Lincoln and stella

by jakezick50

you have to read this to find out what happens

1. Lincoln and stella

1 week later

Lincoln sat in the pews as the ceremony for mallow began. The girls decided to have their weddings three days apart in time, that way everyone could get them appropriate and thought out gifts rather than them giving the girls a gift to share. stella sat next to him in a nice blue gown. Soon the music began and everyone stood as the bride and her father made their way down the aisle. Lila couldn't contain her tears anymore as her daughter walked up the stairs to her fiancée.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…"The priest began. Lincoln no longer bothered to watch the time he just watched as the vows were exchanged, and as the rings were slipped on.

"Do you Brock Nexdor take this woman to be your wife?" The priest asked.

"I do." Brock said smiling at mallow.

"And do you mallow Test take this man to be your husband?" The priest asked.

"I do." mallow said smiling back at her husband.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss your bride." The priest said. The newlyweds kissed and the cameras went off like lightning. Everyone quickly proceeded to the reception area where gifts and placed on the table and food was served.

"I propose a toast." Hugh said standing up. mallow blushed at her father.

"I just want to congratulate my daughter mallow and her husband Brock. I will admit, a while back I didn't think Brock would ever get it together, but I guess it took a gentle push to make him see what he was missing out on. I hope you have a happy and lifelong marriage." Hugh said, earning claps all around. Lincoln stood.

"I would like to add to that toast. Brock, you're welcome, and mallow you can thank me later. I got tired of seeing mallow one, miserable and two always being bugged my Eugene. I'm glad that she finally got with the guy of her dreams. Welcome to the family bro!" Lincoln chuckled, earning laughs and applause from all around.

"Will you have something else for lillie's wedding?" stella whispered as they ate.

"Of course." Lincoln chuckled, kissing her forehead and rubbing her swollen stomach. Brock and mallow had their first dance and then the real fun began, Lincoln and stella taking it easy for stella's sake.

"We're delaying our honeymoon." mallow said.

"Why?" stella asked.

"I want to be here for my sister's wedding and Brock wants to be there for his cousins wedding. It's no trouble, since our honeymoon locations are different." mallow said smiling.

"That's sweet." stella said smiling.

3 days later

Lincoln again sat in the pews next to stella in the front row, just as he had three days ago. Once the ceremony and first dance were done everyone began to mingle at the reception. The toasts were made and Lincoln kept his word that his toast would be different for lillie's wedding.

"Ok everyone, gather around." lillie giggled. The girls, even stella gathered around as lillie threw the bouquet. As if by dumb luck it landed right in stella's hands.

"We all knew that was going to happen." mallow and lillie laughed before they got into the cars with their husbands and drove off for the airport for their honeymoon.

Lincoln chuckled, taking her hand and walking to his car before getting inside and driving off, leaving an unconscious Eugene behind them.

1 week later, March

stella awoke that morning and something just seemed off, and that if anything should have been a clue that today was going to be a bad day. She got up and went downstairs for breakfast.

"Morning stella." Her mother chirped happily. stella said nothing as she sat down and ate her breakfast.

"Is everything ok dear?" Her mother asked concerned.

"I guess." stella said depressed.

"I'm supposed to believe that?" stella's mom asked.

"I'm fine, just back off." stella said before stomping up the stairs to her room to get ready for school. stella's mom sent Lincoln a text, warning him of her current mood and that today would be one of those days. stella trudged down the stairs with her backpack strapped on and went to the front door.

"Have a good day sweetie." Her mom said.

"Mhmm." stella groaned before closing the door behind her and getting into Lincoln's car.

"Tired?" Lincoln asked.

"What, no 'hello stella? How are you? Are the babies moving?" stella said annoyance in her tone. Yup, it's going to be one of those days. Lincoln thought to himself.

"Sorry. How are you this morning?" Lincoln asked.

"Fine." stella said curtly.

"I know you better, what's on your mind?" Lincoln asked.

"I don't know what it's like to be a mom. I've never had that kind of responsibility before. I mean, I've babysat, but that's not raising a child, or two for that matter. What if they hate me?" stella began to cry.

"I don't know how to be a dad, and I've never babysat except for that one freak accident with my sisters. stella, all kids at one point in time say they hate their parents. I did, you probably did; it's just something we don't understand until we're older. We say it out of anger and to get our way." Lincoln said as they drove to school. stella didn't look much happier or relaxed; she just looked more depressed at the moment. As they arrived at the school stella sighed tiredly.

"Tired?" Lincoln asked as they got out of his car.

"Yeah. They kick a lot in their sleep." stella said with a yawn.

"I'm sorry." Lincoln said as he took her hand.

"It's ok." stella replied.

"Not looking forward to Calc." Lincoln said.

"Same here." stella said.

"Oh look if it isn't fatso." Janet snickered. Since stella was holding her heavy math book it made perfect sense for her to chuck it at Janet, hitting her square in the face and knocking her flat on the ground.

"What the fuck?" One of Janet's friends shouted as she tried to wake Janet up. stella walked over and retrieved her book.

"I am in no mood to deal with her or your shit today. Be forewarned, next snide comment like that and I may throw more than a fucking book. Got that cunt?" stella hissed, making the girl cringe.

"Yup, crystal clear." The girl whimpered as she grabbed Janet and ran.

"Let's just get to math." Lincoln said.

"You think I'm horrible don't you?" stella asked, her eyes getting misty. Fuck. Lincoln thought as tears started to stream down stella's face.

"No, I don't think you're horrible." Lincoln said as he held her hand reassuringly.

"No, I'm horrible, just say it." stella whimpered through her tears.

"But you're not." Lincoln said as they walked into their math class. The teacher looked over, rolled their eyes and looked back to the clock.

"You mean it?" stella sniffled.

"Of course stella." Lincoln said kindly before stella hugged him. As if by magic the tears were gone and she was smiling widely.

"Thanks Lincoln, I love you." stella said before kissing him sweetly before class started. At this rate I'll have whiplLincoln from these mood swings. Lincoln thought as the teacher began the boring lecture.

Lunch

stella had gone through three or so more mood swings in the last three hours than normal. Sure she had days where she was more moody than others, but this by far took the cake. As she sat down with her normal amount of food she began to look at the tray questioningly.

"What's wrong stella?" Renee asked.

"I think I took too much." stella said concerned.

"No, you take that amount every day." Cally said.

"And that's why I've gained so much weight!" stella whined.

"stella, you're pregnant with twins, the doctors say you're allowed to gain up to forty pounds because of the double bundle. You've only gained twenty." Zoe said.

"Does it really show that much?" stella asked nervously.

"Yeah, it's called twins." Beth sighed.

"You're right. Sorry, I've just been off today." stella said.

"We can tell." Trisha said.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" stella scowled.

"You're mood swings are giving us all whiplLincoln." Tia giggled.

"You think this is funny?" stella hissed.

"Not really." Angelica said.

"Good, because it's not." stella growled.

"We believe you stella. Calm down." Megan said. stella took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

After school

Lincoln and stella went to work. stella was still remarkably calm, now that all her mood swings had run their course.

"I'm sorry." stella said quietly.

"For what?" Lincoln asked confused at the sudden apology.

"For being so bitchy and hormonal today." stella said.

"stella, if you thought I couldn't handle your mood swings, you're wrong. I expect your mood swings, and while they are random, it's not unexpected when they do hit." Lincoln said as they pulled up to the game shop.

"Still, I was just a total mess today." stella said.

"It's nothing to apologize about." Lincoln said.

"Can you just forgive me so I won't feel guilt and stress over it?" stella said.

"I forgive you, even though it is unnecessary." Lincoln chuckled as stella let out a sigh of relief before they got out of the car and went into the game shop.

1 week later

Lincoln lay in his room on his bed unable to sleep.

"Ok, what's with the lack of sleep?" Pikachu asked.

"I have a lot on my mind." Lincoln admitted after a moment of silence.

"As in?" Pikachu questioned.

"Well what do you think?" Lincoln replied sarcastically.

"stella and the babies?" Pikachu asked.

"Yeah." Lincoln replied.

"Well, what about them?" Pikachu asked, not fully understanding what was wrong.

"I love her and I want to be there for her and the babies, but I don't want people thinking that I'm just doing it because she's pregnant with my kids." Lincoln sighed.

"And since when have you cared what people thought?" Pikachu asked.

"I don't know. I just don't want stella to get criticized as trapping me into marriage. That's not how it is." Lincoln said.

"When did I ever mention marriage lover boy." Pikachu chuckled as Lincoln flushed.

"Shut up." Lincoln growled.

"Sorry. Look, if you care about her then take the next step." Pikachu said.

"I don't know how." Lincoln said.

"Ask your sisters and your brothers-in-law. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out." Pikachu said.

"Ok. Thanks Pikachu." Lincoln said before rolling over and going to sleep.

The next day, Saturday

Lincoln drove over to mallow and lillie's place. They didn't live in the same home, just in a duplex. He had called and warned them earlier so they had the door open and were waiting when he pulled up.

"So where's the baby mama?" lillie asked curiously.

"She's at her house either doing homework or taking her afternoon nap." Lincoln replied.

"So what is it you need to talk to us about?" mallow asked.

"I don't know where to go from here." Lincoln said as he sat on the couch.

"In yours and stella's relationship?" lillie asked.

"Yeah." Lincoln said.

"Do you care about her?" mallow asked.

"Is that a trick question?" Lincoln asked sarcastically.

"Do you honestly see yourself with anyone else in the future?" lillie asked.

"No." Lincoln replied.

"Would you honestly want to be with anyone else?" mallow asked.

"No." Lincoln said.

"Do you always want to be with her?" lillie asked.

"Yes." Lincoln replied.

"Can you financially support her and your two children?" mallow asked.

"Yeah." Lincoln chuckled.

"Ok, so marry her." lillie said with an eye roll.

"I knew you would say that." Lincoln replied.

"So why bother talking to us when you knew what we were going to say?" mallow asked confused.

"Verification. I do listen to you guys, though you may not always believe me, still, I do." Lincoln chuckled.

"Good to know. So, have you bought a ring yet?" lillie asked.

"No, but I'm going to now. Thanks guys." Lincoln chuckled as he got up and left the duplex and towards the jewelry store.

2 hours later

As Lincoln drove to the Blakely home he saw stella get into the car with her friends, Beth was driving.

"I don't think I could have planned that better." Lincoln chuckled to himself as they drove away. He pulled up and parked. He sat in his car for a moment, taking a deep breath. This was huge for him and he knew it was; his nerves were finally catching up to him.

"It's now or never." Lincoln said as he got out of his car and walked up to the home. He knocked on the door and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally someone answered; it was Jason, stella's father, just the person Lincoln wanted to talk to.

"Afternoon Lincoln. You just missed stella; she went out with her friends just a few moments ago." Jason said smiling.

"I saw them leave as I pulled up. I actually wanted to talk to you sir." Lincoln said.

"Oh, alright, come on in then." Jason said confusion in his tone as they walked into the living room.

"Mister Blakely, as you know, your daughter is pregnant with my twins." Lincoln said in a serious tone catching Jason's attention instantly.

"Yes, I am aware of such an obvious fact." Jason said with a hint of humor in his tone.

"But I want to verify with you that I do care and love your daughter." Lincoln said.

"That is good to hear; again I could tell and was confident in the fact." Jason said with a smile.

"What I'm trying to say, or ask in this case is, can I marry your daughter?" Lincoln finally spat out.

"You have my blessing Lincoln." Jason said smiling.

"Thank you." Lincoln said happily.

"So, when are you going to ask her and do you have a ring?" Jason asked leaning back into the chair.

"Tonight and yes I do have a ring." Lincoln said as he stood and left with a smile on his face.

Later that night

I wonder what Lincoln wants, he sounded urgent. stella thought as she waited for Lincoln to come pick her up. Lincoln pulled up in his car, anticipation and anxiety flowing through him as stella walked over and got inside the car.

"So what's the rush?" stella asked as she closed the door.

"It's a surprise." Lincoln chuckled. They drove a distance, talking a little here or there. stella couldn't shake the feeling that this was important to Lincoln and desperately wanted to know. Just as her patience was wearing thin the car stopped and there they were, parked on an overlook of the city, the sky was lavender and pink and orange with the sunset. They got out of the car and stella looked over the scene, Lincoln next to her.

"It's so calm up here and pretty." stella said with a sigh.

"Yeah, that was the main reason I wanted to come here for this." Lincoln said, his hands going into his pockets and retrieving the box.

"For what?" stella asked before she turned and saw Lincoln on one knee. It all hit her.

"stella, I love you, now more than I ever have and not just because you are carrying our children but because you are the most beautiful and wonderful woman I could ever hope for. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?" Lincoln asked as he opened the box to reveal the beautiful ring, three diamonds were in it, one large one in the middle and two small ones on opposing sides.

"Yes, oh my god, yes I will marry you Lincoln!" stella said, tears welling her eyes as Lincoln stood smiling and gently removed the promise ring and put on the engagement ring. stella hugged Lincoln as tightly as she could after he slipped on the ring.

"I love you." stella said smiling.

"I love you too stella." Lincoln replied as he pulled her closer, a smile on his face.

stella was grateful it was spring break because she and Lincoln needed the time to figure out the plans for their wedding. They had already agreed that they would wait six months after the babies are born, which gave them seven months or so, stella was due in a month. The dress and cake would be the last things to be chosen, but that didn't hinder anything else.

"When did you say you wanted to get your dress again?" Renee asked stella as they sat there with pen and paper.

"Four months after the twins are born." stella said.

"What did you and Lincoln agree on for the color theme since it will be in November." Cally asked.

"Fall colors, since that will be available." stella replied as she looked at her notes.

"Lincoln, when did you say you were getting your tux?" Beth asked, looking over to the boys who were trying to think of things to add.

"Around the same time stella gets her dress." Lincoln replied.

"Ok, so by fall theme, you mean like reds and oranges and gold's and brown colors right?" Zoe asked.

"Yes. I want the men to wear black tuxes of course, but that's a given." stella said with a shrug.

"Let's go talk colors and décor somewhere else. The guys need to think up stuff." Beth giggled as the girls walked off.

"It's only April and you guys are going all out. Have you gotten a venue yet?" Chad asked, rubbing his temples.

"Yeah, we've got that and a date set, it's just all the other stuff." Lincoln said.

"So why do we have to make a ton of lists now?" Jace asked.

"So that we have it all figured out by the time the twins are born." Lincoln yawned.

"It makes sense, but my brain is fried man." Bo groaned.

"Hey think about it like this, I'm just prepping you for later on." Lincoln chuckled.

"Oh shut up." Bo hissed.

"Alright, so the flowers are red roses and white calla lilies." Cally said.

"Correct." stella replied.

"Ok, so we have colors, attire, flowers, and certain dates set. The cake can come pretty much last. Have you guys figured out a caterer yet?" Renee asked.

"No, we've been looking, but with work Lincoln's hours being longer than mine, and school coming to a close it's hard to actually go out and look. I'm glad that Lincoln got this Saturday off, otherwise this would much longer than it already has." stella sighed.

"True and we've gotten a good amount accomplished. Once school ends, we can definitely figure out the other arrangements." Zoe giggled.

"By the time school ends I'll be a full time mom of twins." stella reminded, earning a kick from the twins as if to confirm.

"So, how does it feel knowing in a month you'll be a dad?" Robby asked.

"I was scared at first, but now I'm actually excited. I want to see what my son and daughter will look like." Lincoln said with a smile, unknowing of the dark man lurking outside the home.

"So, Lincoln Test is going to be a father, and the girl with the lightning bolt in her hair is his fiancée and the mother of his twins. That's how I'll destroy him, and he won't know what hit him." The man chuckled darkly before quietly slipping away into the night, leaving the happy and tired teens to continue their planning, unaware of the new threat that now befell Lincoln and stella.

April 30th

The buzzing of his phone woke him from his sleep. Looking over, Lincoln saw that stella's mother was calling and that immediately sent off alarms in his head.

"Hello Misses Blakely. Is there something wrong?" Lincoln asked.

"Is stella with you?" she asked frantically.

"No, why?" Lincoln asked, his heart accelerating.

"Lincoln, we can't find her." Misses Blakely said. Lincoln hung up, got up and dressed and then bolted out the door to his car and then to stella's house where there were cop cars swarming the place.

"Now ma'am, when did you last see your daughter?" The officer asked.

"Last night around ten thirty as she went to her room to go to bed." Misses Blakely replied.

"Sir, we don't have time for these questions, she is heavily pregnant with twins, and her due date is in a week." Jason said grimly. The officer's eyes widened as he put out the report, holding a picture of stella in his hand. Lincoln turned around and walked back to his car, anger leaking from his pores.

"Where are you going Lincoln?" Jason asked.

"To visit a few old friends of mine who might have some answers." Lincoln said in a deadly tone before getting in his car and driving off.

"First on my list, Eugene Hamilton." Lincoln growled.

With stella

"What? Ugh, where am I?" stella asked as she opened her eyes. She didn't recognize where she was, but from what she could tell she was in someone's basement, and upon looking around it, this person had to be a sci-fi nerd, what with all the green space ships and space weapons. She then noticed her arms were shackled to the wall and above her head.

"Are you scared girl?" a voice called out. stella jumped slightly at the echo but started to look around to try and pinpoint where the voice was coming from.

"No, I'm irritated and uncomfortable, but not scared." stella said honestly. A man, dressed in green, walked out from the shadows.

"You're seriously not scared of me?" the man asked.

"No, and why is everything in here shaped like vegetables?" stella asked annoyed.

"Well I am Dark Vegan, what did you expect?" The older man growled. stella rolled her eyes.

"So how long exactly are you planning on keeping me here?" stella asked.

"Until I can destroy Lincoln Test." Dark Vegan growled.

Back with Lincoln

"I'm telling you Test, I don't have her. Feel free to look about my mansion, but I seriously do not have your fiancée." Eugene groveled on the ground, beaten, bloodied and battered up by a very pissed off Lincoln. Lincoln rummaged through the house for the next few hours before coming up with nothing.

"I told you she wasn't here." Eugene whined. Lincoln started to walk towards the door before stopping and turning to face him.

"You tell anyone that I was here and I won't hesitate to beat the living shit out of you, understood?" Lincoln growled. Eugene nodded in fear as Lincoln left, slamming the door on his way out.

"Well, now time to pay Mister Mittens a house call." Lincoln said as he cracked his knuckles. In no time at all he arrived at the crazed cat's home, being allowed in by the butler. Lincoln immediately walked up to the cat and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck.

"Ach! What do you want boy?" Mittens hissed.

"Are you the one who abducted my fiancée?" Lincoln growled.

"Why would I want to do that? I gave up trying to take over the world and destroy you two years ago." Mittens growled before Lincoln let him drop.

"Mind if I look around?" Lincoln said as he started to walk off.

"Like you'd listen if I said no, but I have nothing to hide." Mittens said as he dusted himself off.

Meanwhile with stella

"So where do I get to sleep Dark Vegan?" stella asked as the ache in her shoulders grew.

"Right there." He said monotone.

"You're kidding right?" stella asked her eyes bugging out of her skull.

"No." Dark Vegan said cruelly before leaving to go back upstairs.

"When are you going to let me go?" stella shouted.

"After I destroy Lincoln Test!" the man yelled before laughing psychotically and slamming the door shut, leaving her the dank smelling basement.

6 p.m.

Lincoln had spent almost the whole day searching thru Eugene's home and Mitten's home before he had to stop, and he hated himself for stopping. His gut was wound into tiny tight knots with fear for his fiancée and unborn children. As he walked inside, his head hanging low Pikachu walked over and tried to comfort him, like any good dog.

"You'll find her." Pikachu said smiling.

"She's due in a week, but the doctor said she could be early because the babies were moving earlier than they expected. I'll start first thing tomorrow." Lincoln said.

"You have school tomorrow, it's Monday." Pikachu deadpanned. Lincoln's eyebrows knitted together in frustration before suddenly he got an idea and pulled out his phone and dialing a number quickly.

"Hey, Agent Black, can I ask you and Agent White a favor?" Lincoln said once Agent Black answered.

With stella

Her stomach growled mercilessly and her unborn twins kicked in protest. She heard yelling from upstairs.

"She's heavily pregnant and needs to eat!" a woman's voice shouted.

"She's Lincoln Test's fiancée! She'll get just as punished as he will!" Dark Vegan shouted.

"Her children could get sick and be in critical condition before they're even born. Do you want that on your conscious! I'm going to feed her and loosen her shackles, and so help me if you try to stop me I will call our daughter!" the woman shouted before stella heard her feet stomping across the floor above her and then towards the basement door. The lights flLincolned on, temporarily blinding stella. stella blinked her eye open as she heard the shackles being loosened so they would be making her shoulders sore, and also the delicious smell of vegetable soup tickled her nose as the woman handed it to her.

"Here you are dear." The woman said kindly.

"Thank you." stella said before taking the bowl and eating the soup.

"I'm sorry you got drug into all of this, but if I try to free you now, he'll just try to capture you again. Only Lincoln and my daughter can stop him." The woman said sadly.

"What's his beef with Lincoln anyway?" stella asked. The woman went into the story and once she was done stella looked at her.

"So, basically your husband is just upset because he wants to go home, but is mad because you don't have the capabilities of making toast on your home planet?" stella said.

"In a nut shell, yes. I don't get why he just won't let it go, figure out how to use electricity on our home planet so he can stop trying to destroy Lincoln and the earth." The woman said annoyed.

"Don't worry, if I know my fiancée well enough, he's not going to stop looking, and while in school, he's probably called in the back up forces to look for me. I'll be out of here in no time." stella said optimistically, half way convincing herself. She knew the first part was true, but she wasn't so sure about the other half about the cavalry.

"I wish I could give you something better to sleep on other than the floor, but he won't allow it." The woman said, interrupting stella's thoughts.

"He really hates Lincoln that much all because he blames him for his problems." stella said in shock.

"There's no reasoning with that man." The woman sighed before getting up and going back up the stairs to her room. stella tried to make herself a little more comfortable before hearing the light footsteps of the woman bringing her a pillow and blanket. stella huddled down into the blanket and lay there, hoping that Lincoln would find her and manage to get her out of this mess before she went into labor.

4 days later, May 4th

Lincoln had managed to check Brain Freeze, the rich snobby kid, he even checked the Tickler's and Wacko's mansions while the others checked every known criminal, and still came up with nothing. Lincoln was wracking his brain, free to do so because it was now Friday afternoon. He was pacing the room so much he was making himself dizzy.

"Where the hell could she be and who could've taken her." Lincoln grumbled.

At Dark Vegan's

stella was only fed once a day, which wasn't helping her feel any better, and to make it worse, she was having mild contractions. The house was empty, but the restraints were solid and stella let out a whimper. It was hurting more today and she began to fear the worst. Just then a door slammed upstairs.

"Mommy. Daddy. I'm home!" a nasally voice sounded, though it was lower pitch. The basement door opened and the figure of a young woman appeared in the doorway.

"Hello. Is anyone down here?" the voice called out as the footsteps grew until stella could see the girl with long green hair.

"Oh my god! Who are you and why are chained in my parents basement?" the girl gasped, running over to stella and fiddling with the chains until finding the keys and unlocking them.

"My name is stella Blakely, and your dad kidnapped me to use me as bait to get…gah!" stella gasped in pain as she felt her water break as the other shackle was released.

"Your water broke! Ok, I'll call…" Bonnie started.

"No, call Lincoln Test." stella cried.

"Oh…fuck my father is such an asshole!" Bonnie shouted as she grabbed stella's phone and called Lincoln.

"stella? Oh my god are you ok?" Lincoln's voice said frantically.

"This is Bonnie , I just got here, her water broke, and you know where my dad's house is." Bonnie said quickly before Lincoln hung up. Within moments of the call Lincoln rushed down the stairs, to the basement and grabbed stella, calling nine one one the whole time. The ambulance arrived just a few moments after and they quickly drove stella to the hospital. They got her in the room and into the gown as fast as they could before a strong contraction hit. Lincoln was finally allowed into the room after dawning the approved wear and rushed over to stella, lending his left hand to her, which she took and squeezed.

7 hours later

"Push stella, I can see the first ones crown." The doctor said. Lincoln had lost all feeling in his hand but hearing the doctor say that helped him to ignore the pain in his hand, knowing that he had it was mild compared to what stella was going through.

"Eight. Nine. Ten. Stop. Breathe." The doctor instructed. stella let out a few exhausted gasps. Her forehead was beaded with sweat. How she was even managing such a feat like this after being kept in a cold basement for four days was a miracle to him. The next ten minutes seemed to go by in a blur as another strong contraction gripped stella and she started to push. The next thing Lincoln knew, a small bloody child was seen coming from between stella's legs, the doctors cut the cord and used the weird blue gunk sucker thing and the infant let out a wail, declaring its arrival.

"Here is your daughter." The nurse said after cleaning and swaddling the girl in a pink blanket. stella's contractions stopped, and the doctors brought in the ultrasound equipment.

"Your son is not in the right position to come out yet. It may be a while before the contractions start up again. Are you feeling well, other than the obvious?" the doctor asked.

"All things considered, I'm fine, starved, but fine." stella said tiredly.

"I can't help you much on the food part until your son is born, but rest and you should be ok." The doctor said sincerely. stella nodded before Lincoln handed her their daughter. stella smiled and pulled her close to her, the baby slept peacefully.

"We agreed on Jennifer Anne Test correct?" stella asked as she kissed her daughter's forehead.

"Yes." Lincoln said smiling down at his fiancée and daughter.

"Hopefully your son will make his appearance so I can eat soon." stella said, looking annoyingly at her still swollen but now smaller stomach. A knock sounded at the door and Lincoln went over to get it. There was an officer standing there.

"I'll be back in a moment stella." Lincoln said as he left the room.

"Ok." stella said exhausted. Outside the door, there were a few officers and with them was Dark Vegan, glaring hatefully at Lincoln.

"This was the man who kidnapped her?" the officer asked Lincoln.

"Yes, his name is Dark Vegan." Lincoln growled.

"Why on Earth would you kidnap a pregnant young woman?" the officer asked.

"I want to destroy Lincoln Test! And I will do what I can to do so!" Dark Vegan announced. Bonnie walked over to her father.

"You would kill the lives of two innocent children because of your own stupidity. Look, I hooked up electricity on our home planet, and since I am the ruler of the planet, I can choose whether to let you back or not." Bonnie growled just as Lincoln heard a loud cry from inside the room and the light flLincolned on. Lincoln, along with several nurses and a doctor rushed back into the delivery room.

"She's fully dilated." The doctor said.

2 hours later

"One more push stella, you're so close." The doctor encouraged as stella caught her breath.

"Ready, and…push." The doctor ordered and stella pushed with all that she had, gripping Lincoln's hand as hard as she could, knowing that he had no feeling in it anymore. She felt a massive release and the doctor and nurse both quickly helped the baby out the rest of the way and cut the cord, being careful of his male parts and then cleaned him off.

"Circumcised or no?" the doctor asked. stella nodded tiredly as they took the baby back and in what seemed like a blur returned to the room with the little bundle swaddled in a blue blanket in an incubator.

"Once you've rested we'll bring in the paperwork for you to fill out." The nurse said to the tired couple. They changed the sheets and then let stella rest. Lincoln kissed her forehead, smiling.

"You did great stella." Lincoln said.

"I don't feel great, but I'm sure that's what most new moms say." stella replied with a tired smile before her stomach growled.

"I'll put in an order." Lincoln said before he left the room.

"How is she?" Bonnie asked concerned.

"Tired and hungry." Lincoln replied.

"And the twins?" Bonnie asked.

"Healthy." Lincoln replied with a slight smile.

"Mom snuck food to her when dad wasn't home or was asleep, that's why she's not nearly as bad as she could have been. He's going to be a prisoner on Veganden, but nonetheless, he will be coming back with me, as will mom." Bonnie said.

"Thanks Bonnie ." Lincoln said.

"No problem, I don't want my father near your two children, he's mentally unstable and god only knows what he would do." Bonnie said with a slight shudder.

"True. So see you later?" Lincoln asked.

"Someday, and who knows, maybe I'll have a loving husband and children by then too." Bonnie chuckled.

