Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gus was a boy on a mission; a human mission, which he had accepted with vigour. 

He and the other Hexside witches (and grimwalker) had acquired a taste for a human brand of soda, after those three months in the human world. As the rebuilding of Bonesborough was still slow going, Willow had mentioned the soda and how she wished they had some and Gus had eagerly volunteered to go buy some, he never turned down a chance to go explore the funny world of humans and its many exciting little details and quirks.

So here he was, the fourteen year old had bought a twenty-four-pack of the purple soda and as a treat he purchased a little bag of paperclips too, they were in many different colors. As Gus exited the store, he gently set the pack on the pavement and fished a blue paper clip out of the bag, securing it to one of the little buttonholes on his jacket with a grin. He closed the plastic packet again, stuffing it in his jacket and picking the drinks back up with a little huff.

A lot had happened in just about two years, since the defeat of Belos. New buildings were slowly underway with the help of witches with construction-magic. They had still not discovered a way to remove the magic-binding sigils yet, but the young teen had hope. 
Food was low in some places, the magic goop of Belos had poisoned crop areas and even with the help of Luz and The Titan, the land had not recovered completely yet. Plant magic barely helped either, as if the ground was refusing any helping magic. Many animals had fled the corpse too, some had returned but not enough to have the amount for farming and a steady supply of food for the whole Isles. So occasionally groups of witches would venture out into the human realm, doing odd jobs for “dollars” as Luz and Camila called them; the human version of ‘snails,’ to buy food for themselves and their families. 

A lot had happened but it was slow work. Gus shook his head at himself, trying not to focus on the negative. A lot of good had happened too.

The first palistrom tree had been planted one year and eight months ago and was growing steadily, since some places of the titan’s corpse haven’t been affected too badly by Belos. 
Eda was a teacher now, teaching young witches the joy of magic; wild magic! Gus knew a couple of things from several types of magic now, though he did still prefer illusion, it felt more natural, but the other stuff was fun too.

Hunter had taken up wood-carving as a hobby, getting tips and tricks from Eda’s father (and mother) who had moved closer to them all to be by the growing tree. He hoped he could help witches make palismen one day, trying to right his mistakes from his time as the Golden Guard. 
Willow was still captain of the Emerald Entrails, her and her team were merciless on the derby field and helpful as ever when it came to help move construction equipment by staff, magic or muscle. 
Amity had gotten closer to her father, taking an interest in the abomination-inventions. Together they were trying new ideas for magic machinery to take the load off the struggling witches. 
Luz was back in school, and with Stringbean by her side it was a little easier. On her weekends and school breaks she did what she could in helping the rebuilding of Bonesborough and the Isles (if Camila didn’t drag her back home by the ear for homework.) Vee preferred to stay in the human realm, only occasionally visiting. But when she did come around she couldn’t stop gushing about her partner, Masha, Gus chuckled softly at all the pleasant memories.

Gus himself was trying to figure out a way for the human and demon realm to get closer. Maybe if humans knew they existed and knew magic and demons and witches weren’t dangerous, they could help each other with less secrecy involved. It was just an idea at this point, but he hoped to bring it to life someday in the future.

The teen took a deep breath as he walked, it was always so odd breathing here. The air was cool and crisp, not like the slightly humid air generated by the boiling sea back home. He liked it, though nothing beat home. 
Gus took to looking up at the blue sky, enjoying taking in the fluffy clouds, when a weird shape in the distance took his attention. It was faint, just above the treeline a good distance away, shaped like a… person? Was a witch out here flying?

Emmiline slightly stirred under his shirt, sensing her witch’s confusion. She chirped softly under the fabric and Gus mumbled to her to wait a bit, trying not to seem odd to the humans around him for ‘talking to himself.’ 
Gus took a deep breath and with a huff and puff he began speed-walking to the forest. 

‘Why would a witch fly around in the middle of a human forest? OVER the forest, technically. Gus wondered to himself. As he got to the many green trees, he laid the sodas by the entrance, memorizing where it would be and began his trek inside. Learning wild magic had attuned him a bit to magic, feeling it slightly in the air at times if he concentrated, but there was nothing.  
His dark brows furrowed before he let Emmiline crawl out and become a staff with a pleased chirp.

Gus took flight and began scouring the air for whoever it was, flying around where humans could spot them. Sure, he wanted humans and witches to get along, but not without a sort of plan in place.

