The Unraveling
Steven groggily pulled himself out of bed. It was the start of yet another unpleasant day. Beside him his wife stirred in bed.
"Steven you're up. I had the hardest time putting Jenny down last night," said Peridot in her nasally voice. "Ugh, look at me. You would think that after having a baby I would slim down."
She went on like this as she rolled herself out bed. As Peridot followed Steven into the kitchen, the young man gritted his teeth. Steven couldn't see why he married her, let alone lived with her.
"I've got a busy day ahead of me. Pearl wants my help at the moon base and then I have to go to UNIT base by Port Rush," Peridot jabbered.
"Hold on who's going to take care of Jenny?" butted in Steven.
"She can come with me. Most of what I'll be doing is negotiations and the robinoids can do the rest. Say Steven can you make me a cup of tea?"
"Do it yourself. Some of us actually have to work for a living," Peridot's jaw dropped as Steven marched out of the kitchen.
There was one thing that Peridot did that was right. She gave Steven a beautiful daughter. Steven leaned down and picked up his baby from her crib. He stroked Jenny's face.
"There's my princess," Steven cooed.
The baby opened her eyes and started screaming. Peridot rushed in and snatched the baby. As the green goblin was doing her best to calm Jenny down Steven beat a hasty retreat. He was human. How could he not handle a baby?
He drove up to the ice cream shop and slumped inside. Time to start another endless day of serving customers under the beating sun. He didn't know why his Dad got him this shop. Was it to teach him responsibility? The day wore on as Steven mechanically made the ice cream and served it. Then at lunch time the one thing that brightened his day showed up.
"Hey Steven, you cut your hair. It looks nice. Can I have a chocolate dipped cone?" asked Connie shyly. Even with the eye patch she looked so cute.
Steven grinned, "I'll make an extra large one."
Even though the lunch rush was coming Steven shut down the shop. Connie was waiting for him at a nearby picnic table.
"Say Connie I know you might be sensitive about this but how did you lose your eye?" asked Steven as he handed Connie her cone.
"Don't you remember Steven? Peridot beat me up once she found I was seeing you behind her back," replied Connie.
"And I force to flee with with Peridot. Funny how we met up at again at Rossmore,"sighed Steven.
"Yeah funny,' said Connie as her eye darted. "Say Steven do you remember all the good times we had?"
"Sure do, why did we stop?" Steven was so wrapped in his memories he didn't see Connie smirk.
Later at closing time, Steven was greeted by one last customer.
"Garnet I didn't think I would be seeing you here," cried Steven.
Garnet adjusted her glasses and smiled mysteriously. Somehow Steven did not feel reassured as he did when he was younger. The cube headed gem pulled something glowing out of her hair. The thing was -compelling Steven felt his consciousness ebb away as his eyes rolled back into his head. When Garnet was satisfied that the hypno wand was in effect, she stepped back.
The next thing Steven knew it was dark. Was Garnet here to see him? Steven couldn't remember. Realizing the late hour. Steven hurriedly locked up, though he was not looking forward to going home. He knew he would not hear the end of it from Peridot if he showed up late again.
Garnet smirked to herself as she headed back to the tunnels in the Beta Kindergarten. She had put her charges to sleep. With any luck her absence would not be noticed. Just before she reached one of the many doors Bismuth stepped out of the shadows.
"About time you got back, what were you thinking about leaving your children alone for so long?"said Bismuth as her eyes narrowed.
"That is none of your concern, I had more important things to attend to blacksmith."
Bismuth blocked the doorway with her arm, "Listen here Garnet, in case you've forgotten you're no longer in charge. You can't just take off and leave. You have to obey orders like the rest of us now."
"Oh that's rich coming from you. So what now are you giving me a final warning?"
"Oh no it's gone beyond that. Orders from Pearl, pack up your stuff you're leaving for the Moonbase."
When Steven got back home, he could hear Peridot speaking.
"-don't understand it. He's so different, colder. One moment everything's great and then he cuts his-" Peridot said. She flicked the screen off. Beside her the baby slept in a portable crib.
"Who are you talking to?" asked Steven.
Peridot tensed up, "If you must know it was my mothers. Steven what happened to us? We used to do everything together and now you show up late. Are you seeing somebody?"
"No!" said Steven harshly
The noise woke the baby up and she wailing. Steven gritted his teeth as the baby howled. Peridot scooped her up from the crib and tried calming her down. Needless to say she was failing miserably.
