The morning was unusually quiet at the Temple. Amethyst was still holed up in her room, Garnet was sitting around just watching events unfold and Pearl had scampered off somewhere else to work on her eulogy. At this rate, Steven feared her simple goodbye would become a fully orchestrated rock opera written and composed by the slender swordfighter in Rose's honor.
Steven was simply going about his day after eating a healthy breakfast, collecting the mail and doing some light cleaning. He decided some fresh air would be an asset to him and rode around Beach City on his bike. As he rode past the boardwalk, the calm streets only steps away from the coast, he could only appreciate how this little town has barely changed. It was the same placid cove he had known his whole life with kind souls and a warmth that he resonated with.
Eventually Steven came upon his destination in front of his father's car wash. He made sure to park on the grass to avoid any trouble with cars and found his father Greg waxing his beloved van. Even after getting millions from his old manager selling one of his songs, Greg had not changed in the slightest. He did occasionally splurge and now used all-organic cleaners at his car wash, but his level head, constant sunburn and simple attire remained the same. Just like the days when he was trying to just get by, Steven was the light of his life and was thrilled to see his son stop by for a surprise visit.
"Hey there Shtoo-ball! I thought you weren't coming for another couple days…" pondered Greg as he sat down his washcloth.
"Hi Dad, I just came by for a talk." Steven said with a touch of fatigue in his voice
"What happened? You didn't get abducted AGAIN did you?!"
"No no no. It's just that I was planning on throwing a funeral for Rose Quartz and I want you to come. It's in two days."
"What brought all this on? This must be really shaking you up." He opened the back of his van and invited Steven to take a load off "Come on, tell me all about this."
And so Steven repeated the same story about his recent feelings towards his mother he told the Crystal Gems days ago. Unlike them, he was more confident that Greg would remain calm and did not need a promise to not blow his top. By the end, Greg was astonished his son could even harbor any hostility.
"Wow… no wonder you seem down."
"You're not angry, are you?" Steven asked nervously
"I'm definitely shocked, a little amazed, but not angry. Steven I knew from the first day you could talk that you were gonna start asking questions about your mom someday. I could only answer so many of them and you may get a different picture than the real thing. It's okay you have a different opinion about her than me or the Gems. That's what Rose adored about humans to begin with: the ability to make whatever decision you want."
After hours of uncertainty and walking on eggshells around the Gems, Steven could not help but hug his father.
"Thanks Dad." he whispered while holding back tears and savoring his warm embrace. "So does this mean you'll come?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Until then, why don't you help me finish cleaning the van and take your mind off all this?"
He handed Steven some glass cleaner and let him get to the windows. Occasionally he would crack a joke or a silly carwash pun to put a smile on Steven's face. The two then had lunch and spent the afternoon together playing melodies on ukulele and guitar, exchanging more corny jokes or just enjoying the moment and being human.
By the time Steven began riding back to the temple it was nearly sunset but he didn't care. He loved spending a simple day just being with his awesome father, not worrying about destinies, magical artifacts or the Crystal Gems' personal issues. Of course he was concerned about the funeral and how the Gems would react but now he was confident that his Dad could stay cool and collected. Plus he knew deep down how much he missed Rose too, so it felt natural for him to share his thoughts as well.