Steven was staring at a certain pink gem, looking totally lovestruck. She was sitting on a nearby bench, enjoying her bag donuts she just bought from the Big Donut. The gem/human hybrid took in Spinel's stunning appearance as she ate her delicious treats: the adorable pigtails, those mesmerizing magenta eyes, and her beautiful heart-shaped upside down gem that gleamed beautifully when the sunlight hit it just right. Heck, just the adorable way she ate her glaze-covered pastries made his heart flutter.
As he let out a loving sigh, he failed to notice that Spinel had suddenly somehow appeared right next to him. It was as if she teleported right by his side!
She decided to make her sudden appearance known, "Hiya Stevie! Whatcha looking at?"
Surprised and very confused by her unexpected arrival, he let out a loud scream (which was very manly and not at all high-pitched and girly, I assure you!), much to Spinel's shock and puzzlement
Steven's scream echoed around the Big Donut parking lot, causing several seagulls to take flight in alarm. Spinel, who had reappeared next to him with her usual bubbly grin, blinked in surprise, her eyes wide and her pigtails bouncing slightly.
"Whoa, hey, take it easy!" Spinel said, raising her hands in a playful defensive gesture. "I didn't mean to scare you. Just thought I'd come say hi!"
"Sorry, Spinel!" Steven quickly apologized, his face turning a shade of pink that nearly matched her gem. "You just… surprised me. I didn't see you come over."
Spinel tilted her head, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "That's 'cause I was being sneaky, silly! Thought I'd try out that whole 'being stealthy' thing like a ninja in one of those shows you've shown me, the one with the giant turtles! Pretty good, huh?"
Steven couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Yeah, you were pretty good. Almost too good."
Spinel beamed at the compliment and then glanced at the bench where Steven had been sitting. She noticed the faint, empty spot beside him where he had been staring. "So, what were you looking at before I popped up?"
Steven's blush deepened, his heart thudding in his chest. He wasn't quite ready to admit that he had been staring at her. He scratched the back of his head, fumbling for an excuse. "Oh, um… I was just, uh, looking at the… clouds! Yeah, the clouds."
Spinel's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced up at the sky. "Clouds, huh? Lemme see." She hopped up on the bench, balancing precariously as she stretched to see what he had been looking at. "Hmm… they don't look that interesting to me. Just a bunch of fluffy, puffy cotton candy."
Steven couldn't help but laugh. Spinel's unique perspective on the world always seemed to brighten his day, no matter what. "Yeah, I guess they are just like cotton candy," he agreed, still a bit flustered but feeling more at ease now.
Spinel spun around on the bench to face him, sitting cross-legged now. She tilted her head with a sly smile. "Are you sure you were just looking at clouds, Stevie?"
Steven hesitated, feeling his cheeks heat up again under her curious gaze. Her teasing tone told him she suspected the truth. He let out a soft sigh, deciding maybe honesty was the best route. "Well… not exactly."
Spinel leaned closer, her grin widening with intrigue. "Oh? Do tell, Mista Universe."
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "I was actually… watching you, Spinel." He glanced away, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I mean, you looked really happy eating those donuts, and I guess I… I just liked seeing you happy."
Spinel blinked, her grin softening into a tender smile. Her heart-shaped gem glowed softly in the sunlight as she reached out to gently touch Steven's hand. "Aw, Stevie… that's real sweet of you." Her voice was softer now, sincere.
Steven looked back at her, surprised by her sudden shift in demeanor. "Really? You're not… weirded out or anything?"
She shook her head, still smiling. "Nah, why would I be? I like makin' people happy. And if just eatin' donuts can do that for you, then I'm glad." She paused, her magenta eyes locking onto his. "Besides, I like bein' around you too, ya know. You're one of the few people who actually likes me for me, and that means a lot."
Steven felt his heart swell at her words. He hadn't realized how much his simple attention could mean to her. "Of course, I do, Spinel. You're special. You're funny, and kind, and you've got a big heart." He pointed to her gem, adding with a playful smile, "In more ways than one."
Spinel giggled at that, a light blush appearing on her cheeks. "Aw, you're just sayin' that 'cause I'm cute!"
Steven grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. "Well, you are cute," he admitted, leaning in a little closer. "And I'm glad you're here, Spinel. I really am."
The two of them sat there for a moment, basking in each other's presence. Spinel, still holding onto his hand, gave it a light squeeze. "Hey, Stevie?"
"Yeah?" he replied softly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"How 'bout we share those donuts, huh? I got a few left, and they taste better when you share 'em with a friend."
Steven's smile widened, and he nodded. "I'd like that."
Spinel's smile grew wider. "It's a date then! Well, not a date-date, but you know what I mean!"
Unless you want it to be an actual date… Spinel thought to herself, she learned the term "date" from Steven during her many hangouts with him and her heart-shaped gem glowing again a bit at the idea. She shook off the thought with a playful giggle and looked back at Steven.
Steven laughed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Let's definitely do that."
Spinel hopped off the bench, her usual energy returning as she pulled out the bag of donuts. She plopped down next to Steven, closer this time, their shoulders touching. As they munched on the remaining donuts together, Steven felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the sun or the sugary treats.
It was a warmth that came from being next to someone who understood him, who brought light into his life in the most unexpected ways. And as Spinel laughed, her eyes sparkling with joy, Steven knew that moments like this—simple, genuine, and filled with laughter—were what made everything worth it.
In that moment, with donuts in hand and a friend by his side, Steven felt truly happy.