"I wouldn't doubt it, seeing as how you're already engaged." Lincoln chuckled as he indicated to the ring on her finger. Bonnie smiled, gave Lincoln a hug and then departed, her mother and father – in chains – right behind her. Lincoln continued to his task at hand, finding food for a very hungry and tired stella. Upon finding the cafeteria and making the order he returned to the room, after they said it would be just a few moments. stella looked up and smiled at Lincoln tiredly.

"I can't remember what we agreed on for him?" stella said as she held the sleeping baby boy.

"Jacob Kyle Test." Lincoln chuckled.

"Oh yeah. Can you blame me?" stella said with a yawn.

"No. the food should be up soon." Lincoln said as he sat down on the bed and watched as stella placed the baby back in his incubator next to his sister.

"I never thought I'd be a mother this young." stella murmured to herself.

"I never thought I'd be a father this young." Lincoln replied just as quietly. They sat there for a moment watching their two children sleep soundly.

"I especially thought I wouldn't have children with you." Lincoln said with a light chuckled.

"Same here." stella said smiling.

"But honestly, I wouldn't change it for anything." Lincoln said, pressing his forehead to hers.

"Same." stella replied, closing her eyes with a smile.

"I still haven't let my parents or your parents know yet." Lincoln said.

"You should get on that." stella smiled.

"I will…after we eat." Lincoln chuckled as the food came in.

"I have I told you that I love you?" stella giggled after getting her first bite of non-vegan food.

"No." Lincoln chuckled.

"I love you." stella giggled.

"I love you too and I'm sorry I wasn't there to keep you safe from that psychopath." Lincoln said, taking stella's hand in his.

"I'm not mad at you, but I'm just glad that Bonnie found me when she did otherwise…" stella started before Lincoln pressed a finger to her lips and then kissed her gently yet passionately, and in just that moment, all that was there was them and their children and the world all faded out.

.

The next day

The time stella had spent at Dark Vegan's place had really messed up her health. She was dehydrated and had only been fed once a day, no protein, and it was a small meal. She was able to produce milk for the twins, but she would need to recover if she intended to continue.

"I called Larry and let him know." Lincoln said walked into the room. He stopped when he saw her sitting up, the gown unbuttoned and her breast exposed as she guided Jennifer to her swollen nipple. Jennifer latched on and began to suckle greedily and Lincoln couldn't stop himself from watching, feeling an odd pang in his chest as he watched the most natural scene nature had. stella looked up and smiled when she saw Lincoln standing there with a look of awe on his face.

"Come here Lincoln." stella giggled. She still looked too tired in Lincoln's opinion, her face slightly sunken in and her eyes had rings around them. Lincoln walked over and took a seat and watched as his daughter suckled away. Once she stopped stella pulled the gown up, placed the burp blanket over her shoulder and began to gently pat the little girl's back until she let out a small burp.

"Lincoln, it is Saturday, you do have work." stella said tiredly.

"I know." Lincoln said with a stretch.

"So why are you still here, not that I'm complaining, but I don't want you to lose your job, we'll need all the money." stella said as she placed Jennifer back into the incubator with her brother.

"I already let Larry know I would be in late and work later because of it." Lincoln said. Just then the door opened and in walked the families. stella's mother ran over to them, frantic as any mother would be.

"Are you alright dear?" She asked.

"Tired, sore, and hungry, but yes, I'm fine." stella said with a yawn. Her mother reached down and cupped her cheek before realizing that her stomach was mostly flat.

"Where are my grandchildren?" She asked.

"Sleeping, I just fed Jennifer." stella said pointing to the incubator just as Jacob began to get fussy. stella started to rise, but Lincoln was quicker. He walked over the incubator and picked up his son for the second time since he was born. His little eyes opened and he looked at his father with curiosity until a small smile graced his lips and he gripped his father's shirt tighter. Lincoln smiled back at his small son before he walked over to stella where he carefully passed him off to stella. stella helped Jacob to her swollen nipple and he suckled away, even more greedy than his sister. lillie smiled as she and mallow walked into the room.

"He has Lincoln's appetite." mallow joked.

"Shut up." Lincoln chuckled to his sisters.

"Where are the husbands?" stella asked, looking up from her suckling son.

"They wanted to give you some privacy." lillie chuckled. stella laughed and then started to burp her son once he finished his suckling.

"You can let them know they're allowed in now." stella giggled. Brock and Clemont came in with smiles as they looked at the two little bundles.

"That is like totally awesome." Brock chuckled.

"Thanks." Both Lincoln and stella replied.

"Guys, we should go, stella needs her rest." Lila said after admiring her grandchildren. In a way, she always knew Lincoln would be the first of her three children to make her a grandma, not thinking any less of her daughters, but they had taken forever to finally get boyfriends, let alone husbands. Lincoln leaned down and kissed stella gently before he and the others left. When Lincoln arrived at work Larry smiled.

"So how does it feel being a new dad?" Larry asked.

"Pretty good." Lincoln smiled.

2 days later, Monday

Lincoln handed a note to every one of stella's teachers telling them she was in the hospital recovering from her birthing his twins and being kept hostage for four days.

"I want to see the babies!" Beth squealed.

"I can call and ask if she would let you guys come and see them." Lincoln said as he pulled out his phone. They all nodded their heads as Lincoln called stella.

"Hey." stella said, her voice tired.

"Did I wake you up?" Lincoln asked.

"No, I woke about five minutes ago." stella giggled lightly.

"Ok. Our buddies want to come see the kids." Lincoln chuckled.

"I'm ok with it." stella said.

"Cool and I want to talk to you about something that has been on my mind." Lincoln said. stella almost asked but decided to wait until he got there.

"Ok. See you in a few." stella said before they hung up.

Twenty minutes later

stella heard a gentle knock on the door.

"I'm decent." stella giggled as she held her two sleeping children. Lincoln and the friends all walked in quietly. Beth, Renee, Cally, Zoe, Megan, Angelica, Leslie, Trisha and Tia all bee-lined for stella to look at the sleeping babies. Jacob blinked awake and turned to hide in his mother's bosom. They could see his crystal blue eyes and tuft of blonde hair with a light orange tip on it.

"He's so cute." Renee cooed quietly. Lincoln walked over and at the sight of his father Jacob extended his small chubby arms to him. Lincoln smiled and picked up his still drowsy son and held him as he fell back asleep. Lincoln's friends all walked over and smiled at the sight of the little baby in his father's arms.

"He knows who his father is." Bo chuckled.

"Yeah." Lincoln said as he sat down in the chair next to stella.

"So what did you want to talk about?" stella asked.

"I was wondering if you would like to move in." Lincoln asked. stella looked at him in awe and smiled.

"I would like that, but I'll have to let my parents know and get some stuff packed." stella replied.

"I know, but I'm glad you want to move in with me, that way we can both raise the kids." Lincoln said with a smile.

"But we do need to find a place to live though." stella replied.

"We can do that later." Lincoln said with a smile.

2 days later

stella was feeling better and looked less tired than she had a few days ago. She still hadn't told her parents or Lincoln's for that matter, that she was moving in with Lincoln so that they could both raise the kids under one roof. Today her parents would visit, bringing up new clothes for the babies since they could dirty theirs faster than they could keep them clean. She planned on today telling her parents of her decision.

"Are you decent?" Her mother's voice called.

"Yes, the twins are taking a nap." stella smiled. Her parents walked in quietly and took their seats next to her bed.

"So I have something important to tell you?" stella said after a moment of silence.

"Either you're moving in with him or he's moving in with us." Her father said.

"Is it really that obvious?" stella asked with a nervous smile.

"No, but it makes sense. And we support your decision, whatever it may be." Her mother said.

"I'm moving in with him until we can get our own place." stella said.

"It's overall better for the babies and for you guys, that way you can work out a schedule of sorts for when they wake up in the middle of the night." Her mother said with a sad smile.

"Mom, just because I'm moving out doesn't mean I won't see you." stella said as she took her mother's hand.

"I know dear, but your still my baby girl and I'll just have to learn that you're now a mother too and have to live on your own." Her mother said smiling but stella could see the moisture building in her eyes causing her to feel that clutch on her heart.

"Mom, now you're going to make me cry." stella whimpered. Both women hugged as small tears of sadness and joy rolled down their faces and eventually subsided after about forty or so minutes.

"I love you mom." stella said as they pulled apart.

"I love you too dear heart." Her mother said as she wiped her eyes and stood to leave, her husband had to be to work in ten minutes.

"We'll see you soon sweetie." Her father said.

"Yup." stella said just before the door closed quietly behind them. stella looked to her two sleeping babies and now understood why parents were so protective yet strict, these two small bundles meant the world to stella and Lincoln, and she would do anything to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

"I love you both so much." stella whispered before finally deciding to take a small nap herself.

Last day in the hospital

stella was eager to get out of the hospital. The thought of school didn't sound that appealing to her, but she would deal with it if it meant leaving this boring place. Her parents and Lincoln had packed up her things and gotten them over to Lincoln's in the last few days, so she was all ready to live there. stella finished dressing her son and daughter when a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?" stella chirped.

"Your fiancée." Lincoln chuckled as he opened the door.

"You could have waited just a few more seconds before barging in." stella scolded. Lincoln rolled his eyes as he walked over to her and his children, as they lay there on the bed, his son was wiggling around while his daughter was making bubbles with her spit. Lincoln chuckled at his two small children and then helped stella get them buckled into the carriers before they walked out of the room, checked out and went to the parking lot.

"stella my darling, I have come to ask for you to…" Eugene's annoying voice carried on before stopping as he saw them walk out with the carriers.

"Shove off Eugene. I have been kidnapped, and hardly fed, and then went into labor for nine hours to deliver an eight pound three ounce son and a seven pound two ounce daughter, and have spent the last week in the hospital recovering from both events. I'm tired, sore, and really fucking crabby, so go ahead and pull your shitty Casanova act on me, because I will fucking de-ball you the moment you even try." stella growled, her whole body going tense and her eyes turning deadly. Eugene stepped closer and looked at the two small bundles in their carriers. Both babies had blonde hair and blue eyes, the boy had red-orange tips, as did the girl but just starting was a small red lightning streak.

"And I suppose you didn't get the memo, but Lincoln and I are engaged now. Now go away." stella said, walking right up to him and staring him down.

"Fine. After all these years of tying, Test finally wins." Eugene grumbled as he turned on his heel and walked away, head hanging low. As they buckled up the kids and drove towards Lincoln's place stella began to fear and grow annoyed as to what would await her at school.

"Not looking forward to going back to school." stella groaned.

"I know." Lincoln said.

"Who'll watch the kids?" stella asked as if the question suddenly dawned on her.

"My sisters, they already volunteered. Your parents also offered in case the girls got too busy with work, so either way." Lincoln chuckled.

"Ok, that makes me feel a little better." stella said, relief flooding her voice as the new, probably dramatic day of school tomorrow ahead tomorrow began to creep its way back into her mind.

The next day

stella felt nervous for quite a few reasons.

"Dear, don't worry, we've taken care of babies before." Her mother assured her.

"I know." stella said, though worry still seeped through her voice. She hadn't been so much as ten feet away from her children for a whole week and now here she was leaving her two children with her parents to go back to school. She didn't want to put up with the nimrods at school. stella walked back with Lincoln to his car, his thumb rubbing her hand soothingly in hopes to calm her nerves. stella only grew more nervous as they got closer to the school. Her heart was racing the moment they pulled into the parking lot and the car turned off. She clutched her backpack to her.

"I don't know how this feels for you, but just look at it this way, about a month left of school and then we won't have to see ninety percent of these people ever again." Lincoln chuckled, making her let out a laugh.

"Thanks." stella said as she opened the door and waited for Lincoln to catch up with her. People of course stared, she had been missing for almost two weeks, and luckily had the time to catch up on all the homework she had missed.

"Oh look whose back, the pregger who was 'kidnapped' so she could get more attention than she already was. So, where exactly were you?" Janet hissed. stella rolled her eyes as they walked by.

"Hospital." stella replied simply. She had always known that Janet was immature, but now she seemed to be even more so, maybe that was because she was now a mother.

"Why?" Janet said snidely.

"Uh, let me see, I gave birth to twins." stella said in a mock stupid tone.

"So why are you here?" Janet asked angrily.

"Because I want a high school diploma." stella said.

"You're a bad mom." Janet said.

"My parents are only babysitting them for the school day, and then I pick them up and take care of them for the other eighteen hours. Besides, what the hell would you know about being a mother you two-bit slut." stella hissed. Janet glared as stella and Lincoln walked by. As they went to their first class stella couldn't help but get the feeling that everyone was staring at her. Just as they got to their class room Bumper walked up with a sick grin on his face.

"Well, if it isn't the MILF I've been looking for." Bumper said, getting just a little too close before Lincoln threw a hard punch.

"Don't ever fucking talk to my fiancée like that ever again." Lincoln growled as Bumper cowered away. stella couldn't help but giggle a little as they walked in and too their seats.

"What's so funny?" Lincoln asked.

"You when you get violently protective." stella giggled. Lincoln chuckled just before class started. The teacher walked over to stella, his eyes steely.

"Are you sure you should even be here? You missed nearly two weeks of school." The teacher said harshly. stella reached into her backpack and pulled out all the homework she had caught up on.

"I had some free time in the hospital. I mean, only getting five hours of sleep with two crying babies can give someone a lot of time." stella said with a smug tone as the teacher took it and read it over, his eyes going wide.

"These are all correct? How?" the man asked as the class stared.

"My fiancée did help me a little, but once I learned and read his notes, it was easy." stella said. The teacher stared at her, in awe and admiration. Most girls quit school once they have children, but here was this young woman who was going out of her way to get through the last month of school and be a mother.

"Can we start the class now?" stella asked, feeling awkward under his gaze.

"Oh, yes." The man said as he went to the front of the class and started the lesson.

Lunch

The only other teacher to give her trouble was her third period teacher, but that was resolved quickly. stella had gotten used to small, non-pregnant portions again and was eating a salad happily.

"So now that you're not pregnant, you're going on a mild diet?" Lincoln asked confused.

"I know I don't have much baby fat, but still, I just want to be healthier. And this salad is really good." stella giggled. Lincoln rolled his eyes at his silly fiancée before kissing her cheek.

"I need to check in with mom." stella said before pulling out her phone and calling her mother.

"Hi mom, how are the kids?" stella asked and waited. Lincoln watched as relief flooded her face.

"Ok, that's good to hear…don't forget their nap…I know you've raised kids before mother…Mom, how nervous were you when you had me?...Exactly, so you know what I'm going through, only I have double the worry…Ok, love you too. See you in a few hours." stella said before hanging up.

"I'm not even going to try saying relax, because I know you, but they'll be fine dear. I trust your mother, and you obviously trust you mother." Lincoln said as he rubbed her shoulders.

"I know, but I haven't been this far away from them before." stella said with a slight whine.

"We'll get used to it…eventually." Lincoln said with slight humor. In all honesty, he was nervous about them too, but he didn't want stella to notice his nerves getting to him. As they continued to talk and eat lunch Lincoln couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He looked over his shoulder to see Bumper and his thugs glaring at him and stella.

"Hey Test!" Bumper shouted. Lincoln turned around, annoyed at his consistent badgering.

"What?" Lincoln replied.

"You, me, flag pole, now." Bumper said with a smirk.

"Fuck off Bumper; I'm not stooping to your pitiful level. And if you won, it wouldn't change a damn thing between stella and me, so just forget it." Lincoln said annoyed as Bumper's face reddened with anger as he stood. Lincoln remained seated, not willing to partake in his little game. Bumper stomped over and stood in front of Lincoln, his face red and his teeth bared.

"Come on you chicken." Bumper taunted. Lincoln rolled his eyes as he turned back around to finish off his lunch. Bumper pulled back his fist and just as he flung it forward, Lincoln ducked and continued his eating.

"I can dodge you all day." Lincoln chuckled before the bell rang, dismissing them to their fourth class.

1 week later

It was bad enough when stella was counting down the hours to get out of the school on a daily basis, but now she was counting down the hours to get our of school period. She was at her wits end with all the shit she was getting from the idiots at the school tired of getting flirted with even though half the student body and faculty knew she was engaged.

"Fuck I hate people." stella hissed as she got into Lincoln's car at the end of another long school day.

"You're telling me, they just don't seem to get that you didn't hook me into this engagement, I chose to ask for your hand." Lincoln said as they started to drive off.

"Just three weeks left and then we can leave a good portion of those idiots behind." stella sighed as they arrived at mallow and lillie's place to pick up the kids.

"Were they good?" stella asked.

"Jacob decided to pee on me while I changed his diaper, and Jennifer spit up three times. Other than that, yes, perfect little angels." lillie said. stella giggled slightly as they picked up the twins.

"Just think of this as preparing you for the future." stella said with a smile.

"Very funny stella." mallow laughed. Once the twins were buckled into their seats Lincoln started the car as stella got into the passenger seat.

"So, I've been thinking we need a place of our own." Lincoln said, pulling up to a stop light.

"I agree, don't get me wrong, you're parents are really kind to let me stay, but we do need to get out on our own." stella agreed as Jacob giggled in the back and Jennifer stared out the window with a small smile.

"And sometimes my dad can really get…" Lincoln started.

"Overbearing and be a control freak?" stella added with a smile as they pulled into the grocery store parking lot and got the carriers out of the car.

"Precisely. So, what's on my parents list and what's on our list?" Lincoln asked as they walked into the store and grabbed a cart for each, placing the babies in a cart in their carriers.

"Let's tackle your parents list first, and then we'll handle our things." stella said as they headed off into the store.

Two weeks later, June, Senior dismissal

stella smiled as they started their walk across the gym. Would there be moments she missed she would look back on and cherish from high school, yes, would there be teachers she missed, again yes, but what she would not miss was the drama and bull shit she and Lincoln got from most of their class. She would get to spend more time with her babies at home, and might actually get to go back to work in the near future. That was what she was most excited about, and she could tell, Lincoln was the same way. As they walked out of the school they looked back at the high school and smiled.

"The years have been crazy." Lincoln chuckled.

"And while there will be some things I will miss, thank god we're done. All that's left is graduation in a week and then we are done." stella said.

"After we graduate and before I start college, since you want to take a year off and take care of the kids and get back into work, we should get a nice two bedroom apartment." Lincoln said as they walked to the car.

"I would like that, a lot." stella smiled as they drove off to the house and their children.

Third-person POV

"Take THAT!" Lincoln shouted while playing a game. "Lincoln, what did we say about yelling Indoors?" Pearl said from downstairs while holding a basket of clothes. "Not to do It?" Lincoln questioned as Pearl laughed.

Lincoln set down his controller, walked over to the steps formed a bubble and rolled down the steps effortlessly.

Amethyst drank from the milk carton and ate a package of crackers, plastic and all "You hungry Lil dude?" Amethyst questioned. "No, I'm good. I'm actually going to have lunch with stella."

Lincoln smiled. "Have fun with you're GIRLFRIEND Lincoln!" Amethyst mocked. Pearl nudged her with an elbow "Have a nice time Lincoln. Where are you going to eat?" Pearl said. Lincoln grabbed his bag and said, "It's a surprise." Lincoln smiled widely and just then his phone rang, he looked at the caller ID and excitedly answered

"Hey Jam bud!" Lincoln said, walking pushing the screen door open to walk onto the patio.

stella answered back "Hey Biscuit!" He could hear the happiness In her voice.

"You ready for the Picnic?" Said, Lincoln. "Ready as I'll ever be!" stella exclaimed. "I'll pick you up on Lion, see you soon" Lincoln explained.

stella POV

"Alright." stella agreed and reluctantly hung up. She loved hearing his voice, she could not stop thinking about him.

She blushed at the thought of him picking her up for lunch Is this a date? She thought to herself and then tried to snap out of her love-stricken trance.

No, Lincoln would not even like someone like me, we are just friends.

Well, best friends she smiled to herself at the thought of him.

Just then I looked up to see Lion and Lincoln emerging from the rose-colored portal.

"HEYY stella!" Lincoln waved.

"Hey!" I walked over to Lion and before I could hop on Lincoln reached out his hand to help me up. I blushed a tiny bit and took his hand while hopping on.

Lincoln's face got a red tint from me mocking him

"Such a gentlemen." I joked.

"Haha, I'm just treating you how you should be treated, like a lady." Lincoln blushed at the words he just said.

I blushed too and wrapped my arms around Lincoln's back ready for Lion to leap through the portal.

Lincoln smiled and patted lions head telling him to head to the Moonbase.

"Wait the Moonbase- " my words were cut short by Lion leaping forward and roaring to summon the portal.

After Lion traveled through the portal and to the Moonbase, Lion laid down and let Lincoln and me down.

Lincoln's POV

I helped stella off Lion's back and unzipped my backpack to pull out a Lion licker and gave It to Lion.

"It's a little melted but he should still like It," I said and looked at stella.

stella was looking around the walls of the Moonbase. I grabbed her hand and started to lead her up the stairs.

"Just wait until you see this! It's Incredible!" I said with excitement for her to see the upstairs.

"I trust you." stella laughed and followed me up the stairs.

As soon as she reached the top of the steps her eyes lit up in awe of the amazing view.

I blushed when I saw the beauty In eyes shimmering In the light. stella saw at me staring and I looked away blushing even more.

I cleared my throat to try and break the silence.

stella exclaimed, "It's so beautiful up here!"

It looked like she was blushing but I couldn't tell. God, I'm hopeless when It comes to girls. My eyes widened as I realized I was spacing out.

I quickly unzipped my bag and pulled out a blanket, then spread it out near the window so we could enjoy the view.

I pulled out the small pizza box I got from Fish Stew Pizza and handed a slice to stella while we sat down on the blanket, I jokingly said, "M'lady."

stella giggled while holding the slice and said "Why thank you, kind sir, " she took a bite of her slice and looked up at the amazing view.

I grabbed a slice for myself and ate some while glancing at stella.

She was so pretty If only I could tell her how I feel without risking our friendship. She's my best friend, I'm In love with my best friend. What a mess.

Just then I got snapped back to reality by stella waving her hands In front of my face "Yoohoo, Universe, you're staring again." stella explained.

I embarrassingly looked down, my face heating up "Sorry, I tend to do that a lot don't I? Heh." I tried to laugh it off and not come off as creepy.

stella POV

I think he likes me, he has been acting strange and this totally feels like a date! I blushed at the thought.

Okay, stella, you can do this! Just try and flirt! It will be easy..I hope.

I built up enough confidence and scooted closer to Lincoln and rested my head on his shoulder.

I did It! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh now he Is gonna think I'm creepy! What was I thinking! STUPID STUPID STUPID!

My face was as red as a tomato and I tried to just look like I was enjoying the view and not trying to flirt even tho It was obvious that I was. I waited a few seconds to glance at Lincoln and he was blushing too. He is so adorable when he blushes.

Lincoln saw me looking at him and he smiled at me, I literally died. The butterflies in my stomach we're going crazy and I smiled back as best I could trying to look as normal as possible without showing him how I could die this very moment from all the excitement.

Then quickly looked back at the sky above us trying not to stare.

Then I realized that he was happy and calm right now and he smiled at me. He doesn't think I was being weird he liked It. My heart fluttered. If he really likes me then should I tell him I felt the same way?

My thought was disturbed by the sound of the warp pad, everything went pink then I realized Lincoln had formed his bubble around both of us from being startled. I looked at Lincoln confused and he blushed.

I saw Garnet walking up the stairs and Lincoln unformed his bubble.

"Lincoln, stella, you need to come back to earth," Garnett said.

Lincoln looked at Garnett confused and asked, "Wait, why?"

Wait, why?" I questioned Garnet

"stella's mother has been calling her and when she didn't reply she called Pearl," Garnet explained.

I exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry I forgot I didn't get cell service on the moon."

"I should have remembered It's my fault too Lincoln," stella replied.

"Stop putting yourself down! I'm the one who was being an Idiot taking you on a date to the moon!" I stopped and realized what I just said. I said date. My heart raced when I looked at stella for her reaction. 8

She was blushing and looked at Garnet who was standing there with a big goofy smile on her face. 6

I probably looked more red then a Tomato while I was stuffing my bag with the blanket and the Pizza box zipping It up while Garnett was walking back towards the warp pad.

"Come on you two." I could hear the smile In her voice.

stella just stayed silent and followed Garnet.

"Wait, stella!" I said while slinging my backpack on my shoulder and catching up to her. 4

"Let's talk when we get back to earth, " she said while smiling and giggled.

I tried to hide my red face and agreed.

We ran down the steps and we both hopped on Lion. I told Lion to head to the temple.

stella wrapped her arms around me as Lion leaped through the portal and we could hear the Warp pad as Lion did so.

stella's POV

As Lion was landing on the sand outside of the beach house I could not help but blush at the thought of Lincoln calling our lunch date. I tried to flirt with him as well.

UGHH! Why are boys so difficult to understand! Why doesn't he just tell me he likes me? Was he nervous about his feelings? I know I was.

Then I heard Lincoln say "Uh, stella?" I realized I still hand my arms wrapped around Lincoln and Lion was already at the Beach house.

I blushed and removed my arms "S-sorry!" I replied.

Lincoln said "It's fine, " and smiled "but you should probably call your mom back, " he stated.

I blushed more and said, "Oh, yeah.." I grabbed my phone from my jean pocket and called my mom.

Lincoln and I both stepped off Lion, then Lion chased after a lizard.

Lincoln and I both giggled, I pulled the phone away from my ear while my mother was ranting about how she was so worried. I gave Lincoln a look of and he laughed, I laughed quietly so my mother wouldn't hear. My mother asked If I was okay and I replied: "Yes, I'm perfectly fine I just didn't have service." My mother sighed in relief and said I could stay a bit longer If I wanted to. 1

"Yes, I would love to!" I replied quickly.

Lincoln was on the Patio apologizing to Pearl and Garnet for all the drama when I said goodbye to my mother and ran up to Lincoln to tell him I could stay a bit longer.

He smiled widely, "We should take a walk or something!" Lincoln exclaimed.

Lincoln's POV

Amethyst walked out onto the patio after overhearing what stella said.

Amethyst shouted, "Yo Ste-Man you guys gonna make-out already or what?" 66

I awkwardly cleared my throat halfway through her sentence to try and take away from what Amethyst just rudely said.

"Amethyst!" Pearl exclaimed. "I'm sorry stella she Is always like this." Pearl apologized and rolled her eyes.

"It's okay." stella giggled at the situation.

I laughed too trying to be as un-awkward as possible. 3

"Do you wanna leave now?" I asked while fidgeting with the strap hanging down on my backpack.

I think stella noticed because she blushed a bit then agreed.

I waved goodbye to the gems while we walked to town. I could hear Pearl yelling at Amethyst and Amethyst laughing as we were walking further away.

We both laughed and kept walking.

"Where do you wanna go?" stella asked.

"Wanna go to Funland?" I replied and smiled.

"Sounds, FUN" she nudged me with her elbow.

I laughed at her pun and we walked to Funland.

Lincoln's POV

As we walked to Funland I could not stop thinking about what I said earlier about our lunch being a date. I blushed at the thought. I already know I'm In love with her so all I have to do Is tell her.. Hopefully I can confess to her without wussing out. What would she even say If I confessed to her? Would she say she liked me back?. Wait, does she like me? She is always blushing around me tho she could just be wearing blush... 2

WHACK! 5

"Ouch." I rubbed my forehead.

"You okay? You really hit that light pole hard, " stella asked putting her hand on shoulder. 2

"Yeah I'm good, I was just zoning out I guess," I explained.

We both realized her hand on my shoulder and blushed.

stella took her hand off and looked the other direction at the Ferris wheel.

"Hey, look were here!" stella exclaimed.

"What do you wanna do first?" I smiled.

"Hmm, what about the spinny thingy?" She asked.

"Which one is that?"

stella pointed to a ride called "Spinny thingy" 13

"Oh, that's what It's actually called."

We both laughed and headed towards the ride.

Mr. Smiley greeted us and let us on. We hopped inside and leaned against the walls of the ride and grabbed the handles.

( the ride Is you lean against the walls of this ride on the inside and hang on while the whole thing spins In circles) 4

We talked and laughed while we were waiting for the ride to start. The carnival music started playing and the ride started to spin.

We both laughed as the ride spun faster and changed directions quickly.

"WHOOO!!" stella shouted.

"AHHHHH!" I yelled.

stella looked at me and we both laughed.

