie in his routine delivery. I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me. It did. Probably since the first day. Why? It was my idea to have Peridot go with Jamie. Still, I only planned for it to be a one-time thing. Merely so she could start to understand the capabilities that resided in humans. Perhaps so she could start interacting with other humans. I didn't expect her to continue with it, I thought as I rested on my bed. In the morning to the afternoon, I felt completely bored. No, that wasn't quite it. I could always go outside and find something to do, but I didn't. Cleaning was not tedious as it should; my powers made sure of that.

Maybe I should take a nap? I knew it wasn't necessary, though maybe a dram could remove this boredom that had afflicted me. I took in the nice smell of my pillow before exhaling. Suddenly, an idea occurred to me.

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"So, have you try talking to Connie? You know, so you could understand her."

"Why should I? It's clear that I'm the better of the two. I just don't understand exactly why Steven is so fixated on her. Maybe she got something of value...and could be using it to manipulate Steven's actions. It would seem to be the plausible explanation."

Jamie looked at Peridot. For someone who claimed to be intelligent, she was but an infant when it came with people. "Peridot, simply because you are better than Connie does not mean Steven would pick you over her." He stated.

"What? Why not?"

"Well...how do I explain it..." Jamie pondered and then began to look around. Maybe something nearby could provide him with insight. He spotted a nearby musician. An idea popped into his head. "Follow me." Jamie said. Peridot followed him as they made it through the boardwalk.

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Lapis did it. As she rested there, and inhaled the alluring scent of chestnuts, she leaked out a smile. She shifted her head through the pillow, rubbing her face against the soft fabric; the warmth was there. With a combination of friction and her body, the pillow became a warmth emitting device. Sleep was easily accomplished, though she resisted; even if it was for a bit longer. She became drowsy as she found herself struggling to keep her eyes opened. It was then that she made a rapid discovery. If she closed her eyes, the scent became alarmingly distinct. It was almost as if the person was there beside her, as before. When they were alone, watching classic films late at night, she made it a habit to lean her head toward his shoulder. It was from that where Lapis learned of his scent. It was a pleasant smell; very pleasant indeed.

"Jamie..."

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"I don't believe it!"

"Believe it. Consider it a lesson from me." Jamie said, happy with the outcome. Even if Peridot seemed to be annoyed, at least the idea presented itself to her. Now, there was no way she could ignore something like that.

"Why? I mean, you already explained it to me, but I'm still unable to process this information."

"Well, let's start from the top. What happened?" Jamie insisted. To start from the beginning, Jamie hoped to get Peridot's to slowly pass the information to her mind. The last thing he wanted was for her to throw it out.

"You approach a human with a wave-frequency manipulator device and offered to give him the latest one in return of his current one. It was outdated, evident by the amount of damage it withstood."

"That's right, though you're still missing something. Remember what that man said about his guitar?"

"Of course. It was given to him by another and he was too stubborn to part with it. My question is, why? If you can get a better one, why would you want to stick with a previous model? It doesn't make sense."

"Would you replace Steven, if someone better than him appeared before you?"

Peridot quickly turned her head to Jamie and with a higher tone and volume than before, she spoke. "Of course not! Do you have any idea what Steven did for m-" Peridot stopped when she noticed the look Jamie had on his face. "What?"

"That's it. That feeling you had just now is why. You won't let go of Steven because you cherish him. The same goes for the musician. He loves his guitar and would not trade it in for a better one."

"So Steven cherishes the human Connie?"

"Exactly. Even if you are better than her, Steven does not care. Connie is a very important person to him."

"I see..." Peridot said with an indeterminate expression. Her eyes settled on a flower. Jamie noticed the sudden shift in Peridot's behavior and added one more thing into the mix.

"Still, even if Connie is an important person to Steven, so are you. After all, you wouldn't be here without him. Right?" He gave a reassuring smile as he focused his attention on Peridot.

Peridot gave it a quick thought. "Right." She gave a small smile. "Thanks Jamie."

They continued with his delivery. Soon, they could call it a day and return home.

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Lapis woke up from a wonderful dream. It seemed that sleeping in other people's bed was different to sleeping in one's own mattress. Was it the size? The location? The lighting? The smell? Lapis was not sure, though smell seemed to be close to the answer as she could get. It was no wonder how easily she could fall asleep by Jamie's side. There was no hesitation, discomfort, or menacing aura. It was relaxing to say the least, as she shifted her body through the blanket. If possible, she wouldn't mind sleeping where she was now. She, without much thought, turned to look at the vacant spot next to her. This bed was big enough for both of them, and even though Jamie had multiple opportunities to see her sleeping face, she had not. She tried to imagine his sleeping face, but became frustrated in how unrealistic it was. Even with her best efforts, it lacked something. Something that could make it real. Oh, what she would give to have a genuine image of Jamie asleep, with his face clear to her. She would be sure to store it deep in her mind though easily accessible so she could retrieve it at any moment. Her legs shifted, stretching as far as they could before Lapis lifted her body up from the mattress.

Though reluctant, she pushed herself off the bed and began to make the bed. Just as she finished, she heard a door opening. Realization struck her rather hard. Jamie was coming and she was in his room. She quickly made her way to her room through the door that connected their rooms before shaking her head of any lingering anxiety. Once done, she walked out and pretended that she was in her room just now. Just as she was about to call out his name while descending the stairs, she found Jamie standing there, though not alone. Peridot walked ahead of him as Jamie closed the door.

"Peridot? How was today's delivery?"

"It was surprisingly insightful." Peridot said as she turned to Jamie. Jamie smiled as if he understood what she was saying. Lapis noticed the look and instantly felt left out.

"So what brings you here today?" Lapis said trying to distract the two. She placed her hands together and by her chest when she asked.

"Well, I figured I could stop by and talk to Jamie for a bit longer."

"She asked and I found no reason to refuse her. I also don't have work tomorrow or Sunday." Jamie said though Lapis had her attention on Peridot who was checking out the place without restricts. She appeared in the kitchen, by the stairs, by the corridor, and by Jamie. She was all over the place until Jamie spoke out.

"I'm making dinner! So be sure to behave Peridot!"

"Okay!" Peridot said as she continued to look around. Lapis was by the stair-rail, as she stared intensely at the intruder as she made her way to the bathroom. Why? Why was it that Lapis felt a stinging pain when she saw Peridot?

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END OF CHAPTER 5

Omake-

"Hm? You're worried about Peridot?" Connie asked. Both Steven and Connie were having a picnic by the beach. Once there, Connie noticed how reserved Steven was and how his mind was occupied.

"Yeah. Lately, she's joining Jamie in his deliveries and I heard she was doing fine."

"That's good, right?"

"Yeah, but knowing her...maybe I should go over there..."

"I'm sure she's fine. Jamie and Lapis are there with her. No matter what, I'm sure they can handle it."

"Yeah..." He said as he smiled at Connie. Connie did the same before passing him a sandwich.

-End of Omake

Let me know what you think! -sorrowXdarkness