Steven woke to a minor headache and a very unrestful night's sleep. He head Amethyst and Pearl chatting, he was glad she was back. How long did she spend last night looking for him? Anyway, he wasn't even going to think about last night and the terrible decisions that happened during it. Though Steven didn't want to get up, he forced himself to, even though he was sore, still tired, and very thirsty. He yawn sitting on his bed staring and the two gems, and Garnet sitting there. He looked away. Why didn't he want to talk to her? He was slightly jealous of her in a way, she always had someone to talk to.
Steven got up and began his morning routine, eventually sitting down at the counter. The gems still Idly chatting. Pearl said good morning then corrected herself, as it was afternoon, and asked him what he wanted for lunch, he said that he didn't care, so she made a BLT for him, and Amethyst some ungodly acronym of food, that he didn't pay much attention to. She rarely went out of the way for the gem like that. Steven soon chugged two glasses of water, before his ate. The amount of silence bothered him. Steven feared nothing would be the same for a while. He was probably right with that idea but he wished he wasn't. Even Amethyst was acting strange, and not herself. But Garnet was the worst. She stared at him the entire time, he didn't say anything to her.
Garnet knew something was wrong with Steven and she wasn't sure what. There were to many possibilities in her future vision for her to guess. Her hunch was further supported by the fact that Steven still hadn't talk to her. Garnet frowned why wasn't he talking to her? She was worried, over something that was little compared to what happened yesterday. She was still debating whether or not to punish him. She felt like it was her fault that he ran off, and she also knew that it wasn't. She was in conflict with herself, it was almost like Ruby and Sapphire's opinions on the matter, agreed and disagreed at the same time. She need to know what was wrong. She demanded to find out what went wrong. Garnet was bound to find out how to help him. She smiled a bit, this must be what a mother felt like worrying over her son. Steven still was stiff near her.
Steven gave Garnet glances now and again, not know how much she was worried about her. But he still wondered why wouldn't he talk to her? He himself didn't know what was wrong between them. He remembered what happened Keystone, maybe this was how Ruby and Sapphire felt then. Probably not. He was debating on wether ask if he could go out, it was a weekend so Connie might be available. They'd probably want proof that he was with Connie, maybe even have Amethyst tag along. He didn't want Connie to know what happened last night. Steven hoped she never found out, he couldn't bare to accidentally hurt any more of his friends. So after he finished he said that he would hang out with his dad, because he was right outside the house if they needed him.
They, of course, let him, and he walked down the stairs, it must have been memory lane because he remembered everything he did wrong, as he walked down. Walking down them brought up hundreds of things. Steven frowned, it made him feel like he hadn't ever done anything correctly. He reassured himself that he wasn't such a failure. But to further his point he failed in the endeavor. He walked to the van and hesitated to bang on the door. Why not just leave? Honestly, just a walk around town would be perfect right now.
"Pearl, I think he's still upset with me," She sighed watching the gem cleaning dishes, alone because Amethyst already went back to her room. The gems must know how Garnet felt, she knew that feeling the same way. What Steven said hurt both of them. Pearl looked up at Garnet, eyes watering. Garnet managed not to frown. "It's alright Pearl, he didn't mean it."
"Well, he must have meant what he said. Though the not want to be near us part was probably directed towards you." Pearl said, teared eyes staring at her. Garnet was slightly confused at why Pearl was mean and brushed it off. She got this way when upset. It wasn't Pearls fault. It was Garnet's she should have known and talk to Amethyst and Pearl about it. She could have stopped this all. Not even bothering to reply she went to a burning room, and sat down, resting against the wall. The bubbled gems made her feel better. They were not 'mistakes' and she was thankful for that.
Hover they weren't enough. The most likely event in the future said that Steven would continue to avoid her and hate her. She did nothing wrong. Before she knew it she was silently crying, this was her fault. She should have known. She should have helped, but now Steven would avoid her. The fusion looked into the future, and saw another future. Him yell that he hated her, and running of again. It was the most likely one. She openly cried now, he voice shaking. She had her hand on her forehead he back arched as she cried. She hadn't cried in a very long time. Not since Rose. Rose gave birth to Steven. He was her Rose Quartz now, him telling her that he hated him was like Rose saying it.
She vocally cried now. She didn't want to see the future. It was lies, this wouldn't happen! She could change it. Garnet would change it. She wanted to stop crying there was no time for that, but hse couldn't force herself to do it. She and Steven were going to have a long talk. Everything was going to be made right again.