The ride stopped and we dizzily walked off both laughing hysterically.

I wiped a tear from my eye from laughing too hard. We both tried to walk trying not to fall on our faces.

"Okay, I think we need to go on a more mellow ride next, " stella said.

"Ya think?" I smiled.

She playfully hit my arm and laughed.

I blushed and snickered.

GASP * "Look at that!!" stella exclaimed.

She was pointing at an adorable plush Lion that was a prize for a coin toss game.

stella looked at me "It's so fluffy I'm goNna DIEE!" referencing to despicable me and giggled. 7

I laughed and we both ran over to the game.

I looked stella In the eyes grabbed her hands and with a serious look on my face and said, "stella, I'm going to get you that stuffed lion If It's the last thing I do." I said trying to be as serious as I could trying not to laugh.

I meant it to be a joke but stella blushed and smiled.

I blushed too realizing how close we were.

The people behind us complained, "Are you two love birds gonna play or what?" 16

I cleared my throat and gave the person behind the counter a ticket I bought earlier. I got handed four plastic rings. And tried to toss the rings on the bottles, I missed one but got the other three on the bottles. Since the lion plush was not the biggest prize we won It.

stella picked It out excitedly and hugged me. We both blushed and wandered around looking for the next ride. stella suggested the Ferris wheel. 2

We both walked to the Ferris wheel gave the worker a ticket and sat down In the seat and pulled the bar down.

The sun was setting by now since we had been hanging out for a while, as the ride slowly raised us higher up we saw the amazing view of the setting sun glistening on the ocean.

stella's eyes lit up and she smiled when she saw the view.

I saw this as the perfect time to tell her how I felt. Just tell her that you have been In love with her since you were stuck in a bubble together, and you adore everything about her. Her smile, her laugh, her sense of humor, her intelligence, the way she looks at me. Okay maybe try to be less creepy. Just.. tell her. I built up enough courage and said, "stella?" I blushed

"Yeah?" stella asked.

"Uhm, I need to tell you something.." I looked to the side trying not to make eye contact.

"What Is It?" stella blushed.

"I uh, I really like you.." I stated and looked at her. 5

stella's POV

I blushed really hard and looked down.

Fidgeting with my bracelet.

"R-really?" I replied.

"Are you kidding me? I've basically liked you since the first time I saw you, you're personality is amazing and I can't believe someone like you would even be friends with me!"

I blushed even harder and grabbed his hand. "Lincoln, I like you too," I said with butterflies In my stomach.

We both looked red as tomatoes and I couldn't stop smiling.

Lincoln had this goofy grin on his face and he interlocked our fingers.

The Ferris wheel came to a stop and we both got out, still holding hands.

I blushed and smiled, realizing he just confessed his feelings to me. Does this mean we are dating now? Am I dating Lincoln universe now? I couldn't stop smiling as we walked out of Funland and along the beach. Chatting and laughing the whole way. Until we passed the Big donut and we looked at each other, from years of body language we Instantly knew, It's donut time. We both smiled and walked Inside still holding hands. 5

We walked up the counter

"Two donuts, please," Lincoln said.

Used to be Mayor, Dewy smiled and asked, "What kind?" 12

"Jelly filled!" I shouted and Lincoln laughed.

"Alright, two jelly-filled donuts coming right up," Dewy replied. 3

Lincoln let go of my hand and grabbed his wallet from his back pocket to pay. He handed Dewy four dollars for the donuts. Lincoln grabbed the bag put his wallet back in his pocket and Instantly grabbed my hand again

I blushed and smiled at him, we walked out thanking Dewy for the donuts. We walked out to the beach close to Lincoln's house but just on the other side of the hill.

We sat down on the beach and looked at the beautiful ocean and the moonlight shimmering on the water.

"Here Is you're donut, " Lincoln said while opening the bag and handing me a donut. 3

"Ah, thank you," I replied and took a bite.

Lincoln grabbed his donut and took a bite too.

Lincoln laughed when saw Jelly on my face and touched my face to wipe the jelly off with his finger, he licked the jelly off his finger and jokingly said "Mm! Delish." 1

I blushed and giggled. Lincoln was so sweet he always knew how to make me laugh.

We finished our donuts and started walking back to his house joking about how Lion would think we replaced him with the plushie.

As the cold ocean breeze hit my face I could feel how warm his hand was. I laid my head on his shoulder and blushed as we walked the short distance back to his house. Right before we came into view from the patio I took my head off his shoulder and Lincoln let go of my hand.

We both smiled and walked back to the beach house, greeted by the Gems.

Lincoln was being teased by Amethyst when I got a text from my mom. The text said to be home by ten, I looked at the time and It was only eight pm.

I replied 'Okay, will do! Thanks, mom.'

I stepped closer to Lincoln and smiled.

"So did you guys have fun?" Pearl asked while finishing up on some dishes.

"Yeah, we had a lot of fun, Lincoln won me this!" I showed them the little plushie lion and smiled.

The gems looked at the small plushie and Pearl replied, "That was sweet of you Lincoln" and smiled.

Lincoln rubbed the back of his neck "It was nothing." He blushed and smiled.

I smiled too.

Amethyst did her handshake with Lincoln and Garnet was just sitting there smiling being her mysterious self.

"Lincoln do you want to watch YouTube until I have to go home?" I asked him. 20

"Yeah, let's go, " he smiled.

We both headed up the stairs to Lincoln's room.

(Lincolns room was walled off like In the movie.)

"What do you wanna watch?" I asked as I sat on Lincolns's bed In front of his TV.

Lincoln shut the door and walked over to sit next to me.

"Not sure, you pick." He grinned and sat down closer to me than usual. 2

"How about... Callmecarson?" (A YouTuber) 16

"Sounds good," Lincoln smiled.

I found the video after a bit of searching on Lincolns Tv and we both sat leaning against the headboard of Lincoln's bed and watched the video.

While we were watching I could feel Lincoln put his arm around me. I laid my head on his shoulder and smiled.

We both stayed like that and watched some more YouTube until we heard footsteps coming up the stairs, we both quickly scooted away to opposite sides of the bed trying not to look suspicious.

Lincoln's POV

I heard a powerful knock at my door and I could tell It was Garnet.

"U-uh come In," I shouted towards the door.

stella paused the video and Garnet opened the door.

The tall fusion walked In and sat on the edge of my bed and smiled sweetly at us.

I smiled back weakly not knowing what she was going to say.

Garnet put her hands together and started to speak. "I know what happened between you two." 2

She spoke and stella and I looked at each other, blushing.

"I just want to say I'm proud of you two." She spoke softly with joy In her voice. "I know most people you're age run from their emotions, but you faced them and something beautiful came of It." Garnet smiled.

I sighed In relief, thinking I was going to get corrected or ridiculed. Although Garnet Isn't like that It still crossed my mind. 2

Garnet apologized for Interrupting us and excused herself with a smile on her face.

stella and I looked at each other and smiled.

I looked at my watch and It was 9:15 pm. "Do you wanna get a ride back to you're house from my dad?" I suggested since Lion was out wandering around.

"Yeah, let's go, " stella replied.

~ ~ ~

stella's POV

I thanked the gems for having me over grabbed my purse and the Lion plush and walked out onto the patio where Lincoln was.

We both started walking to the carwash, Lincoln pulled his phone out and searched for something.

"Whatcha' doing?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Just a sec, " he smiled and pulled out some earbuds. He plugged them Into his phone and clicked on a playlist. He handed me one of the earbuds and put the other in his ear.

I blushed and put In an earbud. I laughed, "Of course, you'd choose this song." I smiled.

Lincoln held my hand and we walked to the carwash while listening to "Walking on Sunshine". 13

As the ocean breeze whistled over the ocean I felt so calm next to him. It's like he made all my troubles melt away. I wondered if he felt the same way.

I glanced up at Lincoln and blushed when he had a big smile on his face. He looked so calm, and content. I blushed when he noticed me looking at him. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. I probably looked like a tomato the rest of the walk to the carwash, and I couldn't stop smiling.

We saw Greg's van parked at the carwash and Lincoln ran up the van and knocked on the back doors.

We both giggled as Greg threw open the doors.

"Hey, Stew-Ball!" Greg exclaimed.

"I need a ride to my house If you don't mind," I explained.

"Oh yeah, not a problem. Hop In you guys." Greg said while clearing off some seats. Greg got in the driver's seat and turned the key while Lincoln and I climbed in the van. I set down my purse and the Lion plushie Lincoln got me. 3

"So what's up stella? Anything new?" Greg asked while he pulled out of the parking lot and started driving. I put my seatbelt on and checked the time. ( 9:30 pm )

"Nothing much, just enjoying summer break." I smiled.

"That's great, enjoy your youth while you still have it. Believe me, growing up too fast Isn't fun. " Greg sighed and tried to lighten the mood, " Just like this pork chop right here, " Greg reached Into the backseat and rustled Lincoln's poofy hair. Lincoln and I laughed as Greg continued to speak, " He's already 16 years old! A young man, geez time flew by."

"I kinda had to Grow up to save Earth." Lincoln laughed.

"All of that Is over now, thankfully." I smiled and looked at Lincoln. 7

He smiled back at me and we both blushed a bit.

"Save the mushy stuff for later you two." Greg smiled and I tried to cover my red face.

Greg turned on the radio and we drove to my house while I chatted and laughed with Lincoln the whole way.

The next morning }

Lincoln's POV

I woke up to my alarm clock and jumped out of bed excitedly. I changed out of my sweatpants Into a Blue T-shirt with a Star on It and some jeans. I ran down the steps "AMETHYST!!!" I shouted with a big smile on my face.

"Wat?" She replied.

"Do you know what day It Is?" I smiled widely.

Amethyst looked at me confused.

"Dad Is taking me car shopping!" I shouted. 7

"WHOO!" Amethyst exclaimed. "What kinda car you getting Ste-Man?" 5

"I'm not yet but I've been saving up for a while so think I can afford something nice." I smiled, grabbed my wallet and phone off the counter and rushed to the door. "See ya later Amethyst I gotta run!" I exclaimed and opened the screen door. 4

"Later Lil' dude!" Amethyst said while eating my leftovers. 3

I quickly ran down the stairs and hopped on Lion when I heard Pearl yell my name and come outside.

"Lincoln! You forgot you're shoes!" Pearl came onto the patio and threw me my shoes. "Thank you, Pearl!" I shouted and Lion started running to the Carwash while I struggled to put my shoes on while moving so much. I finally got my shoes on when I got a Good-morning call from stella, I excitedly answered 4

"H-hey Jam bud!" I said while my voice Is shaking because of Lion running.

"Hey! You going car shopping today? I can't wait to see what car you get!" stella exclaimed.

She remembered? I told her a few weeks ago about It. She is so sweet. I blushed and smiled. "Yeah, same! I'm thinking about a Chevy, they are nice and roomy." I replied. 6

"I don't know much about cars but car shopping Is super fun. I helped my mom pick out her car, It was a blast... But I'm sure It would be more fun with you."

I blushed, "I'm sorry I couldn't bring you along. My dad wants this to be bonding time. But we can hang out in my car after I buy It!" I smiled, "I wouldn't have to ask for rides anymore so I could drive you home or pick you up for a date, I-if that's what you wanted I mean." I cringed at how awkward I was being. 14

"Yeah, that sounds really nice.." stella added.

I blushed even more, "a-alright!" I smiled and Lion stopped In the Carwash parking lot.

"I'm sorry stella I gotta let you go, I'm at the Carwash."

"Oh, no problem, talk to you later Lincoln," stella said goodbye.

"Bye, talk to you later." I reluctantly hung up. I missed her, Is It even possible to miss someone you saw a day ago? Well, It was for me apparently.

"Hey, Stew-Ball!" my dad exclaimed.

"Hey, dad!" I hugged him.

"You ready to get a car?" My dad said while messing up my hair, "Would you stop growing up on me? I can barely keep up!" We both laughed and we walked over to his Van and hopped In, I sat in the passenger's seat.

My dad got In the drivers and shut the door, he turned the key and popped In a mixtape. He pulled out of the parking lot and started driving to the dealership. 1

I couldn't help but be lost In thought about stella, we confessed our feelings to each other, the next step should be dating..or at least that's what I read online. Would she say yes If I asked her to be my girlfriend? 2

My dad noticed I was lost In thought and asked, "What's on your mind bud?"

I sighed, "Hey Dad, I need your advice."

"On what?" He asked.

I sighed again and cringed, "Girls." I reluctantly said.

"Oh, do you want the talk again?" He questioned. 88

"No no, I meant like, dating advice? If you could even call It dating. Argh.." I facepalmed.

"I need details to give advice Lincoln, a chef can't cook without Ingredients." 11

I cringed at his metaphor and tried to explain, "Okay, so I told stella I liked her and she actually said she liked me back. Now we're In this awkward phase of just holding hands and I want to ask her to be my girlfriend but I-i don't know how I would do that, or even If she is allowed to date. Ugh. It's a mess." I said and covered my eyes with my arm with my head pressed back against the seat.

"Wow, you really like her, don't you?" He asked.

I blushed, "Yeah, she is amazing."

"Okay, my advice is just to tell her how you feel, Stew-ball. Girls are mysterious creatures but this doesn't sound like a bad thing. You are taking your time, that a good thing at your age. Just tell her you want to try and make a relationship work. Just communicate with her. Plus girls are sappy for a guy who can talk about his feelings. " 25

We both laughed. "Thanks, Dad, I really needed that." I smiled.

"No problem, let's not get all emotional this Is supposed to be fun. You're first car!" My dad exclaimed the last sentence.

"Whooo!" I exclaimed, and then "Let me take my van Into your heart." Came on the mixtape dad had connected to the radio. We both jammed out and drove the rest of the way to the Dealership.

Lincoln's POV

As the Mixtape played we talked and laughed. As much as I wanted to hang out with stella today, It was really nice to spend time with my Dad without all of the Gems around. I loved being a Gem but being around other people was so comforting. I think that's one of the reasons I like stella, she is so different.

My thoughts were Interrupted by us pulling Into the Car dealership parking lot. We found a spot to park, parked and wae both got out. 4

We were greeted by a Car saleswomen and she walked us around showing us the different models, my dad kept asking about safety and proper airbags and breaks. I got a text from stella while my dad was looking at the rearview mirror of a car.

"Send me a pic of the car you get! " stella wrote.

I quickly wrote back "Will do! " I instantly regretted sending a stupid emoji. I wanted to see her again, maybe I could pick her up once I get the car. We could go to a movie, or walk around the beach It would be great! I snapped myself out of my daydream and tried to focus on picking out a car I want.

I walked along the rows of cars and saw a small red Toyota Prius. 7

"What about that one?" While gesturing towards the red vehicle.

"Heyy, nice eye Stew-ball." My dad said and opened the driver's side door to look Inside. 1

"How's the Inside?" I questioned and looked Inside as well. "This is really nice, " I said while brushing my hand against the leather seats.

"This is a great model for safety, which Is always great. It has a leather interior which Is surprisingly nice for Its price range." She explained.

She looked for the Information on the car on her work tablet. "Okay, so It is a used car but It's only 3 years old and still has 120,000 miles left." She said 3

"How Is the sound quality, " my dad questioned and sat In the passenger seat. I sat down In the drivers and put my hands on the wheel.

"Let me check, " she said while searching for It In reviews.

"I really like this car, " I said while smiling while gripping the steering wheel Imagining driving It.

"Shhh, don't let her know that." He shushed me and continued to speak in a whisper so the Car dealer could not hear "It's about the art of the deal." He smiled and stepped out of the car.

While my dad was debating on the price of the car with the dealer I pulled my phone out of my pocket and texted stella.

" " I sent only emojis trying to be funny.

She replied "I don't speak emoji but I'm guessing you want to watch a movie. "

"You guessed it, I was thinking we could watch one tonight!"

" hmm, What movie, I'll ask my parents and what car did you decide on? You probably got a chevy didn't you "

"I decided on a Toyota, It's red and has leather seats, It's fancy " I replied.

"Oo, I can't wait to see It, I'll go ask my parents If I can go to the movies tonight ttyl (talk to you later)"

I got out of the car overhearing my dad still debating the price and I took a few steps back and took a picture of the car with my phone. I sent it to stella.

I had a hard time not smiling every time I talked to her, though It always failed, I always have a big grin on my face when I'm around her.

"Stew-Ball!" I dad exclaimed and ran over to me, "I got the price down." He smiled and we walked Inside the dealership to sign paperwork.

~ ~ ~ ~

stella's POV

I just finished telling my parents about going to a movie with Lincoln and they agreed to let me go but to be home by 10 pm. If It meant I could be with Lincoln, deal.

I ran to my room to get changed and shut the door behind me. I smiled and then realized that I had no idea what to wear. I looked throughout my closet and decided on a yellow sundress with sandals. I blushed when I looked at the tube of lipgloss my aunt got me, I tried to put on the right amount but every time I tried It came out too much or too little.

What am I doing wrong?. Erm, TubeTube save me I thought while looking up makeup tutorials. 2

"Hello everyone and welcome to my channel, today I'm going to be a tutorial on everyday natural-looking makeup!" 2

The peppy voice and overly upbeat music blasted because my phone volume was too loud. I quickly turned down the volume not wanted my parents to hear that I was listening to makeup tutorials.

I tried to follow along with the video and added cover to some blemishes, a small amount of blush. Adding a single stroke of the Lipgloss on top and bottom lips, and then rubbing them together. To my surprise, IT WORKED?!

I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. It's like my small Insecurities melted away. I brushed my hair and then grabbed my phone. I unlocked It, and had an Internal "Awee" when I looked at my background picture of Lion yawning. I excitedly went to contacts and clicked on "Biscuit ~ " and It automatically dialed.

I waited for Lincoln to answer. When he did I exclaimed, "Hey Jam Bud!"

"Hey, strawb-- stella!" He cleared his throat.

I giggled knowing he was with his dad and he was embarrassed to say nicknames I assume. "What time do you wanna watch that movie? I have to be home by ten again." I smiled.

"I already looked, there is a showing at six for the movie. My dad and I were going to grab lunch on our way back to the temple though." He said, then I heard faint voices on the other line but I couldn't make it out.

"That sounds goo-- "

"You can come If you want!" Lincoln suddenly exclaimed.

"Y-yeah sure." I smiled widely and then laughed while saying, "Did you're dad tell you to say that?" I giggled.

"Totally not!" Greg shouted from the other line. Lincoln and I both giggled. 13

"Where are you going to lunch? I'll meet you there." I replied and tried to get a plan set over all of the goofing around.

"Nonsense!" Greg shouted probably snatching the phone away from Lincoln again. "We'll pick you up, stella. It's not a problem." Lincoln added taking his phone back laughing.

"Oh okay, thank you!" I smiled and began to say goodbye to Lincoln.

"I'll see ya soon!" I could hear the smile In Lincoln's voice.

"Alright, drive safe," I said before hesitantly hanging up.

I laid flat on my bed with my phone resting on my chest and sighed. I couldn't stop smiling. I stared up to my ceiling fan spinning at a slow pace.

I rolled over onto my stomach and clicked on TubeTube. Scrolling through my recommended list I blushed as I saw a video "10 AMAZING KISSING TIPS!!" I stared blankly at my phone for a moment, Lincoln kissing me crossed my mind. I blushed profusely at the thought and buried my face into the sheets. 11

Well, It can't hurt to watch.. I reached over to my nightstand and grabbed my earbuds. I plugged them In and began the video. I kept thinking about If Lincoln would try to kiss me at the movie, should I kiss him? Or would that come off weird? Would he think I'm moving too fast? What If he doesn't want to kiss me!

I stopped the video and needed to get out of my head. I put my phone down and walked downstairs to get a glass of water. Before I could step into the kitchen my mother stopped me.

"Well someone looks nice today, any plans? She questioned and smiled. 1

I blushed thinking that she knew I was wearing makeup. "Lincoln and his dad are going to lunch before the movie at six, and they Invited me." I smiled and grabbed a glass out of the cabinet.

"That sounds like fun, make sure to text or call when you get out of the movie." She added while I filled the glass with water.

"Have a nice time, I'll save you a plate of dinner, I'm making chicken and rice." She smiled and grabbed her phone off the counter when It rang.

"Thanks, mom, " I said and hugged her.

She greeted another doctor that worked at the hospital with her over the phone and I sipped my water while walking up the stairs to my room to finish the video. 1

I had a hard time not looking like a tomato every time Lincoln crossed my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about him, so my face looked like a baboons ass. I tried to snap out of it and continue watching the video. I finished the video and tried to memorize the tips. Okay, don't be a brick wall put your hands around his neck. Again I couldn't stop blushing, I was pacing back and forth trying to memorize everything. Tilt you're head, don't close your eyes too early. Uh, I should watch It agai-- my thoughts were interrupted by Lincoln texting me saying they are here. I quickly ran over to the mirror and put on more coverup over my checks to hide my red face. Grabbed my purse and my phone and quickly ran out of my bedroom door and down the steps. 12

" I'll text you later, Bye!" I exclaimed and walked outside. I slung my purse strap over my shoulder and waved to Lincoln sitting In the passenger seat of Mr. Universes van. He waved back at me and smiled. I was about to open the door but Lincoln jumped out and opened the sliding door for me. I swear I saw him blushing.

"Why thank you, kind sir, " I said jokingly and hopped Inside.

He did a cheesy bow and we both laughed. He was going to sit in the back next to me but Greg interrupted.

Narrator's POV

"Lincoln Sit upfront I wanna test you on road signs again," Greg stated. 1

"Uh, yeah sure," Lincoln said and then mouthed "sorry" to stella. stella smiled and replied mouthing "It's fine" they both giggled and Lincoln shut the sliding door and got In the passenger's seat. I took my purse off my shoulder setting It down and put my seatbelt on.

Greg started up the car and began to drive to the restaurant.

stella turned on her phone to look at notifications cause she was waiting for a comic to post and the video she was watching earlier blasted.

"Tip number Ten! Have fun! Kissing shouldn't be stressful-- " she quickly stopped the video and exclaimed, "HA! My phone is acting up again!" stella said almost shouting hoping they didn't hear what the cursid loud peppy voice said. She tried laughing it off but Inside she was literally dying. 44

Greg and Lincoln obviously heard because Greg Immediately after turned on the radio trying to save the poor girl.

Lincoln couldn't stop blushing and had to use all of his strength to not smile like an Idiot. He quickly glanced at her and she looked utterly embarrassed. She was hunched over staring at nothing on her phone screen hand covering her face. Lincoln felt like crap seeing her flustered and upset. He pulled out his phone to text her,

"My dad didn't hear the video you're In the clear," Lincoln lied trying to comfort her.

It didn't work because stella was even more embarrassed that Lincoln heard It.

"Yeah, but you heard It. " stella replied hesitantly.

"Hear what? " Lincoln replied. He smiled when he saw her take her hand away from her face and mouth to him, 16

"Thank you"

Lincoln's POV

I laid my head against the back of the seat and couldn't help but think about stella, and the video she was watching. She wants to kiss me, that sent a nervous chill up my spine. What If she was just watching It to watch something, and It didn't mean anything? I sighed softly.

"Lincoln! " My dad shouted.

"AHH! WHAT?!" I looked at him startled and wide-eyed.

"What's that road sign!" He laughed.

stella giggled and I blushed, "Speed limit, geeze. " I said while laughing a bit.

"CORRECT!" He shouted again trying to lighten the mood a bit.

stella looked less embarrassed, which was good. I would hate for her to feel uncomfortable especially on a day we were supposed to have fun. I tried making her laugh, as we passed by a toco place I exclaimed, "Free sha voka do!" 20

"Pfft." She snickered. I turned around to face her, "You can't call that a dead meme, vines will never die!" I said while laughing and smiled. 9

We both laughed and my dad didn't understand the reference, "Free sha what now?" He questioned. 3

We both laughed even harder at that, I had to try and stop laughing to speak but her laugh was so contagious, It was adorable. "I'll pull it up, oh my gosh, I don't think I've laughed that hard in a while. " I smiled and pulled up the video on my phone. Which led to us watching vine compilations on TubeTube. I didn't pick a clean compilation so there were swear words. 12

"Oh sorry, " I apologized to my dad and turned down the volume.

"Lincoln, you actually saved the entire planet. I think you're allowed to swear." 7

We all laughed as my dad pulled into the parking lot. He parked while I unbuckled my seatbelt. I hopped out quickly and opened the door for stella.

stella's POV

I was taking off my seatbelt and grabbing my purse when Lincoln opened the door for me. I blushed a bit.

"Thanks." I smiled sweetly at him and stepped out. Lincoln shut the door and Greg locked the van. We started to walk towards the restaurant.

Lincoln's hand brushed against mine when we were walking. We looked at each other at the same time, I smiled like an Idiot while Lincoln ran ahead and held open the door again.

I blushed again, he was so sweet.

We ate cheeseburgers and joked. The day was going so well, other than me completely embarrassing myself. But Lincoln was so nice about It, he was so good with situations like that. That's one of the many reasons I loved him. 3

I blushed at my thought, I love him. I smiled, I felt so comfortable around him, why wouldn't I love him. I was sitting next to Lincoln In a booth while Greg was on the other side. I held Lincoln's hand under the table. Lincoln smiled at me. 4

We finished lunch and got back In the car to drive to Lincoln's house.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lincoln's POV

After a short drive, we arrived back a the beach house. We got out, again I held open every door possible for stella. I smiled when I remembered the game I got a few days ago.

"Oh stella, I have to show you the new game I got." I smiled and walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

"Oo, what game Is It? She questioned.

I got two ice waters while my dad chatted with the Gems. I started walking upstairs and stella followed.

"You'll have to wait and see, " I teased.

"Oh wow, okay then. " stella said jokingly offended.

"Here is your water." I handed her the glass while shutting my bedroom door behind us.

"Thanks, " she smiled and took the glass. "Now what Is that game?"

"Okay fine, It's subnautica." I smiled and waited for her reaction. 22

"OHH, I've been wanting to play that game forever!" She exclaimed while taking a sip of water and setting In on my nightstand.

I laughed a bit, "It's fun, I got a base set up." I said while we both sat on my bed facing the TV.

"Can I play?!" She looked so excited.

"Hmm, I'll think about it." I teased while handing her the controller, giving her a cheeky smile.

We both laughed and she turned the game on. "The graphics are so good, oh my gosh." She exclaimed.

We played for a while and had fun trying to explore caves without dying. She is a lot better than me at the game so she made progress twice as fast.

"How many gameplays did you watch women, my gosh," I said amazed at how much she knew about the game. She laughed, "Tube Tube is what I watch when I'm bored, and I'm bored a lot." She smiled. 1

"I call you when I'm bored," I said while scrolling through my photos.

"You must be bored a lot too then, " she teased.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I joked and attacked her with tickling.

"Lincoln!" stella exclaimed laughing. "S-sstop!" She yelled while laughing more.

"I'm so offended," I said jokingly and stopped.

stella caught her breath. "Oh, you're gonna get it." She exclaimed and went to grab me. I quickly got up and summoned my shield while laughing.

"That's so unfair!" She shouted while laughing.

I quickly rolled over my bed to the door leading onto the upper part of the patio In my room, I slid the door open.

"How are you going to get me If you can't catch me?" I said while smiling and walking backward towards the steps on the patio.

"Seriously, you're going to die." She leaped up and chased after me. I scream/laughed and summoned my bubble to roll down the steps landing on my feet bottom.

"This Is unbalanced!" stella must have grabbed a Frisbee from my room cause she ran out onto the patio and slid down the railing on It. 5

"Whoa.." I said amazed and scared at the same time. "I regret challenging you!" I shouted while running to the other staircase leading to the patio.

"Pfft, well yeah," she said while chasing me.

I saw Lion on the top of the patio leading into the front of the house, I ran up the wooden steps, and leaped into Lion's mane. I waited a moment holding my breath, then peeked my head out. I saw stella standing In front of Lion. She saw me and yelled "AHA!"

She tried to pull me out of Lion but I pulled her Inside. I smiled cause I couldn't laugh without breathing. She pulled me back out. She landed on top of me.

"Pfft, fine. You caught me." I laughed.

