Chapter Text
From the moment they brought Steven home, everyone knew they had to act fast. Connie had made sure to give Greg her emergency contact to ensure her mother would pick up immediately as she and Lapis made their way to Rose’s fountain.
Peridot, meanwhile, made repeated trips from her workshop in Little Homeworld as she and Pearl worked feverishly to fasten whatever they would need to monitor Steven’s vitals. Rose and Greg were all too happy to surrender the futon for their convenience, listening attentively for instructions for any remaining materials or aid in assembly.
It may have looked like something that had been dug up from a dumpster, but it worked. Steven’s heartbeat giving a consistent bleep over the recycled speaker, it’s spiking visible through the busted computer monitor that looked more duct tape than machine.
With Steven in good hands, Bismuth and Garnet left to meet with 1NK’s gemstone bubbled safely away to see to Fire Pearl. Seeing as her Agate’s soldiers were the hardest hit victims of her actions, they would make sure to see that their killer faced the consequences. Whether on Earth or Homeworld was up to her.
Priyanka arrived just as Connie and Lapis returned from the fountain, a floating glob of spring water held aloft by the latter. But even after supplying it to an IV drop, it did little to better his condition, much to Rose’s surprise.
Admittedly, her healing gifts were usually used for those suffering from injury or disease. But Steven was technically suffering from neither. Still though, they made sure to store the rest in plastic bottles, just in case.
When Rose explained everything to Dr. Maheswaran, it looked as though her jaw was ready to hit the floor. Thankfully, with Peridot’s insight on the delicate functions of gems to guide her hand, she was ready to help the best she could with starting Steven’s recovery.
Rose swore she was holding her breath the whole time. In the back of her mind, she waited for the moment the Doctor would sigh and regretfully tell her that there was nothing she could do or that she was too late. She felt a lump form in her throat as she saw her Steven lay there in bed so motionless. But she bit back her tears, she knew she had to be strong, she had to hold out hope for him.
She froze when she felt something take her hand. She snapped from her trance to spot Greg, a reassuring smile on his face before he stood up on his toes to give her quick peck to her cheek. He didn’t say a word, but he didn’t need to. His look was all she needed. Rose felt her lips crease into a smile before returning his kiss.
After what felt like an eternity, Priyanka approached the two, her eyes still fixed on the set note she had scribbled down during her assessment to Steven’s condition, “Mr. and Mrs. Universe? I’m sure you’re curious about Steven’s condition. Rest assured, he’ll be fine. Your friend has been very informative about the nature of gem… oh, dear, what did you call it again?” she asked Peridot.
“Gemology.” Peridot answered in a deadpanned tone.
The Doctor shook her head, “I swear, she’s making that word up.” She grumbled, “But regardless, the equipment she has provided was useful in helping to understand his condition, even if it does look like she recovered most of it from a recycle bin.” From behind, Peridot shot a piercing glare that Priyanka elected to just ignore.
Peridot rushed to retrieve a portable chalkboard from across the room, on it showed a rough silhouette of Steven with his gemstone. Beside were notes that read ‘immune system buffer’, ‘light reinforced musculature’, and one ending with a question mark labeled ‘foods that induce positive thoughts=healthier with gemstone?’ with arrows pointing to random spots on the humanoid shape.
With a toy sized pool cue in hand, the small green gem cleared her throat, “From what we could assess, the essence secreted from Steven’s gem has been supporting his organic half since he was born. Making sure he was provided with the necessary nutrients from the food he eats, as well as acting as a buffer to any harmful microorganisms on this planet. Though it isn’t perfect, it is undeniable that it played a part in his survival in this instance.”
Priyanka dismissively rolled her eyes as she flipped through more of the pages in her notes, “It goes without saying that he’s suffering from the effects of extreme dehydration and starvation. Drastically reduced blood pressure, weight loss, weakening of the muscles. And you’re saying he was like this for three months?”
“More or less.” Rose mumbled.
The Doctor rubbed the back of her neck and looked to be choosing her next words carefully so as to explain everything as delicately as she humanly could, “If he were anyone else, he’d be dead.”
“Do we need to take him to the Hospital?” Greg asked.
Priyanka looked to Steven before looking back to them and sighed, “Normally, I’d say yes. But not here. If you know what to do, he’ll bounce back eventually. I would estimate approximately twelve weeks.”
Twelve weeks? Is that all he needed? Rose felt like a mountain had been lifted from her shoulders, she had to muster all her will to not break down and cry tears of joy. Whatever she needed to do in the meantime to help him get back on his feet, she knew she’d do it, no questions asked.