Amethyst was in her room, looking that piles upon piles of trash in her room. She was proud of all the stuff she; s collected. But she had no time to think on her possession currently, the mind was all on Steven. She spent a lot of time think about last night, she didn't even sleep. She brooded on the fact that Steven was acting erratically. Amethyst was worried for him, everything he did last night was so unlike him. Running away after what he said to Garnet. That made he feel hurt that Steven was so upset at them. She was glad however that he hadn't said anything directly to her. The gems just wanted this all to be over, but it wouldn't be for some time. Especially after the fact that he smelled like a liquor store when he came home.
Amethyst stood up when she heard Garnet crying, startled by it. She hired to the burning room to see her there in the corner tears streaming down her face. AS soon as Garnet noticed she was there she forced herself to stop, it almost not working. They stared at each other for a good three or four second before Amethyst sat down next to her not saying a word. Garnet opened her mouth as if to say something to the gem, but shut it as soon as it opened. Silence reigned, as they sat for what seem hours, not a word was said, and now and then a tear fell from under her shades.
Garnet felt obligated to tell her what was wrong but she felt that she couldn't she was the leader and needed to show Amethyst she was strong. Just like in the war no one could see you morn or be weak because the team you were in would fall apart. He fists clenched as she knew just what to say. "Go away Amethyst." She was frowning at the gem as she started at her, eye blinking, she was clearly shocked.
Amethyst didn't move but instead said, "No, Garnet, I know you're upset but you need to talk to someone. You shouldn't bottle it up, I know what that's like." Garnet sighed, maybe she was right, she laughed, pulling off her shades to look Amethyst directly in the eye.
"I always have someone to talk to," She smiled faintly but Amethyst noticed it, she smiled back gently. Nodding, but still not moving. Garnet putt her shades back on, the gem beside her may not know it but she helped, with just coming and sitting next to her. Telling her she shouldn't bottle things up. She looked up to the bubbled gems. Those weren't just her victories they were the Crystal Gem's victories. She was still said about the future she saw, but if that future should ever come, everyone would be there for each other.
Garnet then realized, Steven didn't feel like they were there for him, or something similar to that. She was going to change his mind about that. Not just her, they would, she must remember that there are other than her, that she can depend on. She got up, she was going to call Connie and tell her to keep and ear open around Steven. If he was going to talk to anyone it would be her, and she was going to learn why he was so angry with them, and the team and she were going to fix it.
"Garnet, what are we going to do with Steven?" Amethyst said getting up after the other gem did. She looked up to the gem, and she wanted to know how they would handle the situation. Garnet stopped and paused for a second. Amethyst waited patiently for the response. If anyone would know how to handle things it would be Garnet she had future vision on her side.
"I don't know." She sighed in respond, then continued to walk leaving the gem behind. She was going to find out though, and find out soon. She left the temple and was inside Steven's room, she went over and sat on the couch waiting for him to return from his talk with his father. Amethyst stayed in the burning room for some time after Garnet left. Mulling over the words she said.
Steven walked past his dad's car wash. His 'short' walk was getting a lot longer than he intended. He looked up from the concrete when he heard Jenny, invite him to go on them to River City, apparently, there was a part. River city was an hour's drive from Beach City. He debated in his head whether he should go or not. Steven wanted to go with them, but he already lied about where he was going, and... He sighed, "Maybe not today guys."
"Awe come on Steven! It'll be fun," Buck Dewey said, smiling. Steven shrugged his shoulders. The others knew something was off, he was normally more upbeat than this. He looked at Sour Cream he had bags under his eyes, but still looked energetic. The trio looked sad at him not coming. He wanted to but, going would definitely cheer him up. If he went maybe the gem's wouldn't notice? That was not going to happen.
"Sour Cream, guys, I Partied all I wanted to for a month last night," he said trying to smile, before he laughed, "Coming home at I think it was three? Is a good way to get in trouble, I'm probably no even aloud to go on this walk right now." They looked a little surprised, but didn't question it, he told them Sour Cream could explain it if he wanted too. He turned around and headed back to the beach house. He hoped he got back before they noticed he didn't go to his dad's.
Before he knew it he was at his dad van. Steven opened the van door without knocking, he his dad stopped what he was doing turned around. As soon as Greg recognized Steven he moved his Guitar so Steven could sit there. They sat, just staring at each other neither brave enough for the other to say anything. However, Garnet opened the door and said something about wanting to talk to Steven privately.