"Can't you shut up that brat!" snapped Steven.
Peridot's head snapped around to face him. The shock was written clearly on her face.
"I'm going to get a beer and going outside. Don't wait up for me," said Steven.
The next morning as Steven was getting ready for work Peridot snatched the keys.
"Peridot give that back," said Steven angrily. "I have to go to work."
"No you don't. I don't know if it is the stress of running the ice cream store but you are taking the day off. I've been trying to ignore your bad attitude but it stops here," said Peridot firmly. "We are going to spend the day together as a family and then we will go visit our families. Do you understand?"
Steven stared down at his tiny little wife. Her body tense, her brow furrowed Steven could see she meant business. Sighing Steven plopped down on the sofa. He crossed his arms and stared at Peridot as she held the baby.
As he studied the baby Steven looked for traces of himself in Jenny. Other than her human appearance there was nothing of himself. He wondered if this was truly his child.
"Do you want to hold her?" asked Peridot.
Steven snapped back to reality. "No, no its fine."
"Then how about we visit my mothers?"Peridot demanded more than asked.
When they stepped off the warp pad. Steven found himself in a house full of Peridots. The green gems of all ages rushed towards their elder sister.
"Let me see, let me see," demanded a Peridot the size of 6 year old.
"Is that the baby?" gasped another with limb enhancers.
"Hold on let us through,"ordered Peridot as she clutched Jenny.
"Forgive us we weren't expecting you," said Emerald as she pushed through the small crowd.
"What is going on here?"cried Steven.
Emerald guided Peridot to the couch. "It's rather simple. Jet and I have decided to take custody of these 4 Peridots. We'll be training them from now on. Now what brings you here?"
As Peridot explained why they were here, Steven rolled his eyes. Jet and Emerald teaching the ways of Earth what a laugh. He sat down on a nearby bench. An underdeveloped Peridot in a pinafore stared at him.
"Jet and Emerald have an education tank," said the little gem as she picked her nose.
"Well we don't do that on Earth," said Steven.
"I know, I'm going to look at Jenny now," with that the Peridot ran towards his wife.
"She's grown," cooed Jet. The black gem smiled down at Jenny.
Steven watched as Peridot and Jenny interacted with her strange family. Peridot's mothers were doting grandparents. The new sisters were fascinated by Jenny. Peridot smiled and laughed enjoying their company. She was kind almost likable. Even the baby was happy. Steven felt a lump in his throat.
"Excuse me, I'm not feeling well," said Steven. With that he stepped on the warp pad and whooshed back to his home.
He tried sleeping but couldn't. Steven actually didn't feel well. He had a pounding headache. Somehow he found himself back in the living room watching his wedding video. The couple on the screen danced together. Peridot was shy almost blushing. Her belly was just showing through the dress. Steven held her close protecting her. They were happy looking forward to the future. What had changed? Why did he no longer feel this way?
Unnoticed by Steven the warp pad flashed and a figure stepped out.
"-mind if I join you?" asked Garnet.
"Garnet you startled me? I didn't hear you come in?" cried Steven.
Garnet walked over to the screen, "Looks intense, what are you watching?"
"Just our wedding video. I was so happy."
"You're wondering why you fell in love with Peridot in the first place."
"No I'm wondering why I fell out of love. Say Garnet could you pull out the disc?"
"Oops," said Garnet pulled out the disc and broke it.
"Garnet what are you doing? Oh the disc is smashed. Peridot's going to kill me."
"Just put it back in its casing. Nobody needs to know."
"I would! I know you're just trying to help but I have to ask you to leave." Garnet opened her mouth. "Just go already."
Meanwhile just outside of Beach City, Bismuth was feeling frustrated. Except for a few straggling patients the farm was empty. With the help of Peridot and later Soldalite, Bismuth was able to heal hundreds of patients. At first it was crowded, but with the arrival of the refugees over 6 months ago all able bodied gems left for Rossmore to help out. They stayed once the underground city in Beta was built.
Now Bismuth was alone with the worst cases. Even with Steven's healing saliva and Peridot's expertise, these gems did not seem to be recovering. Now Soldalite and the others were busy with the refugees. Bismuth did not know what to do.
Suddenly the farm's warp pad flashed. Bismuth turned to look.