"You bet I did, and that was such a cheap move!" She exclaimed and laughed too. 2

I blushed when I saw all of the Gems and my dad looking out the large kitchen window at us. Amethyst was laughing. I cleared my throat signaling stella to look and stood up helping stella to her feet, not that she needed help. 1

"We heard screaming, you two okay?" Pearl asked.

"Oh yeah, we're fine. stella was just threating to kill me." I teased.

She hit my arm playfully, "I did not!" She laughed.

Lion scoffed and walked off because we were jumping In and out of his mane.

"Just kiss already!" Amethyst shouted, Pearl and Garnet, scolded her. 7

I blushed at her words, and rolled my eyes.

"Shouldn't you kids be getting to that movie?" My dad questioned.

stella chimed in, "Oh, thank you Mr.universe! I almost forgot."

"Oh please, call me Greg. We're practically family!" He smiled and stella thanked him.

I smiled and looked at my watch 5:47 pm. "Yeah, we should leave now," I said while pushing open the screen door.

"I need my wallet, I'll grab your purse, stella." I smiled and rushed up the steps and grabbed those Items. I looked In the mirror quickly to make sure I didn't look awful. I went back down the steps and handed stella her purse. 1

"Thanks," She smiled.

"Alright, let's go," I said while starting to walk down the wooden steps of the patio. stella followed calling over Lion. He reluctantly walked over and let us climb on top of him.

"To the movies!" I shouted ruffling his mane. My heart fluttered when stella wrapped her arms around me. I blushed and then Lion roared and leaped through the portal.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

stella's POV

We arrived at the movies and we both stepped off Lion, he looked annoyed.

"Go chase a magical lizard Lion," Lincoln said while patting his head. 1

I giggled when Lion scoffed and started walking towards the beach.

Lincoln and I walked over to the ticket booth.

"Two for a dog's purpose please," Lincoln said while handing the lady his card. "Thank you, " he took the tickets and his card, putting It back In his wallet. 16

"Thanks for buying the tickets, " I said while we walked inside the building. As always, Lincoln held the door open for me, he was so sweet. I smiled at him.

We walked towards the theater, Lincoln grabbed my hand. I blushed lightly with a small smile on my face as we walked hand In hand to our seats.

We took our seats near the back.

Lincoln's POV

The opening ads we're playing when I saw stella looking at me like she wanted to say something.

"Yes?" I said with a cheeky smile.

"Lincoln, " she said quietly "are we boyfriend and girlfriend?" She asked cutely. I blushed and got butterflies in my stomach.

"Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?" I smiled.

"Are you answering a question with a question?" 5

"Yes, " I snickered. 5

"So, Is that a yes?" She questioned and laughed.

"I'd say so." I grinned and kissed her forehead. I blushed profusely and Interlocked our fingers. 2

The movie began and stella and I sat hand in hand. I couldn't get the big smile off my face. She was,

Amazing.

stella's POV

It was near the end of the movie and the dog died, It was so sad I couldn't help but tear up a little. I let go of Lincoln's hand to wipe my tears. He looked over at me. 2

"Are you crying?" He said quietly.

"No, totally not crying after a dog died," I said sarcastically. The credits were rolling so we could talk normally.

"I was just worried for a second, " he explained.

"Aw, you don't need to be worried It's just a movie, " I said while standing up and grabbing my purse.

Lincoln looked down at his watch, "It's only eight, we got a couple hours to kill, what do you wanna do?" He asked while crumbling a candy wrapper and throwing It Into the trash can.

"I have no idea, I just wanted to hang out with you." I smiled and blushed at my own words. 3

"How about, a walk?" He said while grabbing my hand.

"That sounds nice, " I beamed as we walked out.

I remembered that my mom wanted me to text her, I pulled my phone out of my purse and texted her that I got out of the movie and that I was going to hang out with Lincoln before ten.

We walked out onto the boardwalk and towards the beach.

I can't believe I was such a klutz and blasted that stupid video, ugh. Lincoln was so nice about it, he is the best. I smiled and we walked along the sand. I tried to thank him for being so nice without being awkward.

"Hey, thanks for being so nice earlier. I was being stupid." I blushed and looked down not to make eye contact.

He sighed, "You don't have to thank me, I just wasn't a complete jerk." He smiled. "Not really metal worthy." He laughed softly.

"Well, it is, in my book at least." I smiled back at him.

Suddenly he pulled me In for a hug, "Why are you so nice?" He said wrapping his arms around my waist.

I blushed profusely, I put my hands around the back of his neck.

"I'm not nice, I'm just 'not a complete jerk'," I smiled quoting him jokingly.

He laughed still hugging me, we stayed like that for probably longer than a hug should last, enjoying each other's embrace. I slowly broke the embrace, resting my hands on his shoulders. Our faces only inches apart I looked Into his eyes. The warm ocean breeze whistled above the sand. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered faster.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked quietly.

My face heating up and my heart going a mile a minute I closed my eyes tightly.

"Y-yes," I said as he pressed his lips against mine. I tilted my head slowly deepening the kiss. I moved my hand to his hair, smiling Into the kiss. I felt him smile back. I slowly broke the kiss and we both were breathing heavily. I looked at Lincoln and he had a big goofy smile on his face. I laughed softly. 6

He let go of my waist, and I grabbed his hand. I couldn't stop smiling.

"You're a good kisser, " he said with a smile.

The two were walking along the beach when Lincoln got a notification. He pulled out his phone and looked at It.

stella glanced at the screen curiously.

"Oh, my music app updated." He said while clicking on the app, he pulled clicked on a song.

"How Ironic, " she smirked at the title of the song.

"That wasn't Intentional." Lincoln rubbed the back of his neck.

"Sure It wasn-- " she was Interrupted by Lincoln twirling her around. She giggled as they started to slow dance. Both blushing they smiled. Lincoln had his hands on stella's waist as stella wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. They swayed back and forth trying not to step on each other's feet.

The moonlight shimmered on the Oceans surface as the two laughed and danced to the music. Lincoln twirled the girl around again and pulled her In for a hug. They both laughed and smiled as stella wrapped her arms around him.

She giggled and put her head on his shoulder again.

"When did you become such a good dancer?" She said quietly while they swayed to the music.

"When I was with you, " he smiled and was about to twirl her around again started to plant soft kisses on his neck, which sent a chill up his spine.

His face was a scarlet red when she came up from his neck and kissed him on the lips softly, he kissed her back, smiling into the kiss.

Lincoln's POV

I was about to kiss her again when her phone went off, startling us both.

"Sorry, that's my alarm, " she said shutting off the alarm. "It's nine-thirty" do you wanna find Lion? I have to be back by ten, " she started, sighing. 3

"Aw, Is my strawberry upset?" I cringed at what I just said. 2

"You wish, " she teased.

"Pfft, " I laughed, "Let's go find Lion," I said while grabbing her hand as we walked to find the pink feline.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We finally found Lion, he was In a tree. 3

"Lion get down, you're going to break a paw or something," I shouted up towards Lion.

"Lion, I have to get home, come on bud." Lion Immediately jumped down when he heard stella's voice. I rolled my eyes. 3

stella giggled, "I'm Lion's favorite!" she said hugging his fluffy mane.

"I got dibs Lion, back off." I joked while climbing on top of him. I helped stella up.

"You have dibs huh?" She questioned.

"Yep, " I snickered.

"I got dibs too, " she giggled and wrapped her arms around me.

I smiled at her and patted Lion's head, "Take us to stella's house." Lion leaped forward jumping through the rose-colored portal and landing In front of stella's house.

We hopped off Lion walked to the front door. I made sure we weren't In view of the window, surely her mother would be watching.

I kissed her forehead, "I forgot to tell you that you look beautiful today."

She hugged me, "Lincoln you're too sweet for your own good." She said and kissed my cheek, I blushed and smiled.

"Goodnight," I said and sighed.

"Night, biscuit." She said with a small smile and opened the door greeted by her mother. She was surprised stella was on time. I thanked her mother for letting her come over and walked back over to Lion.

I couldn't get the smile from my face as Lion opened the portal and took me back to the temple. I pet Lion and went up the wooden steps to the beach house. I pushed open the screen door and was greeted by the gems.

It was a couple of days after stella and Lincoln had shared their first kiss, Lincoln was brushing his teeth and putting on cologne. Nervous and excited he picked out a dress shirt and tie. stella's parents had invited him over for dinner. Even though they had met before, since Lincoln and stella were In a relationship now he wanted to make a good impression.

Lincoln came down the steps from his room and was greeted by Pearl.

"Well, you look nice today Lincoln, excited to see stella?" She asked while sweeping the trail of crumbs Amethyst left.

"Yes, and I'm going to ask her to come on the trip to the ranch with us this weekend," Lincoln said, "If that's okay with you guys I mean," Lincoln asked while looking towards the gems.

"Oh please, stella is like family. Of course, It's okay." Pearl stated and continued to sweep.

"Thanks." He said with a smile.

"Oh, Pearl. By any chance do you know where my dress shoes are?" Lincoln said while looking under the sofa for the shoes. 1

"Oh, I saved them cause I know that pet of yours likes to chew." She said and pulled the shoes out of her gem.

"Ah, thanks!" Lincoln said while taking the shoes and putting them on.

"Oo, you going somewhere Lincoln?" Bismuth said while pushing open the screen door, peridot, and lapis shortly followed.

"Heyy!!" Lincoln shouted and ran up to hug all of them. "I have not seen you guys In forever!" He exclaimed.

"It has been exactly 8 days and 3.2 hours since we have last had visual contact, " Peridot said with a smirk. 8

"Well, however long It's been we missed you too!" Pearl chimed greeting them with a hug.

"Are you going somewhere, Lincoln?" Lapis asked while putting away her water wings.

"Oh, yeah. I'm going over to stella's place for dinner tonight." He said with a smile.

"They gonna bone!" Amethyst shouted while pausing the fail compilation on TubeTube she was watching. 96

"Amethyst!" Pearl exclaimed.

"It's just dinner!" Lincoln said with a fake smile, trying to cover what Amethyst screamed.

"What does 'bone' mean?" Lapis asked with a confused expression. 1

Lincoln's face became red, "It's a human expression." He said trying not to dig himself into a hole of giving three gems 'the talk'. 1

"It means the calcium structure Inside of the human form, I've been studying human antimony," Peridot said with a cocky smile. 7

"Yep, you're right peridot! That Is what Amethyst meant!" Lincoln exclaimed.

Amethyst just laughed.

"Humans are weird," Lapis stated and sat next to Amethyst on the sofa.

Lincoln sighed In relief, glad he didn't have to explain any further.

Bismuth came up next to Lincoln, "That car you got out front Is pretty nice, I could suit It up for ya If you wanted." She said while gesturing at the red car parked In front of the beach house.

"No, that's alright. I don't think spikes are legal." Lincoln laughed a bit. 2

"Alright then, " she snickered.

Lincoln walked over to the bathroom to check his tie In the mirror. He adjusted it and looked at his watch, four-thirty. He had planned to be there by five-fifty because he knew how the Maheswarans felt about people being late. Since stella lived In a different town It took about twenty-five minutes to get to her house. Lincoln decided to leave now, so he wasn't late.

He walked into the kitchen to grab his keys and wallet off the counter. "I'll see you guys later!" He said while walking out the screen door onto the patio.

"Have a nice time, Stev--" Pearl was Interrupted by Amethyst shouting "GET SOME Lincoln!" Followed by laughter. 31

Lincoln walked down the wooden steps blushing. Yelling and laughing In the background, he laughed.

Unlocking his car he got Inside and drove around the hill to get onto the road. When he came to a stoplight he dialed stella and put It on speaker so he could drive without holding the phone. stella answered.

"Hey, biscuit!" stella said while smiling and closing her bedroom door.

"My strawberry, " Lincoln said in an old English accent, Immediately regretting It. "I don't know why I did an English accent." They both laughed.

"I lost my favorite scrunchie!" stella said while sighing and sitting on her bed. 38

"Did you check you're wrist?" Lincoln questioned snickering.

"Yes, smart Alex." She laughed, "I have not seen it anywhere, I guess It doesn't matter since my hair Is shorter now but still."

"I'll look for it with you when I get there, how does that sound?" Lincoln asking smiling.

"That sounds good," stella giggled.

"Oh, I almost forgot, " Lincoln exclaimed. "I wanted to ask you something."

"Which would be?" stella asked curiously.

"My dad, the gems and I are going to do a little summer vacation thing this weekend and rent a cabin, I was wondering if you wanted to come along. It'll be fun I promise." Lincoln asked, nervous she'll say no.

"Oh my gosh, yes. I've been cooped up and my parents are killing me! That was amazing." stella exclaimed. 2

"This is gonna be great, I'm gonna bring the makings for smores and there will be a campfire and horseshoes. Oh and the cabin is super cool, there is a loft and ... I'm rambling aren't I?" Lincoln asked laughing.

"Just a little," stella smiled.

"Sorry, also I'm like a minute away from you're house, I'll see you in a sec," Lincoln said while turning the street that leads to apartments/condos parking lot.

(Is it a condo or an apartment? ) 6

"Alright, see you In like literally three twenty seconds." she giggled. 1

There was a moment of silence because neither of them hung up.

"I'm driving, I can't hang up." Lincoln laughed.

"OH, I just thought you just missed me that much," she snickered.

"I mean, that Is true. By the way, I'm here." Lincoln said parking the car.

"Be right there," stella hung up the phone and went downstairs to get the door.

stella's father answered the door before she could. "Ah, Universe. Come right In." Mr. Maheswaran said while holding open the door.

"Thank you, sir," Lincoln smiled.

"stella, would you help me set the table?" Mrs. Maheswaran asked.

"I'll help, " Lincoln chimed In, walking over to the table.

"Same." stella smiled at Lincoln and grabbed silverware from the kitchen drawer.

Mr. Maheswaran walked over and sat down at the table after Lincoln and stella were done they did the same. Mrs. Maheswaran set the bowls of chili and a side of cornbread in front of everyone. 2

"This looks delicious," Lincoln said to Mrs. Maheswaran.

"Thank Doug for the cornbread, It's his secret recipe." Mrs. Maheswaran said gesturing toward Doug.

"Oh please, you're the chef here," Doug replied.

"This chain of compliments will never end. Let's eat, I'm starving." stella said and smiled.

"Agreed, " Lincoln replied smiling back.

Everyone dug into the food and chatted.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

stella's POV

We had just finished dinner and I took the bowls and plates to the sink. Lincoln, like always, was eager to help. I smiled at him and put the dishes in the dishwasher.

Lincoln was reaching around me to put a dish away, but I didn't realize and went to turn around to grab my phone.

He almost dropped the dish but summoned a small bubble around the plate to keep it from shattering.

"Stahhhhp, I could have dropped my croissant!" Lincoln joked while informing the bubble and the plate fell into his hand. 17

I laughed but stopped when I saw my parents confused and amazed expressions. "Ha, It was a vine reference," I said trying to break there stare at Lincoln.

"Right, those short clips of people screaming and pronouncing words incorrectly." She said and cleared her throat. My father just looked back down at the article he was reading.

They clearly we're still not used to gem stuff, Including magical pink bubbles.

I tried to save Lincoln from embarrassment, "Do you have a set time you have to be home?" I asked.

"Oh, uh no the gems are pretty laid back," he said with a half-smile.

"Let's watch a movie or something," I said while walking towards the stairs. Lincoln followed.

"I want that door open three inches." My dad said while taking a sip from his mug. 22

"Deal, " I quickly went up the stairs and opened my door.

"Thank you for dinner, " Lincoln told my parents before coming up the steps and following me to my room.

"Sorry about them, they still aren't used to gem stuff," I explained, shutting the door behind us, ignoring my father's request. I sat down on my bed. 18

"It's fine, I'm pretty used to It by now," Lincoln said while rubbing the back of his neck.

"It was cute how polite you were," I said while he sat next to me.

"I was trying to make a good impression, I hope It worked." He sighed.

"They love you, trust me, " I laid my head on his shoulder, "everybody does," I said and grabbed Lincoln's hand.

"You realize you just said you love me right?" Lincoln said with a cute smile.

My face was painted with blush, "Isn't it obvious?" I said slowly. 1

I glanced up at him, my heart racing. He was blushing too with a goofy smile on his face.

"Shut up." I hit his arm softly.

"I didn't say anything." He snickered.

"Yes, you did." I teased but was interrupted when Lincoln grabbed my other hand and looked me straight in the eye. I blushed more than before, the butterflies In my stomach we're going insane.

"I love you too." He said quietly but clearly. His words sending a chill up my spine. Our faces growing closer, like magnets needing to connect, we kissed.

I let go of Lincoln's hands and put mine around the back of his neck. His hand on my back, the other on my cheek. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss. We both broke apart to catch our breaths, quickly joining again. Like a tide, there was a rhythm to the kiss. I bit his bottom lip softly and the hand on my back pushed, pulling me closer. I lost it when he moved from my lips to my jawline, then my neck. I lightly tugged at his hair.

He began to suck softly on my neck. I exhaled softly blushing like crazy. He left soft kisses up my neck and met my lips again. I kissed him back, I felt a smile cross his lips as I did so. The heat of the moment swept me away, I wrapped my arms around him while smiling Into the kiss. I felt so secure in his arms like nothing else mattered. I felt a gentle hand on my waist, and another on my thigh, I froze for a moment excited yet nervous to move forward. Lincoln picked up on my nervousness and took away his hand.

"I'm sorry, " he said softly. 18

I didn't want to make him feel bad, I had just haven't done anything like his before, I was scared I would mess up.

"No, It's me. I'm just nervous." I said kissing him lightly.

"I guess we got a little carried away huh, " he said softly and smiled.

"Yeah, " I blushed resting my head on his shoulder.

"We're you trying to give me a hickey?" I questioned smiling.

I looked up and saw him blushing, "Uh, yeah, I forgot I had healing spit." He confessed and laughed a bit. 4

My head already laying on his shoulder I inched closer to his neck, softly exhaling. I felt him jump a little when I started leaving soft kisses on his neck. I kissed all over his neck until I found a spot he tensed at. I giggled and kept kissing It. I felt the hand on my waist tighten a little. I opened my eyes to glance at Lincoln although when I opened my eyes everything was pink, he had formed his bubble. He had his head tilted back, his eyes closed. I blushed at his response to me kissing that spot. When he realized he had formed his bubble, Instead of unforming It, he blushed. When he noticed me looking at him he attacked me with kisses. I giggled and blushed, he kissed my neck and then my lips. I kissed him back, while he was on top of me. I blushed realizing our current position. 7

He put his hand back on my thigh which made me gasp a little. While my lips were parted he slowly slid his tongue into my mouth. I blushed and smiled surprised. His grip on my thigh tightened ever so slightly when my tongue met his. I moved a hand from his neck to his hair and tilted my head. How Is It that a guy who has never made-out before Is so danm good at It? 35

Then I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I quickly got out from under Lincoln, he looked confused for a second then realized the footsteps too. He immediately sat beside me and pulled out his phone and clicked on a random TubeTube video. 8

He unformed his bubble forgetting It was there. I was blushing like crazy and tried to fix my hair because It was disheveled. My dad opened the door.

"I said three Inches, " he looked at both of us, then had a confused expression on his face. "What are you watching?" He questioned.

Lincoln looked at the title of the video not even knowing what he clicked on.

He paused and then hesitantly said, "Dogman sightings.." We both broke out laughing and my father just had a confused and weirded out expression on his face.

"Shouldn't you be getting home? It's been two hours." He asked Lincoln.

Lincoln looked at his watch surprised, "Oh, wow. I lost track of time I guess." He said while rubbing his neck.

I blushed knowing why. 15

My dad walked back down the hallway, I put a pillow over my face, realizing that I just made-out for the first time. Lincoln pulled the pillow away from my face and kissed me.

"I should probably go, If I'm not home soon Pearl is going to watch me sleep because lion likes to sit on my face If I'm gone for too long." I giggled at his statement.

"I'm not going to kiss you if you smell like lion's rear end," I said playfully pushing his face away.

"I better get home fast then." He smiled.

I sighed, unhappy he was leaving, "I have a feeling I'm going to miss you like crazy." I said while laying my head on his chest.

"I'm going to miss you too." He said and kissed my forehead. 6

Lincoln put his phone into his jean pocket and stood up. I yawned and stood up as well. We both walked downstairs. My face was still red but I was hoping my parents wouldn't notice.

"Thank you for dinner, everything was delicious." Lincoln smiled and thanked my parents. 1

"No problem, thank you for coming over, drive safe." My mother smiled.

I walked Lincoln out to his car while my dad stared out the window at us.

"Oh wow! Your car is super cool." I exclaimed while looking at the red vehicle.

"I was hoping you'd like it." He smiled. He opened the door and got in the drivers seat.

I leaned against the driver's side car door, the window was open. "I had fun tonight, " I blushed for the millionth time.

"I had a lot of fun, we should do this again sometime." He said with a cheeky smile. I giggled and bent down to kiss his cheek. 4

"I need to ask my parents about that vacation thing but I'm pretty sure I can go," I said while backing up a little, my father was still staring out the window. 3

"Text me when you get the all-clear, oh yeah and bring a swimsuit there Is a lake." He said and smiled widely.

"I have not gone swimming In forever, this will be fun!" I smiled.

"Goodnight strawberry, " he said while turning the key. "Love you, " he said softly so my parents wouldn't hear.

"Night biscuit, I love you too. " I said while waving, still blushing like mad.

I walked back inside, stuck In a love-stricken trance. I couldn't stop smiling while I walked upstairs back to my room, and closed the door. I laid flat on my bed, still wrapping my brain around what just happened. I blushed again thinking about what we just did.

All I knew was, I couldn't wait to see him again.

I drove home, my face still red. I couldn't stop smiling, I think I made a good impression and I made-out for the first time. My face got even more red when the thought crossed my mind. I pulled In front of the beach house. Still lost in thought I got out of my car, locked it, and went up the wooden steps. I pushed open the screen door and walked inside heading into the kitchen. I set my wallet and keys down on the counter and grabbed a glass from the cabinet, filling it with water.

I was about to walk upstairs when I heard the warp pad. Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst all stepped off the warp.

I smiled and waved, "Hey guys!"

"Ste-man!" Amethyst ran over to me and we did our signature handshake, right when we finished our handshake Pearl looked at me with a worried expression.

"Something wrong?" I asked Pearl.

She grabbed my face, "Are you feeling alright?" She questioned.

"Fine, why?" I asked concerned.

"You're so red, you look sick, " pearl said walking to the kitchen to grab a thermometer.

"That's what smooching does to ya." Amethyst punched my arm. 10

I blushed more but laughed It off.

Garnet just stood there smiling, being her mysterious self. I stopped Pearl from checking my temperature assuring her I was fine. I took a sip of water, almost choking when Amethyst shapeshifted Into stella. 58

"Alright, I think I'm gonna head to bed," I said trying to give attention to Amethyst's games. I walked upstairs hearing Pearl scold Amethyst In the background. I shut my door behind me, pulling out my phone. I sat on my bed and turned on the TV. I got up to put my shoes away and change out of my dress shirt. I put on some sweatpants with an old t-shirt. I laid on my bed and watched reruns of Lonely Blade. I drifted to sleep at some point in the movie because I was woken up to my phone screaming at me, or at least that's what It felt like. I double-tapped the screen blinded by my brightness is all the way up.

"Argh," I mumbled quickly turning my brightness down. 19

Pearl quickly walked In, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I thought we talked about you not watching me sleep anymore, Pearl." I mumbled, still being half asleep.

"I wasn't watching, I was just listening." she pouted. "I don't want to suffocate under that pet of yours. Humans need oxygen," she explained while shooing Lion. 22

"He's not a pet, he is my magical companion and he's a good boy!" I said while smothering lion and in hugs. I laughed as he licked my face. 2

"What about you're phone?" Pearl questioned.

"Hm?" I said wiping Lion slobber off my face. "Oh right, someone texted me," I looked at my phone and saw that stella texted me. I excitedly clicked on the message.

Pearl was picking up laundry that was on my floor and putting it in a basket.

"I gotta call stella, I'll be right back Pearl!" I said basically shouting rushing out the sliding door of my bedroom, onto the patio to have a small amount of privacy. I dialed her number, clearing my throat. She picked up the phone, she sounded tired.

"Hey," she yawned, "sorry to call you so late, I woke up and now I can't fall back asleep."

"Huh?" I looked at the time and It was two-thirty. "Oh, yeah I guess It is late," I said not even knowing the time.

"I just wanted to tell you that I can go, to the vacation thing this weekend," she said, yawning again. "I forgot to call you before I went to bed, I was really tired." 8

Pearl was still spying on me so I used my floating powers to raise myself high enough to sit on the roof, leaning against the chimney.

"Wait, what are you doing?" stella asked curiously, probably hearing me fumbling around trying not to fall.

"I'm sitting on the roof, " I said while finally finding a spot where I wasn't slipping. "The gems are killing me, I'm trying to get a moment alone." I sighed.

"I'm sorry, what did they do this time?" stella asked concerned.

"Amethyst is constantly making jokes about our relationship, Pearl Is a stalker, and-" before I could finish my sentence I heard Pearl scoff, obviously listening to our conversation. "PEARL!" I shouted. I heard stella giggle, finding Pearl being overprotective funny.

"I'm sorry, my parents were super strict until about a year ago, It was awful. If you ever need someone to rant to about this stuff, I'm all ears. " stella reassured.

"Thank you, that's really sweet of you, " I smiled. Then I heard Pearl walk outside onto the patio again. "Alright, that's It. I'm gonna go sit in my car until morning." I said while using my floating powers to get down from the roof and get to my car.

"Do you wanna know what I did to stop my parents from being so strict?" stella asked.

"Yea, how'd you do It?" I asked curiously, unlocking my car and getting inside, shutting the car door behind me.

"Well, first I showed them that I could be trustworthy, which you've already done, I mean you did save the planet. " she laughed a bit.

"Oh come on, we did that together. I never would of been able to do it without you." I smiled.

"Stop, your gonna give me diabetes, " she joked. 5

"Nah, cause I'll just kiss you and you'll be good as new, " I attempted to flirt, blushing In the process. 5

She giggled, "Lincoln, I can't flirt at two in the morning, my brain function isn't at full yet, I need coffee first." She laughed and I snickered, a little embarrassed she saw right through my attempt to flirt. 1

"Anyway, what I was saying was that all you have to do Is have a conversation with the gems. Tell them you need some space, I'm sure they'll understand." She said calmly.

"Why do you always give the best advice?" I smiled.

"Well, I am reading a book on psychology. It's pretty interesting." She said sounding all smart.

"I'm going to take your advice, thank you, " I smiled, "Oh and the cabin Is super cool, It has a fridge with a water dispenser and a lake, with a dock you can go fishing at, and a jacuzzi! You're going to love it!" I exclaimed.

"I'm sure I will, " she giggled at how excited I was.

"Sorry, I'm rambling again aren't I?" I said and laughed at how stupid I was being.

"Little bit, but It's cute, " she snickered.

"Mhm, I don't believe you can't flirt at two in the morning, you're doing it right now, " I teased.

"Stop, please I can't laugh, I'm going to wake up my parents." She said trying to laugh quietly.

"Okay fine, " I laughed a bit, "My dad and I got the plan all set up on the travel part. It's about a three-hour drive to the cabin so the gems are going to ride in his van, and I'll drive my car. I'd rather not be stuck in a van with the gems for three hours, " 1

"I don't blame you, that sounds unpleasant." stella agreed.

"Don't get me wrong, I love them to death but I'd rather take a road trip with you, " I leaned back In my seat my face becoming more red.

"I'm driving with you, right?" She questioned.

"No, cause I would totally put you through three hours of Amethyst telling you to " get some" as she likes to put it," I said sarcastically and laughed.

"Okay good, I'll bring snacks for the road, " she said and then whisper screamed "Road trip!" Trying not to wake her parents.

I smiled at how cute she was being, I whisper screamed back, "Rooaad triipp!" We both laughed. 9

"I'm so tired, yet I don't want to sleep, " she yawned.

"You can sleep If you want, I mean It is three in the morning," I said worried she was going to be sleep-deprived.

"I know, but If I hang up I'll miss your voice." She said while yawning another time. 4

My face probably looks like a tomato right now, this girl is driving me crazy. "I always miss your voice, " I said with a big smile on my face. 14

She giggled, "What's so special about my voice?" She mumbled. She must have her face buried in a pillow, her voice sounded muffled over the phone.

