Chapter 5

Author's note: Gad, guys. I get that we all want Steven and the gems to meet up with Sam and discover that she's his aunt. But I need to get some things sorted out first; like Sam and Greg and Greg and whatever family stuff that's awaiting him. But hey, I'll give you guys a shot of Steven telling the gems about Sam, yeah? It made me feel better for holding out their meeting.

Thank you for the favourites and reviews on the fic so far. God bless.

Disclaimer: I do not own Steven Universe or any of its wonderful characters.

Enjoy the story, peeps !

"So Sam," Greg asked, while chewing on a slice of pepperoni pizza. "H-how have you been?"

Sam raised an eyebrow as she pondered his question and the best way for her to answer it. They were both seated at the dinner table, in the dining room. Previously, Greg had showered after choosing one of the remaining guest rooms for himself and dressed in an old college t-shirt he'd found in the closet and a pair of blue pyjama pants. Greg's hair was down, as always, but it looked neater; less… wild than when she'd met him at the wash.

Sam was dressed in an oversized plain shirt that revealed her left shoulder and a pair of dark blue leggings. Her hair was free down her back. Her brows narrowed down slightly then, and Sam decided to give it to him straight. They were going to come to this conversation, sooner or later, and Sam preferred it to be over with as soon as Greg was ready for it. She'd been ready for this since the day she came in terms with herself.

"You mean since you ran away while I was at school?"

Greg winced as if he'd been struck but Sam remained calm. "Yeah." He answered her, his voice low and laced with guilt.

"… Greg, I know that we would come to this conversation sooner or later, but I totally get it if you're not ready for it. We've literally just met a couple of hours earlier. I'm cool if you wanna wait for it a little bit, you know; I'm not exactly in a rush." Sam half-lied, and watched in slight guilt about it while Greg paused in consideration.

"Nah." Greg answered after a moment and both set their pizza slices down onto their plates. "I think I'm ready for this."

Sam drew in a heavy breath and ran her hands through her brown hair. "If you're sure then I think it would be better that I start at the beginning."

...

Steven yawned again and rubbed on his eyes before he turned his attention back to the television set across his bed with a rapidly fading interest. His eyes were halfway closed and his usual smile was growing dimmer with each passing moment.

The night was calm and peaceful; if not uneventful and Steven had just finished his dinner with the gems. Currently, he was supposedly in the middle of watching a survival game show that Connie had recommended. She'd told him earlier that back when she had been younger and her parents were less busy with their work, they used to sit together in the house living room and watch the particular show together. It has been the only one that her mother had had allowed her to watch because it was her father's favourite show as well, other than the fact that it was more realistic and practical than the other reality TV shows that had existed at the time.

Steven was wearing his pair of blue pyjamas and was barefoot, as always. Earlier, Garnet had informed them that there were no missions to be done for the rest of the night and had advised them to rest and take it easy for a while. Amethyst had gone out after that; Steven figured she either went to Vidalia's house or the barn to hang out with Peridot and Lapis.

Steven's smile widened as his thought about the small, green gem. Peridot had developed so much from the old, cruel being they first met back at the Galaxy Warp Pad. She was friendlier, more understanding and she had taken great lengths since the Cluster to fit in with their little group. She'd even made Lapis actually tolerate the Crystal Gems, after years and years of imprisonment and deep hatred. She'd helped Lapis find purpose again, and acceptance, and together they' learned and grew to love the Earth.

The other day, he and Amethyst had taken Peridot to the Beach City Funland and had discovered, with much excitement, that the little green Gem have metal powers. It was a shame that Peridot could not shape-shift, but her new ability had totally made up for it! Pearl had said it was probably because she was an Era 2 gem, which made all the difference. But that also mean that there's chances of them discovering other new things from Peridot. Peridot was still sensitive that she was different from the rest of the gems, but things are looking up.

Speaking of the pale gem, currently Pearl was in her room in the temple, doing who-knows-what. Steven has been so proud for the progressive relationship between her and his dad, Greg. Since the gig in Empire City, things between them couldn't be better- no more awkward tension in the air whenever they talk about his mother and Pearl was more trusting of Greg now that they finally got that overdue talk out of the way.

Pearl had even started treating Greg better now that she had properly accepted that Rose's death wasn't his fault. They could even have actual, decent conversations together without any unwanted hostility and could work together without any hitches in the road. Steven could not feel any more proud and happier for the both of them.