“Here are a few things I recommend…” Priyanka added, “He needs clear fluids, water, broth, anything of that nature. Also, don’t give him any large meals to help get his weight back up. Have small, frequent meals, and only nutritionally rich food. I would also advise you schedule him for strength training to help support healthy muscle growth. And make sure he gets plenty of rest.”
Pearl seemed to perk up at the suggestion, “I can compile a routine for him to follow. Mind if I call you regarding any questions?”
“That’s fine. It’s no bother to me.” Priyanka reassured.
“Dr. Maheswaran?” Rose asked tentatively, her voice almost shaking as she struggled to hold herself together.
“Yes, was there anything else?”
Without warning, Rose pulled her up off the ground into a bear hug, “Thank you so much for doing this. It means the world to us.”
Priyanka tried not to show the strain in her voice as she fought to regain enough air to speak, “Of course. Not a problem. And for future reference, you can just call me Priyanka. I’ve been told family doesn’t need to be formal.”
Rose paused, her confusion shifting to jubilation as she spotted Connie looking to the two of them from Steven’s bed side with a wide grin plastered to her face. “Right, thank you.” She whispered as she set Connie’s mother down.
Once finally free, Priyanka stole a moment to catch her breath, “Well, my work is done. I had better take Connie home.” Connie looked back to Steven one last time before stopping to leave quick peck to his cheek.
“We need to go, Connie. Remember, you have school tomorrow!”
“I know, I’m coming!” Connie answered with an exasperated sigh, the two disappearing into the night as the glow of Priyanka’s headlights disappeared from the view of the screen door.
The Warp pad began to hum, a glittering sheen emerging from the platform to herald Bismuth and Garnet’s return, “1NK and Fire Agate are with Fire Pearl. We’ve left them for the Diamonds to settle.” She stated in her typical stoic demeaner.
Bismuth was quick to address any confusion as she spoke up, “We made it clear not to shatter them. That Rose Quartz was a real piece of work, but we shouldn’t stoop to her level.”
Rose felt a pit in her stomach at the news. Despite the animosity towards her, she truly did feel remorse for Fire Agate’s loss. To lose the ones you hold so dear in such a gruesome manner was a fate she wouldn’t even wish on her worst enemy. And now knowing it was all to cover up a revenge scheme focused on her by a monster of her own making did little to clear her conscience. She sighed, “I’m just ready to put this whole nightmare behind us…”
Amethyst hopped up onto the kitchen counter, an entire cold pizza in hand, “Well, I guess if we learned one thing, it’s don’t screw with Steven around Mama Bear here, or she’ll mess you up good.” She joked, gesturing to Rose as she devoured an entire slice in one bite.
“I’m still unsure about that nickname. It makes me sound so angry and a little mean…”
Amethyst hurriedly scarfed down the remaining scraps of pizza before retorting, “What? No way! It just means you mean business around Steven and want to protect him. I know I always felt safe around you when I was younger.”
Rose could tell Amethyst was being completely earnest with her, her cheeks growing warm as she quickly understood the sentiment and tried not to sound too flattered, “…Well…”
“Hey, if it really bothers you, I won’t call ya that. But you always call Steven your ‘Baby Bear’, and I just think it’d be cute.” Amethyst reasoned with a shrug.
“Thank you, Amethyst.” Rose said as heartily as her voice could muster.
Amethyst leaned back and cross her arms behind her head, “No prob, Mama Bear.” She said with smile and a satisfied look on her face.
Peridot cleared her throat as she spoke up once more, “Now that we know Steven is in stable condition, Lapis and I should really be going as well.”
“Thanks again, Peridot, it means a lot that all of you went through all this trouble to help our son.” Greg replied.
“Would we be allowed to visit him once he wakes up?” Lapis asked sheepishly.
Rose beamed, “Of course! You’re always welcome to come visit us! Just be mindful that his body needs time to return to full strength.”
“Right, thank you.” Lapis said.
“And remember the same goes for you, Bismuth.” Pearl added, “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you soon.”
“You’re being awful friendly with her all of a sudden.” Amethyst remarked with a sly grin, “What happened to you two just being friends?”
“Well, Bismuth is… a little more than a friend now.” Pearl stated, “Oh, Bismuth?” she called, pulling the rainbow haired gem close to her with surprising force before imparting her with a kiss to her lips, “Thank you.”
Bismuth’s blush could practically be seen from space as she tried to process everything at once, “Well… uh… y’know, it was nothin’.” She muttered, her usual confidence floundering from Pearl’s actions.
Pearl held back a giggle from the gem’s addled state, “It wasn’t nothing. Your advice meant a lot to me, and it helped in giving me the confidence to speak to Steven. It played no small role with how we managed to save him.” She reassured.