So he left with her, and they sat on the couch in the Beach House. Steven didn't want to say anything to Garnet, he still didn't know why. He didn't even want to be near her. But he would soon be forced to talk to her. "Steven I need to know what's wrong, why you've been upset lately." Garnet said, neutrality in her voice. No matter how monochromatic she sounded, she wouldn't be able to feel like that on the inside. She was hurt, hurt and scared, about the future. She checked it once more. In a few seconds the future would tell what was truly going to happen. But Steven was Jealous of how she always had someone to talk to, she was strong—fusion typically were—he was jealous of those facts.
"I can deal with that myself. Garnet." He said barely able to have a cam voice. He finally put a finger on what made him so angry around her. He hated her, that was the only answer, he didn't know why, but he didn't need to. Steven knew hoe he felt better than anyone, he was a master at that. At least there was something he was good at. "I just hate every second and near you."
Garnet eyes watered when he said that. It was true. The future, it must be her fault, maybe he wouldn't hate her if she unfused. She could just try it, NO! She wasn't going to unfuse, for this! She was going to try to help he she needed to. That was the only way. Things will be made right again. She just needed to think about what to do. She must tell him something, "Steven please I want to know what we did wrong!" Garnet's voice cracked when she said that. That wasn't intentional, but it was what it was.
Steven looked at her. He hurt her again, why must he hurt everyone. Honestly, if he just left, everything would be fine. His dad was rich now, so he could still the two fifties he saw in his money jar earlier. Tonight he would pack everything and leave. He would use the warp pad to leave to, to, he didn't know! Anywhere but this place. Any place would be better. It would all be over for them once he left it would be peaceful.
Everything would go as he planned. Once he left he could do what he wanted when he wanted. He didn't have to worry about hurt the people he loved. Maybe with his gem powers, he could fight crime like a superhero! Everything would be better. They gems could handle things without him, and he could city hop and live the way he wanted to. He might have to steal money, but it would all be fine everything would be fine!
"There is no problem!" He shouted, standing up, he would protect everyone from his own problems no one would have to help. He was strong, he was like Rose Quartz! He was everything she was and more. That was a fact. She manipulated people and lied to her close friends. The only thing that he and Rose Quartz had in common was their power and strength, and he inherited the problems she left behind. He would not grow up to be something that was even close to Rose Quartz. He loved her or at least loved what the others said she was, but he hated the things she did.
"Steven I am not stupid." Garnet declared, it was true he knew she wasn't stupid, but he wasn't stupid either. He was going to make sure no one would deal with his problems, but him. Steven checked the time on his phone. It was three to think twelve hours ago he came home. It felt like such a short time. Soon it would be about 'short' time and he would be ar from Beach City, leaving everything behind was the perfect way out. They wouldn't have to deal with the 'problem' anymore, and neither would he. He knew they would follow him that's why he would destroy the warp pad to the area he warped. Then he'd try to leave that area as fast as possible. He could probably ask Peridot and Lapis, to hind him for a while. Maybe he'd go live there.
"Garnet, I'm not talking about this. At least not now." He said staring down at her while he stood. He turned to leave and she grabbed his wrist. He noticed the frown on her lips. Steven jerked away and backed up. Eye's glaring with all the fires of hell. She should listen to him, at least try too. He didn't want to talk about this. He needed to plan things! Steven needed to get everything in order, do he could leave. He needed to tell Connie he was leaving. Connie. He would have to leave her behind. Actually, he could keep in touch with her, through phone booths. He'd have to abandon his own for because it had GPS.
"Steven you need to let people help you! You can't bottle things up! I don't know why you want too, but please, you're not alone!" Garnet said rising. He might have to run away unplanned. He'd go to The Barn. He'd stay there for a while then come back. It would be so easy. He just needed to be away from the gems for now. All he had to do was sprint to the warp pad. If only he could sprint like he did last night. Steven had to try! He just needed to stay with the other gems for a while. They'd understand and hide him. It would only be for a day or two.
"I don't need help!" He said, eyes flickering to the warp pad. Now, he had to go now. He sprinted to the warp pad. He stopped just before it, Garnet warped her arms around him. Why did he hesitate he was so close! HE tried to worm his way out of her arms but she dragged him to the couch. Sitting him down, taking a position so she would easily catch him if he went to the warp pad again. She crossed her arms looking down at him, a frown graced her lips. He wished he could see her eyes, it would be so much easier, to react then.