"Cause It's yours." I couldn't stop smiling waiting for her response.

"I think I need that kiss now, you're officially too sweet," She giggled again sounding adorable.

"You give the best kisses, so that works out well." I closed my eyes and leaned back in the drivers seat, getting more comfortable. 1

"Okay, now I really need that kiss, " we both laughed, I wasn't going to get any sleep but I didn't care, all I cared about was her.

We talked until I heard the other line fall silent, then I heard a cute soft snore, I swear my heart melted right then and there. I sat for a moment, In silence, a smile on my face. She made me so crazy but In a wonderful way. I thought of the story my dad told me, how when he was in love with my mom he referred to it as torture. It was right and wrong at the same time because It was torture to think about losing her, but at the same time I think I'm the happiest I've been in a long time, and I had her to thank for that. I closed my eyes again, enjoying the moment In silence. I fell asleep with my phone laying on my chest, stella on the other line.

stella's POV

I rubbed my eyes, having just woken up, my alarm clock going off. I yawned and smacked the off button, not getting much sleep the night before didn't make it easy to get up at seven. I looked at my phone and blushed realizing that I was still on the phone with Lincoln. I felt bad when I saw It was on speaker and he probably heard my alarm clock, turns out he did. 3

I heard a yawn on the other line, "Good morning, " he mumbled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up, " I said quietly feeling guilty.

"It's cool, I needed to be up anyway. Thanks for being my alarm clock, " Lincoln said yawning again.

I swear I blushed every time I talked to him, "No problem, I'm here on Wednesdays and Thursdays, " I joked, blushing again at his cute laugh.

"Well, I have to take a shower, I'll talk to you later so we can get the trip planned out, my parents want details," I said while taking my hair out of a ponytail.

"I need to shower too, I've been in a car all night," Lincoln replied.

"Why did you do that, your gonna be sore, take a hot bath it soothes muscles," I said concerned he was going to be in pain.

"I needed to get away from the gems, they can make things claustrophobic at times, " he sighed.

"Having a conversation with them will help, trust me, "

"Always, " he replied. "I'm gonna go take a hot shower, love you."

I got butterflies in my stomach as he said that, "Bye biscuit, love you too, " I said quietly so my parents wouldn't hear.

I ended the call reluctantly, I put my phone on my charger and walked to the bathroom to get in the shower. I shut and locked the bathroom door behind me. I took a cold shower to wake myself up, still exhausted from the night before. I got out of the shower, wrapping myself with a towel and walking back to my room to get dressed. I was drying off my hair, a smile stuck to my face, thinking about how I stayed on the phone with Lincoln all night long. I threw on a T-shirt and jeans, walking downstairs.

I got a bowl of cereal and sat down at the table, reading a comic as I ate.

My mother walked into the kitchen setting her phone on the counter. "Do you have everything you need for the trip?" She questioned while filling a glass with water.

"Everything but a swimsuit, my old one doesn't fit anymore, " I said while eating a spoon full of cereal.

"We'll pick you up a new one today when I get home from work, " she said while finishing her toast and setting the plate in the sink. "I gotta run, I'll be home around eight, love you, sweetie." She kissed my forehead and grabbed her purse and keys.

"Love you too, " I said while she walked out of the kitchen and then out the front door.

I finished my cereal and put my bowl In the sink, I grabbed my phone and decided to text Lincoln.

"Are you out of the shower?" I texted him, regretted sounding so clingy. Why did I say It like that, way to come off like a stalker. I sighed and then Lincoln texted me back. I quickly tapped on the notification to read the message.

"Yeah, you were right, I feel a lot better, " he replied.

I smiled, he was so sweet. Then I had the Idea to Invite him over, both my parents were at work and we would be able to plan the trip In peace. I blushed at the thought of us kissing again, If we had to house to ourselves would we make-out again? I blushed more thinking about If we did more, I snapped out of my thoughts and responded to his message. 2

"I'm always right , the reason I ask is because I was wondering If you wanted to come over, both my parents are at work so we could plan the trip, " I sent the message, my face was reddish for sure.

"That's perfect, I was just planning on calling you but that works better. " Lincoln replied.

"Perfect, see you soon," I responded jumping up to make sure the house was clean. I went upstairs and picked up some clothes that were on my floor and made my bed. I blushed at the thought of him being in my room again, I walked past the mirror and noticed my old T-shirt I was wearing and I quickly tried to find something else. I looked through my closet sighing, then I found a teal crop top I tried it on and It went to about two inches above where my jeans started, I liked how I looked In It surprisingly.

I smiled finally finding something I liked, I headed back downstairs and sat on the sofa. I read comics on my phone waiting for Lincoln. I started feeling tired from staying up so late, my eyelids felt heavy and my head slowly fell forward jolting back up to the sound of the doorbell. I set my phone down and excitedly opened the door.

"Hey, biscui--" I blushed, suddenly Interrupted by Lincoln pulled me In for a deep kiss. My eyes wide, surprised. He slowly broke the kiss, smiling. I'm sure I had a stunned expression on my face because he laughed a little. 1

"You said you needed a kiss last night, " he said with a cheeky smile stepping inside the doorway.

I cleared my throat still a little shocked and a small smile on my face. "I wasn't expecting it so soon, " I said while laughing a little. "Did you miss me that much?" I said with a smile on my face, sitting on the sofa, Lincoln shortly following, shutting the front door behind him.

"You could say that, " he said while sitting next to me, grabbing hold of my hand. I tried not to fall into the temptation of kissing him and actually plan the trip because my parents were bugging me for details.

"My parents want details about the trip, like times, sleeping arrangements, etc, " I said while grabbing the notebook I had put on the coffee table.

"Well, I found out this morning that Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot are all coming on the trip but thankfully they will all fit In my dad's van so we don't have to ride with them," Lincoln said while Interlocking our fingers. 4

"It's gonna be an interesting trip, that's for sure, " I laughed a bit, "I'm just glad I'm riding with you, you make everything fun," I said smiling trying not to blush.

"You know my heart can't handle you being so sweet, " he kissed my forehead and grinned.

My face was probably noticeably red, I couldn't help but blush every time he touched me. I looked up at him with a stupid smile I couldn't get off my face. Lincoln's face was a little red too when he saw my reaction. I didn't care anymore, I could figure out details later, I needed to kiss this boy. 8

Lincoln's POV

I couldn't stop blushing when I was around her, and her reaction to me simply kissing her forehead, oh my gosh. She was too cute. My eyes widened when her face slowly got closer to mine, my gaze locked on her beautiful hazel eyes. I felt her warm soft exhale on my face, sending a shiver up my spine. I placed my hand on her cheek our lips were so close, almost touching. I exhaled and she must have had the same shiver up her spine because she pressed her lips against mine. The kiss was almost electric, her lips melting Into mine, like wax next to a flame. I took my hand from hers and moved it to her lower back. Tilting my head to deepen the kiss, I felt her lips curl upwards into a small smile. I started feeling butterflies in my stomach nervous and excited at the same time. 72

I didn't want to go too far without her permission though, so as we broke apart shortly for air I breathlessly said, "Do you want to stop?"

"No, " she said and took a breath, "wait, do you?" She asked and I shook my head.

"No, I was just making sure, " I said while pulling her closer by my hand on her cheek.

"You're sweet, " she whispered and kissed me again, this time more passionate.

Her lips melted to mine again, I couldn't help but blush at the way she kissed me like she wanted more. I lightly stroked the back of her shirt, touching skin because It was so short. Not going to lie, anytime she showed more skin I liked It, the thought of her in a bathing suit made me shiver. I moved my hand from her cheek to her hair, caressing the silky smooth strands. She tilted her head and inched closer to me. Then her teeth softly grazed my bottom lip, I lost it right then and there, she was driving me mad. I kissed her more passionately, my hand slightly moved under her shirt, now pressing flat on her back.

She shivered at my movement and I got worried, I quickly broke the kiss and removed my hand, "Did I do something wrong?" I asked quietly, concerned.

"You're fine, I'm just new to this, that's all." She said while looking down.

"I'm sorry, I'm moving too fast aren't I?" I said feeling like a jerk for pushing her.

"Lincoln, you're fine, I've just never done anything like this before, " she said while blushing looking embarrassed.

I felt even worse for making her feel uncomfortable, "I haven't either, this is all new to me, " I said while leaning my forehead against hers.

"We'll figure it out together then, " she said and smiled, lifting her head from mine and lightly kissing me.

I kissed back, relieved she wasn't upset. She grabbed my hand and placed it on her back again, under her shirt, I blushed, surprised and kissed her more roughly. She wrapped her hands around my neck, smiling Into the kiss. I grinned into the kiss shortly after, moving from her lips to her jawline, leaving light kisses. I moved to her neck, lightly sucking at the spot she tensed at. I kept kissing that spot and she lightly tugged at my hair. She let out a soft whimper which made me shudder. I quickly trailed back up her neck to her lips. Her face was painted with blush, so was mine. I kissed her roughly again, never getting enough of her. stella kissed back more roughly like she was saying she wanted more as well, my arm tightened around her waist as she did so. 11

She moved down to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses giving me more butterflies In my stomach. She somehow always found that spot, the spot that made my heart race my eyelids heavy. I started breathing heavy the more she kissed It, she must have noticed because she giggled a little and lightly sucked at It. I shut my eyes tightly, It felt so good It almost hurt. She kept kissing my neck and I unintentionally let out a soft grunting noise. My eyes shot open and I blushed when I realized her looking at me wide-eyed. I tried not to make eye contact, a bit embarrassed.

"That wasn't, I mean I-" stella kissed me to shut me up.

"I knew you liked It when I kissed your neck, but I didn't know you like It that much, " she said with a smirk.

"Oh please, I heard you make noise too, " I said with a cheeky smile, kissing her again. 124

"Shut up, " she said while hitting my shoulder lightly. We both laughed a little. My goodness, could she be any more perfect? Even the embarrassing stuff I did didn't make things awkward between us. I always felt comfortable around her, even when I was nervous as all get out.

"We probably should write down the trip details, " I said reluctantly, not wanting to stop.

She sighed, "One more, " she mumbled and leaned up to kiss me, I blushed and returned the kiss.

We shared a sweet kiss, both smiling Into It. I slowly broke the kiss. My breath was probably shaky by the way she giggled slightly.

"Ugh, alright let's get this over with, " she said while picking up a pen and notebook.

"Okay, so we are going to leave at six-thirty In the morning If everything goes to plan. We'll be in my car and my dad and the gems will be In his van for the drive, " I explained details as she wrote them down. "There are three beds I believe which will be fine cause the gems don't sleep, except for amethyst. I'll text my dad asking for the address cause I don't remember off the top of my head, but it's called cool ranch." She wrote down the details. 2

"Thank you, my parents are still overprotective a lot of the time. It's way better than It was though." She explained while setting the notebook down. "By the way did you talk to the gems yet?" stella questioned.

"No, I'm planning on doing It tonight though, I'm going to suffocate If they let up soon, " I said and smiled, she was so curious about everything I did. It's adorable.

"I hope they do, that sounds stressful, " she said with concern in her voice.

"I do too, thanks for the advice, " I said and kissed her cheek, trying not to blush.

She smiled back at me and yawned. "Do you want to watch a movie? I got Dogcopter 4." stella asked while grabbing the remote.

"We've only watched it four times, " I said jokingly. 19

She got up from the sofa, "It's only been twice! Plus the plot Is so disgustingly garbage Is great to laugh at, " she said while popping the movie disk In the DVD player.

"Okay okay, you're not going to cry this time right?" I said and wrapped my arm around her when she sat back down on the sofa.

"That's funny because I remember you were the one crying." She said while smirking.

"He thought he was never gonna fly again! That's tear-jerking, " I explained and she started the movie.

"Okay fine, we both cried, " she teased, We both laughed.

"Deal, " I said while a smile as the opening credits ended and the movie began. She laid her head on my shoulder and started the watch the movie.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was near the end of the movie and I was going to make a joke about the sad part but when I looked over stella was asleep. I tried not to move because I did not want to wake her. She looked too precious to wake. I slowly laid my head back leaning against the sofa. My eyelids felt heavy, I could barely keep them open to watch the movie. I felt so at peace In that moment, she made everything better. I'm more In love then I can put into words. I got another wave of lack of sleep, I closed my eyes. I slept next to her, while Dogcopter played In the background.

Narrator's POV

Mrs. Maheswaran walked up the steps and unlocked the front door. She walked Inside.

"I'm home, I got off work early today, " she was surprised to see the couple on the sofa asleep. She quickly hushed her voice but raised an eyebrow at Lincoln's arm wrapped around stella's waist as they slept side by side. 5

Mrs. Mahsewaran cleared her throat, obviously trying to wake them up. Lincoln caught wind of this as he woke from his unintentional nap. He rubbed his eye with his free hand, attempting to wake himself up further.

The boy noticed her stare, surprised he slowly removed his hand from stella's waist. "Uh, hi. Sorry, I did not mean to fall asleep." Lincoln spoke his voice raspy from just waking up.

The sound of his voice caused stella to wake, her head lifting from Lincoln's shoulder meeting the gaze of her mother. Her eyes become wide as her cheeks heated. stella scooted a few inches away from Lincoln.

"Hey, mom, what are you doing home so early?" She laughed nervously.

"Someone offered to take my shift, you didn't tell me Lincoln was coming over today, I would have vacuumed." The doctor walked into the kitchen. 2

The young couple both sighed in relief that she wasn't angry. Lincoln pulled out his phone to check the time, It was noon.

"Oh shoot, I was meant to help my dad at the carwash today," Lincoln said while scratching his neck. He was going to help his dad clean the van for the trip, but he was an hour late.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have suggested the movie, " stella apologized, feeling guilty.

"It's my fault, my phone was on silent. I didn't set an alarm either, " he sighed. "I should probably call my dad, " Lincoln said while standing up from the sofa.

stella got up as well, walking into the kitchen to join her mother who was putting dishes away. She had a troubled expression, worried Greg was going to be upset. How would Lincoln even explain what happened to Greg she thought, 'oh sorry, I was sucking face and lost track of time'. She sighed while putting cups In the upper cabinet. 23

Lincoln dialed his father, going to apologize for being late.

~ ~ ~ ~

After the call, Lincoln walked into the kitchen, sliding his phone back into his pocket. stella was standing on the other side of the counter just finishing putting the last few dishes away. Priyanka's phone rang so she sat at the dining room table to take the call.

"Turns out my dad forgot as well, so everything worked out, " Lincoln assured. "I'm going to head over to the car wash, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning for the trip, " Lincoln leaned over the counter and kissed the girl on the cheek. 2

He didn't want to show too much affection, given stella's mother was sitting at the table, within view of them. The blush on his face grew as she smiled back at him.

"That's a relief, I was worried I ruined time with your dad," stella confessed.

"You never ruin anything, you're perfect, " he smiled and stopped leaning on the counter. Lincoln walked around the counter and stood facing her.

stella's face became redder than earlier, Lincolns words made her heart skip a beat. "I'm far from perfect, " stella adjusted her hair, trying to control her nerves.

"That's just not true, your completely and utterly perfect to me," Lincoln assured while pulling her In for a goodbye hug.

"Stop being so sweet, " stella giggled while returning the hug.

"You can't make me!" Lincoln said while laughing and playfully lifting the girl during the hug.

He spun her around as they laughed hysterically. A bright light appeared between them and before they knew It they were fused. The tall fusion continued to laugh until the sudden realization set In. Stevonnie blushed, this Is the first time Lincoln and stella had fused since their relationship started. Their eyes shot to stella's mother Priyanka who had a shocked expression. They blushed even more and suddenly unfused. 12

"Argh, " stella grunted as she hit the kitchen floor, falling from the separation. Lincoln helped her up, worried she was hurt.

Before Lincoln could ask If stella was okay, the doctor spoke. "I'm going to call you back, " she explained and hung up the phone standing up from her chair.

"Are you two alright?" Priyanka rushed to her daughter, Lincoln had an arm around stella's waist, making sure she was stable.

"I'm fine, really," stella assured and Lincoln removed his arm. "I just fell wrong, " she stated, still blushing. Tension lessened when they realized stella wasn't hurt.

"I'm sorry, " Lincoln apologized to stella with a worried expression.

"Don't apologize, it's half my fault we fused, " stella laughed trying to lighten the mood.

"Is that healthy? The whole 'fusion' thing?" Priyanka asked the two. She had a vague idea of what fusion was but didn't understand the physical side of It.

"I thought I already explained It, " stella sighed.

"It's really complicated, but it's definitely not damaging," Lincoln added. He bent over and kissed stella on the forehead. " I'm sorry to leave so sudden but I have to go before my dad gets worried. love you," Lincoln said while smiling.

stella got major butterflies In her stomach as Lincoln said that. stella stood on her tippy toes, balancing herself with her hands on his shoulders. She kissed his cheek, blushing In the process. "Love you too," stella said, removing her hands from Lincoln. They both smiled at each other, while Priyanka watched, smiling as well.

Lincoln walked out of the kitchen and to the front door. He opened the door, but before walking out waved goodbye to stella, a grin on his face. stella waved back and he shut the door behind him. stella sighed, not upset but a content sigh. stella smiled as her mother hugged her tightly.

"My little girl Is In love, your growing up too fast!" Priyanka exclaimed. stella hugged back, glad her mother wasn't upset. 3

"You're not upset?" stella questioned, surprised. 2

"I'm proud of you for facing your feelings, I do think you are a little young for love but we trust you. Nonetheless, don't do anything stupid like getting pregnant, " she explained while releasing her daughter from the suffocating hug. 150

stella's eyes widened, "Mom!" She exclaimed. Blush grew on stella's face shortly after her mother's words.

"I know you don't want to talk about sex with your mom but I do have knowledge." stella had a slight look of disgust as her mother said that. She continued, "wait until your ready, don't let anyone pressure you. And please for the Petes sake use protection." 20

stella's face was completely red, "Can we not have this conversation right now?" She pleaded while avoiding eye contact.

"Alright fine. What time did you want to go shopping for that swimsuit?" stella's mother questioned while grabbing her phone from the dining room table.

"Let's just leave now, we'll avoid rush hour, " stella said while walking to the living room to grab her shoes.

"Sounds good, " Priyanka slid her phone into her pocket and grabbed her purse that was on the counter.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lincoln's POV

Lion slid crossed the slick concrete as he landed In front of the carwash after just warping, I held tightly onto his mane as he did so. I quickly hopped off pattings lions head. I walked over to where my dad was standing hosing down his van. 4

"Hey, dad." I walked over and picked up a sponge that was In the soap bucket.

"Hey, Stew-Ball!" He exclaimed with a smile. He stepped closer to me and ruffled my hair. I laughed at his actions while beginning to scrub the van with the soap smothered sponge.

He set the hose down and picked up a sponge as well, doing the same. We cleaned the car In silence for a few moments.

My dad soon broke the silence. "How are things going with stella?"

"Good, " I smiled while adding more soap. "She's amazing, " I added and tried not to blush just thinking about her.

"Did you kiss her yet?" He asked while nudging my arm with his elbow. "Eh, eh?" He joked.

I laughed awkwardly at how cringey he was being. "Yeah, " I said slowly.

"And?" He questioned.

"It was good, " I said, embarrassed to give details.

"I'm glad your first kiss wasn't awful like mine." He placed the sponge In the bucket and picked up the hose, beginning to spray the vehicle.

I looked at him curiously, never hearing the story before. "Storytime?" I smiled, remembering the great memories of my father telling me stories.

"It's pretty anticlimactic, It was homecoming. I went to the dance with some friends and I built up the courage to ask a girl to dance." He said while washing off the soap on the windshield.

"And?" I questioned while putting the sponge I was using back in the bucket. I grabbed a bucket of clean water and splashing over the side of the van, washing away an area of suds.

He sighed while recalling the story, "It was a slow dance and everything, super cheesy stuff. I leaned In for a kiss as the song was ending and she returned It. But she had her mouth completely open? It was like she was trying to give me CPR!" We both laughed. "I pity the men she kisses. " He added and continued to spray the now clean van.

"I had my mouth closed at least, " I laughed again, I set down the bucket, wiping my hands on my shirt to dry them. 9

"It's refreshing to see you so happy, I know everything has calmed down but it's still emotionally heavy nonetheless." He smiled while setting the hose down. He then walked over to the nozzle and turned It off.

"Yeah, " I agreed. "It's nice to have a distraction for the time being, " I sighed.

What my dad said got me thinking, I never even considered how I felt about everything I was so worried about helping everyone I never picked myself back up. I stood In thought for a moment trying to determine how I felt about the diamond situation, Is the entire reason I'm alive to make a point?

I suddenly felt an anger burning Inside me, that I had suppressed for so long about my mother and the confusing emotions I felt. I didn't know how I felt how I should accept everything, or even If I should accept It. So many people depended on me, and now that I know I'm part diamond there was even more pressure. Is my existence simply a scapegoat?

I was interrupted by my father walking back to the van with a towel. He began wiping down the windshield. While he was looking the other way I blinked away the tears trying to form In my eyes. I don't want to let anyone know I was feeling this way. I can't bring him down after everything he's been through. 8

"Are you alright? You look kinda down, " he asked while extending out his arm to put a hand on my shoulder.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine, " I said softly not even sure If I was or not. I need to be alone, I need to think for a moment. I tried to quickly find an excuse to get away.

"Pearl wanted to help me pack for the trip, can I go?" I asked putting on a fake smile, while I felt like my heart dropped to my stomach. I didn't lie very often, even though it's normal for teenagers to lie It hurt to think about being dishonest and losing everyone's trust. I just needed to be alone. 2

"Yeah, you can go, thanks for helping your old man." He smiled and ruffled my hair once more. I had a small smile trying my best to look happy. I felt a lump in my throat, my eyes felt tired from holding back the tears that wanted to escape.

I haven't cried in a while, I had matured over the years. Mature or not right now I felt like I wanted to form my bubble and curl up in a ball. I was about to turn around to find lion but my dad stopped me. 1

"I know I don't know about space stuff but If you want to talk about anything I'm always here, Stew-Ball." He assured I felt contorted and conflicted at the same time. 1

I knew I never want to put my load of confusing and have emotions on him but at the same time, I knew he loved me and wanted to help me through anything. I love my dad too much to weigh him down with my emotional bullshit, I need to figure this out on my own. I don't want to be weak, everyone wants me to be strong I can't show vulnerability. 18

"Thanks, really I'm fine." My voice was shaky, I know I didn't fool him. I'm a terrible liar especially when I'm emotional.

I needed to get to Lion before my eyes got more teary. I quickly turned around and spotted Lion napping on top of a parked car crossed the street. I ran over to him and shouted his name to wake him up. Lion never responds so quickly but he did this time, maybe he could sense my emotional state. When he jumped down he set off the car alarm I immediately jumped on his back and he started to run from the loud alarm, being startled.

"Lion, take me to the temple, " I said quickly not wanted to get in trouble because of Lion. He leaped forward and roared summoning the portal and went through It.

Lion landed on the sand In front of my house, I hopped off him and hugged his back. I wasn't able to hug his mane because I would go through It. Walking up the wooden steps onto the patio I held back the tears, trying my best not to have an emotional breakdown on my porch. I pushed open the screen door and saw Pearl kneeling In front of the open fridge, cleaning It. Giving the spoiled food to amethyst was sitting on the counter eating It.

"Lincoln, " I jumped at Garnet's voice right beside me. She was sitting on the third step or so leading to my room.

"What?" I asked with my voice shaking, worried she would know how I was feeling.

"Tell me what Is wrong, " she questioned with a worried look on her face. My suspicions were correct she could see how upset I was with her future vision. I quickly blinked away more tears, trying to stay composed. 2

Finally, the tears fell from my eyes, exhausted from holding back my emotions for a short amount of time, yet It felt like years. Pearl and Amethyst caught wind of my distress as I started to sniffle, trying to stop my runny nose. They moved towards me, trying to figure out what was wrong.

"I can't, " I responded to Garnet, quickly wiping away my tears just as more began to fall. I felt suffocated being surrounded by all of the gems as they waited for my answer, I didn't even have an answer for myself how was I supposed to explain how I felt.

Sniffling more I blurted out, "I just need a minute!" I practically shouted. As I uttered those words I heard a familiar sound, and my gem glowed. I looked up with blurry vision to see the rose-colored door to open In a spiral pattern with the design of petals. I couldn't explain to the gems until I figured things out for myself, I needed to be alone and sort things out. Desperate to escape I pushed Amethyst's hand off my shoulder as I rushed forward towards the room.

"Lincoln, wait!" Pearl shouted, I couldn't do anything I felt so helpless I just needed to sort things out. I rushed into the room, dismissing Pearl's plea. The door shut behind me and I leaned backwards against it, sliding down the surface Into a sit.

I didn't know what else to do but cry, I felt awful.

Lincoln's POV

I sighed, wiping the tears off my face. My forehead laying on my knees while sobbing. I felt so confused, conflicted and scared, scared that If anyone knew how I was feeling that they would think differently of me. How would stella react If she found out I'm debating on whether or not I love my own mother. 1

I clenched my fist more tears streaming down my face, I'm a horrible person. What kind of person has to even debate this? 1

"It's so hard to love someone I've never met, " I sobbed out.

I know that she lied about being Pink Diamond to save the Earth, I know she loved the gems and wanted to protect them. And I know she loved my dad, so why do I feel this way? She loved me, so why does It feel so difficult to do the same? I wiped my runny nose with a tissue box that appeared beside me. Maybe If I just say I love her, I'll feel It. If I can convince the gems I'm fine, I'll be able to convince myself.

I dried my eyes and blew my nose, standing up from leaning against the door.

"I want a mirror, " I said to the room going to check If my eyes were puffy from crying. A mirror appeared In front of me, I looked at my red puffy face and sighed.

Before I could wipe my face again trying to cover the fact I was crying a sink appeared In front of me.

"Thanks, " I said towards the endless pink sky. I splashed my face with cold water and dried myself with a hand towel. I looked back up the mirror glad to see the evidence of my sobbing was washing away, I tried my best to keep a neutral face It was hard not to frown. Taking a deep breath, controlling my breathing to make sure I was calm.

Fake It till you make it, you're supposed to love everyone around you. Grow the hell up. I sighed I needed to be more mature, I'm better than this. Prove to everyone you're fine, and It'll be true, I thought to myself. I need to be strong, everyone is depending on me. 5

I turned around and stepped closer to the door, as It opened I stepped out with my hands to my sides, fidgeting with the corner of my pink jacket. I tried to stay composed. When I looked up at the living room I was surprised to not see the gems. I walked passed the warp pad onto the hardwood floor.

I heard muffled voices from on the patio, It sounded like arguing. I came closer to the Patio door then Pearl pushed open the patio door and came Inside.

"Lincoln!" She exclaimed while running up to me.

I felt weird not telling them how I was feeling, that's what I always did. Even though I was older now I was still open about my emotions, so this felt very strange.

Pearl hugged me, the gems walked shortly after they heard Pearl. I returned the hug wrapping my arms around her, melting into the embrace. She never failed to make me feel comfortable, she was the closest thing I had to a mother. Again the emotions Inside me of just thinking about Rose caused me to have mixed feelings. It was a mixture of sadness, anger, and love. 4

After being lost In thought for a moment Pearl released me from the hug. All the gems we're staring, probably wondering If I was okay. I mean, I did just kind of have a mental breakdown In the living room, so I see their reasoning. I cleared my throat, waiting for them to ask me.

Garnet walked over to the sofa and gestured me to sit down. I stepped around the coffee table and took a seat. Pearl and Amethyst shortly following while Garnet sat with her legs crossed on the table.

Garnet was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Did something happen with stella?" She questioned with slight concern In her voice.

I was relieved they didn't know what was really going on, surely I look like a horrible person for debating whether or not I live my own mother. On the other hand, I didn't want them to think stella and I were fighting. 3

"Everything with stella Is fine, it's not that," I said quickly assuring them that wasn't the issue.

"Then what is the issue, Lincoln? Is It Amethyst? I told her to be more sensitive with your relationship with stella!" Pearl exclaimed.

"Wha? Nuh-uh, this wasn't all from me!" she argued while getting more animated with her body language. 2

"Stop arguing, " I sighed, not wanting to listen to them fight again. "It's not that either, " I said while rubbing the back of my neck.

