Nice, I managed to finish this chapter on time. I'm planning to update this story at least once every two weeks. Please let me know how I am doing. -sorrowXdarkness

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

Roommates

Chapter 13: My Fair Warning

oooOOOooo

"Everyone, please." The director called out. His voice gave out a force that brought him their attention. "We need to start right away." The first day of practice, and everyone that made the cut was there. Ronaldo was not given a role in the story per se, but instead, played a nameless narrator. Jamie noted two things about Ronaldo that influenced his decision. Ronaldo was loud and bursting to be heard. He had something innate that prevented him from playing a complicated role, but crafted enough to lead the audience along with his stories. Kiki commented that it may have something to do with his blogs and desire to report the weirdness within their fair town.

The next was Jenny. She could barely remember a line, much less two words from the play, but she knew how to swirl her body around. She didn't plan to audition, but her sister insisted. There was no way Jenny could refuse a favor from her favorite twin. With some highly appreciative inputs from her twin sister, Jamie congratulated Jenny with the role of a nameless character that danced around toward the end. Her job was to simply remember the waltz and to look as affluent as possible.

This was where Bucky came in. Bucky had a low and mature voice that could captivate someone if heard. He was an individual preaching to his friends (ironically like his father to the town folks) the difficulties he has being the mayor's son. With a little alteration of his wardrobe, he could play the old gentleman that would dance with Jenny at the end, and the King/father of the prince. Surprisingly he agreed for the responsibilities of both roles, saying he was simply returning the favor he owed Steven for all the times he saved him and his friends.

Sour Cream didn't exactly audition, but Jamie noted his posture and sleek appearance. A fine specimen to play a nobleman thought Jamie. Sour Cream simply shrugged his shoulders finding words to be beneath him. With no resistance of any kind, Jamie cast him as a nobleman and a guard to the King.

Peridot would be controlling all the props on stage. Props she customized to work with her tablet that was constantly floating in the air. With the primitive technology of bluetooth, everything could be done wirelessly and with ease. Then again, there was a bug or two that needed fixing. Either way, he thanked the small gem for all her efforts, and commented on how well it would turn out in the night of the performance.

With Peridot controlling the props, that gave Connie more leverage to direct everything from behind the scenes. Even now, she was making lists and checking them off once they were completed. She wore a headset that connected her with Peridot who was also wearing a similar one, in case they were far apart; courtesy of her parents.

Everything seemed to be coming together for Jamie. Each person he spoke to, filled a gap in his play. Each character would eventually bring out his total creation and the seed of joy was planted in his stomach. He walked over to his backstage manager, and checked the list with her. Most of the minor roles were filled, and what remained was the three: the curious Prince, the jealous noblewoman and the unexpected pauper.

He already had decided two of the three roles, and felt it would be productive to at least give those roles out already. He called for both Kiki and Lapis from the rest. Both girls came upon his request, and waited.

oooOOOooo

Lapis held her copy of the play in her hand tightly. Tears were free to drip when she heard the news directly from the director's mouth. His decision spoke so much inside her that it swelled her chest until it ruptured. Her legs gave way as she quickly cried her heart out. Her mind couldn't completely process the information because part of her felt the blow, but another part didn't. It was through this incomplete experience that left her on the ground, dazed. The scene abruptly startled everyone as they turned to her with concern.

"Lapis! Are you alright? What's wrong?" Jamie asked as he quickly bent down and cradled her close. When she drew enough strength to settle her eyes onto his, she managed to speak. Everyone was within range of her voice as she spoke.

"I'm simply very happy right now. You have no idea how important that role is for me." As she spoke, the strand of mirth was woven in every word.

Flattered as Jamie was, surprised was the victor. He never thought that Lapis would react in this matter. His plays were below par against the many small and independent ones across the country. The most views he got were the people that already lived there and with whom he knew their names by heart. Aside from them, perhaps one or two travelers that happened to be there.

So for Lapis to react like that, well, Jamie couldn't help himself upon what he did next. He brushed the stream until not a single drop was apparent on her face.

"Perhaps the lady would like a chair to assist those tired legs of hers. Walking as much as you did could easily tire out a marathon runner."

"My, aren't you the kind one. Mother mentioned this town had two different classes of men: a beast and a gentle one. I pray you are the latter."

Jamie smiled upon hearing Lapis catching on with his skit. They walked toward the nearest chair, wearing unfamiliar faces. Jamie pulled the chair and gestured her to rest.

"A chair befitting for a lady of your class."

"Thank you. You are kind as you are handsome. "

"The lady certainly have sharp eyes with this sort of thing, but does she have a soft heart?"

"That depends...what do you have in mind?" By now, Lapis had her legs crossed, smiling as she stared at Jamie. Jamie shut his eyes for a moment. It was within that time that he gathered his composure and continued with the performance. Opening his eyes, he got to his knees and reached out his hands. They stretched out and took hold of one of hers without resistance.

"You. Me. Dinner tonight at seven. Only the stars and moon would be our audience. What say you?"