Steven and Garnet stared at each other. Lights when of in Steven's head, as he realized he could give a partial truth. He would tell how he felt about Rose Quartz, and how the gems made him feel. That would get her off his back, for he can run away. It would be that easy, he would have to lay low for a while. He made his eyes tear up. With tears running down his face he prepared his lines. "I know I'm not Rose Quartz, but you always push me to be her, I'm told she was the best, and It feels like me being born was terrible thing because of her sacrifice," His eyes watered, he didn't even have to try now, it was just natural tears. He looked at her shades, there was still a slight from on her face but, it was almost neutral now. "I know you guys wish you had her instead of me."
Garnet didn't know what to say. So this is what has been bothering Steven so much, she understood why he was angry with them now. It was all so clear now, not even her future vision saw this as such a low possibility that it was almost impossible. A one in a billion chance that this was all that was bothering him. At least it was something that she would be able to fix. However, she was suspicious that Steven was still holding things back from her. Garnet hoped he wasn't, this was all for his own good. She hoped he knew that and that they love him.
"Steven, we do miss Rose, but you are one of the greatest things that have come from her," She said, it was hard to keep from crying. Garnet was furious and sad, that this was what he felt like. It was so simple. Yet it was so devastating to him. She knew how much he looked up to her and the rest of the Gems. He probably believed that Greg though that like that too. Rose Quartz was such a good gem, she had boundless amounts of love. True she made mistakes, but never ever would she think Steven as one. He was her greatest gift. She mulled over his words for a second time, before realizing he said Rose Quartz and not 'mom'. She never noticed it before but he did that whenever talking about her. Nothing she could do to help that, besides there were bigger things to worry about.
Garnet hugged Steven and all was over. She never mentioned that again, but he knew she'd tell the gems about it. He has to step even lighter now if his plan of running away and never being found were going to work. Especially since he tried to use the warp pad to leave earlier. Lion. He almost forgot about his pink themed friend, Lion could take him place even without a warp pad. Lion could take him to the moon! He imagined, stocking up on a bunch of food, then living in the moon for a while. Probably no outlets for phones. Never mind that there would be nothing to do up there. Unless he brought games and stuff to play all by himself. He thought it would be better to stay on earth.
The rest of the day was uneventful, he texted Connie and had some idle chat, he mentioned being in a lot of trouble and when she asked he didn't reply. Honestly he was surprised that the didn't take his phone away. In fact now that he thought about it he wasn't punished at all! He thought that they would if he messed up again, he shivered after all this, if they caught him after he ran away, what would they do? His thought wondered to his plans for the rest of the day. He was completely prepared. He dad would most likely go back to the car wash tomorrow and while he was washing cars he'd go into his car if he was caught he would say he may have left something inside it. Then he would go home and pack some essentials while the gems were on a mission. After that he'd take all the food in the kitchen stuff it in lion, and they'd be off, to wherever the wind took them. No gems, no problems.
He went to bed that night, and didn't cut, he needed to sleep long and well for the day tomorrow, it would be long. In his dreams he was falling faster than sound, through thorn bushes, them cutting him, and ripping of his clothes. He soon landed in Rose's Garden, before the fixed it. The statue still wept but it was over him, except it was looking at him, as if accusing him for crimes he didn't commit. He yelled at it that, he didn't do the things she did, to Bismuth, and countless others. It laughed and said, "Are the Rubies still in space?" He threw his shield at her and cut her in half, it gushing blood covering him. He ran away, and the gems were chasing him trying to kill him. The shouted at him and said he killed Rose Quartz, and he should died for it.
After running from them he realized he was at the rave, expect really, really, drunk and using lion to keep him from falling over. Stevonnie was suddenly there tell him, he'd never be her again. He yelled at her, and she cried, hugging a weeping Connie. He apologized but it was too late they were gone. He was alone, with lion. But he soon left growling at him. Then there was darkness. He heard Rose say, like when he saw that whale in her room, "What do you really want Steven?" He yelled at her saying it was all her fault. She appeared, then said once more, "What do you really want Steven?" He then realized he held her word and it was half way into her, just about the gem. He pulled it out and there was blood. To much blood. He tried to get it off him, but more appeared, then he realized he was drowning in blood. Her blood. He was suffocating, he felt the life leaving him. He was all alone. He woke up when everything went black.