"Then what is?" Garnet questioned.

My face began to heat up, I couldn't tell them the real reason, I can't do that to them. "U-uh, " I panicked trying to think quickly of an excuse for being emotional.

"Human issues, " I said, immediately regretting my choice. 2

Now Pearl is going to be telling me about puberty like she did when I went through It. She would burst into my room before I had a door, thankfully I do now. She would talk about human anatomy without hesitation because It wasn't awkward to her. Then she would lecture me about using protection yet I'm still a virgin. 27

I probably didn't convince them totally that It was really just hormones but I tried. Sighing I looked up at the gems, Amethyst was smirking, she thought human puberty was hilarious especially when It happened to me and she would crack jokes every two minutes. Garnet has a blank yet calm expression, as always. Pearl just looked a bit confused.

"Should I call Greg?" Pearl asked while pulling a briefcase out of her gemstone, opening It and grabbing her phone that was Inside. 5

"No, it's fine. It's uh, normal. Yeah, perfectly normal, " I said trying my best to sound like I wasn't lying.

I cringed at how awkward I sounded, at least the gems weren't human, they would believe this stuff. Then an Idea accrued, I could use this as a way to tell them I need space. They were suffocating lately, I needed them to understand boundaries.

"I needed to talk to you guys about something, " I said and cleared my throat. To my surprise everyone was listening, no jokes or comments. "I need space, Pearl that means no more watching me sleep. Amethyst that means fewer jokes about stella and me, especially in front of stella It makes her uncomfortable. Garnet please stop using future vision to spy on me, it's getting invasive, " I took a deep breath In, saying that long like all at once.

Pearl blushed light blue, "Well I'm sorry I don't want you to die from that feline sleeping on your face." She said.

"If I stop breathing I'll wake up, " I assured her and laughed a bit thinking how cute Lion was.

"I thought the jokes were funny, " Amethyst said punching my shoulder.

"Yeah alright, 'They gonna bone' Is truly comedy gold Amethyst." I smiled and laughed a bit more. It felt nice to joke around with her again, we haven't done that In a while. 3

Garnet stayed silent, with a nod of agreement. I grinned at how she was always so calm. 5

I sighed, relieved that I got that off my chest. "Alright, I'm gonna pack for the trip, " I said while standing up from the sofa. "Sorry for worrying everyone, " I rubbed the back of my neck.

"I was about to break down the door dude, " Amethyst said while standing up too. She had to look up at me since I'd gotten taller, she shapeshifted her arm to stretch longer and ruffled my hair. I laughed at her action and pushed her hand away.

I chuckled more at Pearl's face, she disapproved of shapeshifting for fun. "Alright, " I said while trying to stop laughing. I walked around the coffee table to my bedroom steps. I walked up while Garnet did a salute thing with two fingers, followed by a smile. I was confused where she learned that but returned the odd gesture, with a smile on my face as well. I continued up the steps and shut my door behind me. 3

Lincoln's POV

My eyes shot open as I heard pounding at my door. I quickly got up walking over to the door.

"Lincoln, are you ready to hit the road?" I heard a familiar voice question, slightly muffed through the door.

As I went to open the door I noticed It was locked, I must have fallen asleep forgetting to unlock It. I quickly undid the lock and opened the door greeted by Bismuth. By the position of her arm, It looked like she was about to pound on the door once more, but stopped realizing I opened It.

"You've nailed the police knock, " I said while rubbing my eyes, still half asleep.

"Hey Stew-ball, we got thirty-minutes before we leave!" My dad exclaimed from the bottom of the steps.

I followed bismuth In walking down the steps into the living room. All the gems we're scattered about, Lapis and Peridot gushing over a Camp Pining Hearts poster hung on the wall. Pearl was In the kitchen making snacks for the road and Amethyst was trying to eat them. My dad and Garnet were looking at a map of the highway. Bismuth plopped down on the sofa, bouncing both my Dad and Garnet that we're on the other half of the sofa, laughter shortly following. 1

"Lincoln, " Amethyst announced.

"Hm?" I hummed In response, still sleepy. A yawn following shortly after.

"You forgot a shirt dude, " Amethyst said and snickered. 27

My eyes widened realizing I was only wearing sweatpants and socks. "Oh, sorry, " I apologized and blushed, embarrassed.

I turned around and walked back upstairs to change, closing the door behind me. I walked over to my closet grabbing my pink jacket, throwing it onto my bed. Then walking to my dresser and pulling out a T-shirt, putting It on. I decided on my comfortable jeans since I'd be driving for a while today.

I grabbed my jacket and my bag that was packed for the trip and headed downstairs, putting my bag next to the front door. I stepped over Lion while he was asleep on the floor. I walked into the kitchen, grabbing a mug out of the cabinet a poured a cup of coffee. I added creamer and walked to where Pearl was. I leaned on the counter taking a sip of my coffee looking at the sandwiches Pearl was putting together.

"Do you need any help?" I asked Pearl while setting down my cup.

"Certainly, I can show you how to cut tomatoes properly, " she said in an excited tone. 1

I smiled and picked up the cutting knife. Pearl diced the tomatoes Into thin slices then cut an x shape making them Into triangles. I started doing the same and she spread mayo on the bread.

"Since when did you start drinking coffee?" My dad asked from the sofa.

"Since I started becoming sleep-deprived, " I responded and laughed a bit, continuing to slice the tomatoes. 1

"You're growing up too fast, what happened to orange juice?" My dad replied with a smile.

"Is that the sugary substance with color enhancers?" Peridot chimed in. 2

"Yeah, " I said with a chuckle at how Peridot made everything Into a science term. "I still drink it, but I kinda like coffee now, " I smiled at my dad then went back to slicing tomatoes. 7

"You still fill half the cup with creamer, " Garnet said looking up from the map while grinning.

I finished with the tomatoes and went on to break apart some lettuce. Pearl started putting the ingredients on the bread while Amethyst stretched out her arm and gave Peridot a nuggie from crossed the room, squishing her pointy hair flat. Peridot barked out her usual Peridot sounds. 14

I laughed at Peridot's reaction and picked up my coffee mug, taking a sip.

My dad's watch went off, "We got ten minutes before we hit the road, hurry It up, people!" He smiled while standing up from the sofa. He walked over to the bags by the front door, picking one up then scoffing at how heavy It was.

"What did you put In this thing, Pearl?" He exclaimed while attempting to move the heavy duffle bag.

"Medical supplies, " Pearl said while putting the finished sandwiches Into ziplock bags and adding chaps alongside the sandwiches. She zipped the bags and I helped her put them in the cooler.

"We could start a hospital with all this stuff, " my dad laughed, then attempted to move the at least 70-pound bag again.

"Let me help, " Bismuth stood up and walked over to the bag, picking it up with one hand with no problem.

"Heh, thanks, " my dad thanked her rubbing the back of his neck. He opened the screen door while picking up his own bag and walked out onto the porch.

I yawned still a little tired, finishing the cup of coffee and stepping to the sink. I placed the mug Inside of the sink turning on the water the back off again.

"Why was your door locked this morning?" Amethyst asked while tossing an apple up and catching it repeatedly.

I blushed remembering why I locked it, "Uh, no reason." I quickly tried to change the subject, "Everyone ready for a ROAD TRIP?" I shouted In a fake peppy voice. 19

"Lincoln, I'm right here no need to shout, " Pearl said while closing the cooler with the food In It.

"Whooo, " Lapis said In a monotone voice while walking towards the patio door.

"I'm ready, Freddy!" Peridot shouted following shortly behind Lapis. 4

"Who is Freddy?" Lapis questioned while holding the door for Peridot then they both walked out. 9

I picked up the Cooler from the counter so Pearl didn't have to carry it. I walked towards the front door grabbing my bag as well. Pearl, Amethyst and I walked out onto the patio and down the wooden steps. I set down the cooler on the sand beside my Dad's van and put my bag In the trunk on my car. While walking over to my dad to look at the map the sun was just starting to rise above the ocean.

"What time Is It?" I asked my dad while yawning again.

He looked at his watch, "Six fifteen, " he stated and showed me the route we'd take to the cabin. I took a picture of the map and walked back over to my car. We were about to leave and I realized Lion never came outside. I quickly went up the wooden steps onto the patio calling his name.

"Lion, we gotta take off. Come on bud, " I pushed open the screen door and patted his head to wake him up. He wouldn't get up so I shook his shoulder, still nothing.

"You'll see stella, " I said trying to convince him. After hearing stella's name he immediately got up and walked onto the patio.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. I closed the door behind me and jumped over the railing floating down onto the sand. I ran over to my car opening the backseat for Lion. He got Inside reluctantly, constantly yawning. I got In the driver's seat as all the gems piled Into my Dad's van. He gave me a thumbs-up through the window signaling we were ready to go, I gave him a thumbs-up back. Before I started the car I pulled out my phone to quickly text stella I was coming to pick her up.

"Hey, we are heading over now, be there in like twenty minutes." I messaged her.

She quickly responded, "K, I'm ready for the trip and I got snacks for the road! "

It was so cute how she added emojis to everything, I started the car and started driving around the hill and onto the road. My dad was ahead of me and I caught up to him at a stoplight. We continued driving to stella's house.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As we pulled up to stella's house I parked beside my dad's van. I got out walking towards the front door to knock before I could walk up the steps the front door opened. stella walked through carrying her suitcase and shut the door behind her. She smiled and ran the short distance over to me. She was wearing a red sundress with sandals and her hair tied back. She always looked so pretty, I couldn't help but stare a little.

"Hey!" She ran up and hugged me, which I quickly returned the hug. I forgot how much I missed her embrace, even though I saw her the day before.

Struggled just a bit to hug me while still holding on to her suitcase, I broke the usual long embrace. "Here, I got It, " I gestured towards the suitcase and smiled.

"Oh, thanks, " she smiled back and handed me the bag.

We walked down the front steps to my car, I opened the trunk and put her bag inside, I quickly rushed over to the front of the car to open the door for stella. When I opened the door for her before she got inside she kissed me on the cheek, I blushed not expecting It. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I walked around the front of the car to the driver's side door. I got Inside turning the key, and flicking on the heat quickly since It was a chilly morning.

"Your car is so nice, " she exclaimed looking around the vehicle. She leaned over and pet Lion while he was asleep in the backseat. 1

"I really like it, I was hoping you would too, " I said with a grin. I waited for my dad to pull out and then continued to put the car into gear and start driving.

"I thought we agreed on no flirting this early, " she giggled, her laugh was so cute.

"I never agreed to that, but I recall you being better at It, " I teased and turned the corner onto the road, pulling out of the parking lot.

"I beg to differ, " she smirked, causing me to laugh.

"Oh really?" I questioned with a big smile on my face.

"Nah, I take It back, " she taunted, a laugh shortly following.

"Well I'll have to get lessons from the master then, " I joked, gesturing towards her.

She giggled, causing me to laugh as well. I continued on the road following my Dad's van, we both laughed again when we saw Amethyst push her face against the window, making faces. I continued to follow my dad's van onto the highway, taking the route to the cabin. My phone started going off like crazy, but I'll never look at my phone while driving.

"Could you check It? I just wanna make sure the gems aren't killing each other, " I asked not wanting to take my eyes off the road.

"Yeah sure, what's your passcode?" She asked while picking up my phone turning It on.

I blushed a bit, my passcode was a little embarrassing. "Jambuds, " I admitted. 6

She giggled and typed It In. "I have something similar, great minds think alike, " she joked with a smile. 2

I laughed a bit, comforted by the fact she did the same thing.

"You have a group chat with the gems?" She asked while clicking on the message notification.

"Yeah, I get spammed often, " I said, a smile on my face thinking about all the stupid memes Amethyst sent. 4

"Pearl Is asking If we're hungry, and Amethyst sent a selfie of her as a basketball.." She showed me the image and we both laughed.

"We should only communicate In memes, " I said laughing at the Idea.

stella giggled as well, "I love It, I'm sending the pain sandwich meme!" She exclaimed and searched through the gallery on my phone for It, sending the image.

6

"Oh my gosh yes, " I exclaimed back.

"Nobody's going to understand, but it's worth it for the joke, " she explained while waiting for the response In the group chat.

"Pearl sent that Greg told her to tell you not to text and drive, " we both laughed a bit.

"How Ironic, " I smiled.

"I'll have to stop communicating In memes to tell them It's me, " she fake sighed, we both started laughing again.

"If you must, " I said In a fake exaggerated voice.

She sent the message and turned on the radio. We both were surprised to hear my dad's old song that turned Into a burger jingle was playing on the commercials.

"It's still playing? Didn't that happen years ago?" stella asked.

"I thought so, I guess It was popular so they kept it going, " I laughed, surprised It was still going after a few years.

The commercials ended and music finally started to play, we both smiled as Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond started to play. 2

"Ah, I love this song!" She exclaimed.

"It's impossible not to sing along with-" before I could finish my sentence the best part came up. "SWEET CAROLINE!! BUM BUM BUMM!" We both shouted at the same time. We laughed hysterically and continued singing along with the song. Lion scoffed because we woke him with our shouting. 7

We both laughed once more, enjoying the moment. You never know how much you love a girl until you sing all the lyrics to a great song together, and I knew I loved her more than ever. I smiled as we joked around. She made me feel like all that emotional stuff I was going through just washed away. I know It didn't and I'm still struggling to determine how I feel but she sure made things a lot better.

When we hit a stoplight I leaned over and kissed her softly. She returned the kiss, I could see blush on her face as we broke the short kiss. I smiled at her, which made her smiled back.

"I swear I'm gonna get In an accident because of you, " the light turned green and I continued to follow my dad's van. 2

"Shut up, " she giggled I laughed as well. My face still felt warm from the kiss, butterflies In my stomach still present.

We continued down the road, joking and laughing the whole way

stella's POV

I giggled as Lincoln exclaimed about only having twenty minutes left of the drive. Then I remembered we were talking so much we didn't even eat the snacks I packed.

"We forgot the snacks!" I faked an exaggerated gasping noise.

"The horror, " Lincoln said In a monotone voice and smirked.

"You won't be laughing when I tell you It was cheddar popcorn, " I stuck my tongue out jokingly.

"That's a sin not to eat cheddar popcorn, stella how could you, " he exclaimed. 1

"You were too cute, I got distracted!" I joked back, my attempt at flirting was awful. I pulled the bag of popcorn that was stuffed in my purse.

"Apology accepted I guess, " he snickered, causing me to laugh as well. I opened the bag and we both had some.

I could never stop smiling when I was around Lincoln, he always had such a positive energy that just made me feel happy. He made me feel listened to and appreciated, I just hope I make him feel the same. I'm the happiest I've been in a long time, my cheeks felt tired from smiling and laughing so much. I was so In love It was crazy, and by the way Lincoln acted, I know he felt the same way.

"Hey, " Lincoln turned onto a gravel road, still following the van. "I just wanted to thank you for that advice, It really helped, " he stated, a small smile of his lips.

"I'm glad, you seemed so suffocated, " I added, relieved to hear that my advice helped.

"It really helped, the gems knock before coming In my room now, " he laughed.

"Ugh, I know how that feels. I had to put a chair In front of my door every time I needed to get changed since my door doesn't have a lock, " I grumbled, recalling how frustrating It was.

"I'm sorry, " he apologized. I loved how empathetic he was but I hated to see how to take everything so seriously.

"Stop apologizing, you were not the idiot designer how made a door without a lock." I leaned over and kissed his cheek, blushing In the process.

"I missed your kisses so much, " Lincoln said In a husky voice. 25

I blushed harder, not expecting his reaction. The sound of his voice made me shudder, the way he looked at me caused my heart to race. The butterflies in my stomach were going wild.

"S-same, " I stuttered, immediately embarrassed at how flustered I was just from his voice.

He smirked at my reaction, causing my face to become more red then It already was. He stopped the car, parking in the gravel driveway of the cabin, behind the van. Lincoln took out the keys and leaned closer to me, our faces only inches apart. My lips curled into a small smile as he placed a hand on my cheek. His warm exhale brushing against my skin, my heart skipped a beat as his lips softly pressed against mine. I placed a hand on his shoulder as he tilted his head slowly.

I jumped when I heard a bang on the window behind me, practically scaring the life out of me. Our kiss sadly broke when we both jumped from the noise. I turned around quickly to see the cause, I blushed seeing It was Amethyst, who was laughing hysterically. I looked back at Lincoln, his face was painted with blush as well.

He smiled awkwardly, "I didn't know everybody would be watching, " he pointed at Lapis and Peridot whispering to each other, Pearl and Greg trying to call off Amethyst. Bismuth and Garnet were carrying bags, they just smirked. If my face wasn't red before, It defiantly was now.

"Sorry, " Lincoln said noticing my embarrassed state.

I smiled softly, "It's fine, I always feel like nobody's watching when I'm with you," I stated and inched forward, quickly giving him a peck on the lips. He smiled in response.

"I feel the same, " he beamed.

"Let's go before Amethyst breaks down the door, " I laughed softly, Amethyst was still knocking on the window trying to get our attention.

I slung my purse over my shoulder, opening the door and stepping out. Lincoln shut the driver's side door behind him and opened the trunk, grabbing our bags. I walked over and opened the backseat, hugging the mane of the large pink feline that was napping.

"I missed you, Lion!" I exclaimed while continuing to hug his fluffy light pink mane. He awoke and started licking my face, excited to see me. I giggled as Lion tickled my face with his affection.

"Lion, I already said I had dibs, " Lincoln joked, shutting the trunk and walking over to me. I snickered at his remark and wiped my face of the small wet patch on my cheek from lion.

I stepped back and Lion came out of the red vehicle, I shut both back and passenger side door and caught up with Lincoln who was carrying luggage to the cabin. Amethyst was already Inside the cabin, she obviously moved on from teasing us when she saw we didn't react. Lion sluggishly followed us and laid down the porch. Lincoln somehow managed to hold the door for me even with both his hands full. I thanked him and smiled, I offered to carry a bag but he insisted that he did. I blushed at how sweet he was being.

I walked inside the cabin looking around at how pretty It was. Dark green furniture and white curtains complemented the dark oak beams perfectly. The black granite countertops looked perfect with the dark cabinets that looked handcrafted. The shag carpet was faded to be a light cream colored brown, lamps hung from the walls that looked like old fashioned lanterns.

"I think over here Is where we are sleeping, " Lincoln said as he walked towards the hallway, turning the copper handle of the dark green door.

I quickly followed, wondering where we'd be sleeping. We walked into the room, two twin-sized beds side by side, separated by a wooden nightstand and a cute lamp in the shape of a lantern resting on top. A rug spread on the floor, with a dream catcher hung on the ceiling. The open window caused the door behind us to be blown shut, Lincoln and I both jumped a little, laughter shortly following.

I had a small smile that we'd be sleeping in the same room, then blushing trying to push other thoughts from my mind. Lincoln set down our bags next to the door. I walked over to one of the beds, plopping down on It. I was surprised at how comfortable It was. 3

"This bed is so soft, " I exclaimed, sinking into the mattress.

I looked down at Lincoln, confused to see him on the floor looking under the beds. I sat up quickly making sure my legs were closed since I was In somewhat of a short sundress.

"Alright, we're clear, " he said with a smile, standing up from the floor. "No snakes, " he added. My eyes widened at his last remark. 16

"Snakes?" I questioned, worried that I'd see one.

"Yeah, they like the warmth inside the cabin. They are just little gardener snakes though, nothing to worry about, " he assured. I felt more at ease knowing they weren't poisonous. 1

"That's a relief, " I laid back down on the bed, enjoying the softness. I giggled as Lincoln plopped down beside me.

"I missed your laugh too, " he stated, In that same voice that caused my heart to race. 5

I tried to control the blush rushing to my cheeks but It failed, "Lincoln, it's been a day since we last saw each other, " I explained, my lips curling into a small smile.

"That's too long, " he added, a small laugh shortly arose.

"Your gonna give me diabetes, Lincoln. " I giggled again at how silly he was being.

"I'll just have to heal you then, " Lincoln smirked and turned to face me from his seated position beside me. He leaned down and started attacking me with kisses.

I laughed at how he tickled me and tried to push his head away, but that only made things worse because his hands started to tickle my sides.

"S-stop!" I shrieked unable to stop laughing. He started kissing my neck again, his position changed to on top of me.

I was trying to stop his hands from tickling me so he had access to my neck. I giggled more as he started laughing as well. Our laughs shortly faded as Lincoln stopped moving his hands, I blushed profusely as he started lightly sucking at a spot on my neck. I tried to control my heavy breathing as his hands moved from my sides to my waist, pulling me closer to him. Lincoln continued to kiss and suck at my neck, I put my hands up, holding onto his shoulders as he was on top of me. The butterflies In my stomach started back up again, the way he kissed me made my heart race. His warm exhale on my skin made my eyes shut, all I could do was lay there and enjoy the way he touched me.

His grip on my waist tighten causing my breathing to hitch slightly, I felt his lips curl into a smirk mid-kiss. What he did next caused me to shudder, he left a trail of kisses down my neck, going lower. He kissed me along my collarbone and dipped lower to where my red dress started. He trailed along the fabric, the butterflies in my stomach were going insane, my heart going a mile a minute. He slowly kissed the small amount of cleavage that was showing revealed from his pulling on my dress. I shivered as he continued to do this, my eyelids felt heavy, my grip on his shoulders tightened up, my body tensed. The feeling was new to me, but I already loved It. It was surprising that I didn't feel nervous at the moment, I felt eager and happy at the presence of this new side to Lincoln. As he started pulling on my dress more, exposing my bra strap my breathing hitched.

"S-Lincoln, " I hummed, feeling flustered at the way his touch affected me.

"I'm sorry, " he said softly, coming up from my chest to my eye level. "Am I moving too fast?" He questioned, looking concerned.

"No, that wasn't, " I laughed softly, he couldn't tell the difference between a moan and me just saying his name. "Nevermind, " I smiled and kissed him, he was too cute.

He kissed back, he tilted his head once more. I hummed into the kiss, enjoying the moment. We continued to kiss, Lincoln on top of me with his hands on my waist. I had a hand on his shoulder, another on the back of his neck, halfway In his hair. Lincoln's tongue traced my bottom lip, causing me to shiver to run up my spine. He moved a hand from my waist to my cheek, softly stroking my face, his touch was so gentle. He lightly grazed his teeth on my bottom lip, this was almost too much. I felt like I was In a haze I felt weirdly desperate for more.

Our bodies grew closer, Lincoln burying his face into my neck once more, attacking me with kisses. I tried to control my heavy breathing as he started moving lower once more. My fingers tangled in his hair and my toes curled as he softly kissed my upper chest.

We were both interrupted as the door swung open.

Lincoln left soft kisses on stella's neck and chest while hovering over her. stella was laying flat on the bed with her legs hanging over, her hands in Lincoln's hair, his on her waist. Both of the young couples' heads shot up as they heard the dark green door swing open.

Peridot stepped into the room, immediately wearing an expression of confusion. "What are you doing?" The small green gem said in her usual voice. 7

Lincoln jumped up immediately backing away a step and stella sat up, pulling her sundress up slightly to cover her cleavage.

"I was just helping Lincoln get something out of his hair!" stella chimed in, thinking of something on the spot. She combed her hair forward with her fingers, trying to cover her red cheeks. 1

"Yep, darn leaf, " Lincoln added with an obviously fake laugh. 33

The couple smiled awkwardly at each other, stella standing up from the bed.

"Everyone is going to go to the large body of water when the temperature is at a preferred state, " Peridot said while looking at her tablet that was strapped to her arm.

"In other words, we're going to the lake around noon, " Garnet said peeking her head into the room.

"Thanks, Garnet, " stella thanked her, the blush on her cheeks finally fading.

Garnet and Peridot walked back down the hallway to the living room. stella and Lincoln shortly followed after sharing a 'that was close' kinda look. The couple sat on the sofa next to Lapis. Greg, Pearl, and Amethyst were in the kitchen putting food in the fridge. Well, Amethyst was just sitting on the counter eating chaps. Garnet in an armchair, smiling at Lincoln and stella. 22

They both realized that Garnet knew what just happened before Peridot interrupted. They both awkwardly smiled back, trying not to look embarrassed. 1

"Lincoln, did you check for snakes?" Pearl asked while finishing up with stocking the fridge. She was still worried she would get attacked by 'party guy'. 1

"Yeah, no snakes in the guest room, " Lincoln assured.

Amethyst laughed, "Is the evil snake gonna get you, Pearl?" She mocked while jumping down from the counter onto her feet.

Pearl scoffed, shutting the fridge door. "It wasn't the pain, it was the surprise, " Pearl said while putting a hand on her head, recalling the frightening creature.

"Hey guess what, this year is very special!" Greg exclaimed, attempting to change the subject to stop the bickering.

"Whys that?" stella asked from the sofa.

"Since we are now trusted with the cabin by the owners we are allowed to open windows and use the fridge ice dispenser, " Greg said while a smile. 4

Lincoln gasped at the news about the ice dispenser, he smiled at stella who was sitting next to him. She giggled at how excited he was over ice.

"High-class ice, cubed and crushed, " Lincoln joked.

"It's just water, " Lapis chuckled. She sat up from the sofa walking to the screen door leading onto the patio.

"What!" Lincoln exclaimed, a laugh shortly following. "Crushed ice is the best thing on the planet, " Lincoln joked and stood from the sofa walking towards the patio door. 4

"I'm offended, " stella responded, wearing a smile.

"Okay, crushed ice is a close second to you, " he kidded. "What time is it?" Lincoln asked, forgetting his phone in the car.

"Eleven-twenty, " Greg answered. "It should be warm enough for the lake though, " Greg assured.

"Great, " Lapis said again in a monotone voice. She walked off the patio and towards the lake, Peridot going with her.

"I'm gonna beat your cannonball splash, " Amethyst challenged Greg walking towards the door.

"We'll see about that, " Lincoln taunted.

"Maybe I'll beat it this year, " stella added.

"Challenge accepted, " Greg responded.

"Well, are we gonna settle the score or what?" Lincoln added, "I'm gonna change, " Lincoln said while walking towards the hallway to his suitcase.

"We better hurry, Lapis is going to put the whole lake in the air or something, " stella joked following Lincoln to their room.

"See you two at the lake, " Garnet said standing from the chair and walking onto the patio Greg and Pearl shortly following.

"Be there soon, " Lincoln responded. Lincoln and stella walked into the guest room looking through their luggage for swimsuits.

stella's POV

I rummaged through my bag full of shampoo and spare clothes looking for my swimsuit. Lincoln found his and went to change in the bathroom. He shut the guest room door behind him giving me privacy to change, which I appreciated. I finally found it at the bottom of my bag, I took it out and pulled the tag off.

After changing I threw on a thin grey jacket and flip flops since it was a small walk to the lake. I zipped up the small jacket opening the dark green door. I met Lincoln in the hallway and we headed towards the patio.

"Sorry about earlier, " Lincoln said, rubbing the back of his neck.

I blushed thinking about what happened before Peridot interrupted. "I kinda liked it, " my attempt at flirting made me cringe. I blushed more when his expression changed.

We started onto the gravel path to the lake, Lincoln's hand grabbed mine intertwining our fingers. "I liked it more, " Lincoln smirked. 2

I tried to control my red face, what he said made my heart race. He always knew how to make my face red, It was cute and annoying. The butterflies in my stomach swarmed when he let go of my hand and wrapped an arm around my waist. I wanted to kiss him but the path was visible from the lake and all the Gems were waiting for us. I quickly pulled him into the treeline lining the gravel path. We both stood behind a tree, not visible from the lake.

"What are yo-" Lincoln was cut off by me leaning up to kiss him, the kiss shortly broke. I giggled softly at his expression, he had a surprised smile.

"Sorry, I needed to kiss you, " I explained, resting my hands on his shoulders. My heart fluttered as eyes met, our faces only inches apart. I couldn't take the tension anymore and closed the gap, kissing him softly. 10

He returned the kiss, putting his hands on my waist. He tilted his head and pulled me closer by my waist, making my heart race even more. He smiled into the kiss causing a grin on my lips as well. The way he touched me sending a shiver up my spine, craving more. He pushed me lightly against the tree we were standing in front of, never removing his lips from mine. I blushed, even more, surprised at his actions.