"Maybe..." Her heart raced in excitement. This sudden re-enactment of a scene in a film was without planning, but somehow, they brought it out. A gentleman of the city meeting with a noble girl visiting the country. The only thing against them was time, and her advisor handpicked by her father. "I may have to check with my advisor before I could give you a response."

"Then I hope for an opening in your schedule and in your heart." He bestowed a kiss onto her knuckles before gently returning the hand to its rightful owner. It was enough for that moment before he retracted his steps. The distance between them represented the obstacle they had to overcome. They will overcome that barrier. For now, they had to settle with that.

A moment of silence was in place. They looked into each other eyes before closing them. The performance was over, but it was above pleasant for the both of them. Their eyes opened upon the sounds of clapping. They turned to the source and found everyone else applauding.

"Jamie! Lapis! That was amazing!" Steven chimed, clapping along with the rest.

"Yeah! You two were really into it." Connie added, standing beside Steven. Everyone shared a similar expression on their face as the applause continued.

Jamie and Lapis looked to each other before turning and bowing to the rest. "I'm still expecting a fine dinner from you."

"Naturally."

That small stunt they did, ignited something within the cast as they became more lively and determined. It was a good first day of the production.

oooOOOooo

The first day of practice turned out to be mostly productive. Unlike Lapis, everyone else was studying their lines and gestures within the play. Jamie explained to them the importance of remembering their lines, but also in the improv. Actors on stage were expected to adapt to practically anything, including the sudden loss of the play in their head. Their mind, presumably a haven for memories, was not without its flaws. Sometime the information would get lost in the transcription, making it impossible to retrieve. Such things called for the skills of the person to continue with the show without disrupting the flow.

As he and Lapis were making their way home, Lapis leaned her body closer to Jamie. The night sky gave them a wonderful scene as they went past the shoreline of the beach. Jamie was kind enough to carry her sandals once again. She really enjoyed the feeling of the sands beneath her feet. Now that they were alone, Lapis could begin.

"Jamie..."

"Yes?"

"Have you consider it yet?"

"It hasn't been even a day and you're asking that now?" Both Lapis and Jamie smiling at each other; another whimsical conversation perhaps.

"Yes. Come on. You're perfect for the role. Must I remind you that everyone suggested it and you're an actor as well?"

True to Lapis' words, everyone (minus Ronaldo and Kiki mind you) suggested that Jamie should play the prince. The role was vacant and Jamie was the only one left without a role.

"I'm also the director... I don't know."

"Well I do. I read your play like three times, and you're perfect for the role of the prince. It would make me so happy if we could be on the play together. Please?"

Jamie knew what was coming next. Around the same time they became a couple, Lapis acquired a skill that was highly effective on Jamie. Once activated, she practically has control of Jamie though only for a short duration. He quickly looked away. The stare of the Gorgon was fatal after all; it only took one look.

"You're doing that face again, aren't you?"

"No I'm not."

"I think you are."

"No I'm not."

"Zeus, give me strength." He responded, using simply his will to refrain from looking.

"Jamie, please look at me." That did it. He returned his sight on the ocean gem, but quickly regretted his decision. Her eyes stared openly as he could see the blue hue from her iris. Her lips was tightened in a matter that demanded an appeal. Her hands were latched together to give that final thrust to the ram until it managed to break the fortified gate down, allowing passage to his heart.

"Arruggh! Fine. I'll do it."

"Thank you!" She lunged forward and embraced the thespian tightly. His weight mattered not as she lifted him off the ground with ease and twirled him around. Jamie was surprised, but quickly recovered when his feet touched the ground again. Now standing once again, he felt the tingling sensation upon the side of his face. "Seriously, thank you." Lapis said after bestowing him a small kiss. Lapis stood before him sweetly. No one could compete in her adorableness as Jamie's heart felt a storm coming.

"Ahem."

Both of them turned and spotted someone in the dark. They were standing with their hands on their hips as their sight was directed toward them.

"Kiki?" Jamie began. "Is there something you need from us?"

Kiki shook her head before walking closer to them. "No. I need to talk to you. Just you." Her eyes shifted to Lapis for a bit before returning to them to Jamie. "Is that okay?"

Jamie was curious, but found no reason to reject Kiki's request. We are close to our home anyway, he thought. "Lapis, could you go on ahead. I'll be home soon." He passed her sandals to her.

Lapis' previous seventh heaven disappeared upon Kiki's arrival. That human girl ruined the moment. She appeared before them, and requesting an exclusive audience with Jamie. Why? The question rang in Lapis' mind, but she nodded to Jamie as she took her shoes. Reluctantly. From what she learned from Steven, she should trust Jamie. He never gave her a reason to doubt before, so there was no reason to start now. Before she left, one thing was in order. She tiptoed herself up and gave Jamie another quick kiss on the cheek before smiling at him. She gave one last glance at the girl, only to be matched by the girl in question. Is she challenging me, thought Lapis. A connection was established as they glared at each other before Lapis turned away.

When Lapis got far enough, Kiki turned her attention to Jamie. Jamie was in utter confusion by what just transpired. Both girls seemed to be battling with each other by eye contact alone. Kiki reverted to her usual expression; at least whenever she was around Jamie.