The leaves were dense and manifold and Gus almost gave up, when he saw it! 
Pink! In between the dark green of nature, it wasn't moving so Gus came up to the person quickly. 
Gus was a few feet away when he let Emmiline go back from her staff form and sit herself on his shoulder, he perched himself on a branch and looked up. The person above him stood on a branch too, wearing a pink jacket, flip-flops and blue jeans, with a head of dark, curly hair. They had their back to Gus.

The witch purses his lips in thought. ‘They don’t really look like a witch, maybe it’s a human who just likes to climb?’  
With a deep breath he called up to the figure above. “Hey! What’re you doing?!” He yelled, maybe a tad louder than necessary, if the big flinch of the stranger told him anything.

The person above whipped their head around and spotted Gus with a confused quirk in their brow. Gus noted the black shirt with a big yellow star that was visible now too. They opened and closed their mouth one, two, three times as if not sure what to say.

“I’m uh,” they began, voice slightly deep but not enough to be a full adult, if Gus guessed right. “I’m looking for an uh… a friend of mine.” They finished, both looking and sounding awkward; probably not having expected a young kid to somehow pop into existence so many feet above ground. Gus cocked his head, “In the treetops?” He inquired, maybe humans hung out in more odd places than he expected. He has heard about treehouses before, maybe it’s related.

“Yyyyyyes?” They answered, sounding more like a questionable statement. They sighed and sat down on the branch holding their body. The witch felt like the human should be more afraid hanging out this high above ground, but he didn’t sense any fear at all. Humans were really cool.

“I’m—okay so, this might sound… odd but, have you seen any monsters around?” The stranger asked, tone still soft and hesitant but their dark eyes held a certain hardness to them. Monsters, huh? Well Gus has seen a lot of monsters and demons back home. Did this person know of the Isles? Maybe their friend was a demon…

Gus brightened up at the opportunity to gain a new human friend, if this stranger already knew of and befriended monsters, surely they would be open to a few new witch pals. It would add another member to his “Human friends of the Isles” list too (the stranger coming third after Camila and Luz.)

The witch shot the stranger with a big grin “I sure have!” He responded with gusto, Emmiline chirped happily at her witch’s good mood, stomping her little feet against Gus’s clothed shoulder in joy. The stranger’s eyes went wide with surprise (and maybe some relief?)

“T-that’s great! Where?” They asked, more energy in their voice over the good news. 
Gus pointed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the Old House, the stranger’s eyes followed the motion. “If you're missing a monster friend, it’s probably back at the Isles.”

“Isles?” They asked confused. 
Gus nodded, picking a bit at the tree bark under his fingers. “If you met your monster friend here, it might have fled there since it’s safer.” The human nodded in response, letting out an exhausted sigh. Gus was sure they had probably been looking for a while, he hoped the monster was okay.

“I can show you the way there!” Gus offered happily, pushing his new glasses up his nose. He had only gotten them two months ago, he really needed the arms of the frame to get fixed since they kept sliding down his nose, but kept putting it off.

The stranger smiled awkwardly and rubbed a hand against their neck sheepishly, “You sure? I’d hate to put you off.” Gus just waved a hand at them and shook his head gently. 
“It’s fine, I’m heading there already anyways.” The stranger took a second, then nodded with a bigger grin this time.

“Oh! I’m Augustus, or Gus, by the way. How about you?” Gus asked with a huffed laugh, remembering they never even exchanged names. The stranger laughed an awkward laugh, probably a bit embarrassed they had forewent introductions too. “I’m Steven, it’s nice to meet you.” Gus smiled and nodded, “Oh, also, he/him?” Gus inquired, Steven was a masculine name but he still wanted to be sure. Steven nodded with an easy smile, Gus let Emmiline crawl to his hand and transform into a staff “cool, me too.” He said.

Steven’s eyes grew in size at the magic staff and Gus had to hold back a laugh. “Oh yeah, I’m a witch by the way! This is Emmiline, she’s my palisman.” Steven once again did the thing with opening and closing his mouth at a lack of words, it reminded the witch of a fish out of water and he internally snickered to himself at the image. 
“That’s… huh.” Steven decided on saying, his left hand moving to rest over his belly.

Gus went onto the staff and floated closer to the human, holding out a hand. “Want help getting down? It’s pretty far.” He offered.