He pulled me closer, kissing me more deeply. I did the same, biting his bottom lip softly. We broke shortly for air, both of us breathing heavily. We both laughed softly at how quickly things escalated. Lincoln leaned his forehead against mine, smiles on both our faces.

"I love you, " He whispered.

I felt like my heart exploded, his words giving me goosebumps. "I love you too, " I responded, not able to wipe the smile from my lips.

He took a hand from my waist to my cheek, lightly stroking my face. "How did I get so lucky?" He asked sweetly, making me blush harder.

"I'm the lucky one, " I said.

"I beg to differ, " Lincoln exclaimed as he picked me up by my waist. I shrieked as he spun me around.

"S-Lincoln!" I shouted as he continued to keep me in the air. We both laughed hysterically before he set me down slowly. "I swear you'll be the death of me, " I joked.

"The gems are gonna get worried, we better get to the lake, " Lincoln laughed, kissing me on the forehead.

"Race you, " I smirked.

"What, are you twelve?" Lincoln joked but was cut off by me started to run down the gravel path. "Hey!" He shouted before chasing after me.

I looked back after running a few more steps to see Lincoln right behind me. I shrieked as he started running ahead of me.

"That's not fair, you have diamond powers, " I said still trying to catch up. We made it to the lake after running down the path, we both shortly caught our breaths.

"You started it, " he snickered. Lincoln walked onto the dock, greeted by the gems.

"Fair enough, " I responded. I slipped off my flip flops on the small sandy area next to the dock. 1

"Lincoln, when did you get so buff?" Amethyst shouted from beside the dock.

I looked up to see Lincoln had taken off his shirt, just in his swim trunks. I blushed at the sight, not used to seeing him shirtless. 1

Lincoln's POV

Amethyst's question was a little embarrassing but I laughed it off. "Gem training I guess, " I joked, jumping in the water next to her.

Amethyst and I did our handshake, laughing as Peridot splashed me. I looked up as I heard heavy footsteps running across the dock, I saw Bismith running then Cannon-balling into the water. But what caught my eye was stella unzipping her jacket, I got butterflies in my stomach as I saw what was underneath. It was a tight white strapless suit with a sideways diamond-shaped hole in the middle. It showed enough cleavage to make me stare, I realized I was gawking and looked away quickly. 18

"What's the cannon-ball record?" stella asked me, smiling.

"U-uh, I, " my brain wasn't functioning at the moment, I was expecting a one-piece like her last one but not this. My face was probably red cause she smirked at me. My heart felt like it was racing, why did her showing any skin have this effect on me?

"It's hard to measure, I just have the biggest splash, " my dad chimed in, explaining the score to stella.

"I just beat it, " Bismith joked, hitting my dad in the shoulder. Everyone laughed.

I laughed as well, sinking into the water more trying to hide my red face. stella started backing up ready to jump in the water. I had a hard time keeping my eyes off her, she looked so ... good. My thoughts were interrupted as stella jumped in the water from the dock, making a good-sized splash.

After she surfaced she swam over to me. Why does she have to look so cute with her hair wet? I tried to stay composed starting to feel a tightness in my swim trunks. I tried to not panic but stella kept swimming closer. 70

All the gems we're now swimming around the lake, Lapis making waves for Peridot to surf on. Pearl reading on the shore, Garnet and Amethyst trying to catch a fish. My dad and Bismith swimming about. stella and I were just a little ways from the dock. 1

"How was my splash?" stella asked with a smile, now right in front of me.

"Good, " I responded my voice shaky, racking my brain for things to make the probably now visible bulge disappear. Thankfully I was in murky water and nothing was visible from the chest down from where the water line was.

"You okay?" stella asked looking concerned.

"Yep, I'm good, " I said trying to make my voice less tense. I tried thinking of things to make that go away but nothing was working.

Especially since I was staring right at her, why does she have to be so attractive? I swear my heart skipped a beat every time she looks at me, those hazle eyes. Oh God, I made it worse. My thoughts were interrupted as stella put a hand on my shoulder.

"You just seem tense, " she explained.

Ugh, just think of something else! Video games, food, sports. Those cheerleading outfits though, AH. 9

No, uh, family. Mom...shit, that worked. I had definitely forgotten about all those confusing emotions for today. Why couldn't I just forget about it completely? I don't want to feel this way, not even know if I love my own mother, what kind of horrible person am I? I felt the conflicting emotions swarming again, I felt so confused. I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts as stella spoke. 3

"Lincoln?" stella asked sounding even more concerned. "What's wrong? You look sad all of a sudden, " stella said, her expression looked confused.

I was confused as well, I don't know know how I felt, all I knew was I feel awful for making stella worry. She looked so concerned. "Sorry, I'm fine! I just thought of something sad, it's not you." I explained, trying to convince her, and myself.

I did not want to bring anyone down with how I'm feeling. Everyone has gone through so much, they don't deserve my emotional crisis. I just have to keep this to myself, convince everyone I'm fine and I'll convince myself. It's not healthy to keep my emotions bottled up but I can't this to her, I don't want her to worry about me. 14

"You scared me, " stella added, her concerned expression fading thankfully.

"Sorry, " I said with a sad smile. "Let's have fun, yeah?" I tried to lighten the mood, splashing her a little bit. The confusing emotions fading a bit.

"I was having fun before, " she giggled, splashing me back.

I blushed knowing what she meant, returning the same amount of water. "I was having a lot of fun before, " I responded, smirking slightly.

"Pfft, of course you were, " she joked, making us both laugh.

It wasn't perfect, I still have these awful and confusing feelings towards my past, but this is a danm good distraction. We continued to swim, laughing the whole time. stella surfing on my shield as Lapis created waves, Garnet and Amethyst finally catching a fish with Amethyst's whip. Pearl getting pulled in the water by my dad and Bismith, ending up enjoying the water. Peridot was also trying to catch a fish, getting frustrated when she found a small frog instead. I know I have to deal with my feelings eventually, but I tried enjoying the moment for now. 1

Everyone enjoyed the lake on this sunny afternoon until Pearl saw a water snake.

stella's POV

It was around four in the afternoon, everyone had been swimming all day. I had a lot of fun surfing waves on Lincoln's shield and a splash war that was obviously won by Lapis. Bismith ended up winning the biggest cannonball splash. I kept catching Lincoln starting at me, his reaction me to showing skin was cute. Everyone was hungry from swimming all day so we decided to head back to the cabin to eat.

I stepped out of the water onto the sand, ringing out my wet hair. Amethyst stepped out of the lake beside me, shaking off like a dog. I walked over to the dock putting on my flip flops and grabbing my jacket. Lincoln climbed up onto the dock from out of the water, dripping wet. Drops slowly falling down his chest and face, his hair damp. I looked away blushing realizing that I was staring. I continued ringing out my hair, making sure not to make eye contact. Greg and the gems we're ahead of us, already walking towards the cabin. 3

"I'm not the only one staring, " Lincoln said while wrapping an arm around my waist, his shirt balled up in his other hand. I blushed harder at the fact he noticed.

"You were staring a lot more than me, " I responded, wearing a smile. We started to walk up the gravel path a good distance away from the gems. I slid on the thin grey jacket, as the cold air hit my face.

"So you admit it?" Lincoln snickered kissing my temple. His touch somehow always sent a shiver up my spine. A cold breeze blew by, making his hand on my waist feel so warm.

"Maybe, " I responded, holding back a smile.

I leaned my head on his shoulder, enjoying this feeling, the feeling of comfort. I felt so secure in his arms. His warm exhale brushing against my skin once more as he kissed my forehead. He threw his shirt over his other shoulder, taking his now free hand and running it gently through my hair.

"Your hair is so soft, " Lincoln said in that voice, making my heart skip a beat. I felt blush rush to my cheeks as he pulled closer me by my waist, starting to walk a little slower. 15

"Mm, lake water, " I joked, lifting my head from his shoulder and softly pressing my lips against his, feeling the fireworks all over again. He returned my gesture kissing me more deeply. He suddenly grabbed my hand. He broke the kiss shortly, a smile cross his lips. 19

"I like lake water, " Lincoln joked, still smirking.

I giggled as he pulled me into the treeline, not visible from the gravel path ahead. He put both his hands on my waist, my laugh shortly faded as he kissed me again, a kiss that made my toes curl. I leaned into him without realizing it, humming into the kiss. I felt his warm exhale as he breathed through his nose, never breaking our lips apart. I blushed even more as he tightened his grip on my waist, pulling me closer, my hips pressed against his. ໑ 𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 ...

I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck, we have never been this close before. It was almost painful when we had to break for air. He waited a moment to connect our lips again, as I met his gaze, my heart fluttering. The butterflies in my stomach we're going insane as he continued his locking gaze on me. His hot breath sending a shiver up my spine. He moved his face lower, starting to leave soft kisses on my neck.

"Sorry, I needed to kiss you, " he whispered against my skin, making my knees weak. His voice had such an effect on me.

He continued leaving kisses down my neck until he found that spot. He lightly sucked at it, making me hold back the whimper that wanted to escape my lips. His grip on my waist tightening, holding himself against me. I tilted my head back slightly, giving him more access. I moved my hands from the back of his neck, one of his shoulder and one in his hair. He continued kissing and sucking at that spot, pushing me lightly into the tree behind me. I struggled not to make a sound, his touch felt so good. I felt completely safe in his arms, lost in this pleasure. I really lost it as his teeth lightly grazed that spot he's been kissing. The soft whimper I'd been resisting finally escaping. I blushed profusely as I felt him smirk against my skin.

I still felt nervous about sexual stuff, but I wasn't uncomfortable right now. I was just a little embarrassed. My cheeks felt hot as he trailed back up and met my lips once more. Taking a hand from my waist and running it through my hair. I felt so sensitive, every time he touched me I got goosebumps. Not to mention the fact he wasn't wearing a shirt and was leaning into me. He lightly bit my bottom lip, giving me chills.

I was surprised at how fast we were jumping in physical stuff, given we've only been dating around a month. I've known him for so long, It was so refreshing to be able to express how I felt. Our relationship was moving so quickly, I think it's because we were holding back our emotions for so long we were so happy to finally be able to share them. It's no longer me having a crush on a boy who I thought would never like me back, It's love. The word still gave me goosebumps, butterflies in my stomach swarming. My thoughts were stopped as I felt Lincoln's hands both on my waist again, one moving lower, trailing down the side of my thigh.

My heart started pounding, I giggled at his actions. Surprised at how forward he was being. "Lincoln, " I said in a soft voice. The way his fingers trailed across my skin made my knees weak, but I also didn't want to go too far just yet. I didn't feel ready to do anything but kiss, that was already intense for me. 30

He put his hand back on my waist, "Sorry, am I going too fast again?" He asked, concern in his voice.

"Maybe a little bit, " I kissed him sweetly, he immediately returned the kiss. Before slowly breaking it, a sigh shortly following.

"I can't control myself when I'm around you, " he said with a sad smile, our faces inches apart. I rested my hands on his chest, blushing remembering he was shirtless. 2

Even though my heart was already pounding, his words somehow made it best faster. "I feel the same, " I admitted, tilted my head slightly lower to hide my red face.

He hummed, "Really?" He said with a smirk, making me laugh softly. He leaned in to kiss me again but I pushed his face away playfully.

"The gems are gonna be looking for us, " I sighed, not wanting to stop but not wanted to get caught either.

"One more, " he pleaded, resting his hand on my cheek, the other still on my waist.

"Fine, only cause your an excellent kisser, " I smiled, closing my eyes waiting for him to kiss me.

I was slightly confused when he didn't for a moment. I shriek as he picked me up by my waist again since he had diamond strength it was done easily. Out of fear of falling I wrapped my legs around him while clinging my arms to his shoulders. I blushed a dark red, comprehending our current position. I was leaned up against a tree, my legs wrapped around his waist while he held me up by my thighs. My hands were hanging onto his shoulders.

"I'm not a rag doll, " I huffed, a little annoyed he kept picking me up.

"I know but you're so cute, " he explained. I giggled and tried to get down but he stopped me. "You still owe me a kiss, " he smirked. 7

The way he was acting made me shudder, he was being so mature. I liked it, to be honest. I rolled my eyes jokingly, softly pressed my lips against his. He returned the kiss, tilting his head slowly. Even with the cold breeze, I felt so warm, my lips melting to his perfectly, like wax to a hot fire. I felt his tongue slowly meeting mine, I was already extremely turned on but this was pushing me over the edge. I wrapped my arms around his back, still trying to keep my balance. I hummed softly, enjoying this feeling. His grip got tighter as I bit his bottom lip, making me smirk at his reaction.

"OHHH," A familiar voice exclaimed. 225

My eyes shot open and I broke the kiss. Lincoln almost dropped me from being so startled. He got his balance again and set me down. I got back to my feet, my head shooting Lincoln whose face was just as red as mine. We both faced who was standing a few feet from us outside of the treeline.

Lincoln's POV

I stood in the treeline standing next to stella, both of our faces we're red. We looked at Amethyst that was now on the ground laughing hysterically. I felt bad for almost dropping stella, I was so startled I lost my balance, my heart was still pounding from what we were just doing. 2

"Lincoln don't forget protection!" Amethyst shouted, a laugh shortly following, my eyes widened. 48

"Amethyst!" I shouted back, throwing on my T-shirt. I was annoyed she was still making those kinds of jokes, even when I specifically asked her not to. It made stella uncomfortable when she did that sort of thing.

I looked over at stella, she looked embarrassed, fidgeting with the zipper on her jacket. I felt bad Amethyst that made her uncomfortable, she tends to do that a lot. Amethyst continued laughing, finally getting up from the ground.

"I asked you to cool it with the jokes Amethyst, " I said walking over to stella. She gave me an awkward smile when I looked at her. I smiled back, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Oh come on, I'm sorry I was just joking around, " Amethyst said, wiping her teary eyes from laughing too much. "Don't worry I won't tell anyone, your little secret is safe with me, I ain't a snitch, " Amethyst stretched her arm out by shape-shifting, punching my shoulder. I laughed in response and pushed her hand away.

"Do you wanna eat now? I'm starving, " stella said, looking more comfortable. I was glad she wasn't too embarrassed, good thing It was only Amethyst that saw us. 14

"Yeah, let's go, " I said with a small smile, grabbing stella's hand as we started walking towards the gravel path. Amethyst ran up the path, rushing to the food. We both laughed as she screamed and threw the cabin door open. 11

"Is it just me or is she more rowdy than usual?" stella asked, intertwining our fingers as we held hands. We got onto the gravel path, walking the short distance to the cabin.

"When food is involved she turns into a wild animal, " I joked we continued to walk up the gravel path making it onto the porch. I let go of stella's hand as I held the door open. She smiled at me as she walked through the doorway.

"Your plates are on the counter, " Pearl said to stella and me as we stepped in the kitchen.

"Thanks, I'm gonna change real fast, be right back, " stella said. She walked down the hallway and to the guest room we were sharing, she went inside closing the door behind her.

"What time is it?" I asked my dad who was standing next to the fridge.

"Six, " My dad said looking at his watch. 3

Pearl slid the plate on the counter to where I was sitting. She grabbed a cup from the cabinet. "Do you want anything to drink?" Pearl asked.

Some coffie please, " I responded.

"How is little homeworld doing?" My dad asked while putting ketchup on his plate for the grilled cheese. 5

"Pretty good, just gotta get rid of some scaffolding and do some painting," Bismith said while kicking up the footrest in the lazy boy chair.

"I'll help with panting, " Amethyst said as she shape-shifted her hand into a brush. Bismith laughed.

Lapis smiled slightly, "Peri, look." Lapis pulled something out of her gem. Peridot looked curiously while sitting on the floor next to her. Peridot gasped loudly a big smile on her face. 22

"Camp pining hearts!" Peridot exclaimed grabbing the disc case.

My dad handed me the ketchup and walked over to the TV the get the DVD player on. "Let's get this over with, " he laughed.

"Yes!" Peridot scrambled to the small machine and put the disc inside, pushing the power button on the small box TV.

"What's all the excitement?" stella asked with a smile walking up to me.

She was wearing a sweatshirt and black shorts that made her look adorable. I had to stop myself from staring given the shorts hugged her curves perfectly. 34

Before I could speak Peridot shushed stella, gluing her eyes back to the screen again, Lapis sat next to her doing the same. stella and I laughed a bit, she sat next to me on another stool.

"I'll tell ya outside, " I said quietly trying not to disturb Peridot. stella picked up her plate following me to the porch.

Right as I was about to step out the screen door it started to rain, a gush of wind flying by slamming the screen door shut. We were both a little surprised at how bad the storm got so fast. I quickly realized I left my car window rolled down and my phone in the car. I set down my plate on the counter, "I'll be right back, " I said in a hushed tone to stella. I stepped out onto the porch using my shield as an umbrella as the rain got worse. I hurried to my car, unlocking it. I got inside and rolled up the windows, grabbing my phone. I used my shield again and shut my car door behind me walking back towards the cabin, I saw Lion scurry into the house as the feline tried to escape the now downpouring water. I got inside, opening the door for Lion. wiping my face off with my sleeve I noticed only stella was by the door holding our plates. Peridot and Lapis were still glued to the TV and all of the other gems weren't there.

"Everyone is gonna watch a movie in the loft, " stella explained, keeping her voice quiet not to interrupt Peridot and Lapis.

Her smile never failing to brighten my day. I returned the smile following her up the short staircase to the loft where the master bedroom was. The gems we're all scattered about the room, Garnet and Bismith sitting on the bed, Pearl on the floor, my dad setting up the TV. Amethyst was eating a big bowl of popcorn while sitting in between Garnet and Bismith. stella and I sat on the floor next to Pearl

"Why are they so excited to watch their show, don't they watch it all the time?" stella asked me.

"Their old copy of the show got destroyed when lapis threw the barn on Blue and I guess Lapis finally found a new one," I explained. I caught a piece of popcorn in my mouth as Amethyst tossed one to me.

"Ay, " Amethyst shouted as stella managed to catch one as well. We both laughed as Pearl tried to avoid being hit by the buttery kernels. 7

"Finally, It works!" My dad exclaimed happily once he managed to figure out the vintage TV.

"What movie are we watching?" Amethyst asked while stuffing her face with another handful of popcorn.

"Romantic comedy, " Garnet smiled.

"That sounds like fun, " Pearl responded to Garnet. Pearl rested her hands on her lap while sitting on her knees.

My dad looked through the pile of disc cases. "None of those, just a lot of horror movies, " My dad said. He continued to search the pile.

"I love horror movies!" stella exclaimed. "Well sociological thrillers to be exact, " she said with a smile.

I hate scary movies, I always felt like I was being watched after the movie and the jump scares are awful. I didn't find the feeling of being scared thrilling like some people. I gave her a nervous laugh when she smiled at me. I'd watch it if she wanted but I definitely wouldn't enjoy it. stella and I have watched scary movies before we starting dating and I always had trouble sleeping and was jumpy for the next week or so. 9

"That was the prediction I was least hoping for, " Garnet chuckled at the turn of events.

"I'll try and pick the least scary one, " my dad chuckled, searching small pile.

Thank goodness I thought to myself. I took a bite of my grilled cheese, hungry from swimming all afternoon.

"Cheers, " stella smiled at me holding her grilled cheese up.

"Pfft, cheers, " I tapped my sandwich to hers. We both laughed shortly after.

"Where did you two run off to earlier?" Pearl questioned.

We both paused for a moment, trying to think of something. I racked my brain trying to think of a plausible scenario. 3

"Lincoln got a pine cone stuck in his hair, " stella blurted out. Immediately laughing at what she said. 5

Amethyst just smiled, stuffing her face with popcorn to keep from laughing. "How?" Bismith chimed in.

"He wanted a flower crown but it was a grave mistake, " she said with a big smile, laughing in-between sentences.

"Pfft!" I broke out laughing as well.

"Enough of whatever uh, that was." My dad chuckled. "How about the Organ pickler?" He asked holding up the movie case.

I gulped at the name. Why did the cabin owners have to like horror? I guess I'll just not sleep for a few days. Although stella told me watching something funny right after a scary movie helps to fade the memory, I guess I'll try that.

"Is that appropriate for them?" Pearl squawked while gesturing towards stella and me. 3

"They're fine, P!" Amethyst shouted.

"Oh alright, " Pearl sighed, crossing her arms loosely in her lap while sitting on her knees.

I really hope this isn't too scary.

Their communicators were off so speedy was going to go look for them but the other cadets stopped him they Told them what was going on so speedy Decided to stay at headquarters and not go look for them the other cadets said that it took Lincoln more than a year to get the courage to ask her out so brody told Lincoln that he would cover for him and stella for 4 days speedy said ok her is what we are going to do take 4 more days off

The next morning speedy got a call from stella's mother she asked when are the cadets having a day off speedy said 4 days starting to day stella's mom asked if they could get 2 extra days off so she could spend stella's birthday with her speedy said ok I well give them 2 extra days off then stella's mom asked if stella was there speedy said that her and Lincoln left last night to go see his family for to days but I can give you Lincoln's cell phone number and stella's mom said ok then hung up and called Lincoln's cell phone number it rang and Lincoln put the call through on his dashboard he said hello and saw an adult penguin on the call he asked stella if she knows the pingwen she said yes it is my mom and she take the phone and toke to her stella's mom asked how is this Lincoln person that you are with stella said that you will meet him in 2 days he is a little bit nervous about meeting you guys so please don't reject him because I don't want to ruin our friendship I well tell you way when I get their then stella's mom said see you soon then she asked if she could reach you at this number tomorrow stella said yes just let Lincoln know that it is you and ask if you can speak to me then they hung up the phone they got to Lincolns place he told her to stand outside of the house and I well get the family set he went in and told his family that he had a surprise for them they all sat down he said don't reject her or I will never come back home ever again they said ok then he went to get her he brought her in to the house and introduced her to his family by saying this is my girlfriend stella stella this is my dad Jeff my mom ruby and my little sisters summer and abby and connie stella said nice to meet you they all said nice to meet you Lincoln's mom took stella to his room to get settled in Lincoln said I have to go look at my flash wing and asked his sister's to give him a hand they did everything was fine he said I have to go get some thing do you want to come with they said yes let's go tell mom and dad were you 3 are they said ok went and told them that they were going with Lincoln on a ride to the store they said ok then they went to get a ring the girl's helped him pick it out then they went to the grocery store Lincoln got the kelp-icer's and told the girls that they could get something to they hugged him and said thank you and went and got 7 bottles of soda that were 0.50$ Lincoln asked how much are they the girls said 0.50$ best get 2 more because the other 2 cadets are going to be here in 3 hours Lincoln paid for the groceries then they went back home once home they took the groceries in to the house Lincoln put the kelp-icer's in the freezer and asked were stella was his mom said that she was a sleep in your bed room he went out to the porch he went to practice his trick flying. his sister's come out and saw him do the trick and asked him if he could teach them the trick he said first you have to learn how to fly he said they asked him if he could teach them to fly he said yes go ask mom and dad first they asked and mom and dad said yes but you have to listen to whatever Lincoln says ok they said then Lincoln said ok you 3 ready to fly they said yes Lincoln said ok then I won't you to spread your wings and let the wind take you up and I well be right there in case you get scared he said but there is nothing to be ashamed of if you do get scared everyone does their first time flying even I did then they let the wind take them up and Lincoln said now move your wing up and down but don't look down but they did not listen and they looked down and got scared so they grabbed onto Lincoln and stella saw Lincoln coming down from the flying listen with 3 scared sister's hugging him she went out to help him with with them he said thank you and gave her one of his sisters and walked inside the house and they took them to his and there room and asked them what was the scariest part of the flying listen they said how far away the ground was and said do you think we are chickens no I don't think you are chickens I said everyone gets scared the first time they fly even I did here hug her well I go get something for you to try and if you do not like them you can give them to me and stella ok they said and he went to get the kelp-icer's from the freezer and got one for him one for Penn and one for summer and one for abby and one for connie then he went back to the room and gave them the kelp-icer's and said here stella your favorite treat She said thank you they all finished the kelp-icer's and Lincoln said come to the family room they all did then Lincoln said I well be right back then he went to get the ring that he and his sister's picked out and went back into the house and got on one knee and asked stella to be his girlfriend and she said yes I would like to be your girlfriend he put the ring on her finger then he said that his sisters picked it out she said thank you then he told her that he was going to take her on a date tonight his sister's asked if they could speak to him in private and he said yes they won't to go with them on the date he said no but I was talking to mom and dad earlier today if you guys could come with us back to top wing academy and they said if you guys go to bed and stay sleeping when mom and dad put you to bed tonight and when me and stella put you to bed tomorrow night that you can come back with me and stella to top wing academy for 3 months but if you don't you have to stay here they all said ok then Lincoln took stella out on the date and they eat then they went back to his house and his mom said that they wanted to wait for you to get back I told them that they could but they had to wait in the bedroom for you he said ok I well go see what they wanted and told stella to pick out a movie to watch and went into the room and said ok what did you want they asked him to sing a song to them he said yes I well never really knew that his world was so dangerous He's never mentioned it until now He's always opened up to me But now he won't answer What can I do? I want to be there for you My parents never really let me live Outside of my comfort, until I met you I always thought we'd be together Having each others back forever What can I do? I want to be there for you (Please don't disappear)What can I say to you? To assure you that being in your world is truly The best thing in this universe, that could have ever happen to me And of course i'd like to be part of this Even if you don't want me to be I need you And you need me if you guys have a nightmare me and stella will be watching a movie they said ok he walked out and ran into his mom I was just coming to check on you they just won't me to tell them how me and stella first started to have feelings for one another but I told them tomorrow night i would tell them the story he told his mother the hole story and she said that was nice of you to let her sleep with you when she had a nightmare he went back to the living room and saw the other cadets were there to he said hello to them then he asked brody if he could help with flying listen tomorrow and he said that he could they were watching a movie when Lincoln's sister's came in the other cadets said how are they Lincoln said they are my sisters they said that they had nightmares he showed brody were the other room was then they all went to bed Lincoln's bed was big enough for him and stella and his sister's to lay down on they all went to bed in the morning Lincoln was the first one up so he made breakfast for the family and cadets he was done with 3 plates of food when his sister's woke up and were hungry for breakfast he said here you guys go he had 2 more plates of food and coffee read when the other cadets came out he gave them the food and the coffee then made stella's in a heart shape and a iced coffee she came out and she asked for something to eat he gave her the food and the iced coffee than made him a iced coffee and they eat then Lincoln's parents woke up Lincoln said breakfast was in the microwave for you and coffee is in the coffeemaker me and brody are going to teach my sisters how to fly they learned how to fly without someone with them it was night so Lincoln asked stella to come and help him with putting his sisters to bed she did they asked him if he was going to tell them the story and he said yes well

stella sat up straight in her bed with a gasp. She looked around the dimly lit room frantically, hoping she had not awaken her friends and fellow cadets. She sighed in relief while she struggled to get her breathing back to normal.

"What a horrible nightmare?" stella thought, wiping the tears that were forming in her eyes.

After composing herself, she looked around the room. It was still dark out and her friends were still sound asleep. She looked up towards the bed of the sleeping me.

"Lincoln." She thought sadly.

After some thought, stella quietly got off her bed and made her way over to Lincoln's bed. It was really high up, but there was a ladder next to it. She climbed up the ladder, careful not to wake Rod or Brody. When she got to Lincoln's bunk, she sat at the foot of the bed for a moment, before crawling over to Lincoln. She then attempted to wake me, by gently shaking one of my wings.

"Lincoln?" stella whispered in an attempt to wake the blue jay without waking the others. She knew Rod was an early riser and would most likely wake up if he heard her. "Lincoln, please, wake up." she whispered again, still shaking my wing.

"Huh?" Lincoln mumbled, finally waking up, but still sleepy. His vision was blurry but he was able to recognize the figure.

"stella?" He asked, as he slowly sat up on his bed with a yawn. "What is it? Why are you awake?" I asked in a hushed tone.

The normally outgoing penguin, looked down at her wings that lay on her knees as she knelt in front of her friend. She avoided eye contact, unsure if she should asked what she wanted in the first place.

"stella?" I asked with a bit of worry.

stella gave a heavy sigh. While still not looking at her friend, she asked a bit nervously. "S-Lincoln? I-Is it okay for me to sleep with you for the rest of the night?"