“Oh... Great! So, well… you’re… welcome?” She said, still stumbling as she awkwardly made her way to the warp pad.
Pearl smirked, “My goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this flustered before, and all over little old me?”
“Down, Pearl.” Garnet joked.
Rose herself tried not to laugh as the three departed. She remembered a time when Pearl would behave in such a way to similarly confound her, of the delight she seemed to take in leaving her so speechless. Now, even if such a display of affection was directed to another, it gave Rose a sense of peace seeing that side of Pearl again.
But as Pearl looked back to Steven, all signs of bliss faded, “Rose, do you think he’ll… remember?” she asked.
“I don’t know, 1NK mentioned that thing wasn’t as strong as White’s own power.”
“I hope not.” Pearl said, “I don’t know if I have the heart to talk to Steven about… that again.”
“I’m sure he knows how you feel about it.” Rose assured.
“It doesn’t change that it still happened.” Pearl stated bluntly, “Bismuth helped me before, but I’m a little scared that if I have to do so again, I’ll probably just devolve into a sobbing mess.” She said, trying her best to laugh it off despite the obvious discomfort in her voice.
Rose moved closer to Pearl, enveloping her into a hug, “Pearl, please don’t blame yourself. I’ve done terrible things, too. Things I could never hope to take back. It always hurts to think about them. But the best we can hope to do is forgive ourselves, and hope we change for the better.” She said, make sure to instill as much sincerity with her choice of words possible, “And you did, you’re a better mother than I will ever be.”
Pearl chuckled, “Didn’t know it was a competition.”
“If he does remember, then we’ll do whatever we must to show our support for him. He needs us all to be here for him after all he’s been through.”
Rose let go, spotting a tender smile from Pearl as she wiped her eyes, “Of course. Thank you, Rose.”
They could now hear the ruffling of bedsheets, followed by a deep, shaky breath as a weak voice spoke, “Guys?”
Rose looked back to the futon, seeing Steven look back, his eyes only half open.
“Steven!” Pearl cried out, wasting no time to greet his return with hug. Rose followed right beside her, fighting back the urge to lift him right off the bed and into her arms, “Welcome home, Baby Bear!”
“We missed ya, man!” Amethyst cheered, plopping right onto the foot of the bed.
“How are you feeling, Steven?” Garnet asked.
Steven shrugged, “I’m okay, I guess.” He said, his voice noticeably quiet. He groaned from the strain of his own body as he tried to shift his weight before Greg stepped in to lend a pillow to support his back, “Take it easy, Schtoo-ball, you’re in pretty rough shape.”
As if a light had gone off in her head, Rose remembered something she had been waiting to give to him, “Oh, sweetie, I have something for you.” She said, her gemstone glowing for a moment before the prize stuffed dinosaur landed in her hands, “I won it at Funland and meant to give it to you for your birthday. I know you may be getting a little old for stuffed toys, but I wanted to give you at least some sort of gift.”
Steven gave a quick glance at the toy as Rose handed it to her, “Thanks.” He simply said, his tone still noticeably off.
“Peridot and Dr. Maheswaran were gracious enough to have everything set up for you here. I’m sure it’ll feel more homely than a hospital room. Doesn’t that sound lovely?” Pearl said, trying her best to sound excited.
“You guys don’t have to pretend to be nice to me.” Steven said, “I remember everything.”
“I missed out on that part, what did he say to you guys?” Amethyst asked. Garnet knelt down to whisper into Amethyst’s ear, the Quartz’s pupils shrinking to the size of dots, “Oh… he actually went there? That’s… that’s fucked up.”
“Amethyst!” Pearl hissed.
The small Quartz jumped, “Shit, sorry!” Pearl looked as though she were ready to say something before rolling her eyes and giving an exhausted sigh and turning her attention back to the half gem boy, “Steven, it’s all right. We know that gem was only using you to get to us.”
Steven winced, a look of guilt and fear present on his face, “Actually, the truth is… all those awful things I said to you guys…I meant it.” He admitted, “I never wanted to use it to hurt any of you, so I mostly just kept it to myself and pushed it to the back of my mind. But it was always there.”
The entire room quickly grew as silent as the grave, Steven’s hands shaking as he stared towards the ground and struggled to swallow the lump in his throat, “I felt… angry. Mostly at myself for feeling that way. I knew you all missed Mom so much, and I tried really hard to make up for her not being there. But it felt like no matter what I did, whenever I was around, it would just remind you of her, and how you wished that she was there instead of me…”
Rose looked to Pearl, her eyes glossy as she held her hands over her mouth and looked ready to fall apart at any moment. She recalled how much Greg had been a pillar of strength for her. She could see how much Pearl needed that kind of encouragement now.