There was still a bit of guilt left, however, over knowing the true relationship between Pearl and his mother. Before Greg, Rose had been everything to Pearl. Even after she'd met him, Rose was still Pearl's whole world; and when after she'd passed and Steven took her place, Pearl still loved her son with all the love that she could muster from her gem. Greg was happy with his life- he's felt what it's like to live with freedom, with no expectations and complete and utter happiness and love with Rose.

Pearl, on the other hand; Steven sighed.

She's only started living her own life and thinking for herself. Pearl is still adjusting to life without Rose and even though she's gone far from where she originally started, she's still got a lot more to go. What's fourteen years when you've lived for whole millennia, anyway? It could not have been easy. Probably when you've pictured your life to go one way and it ends up another. Steven couldn't imagine what he'd even do if he were ever put in Pearl's situation. He'd kill himself the first chance he gets, that's what.

Pearl deserves happiness and love and bliss, and every other positive thing that Steven could think about. She had sacrificed so much for his and the Crystal Gems' sake, and her strength was amazing. Steven could only hope that he'll be as strong as Pearl when he grows up. True, the pale gem has her imperfections, but doesn't everyone?

Besides Greg, Pearl's also trying to make amends and get along with everyone: Garnet; ever since she'd tricked her into forming Sardonyx. Even though Garnet and Pearl have made up and Garnet said she's forgiven Pearl for it, knowing her mother figure, Steven knows it's still a sensitive topic for Pearl. Next, Amethyst; but their relationship has always been… explosive, for lack of a better word; but at least the both of them are much more mature in dealing with it now. Pearl and Peridot's relationship started out rough, but they were quick to find common ground with each other. Both were thinkers, intellectuals and both found enjoyment in discussing about technology and human

Lapis Lazuli has problems with everyone. So Steven's not actually that concerned about her and Pearl. Lapis is another issue all on her own. He's glad that the water gem's getting along with Peridot; she's been needing someone to share everything with.

Steven ran his hand through his dark locks and got up to turn the television off. He's not paying attention to it, anyway. Then Steven went down to get some snacks. He walked over to the fridge and got out some milk and pulled a box of cereals from the cupboard. Beside the box was a bag of unopened chips.

Chips. Potatoes. Pee Dee. Fries.

Fries. Birds.

Birds.

Woman.

Steven's eyes widen in realization. The box of cereal he was holding dropped onto the floor and as if on cue, Pearl's door opened up and she came out of her room with a frown.

"I heard something fell. Steven, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"OH MY GOD, PEARL! I JUST REMEMBERED SOMETHING!"

"…Oh. Was the mess truly necessary?"

He ran over to her and Pearl bowed to his level. Steven placed his hands on Pearl's cheeks, which surprised the older gem.

"Steven? Is something wrong?" Pearl asked and Steven shook his head. "Remember the other day I went to the beach with my ukulele because I thought I'd wanted to sing and think about stuff then I saw this woman who was throwing her fries away to the birds and I thought- who throws away fries to the birds so I-"

"Whoa, Steven." Pearl interrupted him. "Slow down. I cannot understand a word you're saying."

"Pearl," Steven stressed, after he'd taken in a couple of huge breaths and calmed himself down. "I totally forgot about something! But I need Amethyst and Garnet to be here too!"

"Well," Pearl answered. "I think Amethyst is out meeting with her friend; and Garnet-"

Then the temple door opened again and Garnet came out, adjusting her shades. "I heard someone say my name."

Pearl sighed. "There she is." Garnet walked over to them and placed her hands on her hips. "Is something wrong, Steven?"

Steven, with his eyes still wide, nodded. "Yeah! But I totally need the three of you together to tell you this!" Garnet tilted her head slightly to meet Pearl's gaze, and the other shrugged. "Is this about Jasper?" she asked. Steven shook his head.

"Then Steven, I think two out of three isn't all that bad. She's having her weekly meet with her friend Vidalia. We'll tell her about it later, okay?"

Steven's shoulders slumped and he rubbed the back of his head. "Okay, I guess," Then his smile returned and he led them to the seats by the window. "Garnet, Pearl; sit. I remember something that I have to tell you."

Both gems leaned their bodies slightly in a show of anticipation for what Steven was about to say.

"See, the other day I went to the beach to watch the sunset and play my ukulele and think about stuff. Then I saw this lady who was throwing her fries to the birds. So, I thought; why in the world is she throwing her fries to the seagulls? I thought the birds were attacking her and offered to chase them away. Then the woman said that she meant to feed the birds."