Lincoln's eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting that. If he wasn't fully awake before, he was at that moment.

"Uuuhhh..." was all he was able to let out, still in shock and unsure what to say. The young penguin in front of him kept her head down while rubbing one arm nervously.

When she got no answer, stella sighed. "I'm sorry, Lincoln. It was a stupid request. I'll just go back to my own bed." she said, trying to hold back her tears. I noticed this and quickly but gently grabbed hold of one of her wings.

"stella, wait." I whispered, as I turned her to face me. She looked up at me with watery eyes. I gave her a worried look.

"stella? Did you have a nightmare?" he asked.

She nodded.

"D-did it have to do with me?" he continued.

stella nodded again as the tears began to fall freely, as she remembered her nightmare. Lincoln Lincolnly brought her into an embrace in hopes to calm her down.

"Shhhh. It's ok stella. I'm here. You can stay the rest of the night if you want." he whispered to her softly.

"Th-thank y-you, S-Lincoln." stella replied.

Once stella had calmed down a bit, Lincoln got back under the covers and laid down, since the night was a bit chilly. stella lay above the covers while she snuggled up to Lincoln. Being a penguin, she wasn't bothered by the chilly night air. Lincoln placed a wing around her, while the other was placed under his pillow.

"Goodnight, stella. Sweet dreams." He whispered.

"I hope so." stella mumbled. "Goodnight, Lincoln."

They said it was nice of you to let her sleep with you he said good night and you have to listen to me when I send you to bed at stella's house for 4 days they said ok it was morning and Lincoln said that had to go to the store to get some things and when he got back they were going to leave he got back and Lincoln's sister's got 3 months worth of clothes they were 2 hours out of town when they realised that they had forgotten their panties and pajamas at the house they got to stella's house after dark so they slept in the Flash wing Lincoln woke up early and saw that stella was already up He made her a cup of iced coffee and him 1 as well than stella went in the house and got her family ready to meet him and told them if they rejected him that she would never come back home they said ok and what are you drinking she said it is something called a iced coffee that Lincoln invented oh and he has 3 more surprises that are not mine she went out to the Flash wing and took one of the girl's and he carries one of the girls in the front of him and one in the back of him they walk into the house and stella introduced him to her family as her boyfriend and these 3 little bundles of joy are his sister's summer and abby and connie then they started to cry so Lincoln asked stella's mom to take one of the girls off of him so that he could do it right she held connie stella held abby and Lincoln held summer Lincoln started to sing a song and they stopped crying and woke up she said Lincoln you already know my mom my dad Steve and my little sisters ruby and mushi nice to meet you he told his sister's to say nice to meet you and they did than he said you go play with stella and her sisters well I go call the person who called me when we were asleep he called his long time friend that work at the hospital and he said that his parents were killed in a gas explosion because there was a gas leak at the house ok I well tell my sisters the news he went and told stella to come here but leave my sisters there she did he told her and her parents about the deaths and to not let the little one's know they said ok then he said that he had to go toke to speedy at headquarters and he would by back his littlest sister asked were he was going and he said to top wing academy she asked can I go with he said yes he told brody and stella and rody that they only had 2 of his sister's to look after they said ok than he took off to top wing academy once there he asked bee if she could look after summer she said yes I would look after her for you then he told her that she was going to look after you for a few minutes will I go talk to speedy then he went to the bridge to talk to speedy and tell him about his parents death and asked if he could build another room for his sister's to stay in he was going to bring them back home but found out that his parents were killed in a gas leak in the house he said yes I well make another room but it will take 3 weeks so when you come back you have to share a bead with them Lincoln asked if he wanted to meet one of them he said I would love to meet her he went and got her and said he has someone that he wants her to meet and took her to the control room speedy meet summer he said nice to meet you she hides behind Lincoln she is shy go on he won't hurt you I promise than she said nice to meet you my name is summer or sunset if you can not remember summer he said that we best be off we still have one more person to pick up and it is stella's best friend anu ok I well call master polerbar and tell him that you are coming to pick up anu he said ok then he and his sister went to the flash wing and took off to polerbar island they got their and anu was waiting there with her dad Lincoln said I well have her back in 3 days but if you won't to talk to her call this number and I well give my cellphone to her so she can talk to you he said ok they were about to take off wene anu asked how's bousterseat is this he said my littlest sister's where is she oh I found her come here and she did then Lincoln spun around and said anu these is sunset nice to meet you my name is anu do you won't to sit next to me she said she will sit next to you and did then they took off they got back to stella's house and were about to land when they saw stella and the others playing outside he told anu to hide because she did not know that I was going to pick you up ok she said and hid in a little box under the dashboard and he landed and told stella to cover her eyes and she did then he told anu to come out and she did then he told stella to open her eyes and she did and saw anu and tackled her to the ground and they both started to laugh then she said me and Lincoln have something for you he let me put on the finishing teaches on a gift for you but we have to go inside than you get it Lincoln hands sunset to anu and she took her in to the house Lincoln followed her and stopped anu at the door and let sunset go in and told anu the bad news and that he had not told his sisters the news yet she said that she would help calm them down thank you and stella said that she would help to they went in and anu gave stella the bracelet then Lincoln said stella we have been friends for a long time now and I know that you love me and I love you so it makes it easier to say this he got on one knee and said stella will you marry me then she saw the diamond and said Lincoln of course I will marry you her dad said you need a marriage gift I have one brody said that he had been planning this for 3 years and Lincoln gave her the necklace she said I love it her parents asked were he got it he blushed and said that he had made it himself they said how creative he said thank you so do I have your permission to marry your daughter she said that she has been waiting for a blue fellow to ask her to marry him so yes you do have our permission to marry her thank you then stella and Lincoln and anu took Lincoln's sisters to the other room and Lincoln told them the news one went to stella and one went to anu and one went to Lincoln and then they started to cry the others heard it and said they must have told them the news then Lincoln went outside to the Flash wing and sat down on the wing and got some paper out of the Flash wing and started to right down how he was going to do the funeral then stella's sister's came out and sat beside him and asked him if he was ok he said yes they all went to bed 3AM Lincoln was going on a walk and stella's sisters asked him if they could go with him he said yes but you have to keep up with me they got back and Lincoln said that he was going to make the family some breakfast he made pancakes for the family at 5AM everyone smelled the pancakes and they all went to eat Lincoln gave stella's parents some iced coffee to drink and stella one to then gave rod and brody regular coffee and the little ones some iced tea to drink then went to the Flash wing and got him a energy drink then he went back in said he was taken off to the next island to get some things stella and anu asked if they could go with him and he said yes then said he would do the dishes when he got bak in 1 hour then they left they got their and Lincoln got 7 lockets and they went back to stella's house and he gave one locket to each of the little ones then he gave stella a locket then he saw that the dishes were done and said you guys did not have to do the dishes they said they did because that was a good breakfast then he said if you liked that you are going to like dinner and the cake I am making for stella's birthday party tomorrow it was time to make the dinner and stella asked him if she could help him with the dinner and he said yes you stir this well I see if we have everything for the cake and he made a list of what he needs it was time for dinner he told everyone that it was a new recipe and if they don't like it to tell him and he would not be upset about it so they tasted it and they all loved it he said that he had to go and get some things from the next island and asked them if anyone wanted to go with him and his littlest sister said I want to go and stella's 2 sisters said that they wanted to go with him he said only if it is ok with your parents and they said yes you can go they got in Lincoln's Flashwing and took off to the store they got 11 bottles of soda Lincoln got 1 bottle of wine some eggs and some milk and some other cake things then he payed for the groceries and they went back to stella's house everyone else was asleep so he told them to give him the soda and he would put them in the fridge they did then Lincoln took them to bed then Lincoln started the cake stella's sisters had a nightmare and did not want to bother their sister because it was her birthday they knew that Lincoln was making a cake so they went and asked he if he would sit with them for a little while he said yes he just finished the cake just let me go and put it in the Flash wing and he did then he went back in stella's house and sat down with her sisters and went to sleep everyone else woke up before Lincoln and her sisters did and saw the way they were Lincoln woke up and told them that they had a nightmare and he did not want to woke them up just yet 30 minutes later they woke up they all had breakfast then Lincoln washed the dishes 5 hours later he said anyone want some cake and they all said yes so he went to the Flash wing and got the cakes then took them inside stella's house everyone asked what kind of cake is it 1 kelp-icer and 1 chocolate everyone except rod and brody eat the kelp-icer cake he said it was his recipe was time for bed and the little ones asked him to tell them a story about when he and stella first started to have feelings for one another he said that stella sat up straight in her bed with a gasp. She looked around the dimly lit room frantically, hoping she had not awaken her friends and fellow cadets. She sighed in relief while she struggled to get her breathing back to normal."What a horrible nightmare?" stella thought, wiping the tears that were forming in her eyes.After composing herself, she looked around the room. It was still dark out and her friends were still sound asleep. She looked up towards the bed of the sleeping blue jay."Lincoln." She thought sadly. After some thought, stella quietly got off her bed and made her way over to Lincoln's bed. It was really high up, but there was a ladder next to it. She climbed up the ladder, careful not to wake Rod or Brody. When she got to Lincoln's bunk, she sat at the foot of the bed for a moment, before crawling over to Lincoln. She then attempted to wake him, by gently shaking one of his wings.Lincoln?" stella whispered in an attempt to wake the blue jay without waking the others. She knew Rod was an early riser and would most likely wake up if he heard her. "Lincoln, please, wake up." she whispered again, still shaking his wing."Huh?" Lincoln mumbled, finally waking up, but still sleepy. His vision was blurry but he was able to recognize the figure."stella?" He asked, as he slowly sat up on his bed with a yawn. "What is it? Why are you awake?" he asked in a hushed tone.The normally outgoing penguin, looked down at her wings that lay on her knees as she knelt in front of her friend. She avoided eye contact, unsure if she should asked what she wanted in the first place."stella?" Lincoln asked with a bit of worry.stella gave a heavy sigh. While still not looking at her friend, she asked a bit nervously. "S-Lincoln? I-Is it okay for me to sleep with you for the rest of the night?"

Lincoln's eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting that. If he wasn't fully awake before, he was at that moment."Uuuhhh..." was all he was able to let out, still in shock and unsure what to say. The young penguin in front of him kept her head down while rubbing one arm nervously.When she got no answer, stella sighed. "I'm sorry, Lincoln. It was a stupid request. I'll just go back to my own bed." she said, trying to hold back her tears. Lincoln noticed this and quickly but gently grabbed hold of one of her wings."stella, wait." Lincoln whispered, as he turned her to face him. She looked up at him with watery eyes. Lincoln gave her a worried look."stella? Did you have a nightmare?" he asked. She nodded. "D-did it have to do with me?" he continued.stella nodded again as the tears began to fall freely, as she remembered her nightmare. Lincoln Lincolnly brought her into an embrace in hopes to calm her down.

"Shhhh. It's ok stella. I'm here. You can stay the rest of the night if you want." he whispered to her softly even longer if you want Th-thank y-you, S-Lincoln." stella replied.Once stella had calmed down a bit, Lincoln got back under the covers and laid down, since the night was a bit chilly. stella lay above the covers while she snuggled up to Lincoln. Being a penguin, she wasn't bothered by the chilly night air. Lincoln placed a wing around her, while the other was placed under his pillow."Goodnight, stella. Sweet dreams." He whispered."I hope so." stella mumbled. "Goodnight, Lincoln."Lincoln frowned at her response. He couldn't help but wonder what could have happened in her dream... no, nightmare... to have her so shaken up. He looked over his shoulder to see if the others had woken up. Sure enough, Rod and Brody were awake and were looking towards the two. Both wore worried expressions on their face. Lincoln mouthed a 'later' towards them. They nodded and went back to sleep.

Lincoln turned and brought his attention back to the penguin now sleeping next to him. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. He smiled and subconsciously began to gently caress her side with the thumb of his wing that lay on her. This caused her to snuggle into him more. He gave a slight chuckle before he yawned and fell back asleep as well.The next morning, Lincoln woke up to find stella with her arms wrapped around his waist. She was sound asleep. He gave a soft groan.How am I going to get out of this without waking her?" Lincoln thought.Rod and Brody popped up from the side of Lincoln's bed and saw the position their teammates were in. They were already dressed and ready for the day."It's going to be hard getting out of that." Rod whispered to Lincoln. Brody nodded in agreement."I know. But what can I do? She had a rough night. I don't want to wake her until she is ready they said that they well tell their teachers that they would be late for class.when she and brody Got to me but I was unconscious and she had to do mouth to mouth to try to revive me but it did not work i was on life support for 4 weeks and she stayed with me until I was better than she kissed me so that is how we met they said that was nice of you to let her sleep with you wene she had a nightmare

It as the last night at stella's house Lincoln made stella's parents a fancy diner with him as the server you can have a lot of nights like this if you agree to what your little ones ask you tomorrow morning than they finished the meal Lincoln did the dishes and they went to bed

in the morning stella's sister's asked them if they could go to top wing academy for 2 months with Lincoln and stella and they said that they could they got ready to go and they went to the Flash wing and were off they got to top wing academy and Lincoln and stella introduced them to speedy and bee they said nice to meet you than they told speedy and bee the news and speedy said that it's about time Lincoln confessed his feelings for her. The next morning speedy got a call from a penguin asking for Lincoln he went on to Lincoln's watch and told him to come to the control room and he did the penguin told that stella's parents had died in a gas leak last night and they did not make it he said he would tell them the bad news and said that he was going for a walk to think about how to tell them the bad news and told speedy not to tell them the bad news he said ok he went to the Lemon Shack and asked Ronda if she knew of the best way to tell someone that their parents were killed in a gas leak just the way you said it he said ok he was about to go back to headquarters wene he saw his sister's and stella and her sister's and rod and brody come down the path he told Ronda whatever they order is on me she said ok he took stella and her sister's aside and told them the bad news they started to cry so Lincoln order 50 kelp-icer's to go and paid for the other cadets stuff to then Ronda asked if it was her parents that died he said yes then she said whatever she ordered is on the house he said keep it that he would be back in 4 hours to get something for everyone at top wing academy she said ok then he took stella and her sister's back to headquarters speedy saw them and said did you tell them Lincoln said yes I did tell them we well be in our room if you need me 4 hours later the rest of the people came back to the headquarters and Lincoln asked his 2 of his sister's to come to the Lemon Shack and help him bring back something for everyone summer and connie went with him and they got 11 drinks 4 kelp-icer smoothies and 7 mixed barriers then they went back to headquarters and gave speedy and bee 2 mixed barriers and gave rod and brody and summer and connie and abby mixed barriers then he went in to the room and said this might help they said what is it he said kelp-icer smoothies they drank them and said thank you and can we sleep with you for the night he said yes but my sister's well have to sleep in your bed she said ok they can he told everyone that he and stella and her sister's were going to bad and not to bother them then they went to bed he got up early and went on a run with bee he told speedy that if his sister's or stella or her sister's wont me they have to wait until I get back from my run he said ok than he took off his younger sister was looking for him speedy said that he just left if you hurry up you can get him she said ok she got him in the lunch bay and asked if she could go with him he said yes they left 30 minutes later his other to sister's asked were he is speedy said he went on a run with bee they said that they would be back in 2 hours from now on the run he asked bee if she could help him plan his and stella's wedding and she said yes she would help him plan the wedding he said he already had a perfect place for the honeymoon Howie and I will be taking all of you with me she said grate they were done with the run same time tomorrow Lincoln you know it we will plan the wedding tomorrow on the run he went and got all of the girls dress sizes he said it is for a new dress he is making for them but they will not be ready until the wedding day me and bee are planning it on our run tomorrow thank you for the dress sizes then he asked stella if she had anything to do she said no he said do you want to go get some thing to eat they all said yes he said that he will get them after he is done with training for the day they said ok he asked speedy if their was training he said no Lincoln told him that if stella or his sister's or her sister's are looking for him tell them he is on a training mission he said ok then he went to the Lemon Shack and asked Ronda if she could put this in a clam and bring it to me and stella tonight she said that she could he said thank you and gave her a sack of money then asked oscar to play stella's favorite song he said he would then he went back to headquarters and he got stella and her sister's and his sister's and they went to the Lemon Shack they got their and sat down and Ronda brought her the clam she said i'm allergic to clams Lincoln said just open it she did and saw a ring in it with a kelp-icer stone on it than he told the little ones that bee was going to put them to bed tonight because me and stella are going on a date they said ok but she better be good she is they went on the date and had Italian food they went back to headquarters to find the little ones sleeping he gave her some money for babysitting for them they went to bed Lincoln got up early and went on a run with bee they talked about the dress and what they should be like he said ok then they talked about the rest of the wedding they were done he went to work on their dress he got them done one day before the wedding they tried them on and looked good the next day was the wedding the Sherman said dose anyone not think that these 2 birds should not be together speak now or forever hold your piece no one did he said may I have the rings Lincoln's sister gave them the rings they said I do than cut the cake it was the day of the funeral's the funeral's were over they went back to headquarters

The end

It's been two months since Lincoln and stella confessed their feelings for each other, and things have been going great between them.

When the rest of the island found out, they were happy for the two, and congratulated them.

Lincoln was currently out in the field on a training mission, along with Rod and Brody. stella was at HQ observing the training while Speedy and Bea directed the cadets on what to do.

"Alright cadets, now try it out on your own until you think you've mastered it." Speedy told them.

"You got it, Speedy!" The three replied, before ending communication.

"Is there anything I could do, Speedy?" stella asked.

"Hmmm... not really. I don't really have anything for you right now, stella." Speedy replied. "But if you want, you could-" he was cut off when the screen began to ring. It wasn't the alarm, just a regular call.

"I wonder who that could be." Speedy wondered as Bea answered the call

"Hello? Is this Top Wing Academy?" asked a female that appeared on the screen.

"Mom?" stella asked, a little confused as she approached the screen.

"Oh! It is!" stella's mother, happily exclaimed. "Hi stella, dear! Hello Speedy, hello Bea." she greeted the three.

"Hello Priscilla. Nice to see you. Can we... help you with something?" Speedy asked, wondering why his student's parents were calling all of a sudden.

"Oh, no Speedy. I just wanted to talk to my little stella." Priscilla replied.

"Mom... I'm not little anymore." stella whined.

"I know, sweetie. But you're still my little stella." Priscilla stated.

stella sighed. "I'll accept that. So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Um... is it possible for us to talk in private?" Priscilla asked.

"Uuhh..." stella looked to Speedy and Bea for answers.

"I'll transfer the call to the video screen at your bed, stella." Speedy stated, as he pressed icons on his tablet.

"Wait... we have those?" stella asked.

Speedy chuckled. "Better get going. The screen will pop up once I press the transfer button." he told her

With that said, stella quickly made her way to her sleeping quarter. Once she was gone from the room, Priscilla let out a distressed sign, which caught Speedy and Bea's attention.

"Everything ok, Priscilla?" Bea asked.

"I hope so, once I'm done talking to stella." Priscilla replied.

"Ok Speedy! I'm in the room!" stella yelled out.

"I'm sure whatever it is, you two will work it out." Speedy told her about pressing the 'transfer call' button Thanks, Speedy." Priscilla replied, before she disappeared from the screen.

"Priscilla looked really upset. I hope whatever it is isn't too bad." Bea stated. Speedy nodded in agreement

stella saw a small screen slowly pop up next to her photo of her and Anyu. Soon after, her mother's face came into view.

"Hello again, mother." stella greeted her mother again. "So, what did you want to talk about?" she asked.

"First of all, how are you dear? And how's life at the academy?" Priscilla asked.

"I'm doing great! And it's super cool! Speedy, Bea, my friends, the islanders... they're all really cool!" stella happily replied.

"I'm glad to hear that sweetie. But remember, you have a family. You have to come visit us from time to time." Priscilla told her.

stella giggled. "Yea, I know. I'll have to ask Speedy for some time off for me to visit. By the way, where's dad?" she asked.

Priscilla expression and tone soon changed. "He's... around."

"Mom? Is everything ok?" stella asked, noticing the change.

Priscilla sighed. "Actually stella ... I need to talk to you about your father."

"Why? Did something happen?! Is he ok?!" stella asked worriedly.

"Calm down, stella . Your father's fine. It's... actually something that he did... well... almost did... that I need to tell you." Priscilla stated, looking at her daughter nervously.

"What is it?" stella asked, curiously.

First, you need to promise me you won't get too upset about what I'm about to tell you, sweetie." Priscilla stated.

That depends..." stella replied, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

Priscilla sighed, knowing that her daughter would get upset.

" stella ," she started, "Your father... almost... promised you to someone and stella's eyes widened when she heard that. It took her a few seconds to recover from the shock..

Priscilla knew she heard, but wanted confirmation. "He almost promised you to someone." she repeated. then asked as calmly as possible. "With who?""I believe his name was, Bobbin?" Priscilla replied, a bit unsure.

Bobbin?" stella asked. "You mean blobby Bobbin?!" her anger started to show.

"Um, yes. I think that's what your brother said you kids called him." Priscilla replied.

stella growled in anger before letting out a loud and long scream.

Back at hq Lincoln asked where is stella they heard the scream Lincoln went to check on her but the other ones were stopped they said she might be in trouble he said at HQ no way They said why didn't you stop him then Speedy said for "One. I wouldn't have been able to if I tried. Two. It's about time stella introduced him to her family." Speedy simply stated with a smile.Priscilla said nothing and allowed her daughter to let out her anger.

She let out another scream in frustration till she heard a knock on the door.

" stella ? It's me! Is everything ok? I heard you scream. Can I come in?" Lincoln asked on the other side of the door. stella gasped. "He's already back from training?" she thought. She soon turned her attention to the screen and whispered to her mother, who had a confused look when she heard the new voice.

"Don't move and don't say anything." stella whispered to her mother.

Priscilla wasn't sure what was going on, but nodded and stayed still.

stella let out a heavy sigh to calm herself a bit more, before answering.

Yea, I'm ok, Lincoln. You can come in." She replied.

Once he got the ok, stella opened the door and quickly flew over to her and sat on her bed next to her.

Are you alright, stella? I heard you squawk. What happened?" Lincoln asked worriedly.

I'm ok, Lincoln. Really." stella said with a smile to reassure him.

" stella , that scream sounded like your angry scream. What happened?" Lincoln pushed on. stella sighed.

"Ok, ok. I'm not ok. I was just talking to my mother and she told me something that made me really angry." She started,

Lincoln tilted his head, wordlessly asking 'what was it'?

"She told me that my father almost promised me to someone." She continued.

Lincoln's eyes widened, and he felt his heart sink a little upon hearing that. But he let her continue.

"And if that wasn't bad enough, he almost promised me to the WORST person stella yelled, her anger coming back full swing. "Woah stella , calm down." Lincoln said, gently grabbing her cheeks to try to get her to calm down. He'd never seen her this angry before.

He began to gently caress her cheeks with his thumbs in order to calm her down, a technique that usually worked. stella closed her eyes at his gentle caress, then inhaled and exhaled before placing one of her hands over his which rested on her cheeks, telling him that she had calmed down. Lincoln gave a satisfied smile at this. stella opened her eyes and looked up at Lincoln. "Lincoln kissed her forehead, telling her that everything was ok. She smiled and looked up at him."Thanks, Lincoln. I could really use some comforting right now." stella told him.Lincoln chuckled and re-positioned himself to sit behind her. She sat between his legs as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her closer to his chest and nuzzled his head on the side of hers, at which she happily nuzzled back.Better?" he asked."Much." she replied.Lincoln saw stella's mom on the screen Lincoln spoke up, excuse me, stella , Ms. Priscilla?" Lincoln started, to get their attention. "S-sorry to interrupt, but s-should I leave? B-because this seems to be a family matter and... I feel like I'm intruding." he stated. stella and Priscilla giggled, which confused Lincoln you are family, Lincoln." stella told him, as she wrapped her arms around his which were still wrapped around her and nuzzled under his beak."I am?" he asked, blushing at stella show of affection.

"Yes, you are, dear. You became family the moment stella said 'yes' to you." Priscilla stated and smiled. Lincoln sighed, "I'm sorry, stella. I guess I'm just a bit nervous. I didn't expect to be meeting your parents so soon. I know I would have to meet them eventually, but I hadn't prepared myself for it yet. I've always worried about if they would accept me as your chosen partner since I'm a different species." he explained, tightening his hold , but not too tight."To tell you the truth, Lincoln, I've been worried about that too. I was worried about whether or not my family would accept you and if yours would accept me. At least I know my mom's ok with it. We just need to know what my dad thinks. And of course, I'm worried about if yours will accept me or not." stella admitted.Lincoln gave a gentle smile. "I can assure you, Penny, my family will accept you. That is something I'm not worried about." he told her."How are you so sure?" she asked."Let's just say, my family has a history of going off with other colors." he told her. "Really?" she asked in surprise.Yup." he replied, nuzzling the side of her head. "So you have nothing to worry about on my end."

stella giggled as he nuzzled her. She leaned into him to nuzzle back.

"I love you, stella ." Lincoln whispered to her lovingly.

"I love you too, Lincoln." stella replied lovingly as well.

Unbeknownst to the two love birds, while they were having their moment, stella parents had returned and were watching the interaction between the two with interest.

"Now, how can we say 'no' to that?" Priscilla spoke up to get the two's attention.

Lincoln and stella were startled and quickly turned their attention back to the screen and saw both of stella 's parents looking at them with a smile. Lincoln and stella blushed and gave a nervous laugh at being caught again.

"Sorry to interrupt your moment, sweetie. But I had to get your attention." Priscilla told them.

"I-it's ok, mom." stella replied, still blushing. "H-how much did you see?" she asked.

"We saw... and heard plenty, sweetie." Priscilla replied.

"Enough to get my approval, sweetheart." Phil stated.

"Really? You mean, you're ok with me choosing Lincoln as my partner?" stella asked her father.

Of course! It's your life, sweetheart. Your choice." He replied with a smile,

"So, stella ... who's your friend?" Phil asked with a smile."Oh, right. Dad, this is Lincoln, my boyfriend. Lincoln, this is my dad, Phil." stella introduced them to each other.

"H-hello there, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you." Lincoln greeted with a wave.

"Hello Lincoln. Nice to meet the person who made my daughter all happy." Phil said teasingly, which made Lincoln a little nervous and uncomfortable.Phil chuckled. "I'm just teasing, Lincoln. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, but it is nice to meet you. Now, I don't need to ask or tell you to take care and protect my stella , because I've already seen and heard for myself how much you care about her."

Lincoln nodded.

So, what did you give her?" Phil asked.

Lincoln smiled, knowing what he was asking. " stella ," he simply said, looking down at her.

stella giggled and showed her parents the necklace and bracelet she was wearing.

"Oh my! stella they're beautiful. *gasps* Are those kelp-icer pendants?!" Priscilla awed.

"Wow! That must have cost you a fortune, Lincoln." Phil exclaimed.

"Actually," Lincoln started, blushing and rubbing the back of his head, "I made them myself." he told them.

stella parents eyes widened.

Really!? You made them yourself?" Priscilla asked.

"Yup. He did. And that's what makes them extra super special. Besides, I would have said yes to him anyway, even if he didn't give me a courting gift." stella said, nuzzling him under his beak. Lincoln chuckled and nuzzled her back, not worried that her parents were watching.

Phil and Priscilla smiled at the two.

"We can see that you two truly do love each other. Not only did we hear you both say it, but your actions speak volumes. Lincoln, the way you came into the room when you heard stella 's scream and was able to calm her down, and stayed with her, proved to me just how loyal you are to her. And stella , you eased his worry of meeting us and being accepted. That is indeed, true love. Being there for each other and supporting each other." Priscilla explained.

"Anyway, I think it's time we made our leave. It was nice meeting you Lincoln."

"Same here." Lincoln replied with a smile.

"And, stella ? We hope to get a visit from you soon, sweetheart. And make sure you bring Lincoln with you." Phil told her. stella giggled. "I will dad. Bye now. Love you.""Love you, too, stella . Bye. Bye Lincoln. See you soon." Phil and Priscilla said, before ending the call. The small screen went back down once the call ended."Well, that went better than expected." Lincoln stated, still holding on to stella stella giggled and kissed his cheek, making him blush and chuckle. They asked speedy if they could have 2weeks off is they could go and visit their family they said yes