"Peridot," cried Bismuth. "Am I glad to see you." but the look on Peridot's face stopped her. "Peridot is something wrong?"
Peridot clutching her baby sobbed. "It's Steven. A couple of weeks ago everything's fine. Then he cuts his hair and he's like an entirely different person. To make matters worse Connie has been hanging out at the ice cream shop."
"Wait Connie the psycho is in Rossmore?" Bismuth's eyes widened.
Peridot wiped out a string of snot, "Yes and he comes back late. I think he's seeing her."
"Peridot this changes everything. We need to see Pearl right away," Bismuth grabbed her hand.
After throwing Garnet out Steven wandered the desert. The place was so barren. Not at all like Beach City with the gentle lapping of waves to lull him to sleep.
Just over a year ago life was so simple. Steven fought monsters, Connie loved him and he had no responsibilities. Now Homeworld was coming, he was married to Peridot and was the father of a small baby with a job running an ice cream store in the desert town of Rossmore.
It was overwhelming. He wanted to go back. He wanted his Beach house, his Dad and the Crystal Gems. He had the day off so he warped back to the Beach house, back home.
When he got off the warp pad he found the house quiet and dark. There was no Pearl or Amethyst to greet him. No matter, Beach City was waiting for him. As he walked down the boardwalk he saw that Beach City fries had closed. Without Ronaldo or Peedee helping out Mr. Fryman couldn't cope. There was still Fish Stew Pizza.
"Jenny give me the usual," cried Steven as he stepped into the pizzeria.
"My name is Susan and I don't know what you're usual is," said a small unfamiliar woman.
"What happened to Jenny and Kiki?" asked Steven.
"I can answer that," said Koffi emerging from the back. "They left home. Since then we've made some changes."
The dour looking man handed Steven a menu. There were a lot of changes, chicken on a pizza and what's this serving chowder? Fish Stew Pizza had gone from a pizzeria to a restaurant that served pizza.
"Forget about it. I'm not hungry," said Steven softly.
Well Fish Stew Pizza was a bust but there was still his dad. Steven practically ran to Scary Hairy's. He was not disappointed.
"Dad am I glad to see you," cried Steven as he hugged his father through the kiosk.
"Stu ball what a surprise, where are Peridot and Jenny?" said Greg.
"Peridot and Jenny are visiting Peridot's mothers," said Steven.
"Oh, Steven," said Greg sadly. "What happened?"
"I don't know. It's like the joy has been sucked out of everything. I work all day at the ice cream shop and when I get home Peridot's busy and the baby hates me. So can a spend a few days here?"
"Does Peridot know where you are?"
"No and I doubt she cares."
"Steven, I hate to say this but you need to grow up. Peridot and Jenny need you."
"But they don't. They have Peridot's trainers, her sisters and the other gems. Two years ago I was fighting to save the world, now I'm just serving ice cream to tourists."
"Steven as much as would like to help you I have run this shop right now. You should talk this over with Peridot maybe you should see a marriage counselor. Go home Steven."
The young man left he trudged back to the Beach House. When he got back he noticed how empty the house was. There were several boxes lying about. The shelves were empty. It was as if Pearl and the gems were moving out. He walked into the kitchen. There was no food and the dishes and plates were already packed. Sighing he climbed down the steps and saw Peridot's mini car waiting for him. His head started to pound. Losing his appetite he crawled into his old bed.
He awoke a couple of hours later to the pounding of tiny fists on his back.
"Get out of my bed, you weird clod," shouted a small Peridot.
"Spunky? What's going on?" Steven asked blearily.
"What's going on is this is my bed," shouted Spunky. The little gem looked furious.
"I-I'm sorry. Say could I take the couch then?"Steven as he reached for his clothes.
"No!," shouted Spunky. "Pearl! Steven's acting weird."
The next thing Steven knew Pearl was standing in the doorway looking in. Steven had to push the two of them out so he could dress. When he was done Steven saw Pearl sitting on the couch waiting for him.
"So Steven care to tell me what's going on?"said Pearl softly her arms were crossed in front of her.
"Nothing, I'm just so tired is all! Ever since I left Beach City I have been working and working with hardly any time for myself. So yeah Peridot made me take the day off and I decided to come back home," Steven looked around.
"So you're not seeing Connie behind Peridot's back then," asked Pearl.
"No! Connie's just another customer."
"Strange if I was in your shoes I wouldn't have anything to do with Connie."
