This chapter I'm doing something a little different. I'm going to switch between Lapis and Steven's view point, and maybe someone else's. Who? You'll just have to find out.

Chapter 6 – Oceans Apart

I went over several times in my head what I wanted to say to Connie. I was going to meet her on the boardwalk near Funland. I wanted to tell her exactly what was going on; I didn't want to treat her like an idiot, because I knew she wasn't one. If I tried to lie to her, she would catch on instantly. I spotted Connie sitting on a bench, waiting for me, and swinging her legs. Taking a deep breath, I built up my courage and walked over to her. She looked up and spotted me.

"Hey Steven!" she greeted excitedly. I waved at her and sat down next to her.

"Um, Connie," I said, deciding to get straight to the point, "I have something I need to tell you. It's really important."

Connie looked at me with surprised eyes. "Um, ok," she replied, "What did you want to tell me?"

I took another deep breath. "I want you to know what I'm about to say doesn't at all change the way I feel about you," I assured her, "I just feel you deserve to know." I paused to gather my strength. "Lapis is in love with me, and I'm in love with her."

Connie stared at me, eyes wide, and I could tell she was struggling to think of what to say. "Wow. Um, all right," she said, stuttering a bit, "I mean, if that's how you feel about her, I guess I shouldn't say anything. I just always thought that… you know…"

"Wait, Connie," I interrupted before she could draw the wrong conclusion, "I love Lapis. But the thing is, I love you too." Connie's eyes widened even further.

"Really?" she asked, and I could hear her breath catch in her throat.

I nodded, a little shocked that I had spoken my feelings so freely. I swallowed nervously. "I do love you, Connie," I continued, "I really don't want you to think otherwise. But right now, I have to take care of Lapis. She needs me."

Connie cocked her head at me. "Why? What happened to her?" she wondered.

I started shifting nervously in my seat, and couldn't meet her gaze. She frowned and tried to look me in the face. "Steven? What happened to Lapis?"

I took a shuddering breath. "Jasper… did something horrible to her," I finally replied, "Even thinking it makes me feel awful. But Jasper hurt her so bad, she's afraid to be on her own. I'm the only one she feels safe around."

Connie stared sadly at me, but I wasn't done. "I don't know if Lapis would want me telling you all of this," I continued, "But I really wanted you to know everything. I felt like I was double crossing you by not telling you."

There was a moment's silence as Connie stared at me. Then, to my surprise, she leaned over and kissed me deeply. I didn't know how to react at first, but slowly I relaxed and kissed her back. When she pulled away from me, she was smiling.

"You don't have to feel that way, Steven," she told me, "I don't want you to feel like you're betraying me or anything. I love you too, and it's enough for me to know that you feel the same way about me."

Immense relief welled up inside me. "Thanks, Connie," I sighed, hugging her, "I knew you would understand. You're the best."

We hugged for a moment more before Connie pulled away. "Go look after Lapis, Steven," she said, "She needs you."

…

I don't know where Steven had gone, but needless to say, I was relieved when he returned. Not that I expected Jasper to just barge into Steven's house or anything, but I felt better when he was around. I didn't question him when he got back, but I was immediately by his side. He smiled up at me as I walked over to him.

"Hey, Lapis!" he greeted me, "Sorry, I left you alone."

"It's all right," I quickly replied, "I was asleep anyway. And you don't need to be with me every moment of the day, you know. I understand if you want to spend time alone or with your friends."

Steven gently pressed against me. "I don't mind," he insisted, "I like spending time with you, Lapis."

I smiled down at him, as he gently took my hand. He led me outside, and I was curious as to where he was taking me. He took me down to the shore and sat down, and I sat down next to him. I felt calm fill my body as Steven gently leaned against me. We stared out at the ocean together, and I felt all of my worries melt away.

Sighing with content, I fell backwards and lay on my back on the sand. I felt Steven do the same next to me. I stared up at the clouds as they gently floated overhead. I let out a breath of air.

"It feels good to just relax and not have to worry about anything sometimes," I noted out loud, "Being with you, I could just forget about all of my troubles."

I couldn't see Steven's expression, but I felt him move closer to me. He suddenly sat up and looked down at me.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," he said, "It makes me feel bad when you're miserable. Like I'm doing something wrong."

His statement made me frown. "Steven, you're not doing anything wrong," I told him, "I'm the one who needs to try harder. I feel like I'm dragging you down."

Steven smiled gently at me. "Let's just agree that neither of us are sad when we're together," he said, "All right?"

I couldn't help but smile up at him. "All right," I replied.

He leaned down and gently kissed me. I sighed slightly at his touch, and how soft his lips were. I kissed him back, pushing up against him. I didn't want him to stop but, he suddenly sat up, and stared off into distance. Confused, I sat up and looked behind me, trying to figure out what he was staring at. But I saw nothing.

"What's wrong, Steven?" I asked, concerned.

It was a moment before he said anything. "Sorry," he replied, "I thought I heard something. But… it was nothing."

I felt a tremble run through my body, and I wondered if Steven was telling me the truth. Before I could question him though, he laid himself on top of me, and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him. I still felt nervous, but as always Steven's warmth and love comforted me. I decided to put it out of my head and just enjoy my time with Steven.

We laid on the beach for a couple of hours, staring as the waves rolled onto the shore.

…

I don't know why I let her go. Maybe I felt pity for her as she cried out. But now I regretted it. I had to get her back. I couldn't be without her.

I made my way to the human city, as I knew my Lapis would be there. I knew Rose, or "Steven" as she insisted on calling it, would have taken her there. I could remember where the base was; I suspected that's where they were hiding.

As I didn't want to bring up any alerts, I kept to the outskirts of the city, trying to catch a glimpse of my Lapis. I spotted her once, with the Steven by her side. This was going to be tricky. I had been planning to try to get her when she was alone, but if Steven was going to be with her every moment of the day, then I would have to try something else.

I followed them around as stealthily as I could, trying to think of a plan. Perhaps I could lure her away? I watched them on the beach, kissing and sharing a romantic moment. I felt my rage building up inside me.

But just when I thought I would explode with anger, a brilliant idea came to me. If this "Steven" is what Lapis wanted, then fine. I would give her just what she wanted.

Ending the chapter there, because I don't want to give away too much. Sorry this chapter was a little on the short side. I've been in a little bit of a slump, but the best thing, for me at least is to just keep writing.

Anyway, next chapter might get a bit darker, depending on how I feel. Also, I'm trying to make Jasper a little crazy on her lust for Lapis. BTW, I do not actually ship Jasper and Lapis.

Remember to leave a review please! Thank you!