‘Stars, she shouldn’t have let Bismuth leave.’ She thought. ‘After so many people offered to help Steven, after everyone here had to put up with my behavior these last three months, the least I can do is help someone else.’ Rose wrapped an arm around Pearl’s shoulder for a side hug, hoping it would help at least somewhat to calm her nerves as Steven carried on.
“…And I thought after all this time and with Mom back that these thoughts would just go away. But that thing… it’s like it pushed all those angry thoughts to the front. And it made me hurt all of you because of it. And I know none of you deserved that…”
“We’re the ones that made you feel like this.” Garnet calmly stated in grim acceptance, “And perhaps we did take advantage of you, or at least of how you wanted to make us proud. We should have remembered from the start that you were still just a child before we forced you to grow up just a bit too soon.”
Pearl gently placed a hand under Steven’s chin and guided his face to look towards her, “Steven, listen to me. You are not a mistake. You are not, and never will be a burden to me. This was my fault, not yours. I should never have made you feel like this. I’m the one who should be sorry. So, please, for goodness sake, stop blaming yourself for how I acted towards you.” She sternly insisted.
“…Okay…” Steven replied.
“Steven?” Rose said, “No matter what happens, no matter how much you change or how much you grow, you will always be our baby. Always. And we will never, ever stop loving you. Do you understand?”
Steven nodded, a smile on his lips as tears flowed down the sides of his face, “I missed you guys so much. I thought I’d never see any of you again. I love you all so much.”
Rose and Pearl each pulled him close to them and embraced him. An overwhelming feeling of euphoria consuming her as she felt him in her arms again. After three months of endless questions and heartache, the world finally felt like it made sense again. She thought to comfort him to try and calm his nerves, but now she was finding herself on the verge of tears herself.
And after all of that, after everything he went through up until now, and he still had the courage to smile? She felt a swell of pride for him. Stars, her baby was so strong. And now he was home, safe in her arms where would spend the next several weeks in her love and care. “I promise, Steven. We’ll always be here for you…”
“Thank you…” Steven said as he let go, a perplexed look on his face as he looked to her, “Mom? Pearl?”
‘What did he call me?’ she thought. She looked down to inspect herself, now noticing she was much taller, her form taking up a larger space within the living room. Sudden awareness struck her as she looked down at her hands, their hue a soft shade of violet. ‘Did we..? No, we couldn’t have! We weren’t even thinking about fusing! Pearl and Rose’s only thoughts were about how happy they were to see Steven again…’
“Oh…”, Realization hit her as she froze, she was convinced now that she must have had the most obvious blush.
She expected Amethyst to look like she was practically fit to burst out in uproarious laughter at their obliviousness, but it seemed their sudden fusion had pulled the rug out from under them as well. Garnet, meanwhile, looked at her with the biggest, widest grin she swore she had ever seen.
“What’re you smiling about?” Rainbow Quartz asked.
“It’s good to know my advice paid off.” Garnet said, light refracting from her visor as she adjusted it.
She chuckled a bit before looking back to Steven, his eyes like saucers.
As delicately as she could, Rainbow Quartz took hold of the sides of his face, her hands almost eclipsing his head altogether, “Oh, Steven, my sweet boy. I know it may not be the most pleasant of circumstances, but I am overjoyed to finally meet you!” she said.
“I… I am too.” Steven said, “Wait, if you’re part Rose, does that mean I call you Mom or Rainbow Quartz?”
She smiled and gave a placid, tranquil laugh, “Oh, sweetheart, always such a little gentleman. You can call me ‘Mother’ all you like. Both Rose and Pearl see you as their little baby…”
Steven fought to hide the ghost of a smile as he wiped his eyes, “C’mon, guys.”
“Itty bitty.”
“Mom…” Steven grumbled.
“Teeny weeny.” She teased, pinching both of his cheeks.
Steven groaned, “Mooooom!!”
Rainbow Quartz’s soft chuckle quickly morphed to a devious snicker. “Aww, you’re so cute when you’re all fussy!” she said, pausing to leave a kiss on his cheek, “Mommy loves you, Steven.”
Steven sighed, “Love you more, Mom.”
Another whirl of emotions confounded Rainbow Quartz, fueled by Rose and Pearl’s combined love for Steven, she reached out for another hug, “Now, I know being stuck in bed for weeks doesn’t sound like much fun. But I promise, Rose and Pearl will try their best to make it bearable.” She assured, “I think they’re going to very much enjoy spending some time having you all to themselves.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t sound bad at all, actually.” Steven said, “And thanks for the gift, I love it.”