"She was my friend for so many years I can't just forget that."
"Tell me has Garnet been visiting you?" Pearl's face was inscrutable.
"Yes. What has that got to do with anything?"
"Steven listen closely this is an order. I want you and Peridot to go counseling first thing in the morning. I will arrange the session for you at the Beta site."
"Can't I sleep here? And what's with all the boxes?"
"No Steven you can't. If must know Spunky and I are moving into some rooms at the Beta Kindergarten. Most of the gems live there. It seemed silly to live in the Beach house away from them all. Go home Steven."
When Steven got home he found Peridot curled up in a little ball in their bed. Feeling guilty he reached out only to have her flinch. He slept on the couch that night.
"Steven hurry up we'll be late,"said Peridot.
"I'm going as fast as I can. These tunnels I can't make head nor tails of it," said Steven.
"Then trust me."
They were in the underground city built by Peridot's sisters. The many bends and turns were confusing. Forcing Steven to take Peridot's hand as she led him even deeper into the city. She held little Jenny close to her chest in a sling. Finally, after a long time they stopped at large door with gem writing on it. Peridot pulled him inside.
The room was bare except three chairs. In the largest chair sat what looked like a bright yellow Nephrite. Proudly displayed on uniform was a large yellow diamond. Her gem eye stared intently at the young couple.
"Ah Peridot and Steven Universe do sit down," the Nephrite held out her hand. The strange gems shook their hands and then motioned for them to sit down. The Nephrite continued. "I am crew counselor Yellow Jade. Pearl tells me you are having marriage problems."
"Forgive me, but I don't see how you can help us," said Steven as he sat down.
The yellow gem cocked her head, "It is because gems have no concept of marriage or that I fought for the other side during the civil war?"
"Er both I guess?" said Steven softly.
"On the first part I was a counselor for ship's crews. I helped crews work efficiently and diffused on board conflicts. You, Peridot and your offspring live and work together much like the crew on a ship would. As for fighting on the other side. Because of the Diamonds I have spent the last 5000 years filtering mud at the bottom of a river. So no, I have no loyalty or fondness for them.
Now I would like you to state your grievances. Peridot you go first."
Peridot sighed, "If Steven wasn't a male I would swear that he had post partum depression. When Jenny was born he happy and looking forward to being a father. Then suddenly it's like he's a different person. Connie his old girlfriend came into town. He cut his hair and now he's all sullen and brooding. It's like he doesn't want to spend any time with me anymore."
"Okay now you Steven," said Jade calmly.
"First of all I have no time for myself. I am constantly working whether it is at the ice cream shop or studying at the community college. Meanwhile Peridot tinkers at our house. It wouldn't be so bad if I liked my work but I don't. I work long hours in the beating sun, then I go home and the baby hates me.
I feel like a swan, barely moving on the surface and yet paddling like hell under the waterline. I used to have a magical destiny, be somebody important and now I serve ice cream to tourists."
"Steven," Peridot gasped. "You hated your magical destiny."
"Don't interrupt," scolded Jade.
"I was important. It's like nothing I do now amounts to anything. I work in Scary Hairy's while Peridot and the rest of the gems earn thousands of dollars each day patenting gem technology. I study social work in college while you guys are making great strides in healing yourselves. Nobody needs me not really."
Done Steven slumped in his chair. Jade studied him for a while and then took a breath.
"Now Jenny what are your thoughts?" asked Jade.
Steven giggled, "Yellow Jade, Jenny is a baby. She doesn't know how to talk."
"Really how inefficient," said Jade. "See you just taught me something very important about Earth. I'd say you're not useless. Now as my function as a crew counselor I am going to follow you as you perform your daily tasks. Steven let's start with you."
It was lunchtime and Connie didn't have much time if she wanted to work on winning Steven back. Grabbing her purse from her locker she raced out of the school and into town. Her training with Pearl paid off but by the time Connie got there she had only 20 minutes until her next class started. No matter it was only art class. She raced to the kiosk to see her jam bud only to come face to face with the strangest looking gem she had ever seen.
"Hello I'm Yellow Jade, you must be Connie. What is your order?" said a one eyed gem wearing a paper hat.
Connie looked over to see Steven paying a lot of attention to the ice cream maker. "I'll er have one chocolate dipped cone."
"Fine here is your order," said Yellow Jade sweetly as she rammed the cone into Connie's face.