Steven seemed to think it over, before finally smiling. “Sure, why not.” He accepted, his tone sounding mischievous, as if he was sharing a joke with himself. 
Steven didn’t hesitate as he stepped onto the thin, magic rod of wood, Gus was once again impressed by the human’s lack of fear of heights. Or maybe he just already trusted the witch that much, Gus hoped it was the latter, he so hoped he could get a new human pal to trust him.

Emmiline took them down and they sweeped smoothly between the trees, heading back to the mouth of the forest where Gus had left his purchased drinks. Steven was standing behind Gus on the staff, a warm hand on the witch's shoulder to keep some balance. 
Gus and Steven hopped off when they were a few trees from the forest-opening, Steven laughed a little as the ride came to an end. Emmiline took her place on Gus’s shoulder again and chirped. The human let his eyes rest on the magic creature and gave her a warm smile “Thank you for the ride Emmiline, that was amazing!” She chirped happily again at the praise. Gus grinned, he was liking this human more and more by the minute.

It was a comfortable walk to the drinks and once again Gus huffed as he hauled the twenty-four-pack into his arms. Steven laid a hand on Gus’s forearm, making Gus turn his eyes to the human. “I can carry those, please, it’s the least I could do since you’re helping me out.” Gus hesitated, but since Steven was offering he wasn't about to turn it down. Gus raised both his arms with the big pack and huffed again (dang.) Steven accepted the cardboard-pack smoothly with a single hand, not even seeming to struggle a little bit. 

“Man, you're pretty strong.” Gus awed, falling into step beside Steven to show him the way. Steven grinned a bit, easily lifting the pack above his head a couple of times just to show off “I work out.” Was his response; Gus chuckled, the human’s joking and show-offey response of strength reminded him of Willow a bit.

As they walked Gus inquired about the human. Apparently Steven was on a road-trip across the country, visiting all the states. Gus marveled at the information, he’d love to see more of the fantastical human realm when he got older too. Steven asked how he and Emmiline met, and aww’ed at hearing how Gus had adopted her just over two years ago. 
In the distance the sun was beginning to set a bit, painting the sky in pink and orange.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the Old House, they still haven’t gotten to fixing the century old house, but the magic door had been installed and worked fine. It’s other entrance/exit was the old Owl House. Hooty hung around Lilith more these days in her backpack and Eda had moved in with Raine. So the house was more of a portal area than a home these days.

Steven seemed unimpressed at the decaying building but Gus just grinned to himself, he wondered how far down the human’s jaw would fall at what he was about to step into.

Gus hopped onto the deck of the house, letting Steven follow him.

The witch made a big display of swinging the door open, letting the automatic voice of the Collector greet the human into the magic dimension.

“Welcome to the Boiling Isles! Watch your step!”

Chapter Text

Augustus had to hold back a laugh, Steven looked like his jaw would just about pop off his skull if his mouth fell more open.

In front of them was the earthy ground that surrounded the old Owl House, with red pine-like trees and a darkening sky. The outstretched arm of the Titan loomed in the distance, pointing to the slow-appearing stars. Night was not far away and Gus wasn't sure what to do with the human anymore… maybe he should have thought this through better.

Beside the witch, Steven seemed to snap back into reality, finally taking his starry eyes off the foreign lands. He looked at Gus, a hesitant yet kind look upon his features. “Thanks Gus, this is not what I expected heh, but I’ll get out of your hair now.” Steven handed the pack of drinks to the witch and turned his back to Gus, bringing a hand to his own curly hair as if in thought where to begin first. 
The prospect of the human running off into the Isles alone finally made Gus’s mouth begin to move, his words quick and clumsy. “N-no you can’t just leave, this place isn’t exactly like the human realm! We, um—you should come… with me, that is.” 

Steven gave Gus a look the witch couldn’t decipher, before smiling a smile that was as fake as Boscha’s friendship. “I’m alright, Gus. Thanks for showing me the way, I hope you and your pals enjoy the sodas.” Gus was racking his brain for what to say. How Steven was not afraid as heck to run into a realm of demons and magic perplexed the young boy.

“It’s… it’s not safe! Not—not alone. We can look tomorrow? My friends won’t mind you coming tonight, I’m sure. You can tell me about the human realm like, um, like the states and stuff?” Gus felt weird, borderline begging this stranger for a kind of sleepover. But the guys would freak out if he let a random human into the realm alone, especially at night with no help or guidance. 
Steven sighed, popping his hands into the pockets of his pink varsity-jacket. He smiled that smile again, it didn’t reach his eyes. “I won’t get hurt, I promise. Like you said; I’m strong. I’m sure I’ll see you again while I look for my friend. I honestly just want this task to be over as fast as possible, so I can get back on the road.” There was a sort of resignation to his tone around the last part.