"Is everything alright?" He began.

"I should be asking you that."

"Why? I'm great." I've never been so happy in my life.

His response did nothing as Kiki displayed a worrisome expression. "Do you remember what we talked about?" She asked.

Jamie pondered, but understood what she was referring to. The time when Kiki made her visit to his humble abode, she was simply checking on him. She knew throughout the years that most of Jamie's afflictions was due to stress. If Jamie missed his delivery route because he was sick, it was almost a given that it was because he was stressed about something. When she found out that he had a roommate, and above all HER, she was almost sure the source of the frustration was from HER.

"Lapis Lazuli? The person that stole our water? That's who is living with you?"

"Well yes, but she returned the water back."

"Why is someone as dangerous as her living with you?"

"It's a personal favor from Steven and she's not dangerous."

"How do you know that? She could easy destroy our city with the beach."

"Because I know her. These past few weeks, I got to know a side of her that no one else, not even Steven, knows about. She's a friend."

The conversation quickly shifted when Kiki found her concern over the matter falling in deaf ears. The urge to scream that SHE was the reason why Jamie was sick was suppressed. She decided to let it be, for now. Something changed. They were more than roommates, evident by what she saw at the auditions.

"Yes I do. What of it?"

"Jamie, please. I'm only worried about what she could do to you if angered."

"You should get to know her before saying that. So please stop talking about my girlfriend that way."

Kiki was flabbergasted. She knew it, but hearing it from him didn't stop the full effect. "So you are dating her."

"Yes."

Silence filled the gap between them as they stood there at night. Eventually Kiki turned the other way, her back toward Jamie, sighing. "Fine. I'll give her a chance." Her arms were crossed, but Jamie appreciated the effort.

"Really?" Jamie was excited to hear that from her.

"Yes yes, so you can go back to her now. Just please promise me you'll talk to me if you're having any problems concerning her."

"Alright, I promised."

Upon hearing that, Kiki turned. Quickly as a cheetah, she gave a quick hug before running off. "I'll give you a call on when she and I will hang out. Goodnight!"

Before he could return the gesture, he lost sight of her.

"Night." He found himself saying.

oooOOOooo

End of Chapter 13

Omake:

"Are you going to bed?"

Jamie jolted, surprised for the sudden intrusion. Standing by the frame of the door, was Lapis Lazuli. Her small figure adjacent to the doorway reminded Jamie of their newfound relationship. Part of him still couldn't believe that Lapis actually selected him. To him, she was simply beautiful. Everything fascinated her, and it was this child-like wonder she had that brought his heart to its knees.

"In a minute. I'm going through my notes from the auditions."

Lapis shifted her gaze from him to the stack of papers on his desk. My, how curious could a cat be when she knew they would determine her role for his play. Light as a feather and silent as the night, little Lappy slowly approached from behind. His distraction was her opportunity; his back, her amusement. Staring with wistful eyes, Lapis' focus began to change.

Originally for the papers, her sights fell now to his broad shoulders. A particular scene from an old film reminded Lapis of what a lady did when her man was too captivated in his work. Bending down, Lapis stared one final time at the face belonging to Jamie before making her move.

"PPHTHHPTHPFFTHPPPPPPPPT" "AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Lapis snickered, delighted by what transpired. It was a simple trick of the lips. No harm done. The flash of red upon Jamie's face as he now stood was definitely worth the effort. Holding a hand over the spot where Lapis blew a raspberry, Jamie attempted to compose himself. The sudden vibration along the touch of moist lips on neck would surprise anyone.

"Lapis...please... I'm very sensitive there."

"Really?" Lapis made a note of how surprisingly un-vexed her actions had on him. Almost as if he actually enjoyed it. That only made her actions the more permissible in her book. It was definitely something to remember for later.

"Yes..." Jamie could only look away. His heart couldn't lay still and no amount of pressure could keep it in place. He needed a distraction. Something to capture his attention long enough for his heart to settle down. It came to him when he felt a tug on his arm.

"Please come to bed. I really miss having you."

She tugged some more, and Jamie willfully followed her to her room. Jamie marveled the strength Lapis possessed despite her frame. Definitely stronger than me, he noted. Pulling Jamie in, she pushed him down and fell through on top of him. The sharing of bed was still sort of new to them both, but the unfamiliar territory it brought both excited and scared them.

Since the first time, Lapis felt she could not longer sleep a night without his presence nearby; above all his scent. She was certainly the energetic one of the two as she giggled in delight. Hearing the cried of laughter, Jamie became loose. There was no need to be so anxious, not with Lapis on top of him. Then again, it was hard to keep up with her antics he was beginning to notice. Still.

"Lapis."

"Hm?"

Silence. Nothing came after her verbal response. After a little while, she lifted her head. The moment passed by, and she felt a pair of lips making contact with her sense sponge and the rest was over.

"No fair."

oooOOOooo

-End of Omake

Author's Notes:

Chapter 13 completed. What do you think? Kiki's concern over Jamie's well-being may be problematic for Lapis. Will they be friends? Or rivals? Oh, and what did you think about the omake? -sorrowXdarkness