"Then she asked about me and that led to me playing her a song on my ukulele. She praised my song and I told them about you guys and mom."

Garnet and Pearl exchanged glances again. "And? What did she say?" Pearl urged him.

"She seemed really amused, but she was really, really kind. She made me feel better, then she told me that she was looking for someone. I offered to help but then she said that it's okay; that I could help her later if, you know, we ever meet again. Then she told me to say hi to you guys."

There was a pause in the conversation. "Steven," Garnet said. "That woman sounds like a very nice person. I am so glad you met her."

"Yes, Steven." Pearl continued with a small smile. "She sounds very polite. It's not common that you get to meet a stranger who is kind enough to extend their regards to us. Even though we've never met them. What was her name, Steven?"

Steven narrowed an eyebrow and put a finger to his chin. "I… think it was Sam?"

"Sam?" Pearl questioned. "You're not sure, Steven?"

"I can't remember it exactly, but something inside told me it was Sam." Steven shrugged. Garnet nodded. "Well, then I hope you meet this Sam again. Maybe she'll even let you help her find whoever it is that she's looking for."

Steven smiled and nodded. "Yeah. So maybe you guys could tell Amethyst that Sam said hi?"

Pearl laughed and ruffled his hair. "Of course, Steven. We'll definitely tell her about your new friend." Garnet nodded. "Yes. You can count on us, Steven. Now go make your snack and then you should go to bed. It's getting late."

"Oh, and don't forget to brush your teeth." Pearl reminded him. Steven nodded happily towards her. "Okay Pearl. I won't."

Pearl smiled affectionately and shook her head as the boy went to pick the cereal box from the floor. Steven was so pure. She has no idea how he kept the cheerful and bubbly demeanour up despite all the things and revelations that he has been through lately. But she hopes that he will never change. He was the representation for all the potential and good things in the world that they fought for.

Pearl knew that if Rose was still here, she'd be more than proud to see her little boy taking life in stride and strength. They may have done things that they were not proud of; but if this is how it would turn out if they did it then Pearl wouldn't mind doing it all over again. She sat herself onto the sofa and crossed her legs in content.

The thought of Rose made her heart clench for a little bit, but she was used to it. The pain is not what it used to be like back before she and Greg had that talk in Empire City. She could feel herself moving on, and knowing Rose, Pearl knew that the Quartz Gem would be proud of her and her accomplishments. Pearl might not have found another person to share her affections with at the moment, but she was at peace by being just with herself.

She set her gaze towards the little boy eating at the counter-top table and sighed. He was worth it.

…

Greg's eyes were wide and he wore an expression of disbelief on his face. "Wait, is this a joke?"

"Greg," Sam sighed. "I know it sounds bad, but-"

"But what, Sam?" Greg interrupted her and slammed his hands onto the kitchen table. Sam sat straighter and crossed her arms. "Sam," Greg started again. "Don't you remember how he used to treat us? He treated you like shit, Sam. He treated me like an object."

"Greg-"

"I can't go back to that old life. I'm-I'm happier here. I have people here who actually see me for who I am."

"Greg, I get it! Don't you think I know?" Sam shouted in frustration and threw her hands up with gusto. "Ever since you've ran away I've been dealing with this shit every day; I've been dealing with him every. Fucking. Day, Greg! How do you think that makes me feel?!"

There was a tensed pause in the conversation as the both of them struggled to calm themselves down. Sam glanced angrily towards her brother before she gave a last sigh and pinched on the bridge of her nose.

"Greg," she began again. "Please, please understand. He's only got until the end of the month to live. You'll never see him again after that. Please, Greg. Stop thinking about yourself for a moment, and think about me. Think about our family, Greg."

"… He's not my family. Not anymore."

Sam groaned and ran a hand down her face. Damn, since when did Greg get so stubborn?! Never mind, she's still got one last tactic to reel him in.

"Come on, Greg," she pressed. "Mom would want you to do this. If she were alive, she would've wanted you to give him another chance. Do it for her, Greg. Please?"

Greg's eyes widened on the mention of their mother and he quickly darted his gaze away from his sister. His eyebrows narrowed on the thought and he silently groaned. Sam was right. Their mother would've wanted him to be the bigger man about this, and forgive their father. No one said these things would be easy. Greg sighed.

"Fine. I'll do it.

That's it, folks! Thanks again! Reviews would be lovely.