Gus tightened his fingers against the cardboard. “Dude, my friends will have my head if they find out I let a human wander alone in the forest, especially at night!”  
Oh Titan! Why did he never think these things through?! He’s stupid, stupid, stupid! UGH!  
The witch hadn't noticed he had shut his eyes tightly, tensing his muscles uncomfortably and breath speeding up, before that big, warm hand grasped his shoulder again; firm but not unwelcome.

“Hey… it’s okay. Just breathe in slowly… that’s good and then out again.” Steven gently instructed, voice lowered into a soothing bass. Gus followed the instructions, then opened his eyes to the patient face of Steven. 
“You…” Gus began hesitantly, slightly embarrassed at his freak-out, “You shouldn’t be alone out here at night, it’s my home and I love it but it can be dangerous for humans, if you don’t know how stuff works.” Steven looked conflicted, as if battling internally for the right thing to say. Sure, Luz had made it safely when alone now and then when she first arrived, but maybe this human wouldn’t be so lucky.

“I’m… I’m not—I mean I am, but…” Steven stopped his nonsensical rambling, Gus’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “You’re not… what?” Gus couldn’t help asking, taking a small step back so Steven’s hand fell off his shoulder. Steven clenched the abandoned hand tightly.

“I’m fine, okay? I can take care of myself and then I’ll leave the Isles, you don’t have to worry about me, I’m older and not your responsibility.” Steven gritted the last part out, Gus felt pretty taken aback, Steven had been so gentle and soft spoken the whole time up until now.

Gus placed the soda on the ground, taking that step forward again; Steven took one back. 
The witch raised a hand to reach out, but changed his mind when he saw how Steven eyed the movement sharply. “I know I’m young, but I’ve seen worse than a wayward demon or monster. I can handle it, but please— come with me for the night, or just leave the Isles until tomorrow.” Gus hoped Steven would listen to his plea.

“Gus…” Steven took a deep breath, expanding his broad chest under the star-adorned shirt. “The faster I find her, the less people she’ll hurt… she’s not—she’s not in her right mind at the moment, she might really hurt someone, if I don’t get her.” He explained, vague but still getting the point across. Gus shook his head softly “The witches of the Boiling Isles are strong, we protect each other, so I’m sure no one will be hurt, it’s only one night.” Steven opens his mouth to protest but Gus keeps going, “we’ve been through a lot, the last two years. But it’s made us stronger; more united, pretty much everyone lives in the city areas, no one will be out here in the forest at night… beside us two, I guess haha.” The fourteen year old’s voice was steady and strong as he explained, no doubt in his mind that his people would be fine, just for a night.

It wasn't as if wild creatures  didn’t already exist on the Titan anyways, one more would not be the end of the realm. 
Steven still looked doubtful, his dark brows furrowed as he looked into the confident eyes of the witch.

“I’m…” Steven hesitated. He bit his lip; shoulders tense, as he considered his and Gus’s words and earlier proposals. 
Gus spoke up, hoping to install more confidence in the human. “All the witches of the Isles has magic, no one is alone and we all protect ourselves and our neighbors.” 

“But what if they hurt her instead?”

“What?”

“My… my friend, I can’t have her getting hurt either. She’s— she’s my responsibility, at least right now she is.” Steven spoke in that resigned tone again, and Gus felt sympathy even though he didn’t know the whole story. 
Gus offered a small smile, “No one wants to hurt anyone, if she runs into any witches I’m sure they’ll try to scare her off, not hurt her.” Gus had trust the other witches would sense the monster’s intentions, from what Steven had describes she was confused and probably just scared.

“I’ll stay… with you, that’s is.” Steven said, it was quiet but Gus heard and his smile grew double. “If anything happens tonight, I want to be here to intervene.” 

Steven’s eyes grew wide and his cheeks grew pink in embarrassment, “I-if that’s okay with you! I don’t want to impose on your family and friends, I know you offered, but still.” Gus held back a laugh, trying to save Steven from further anxiety. 
“That’s fine! I’m sure my dad won’t mind at all, he thinks humans are neat too.” Gus shared happily, hoping he could squeeze some more stories about the human states from Steven while he was here.

Steven rested his right hand over his belly again, Gus didn’t think much of the motion, despite having noticed Steven had done it in the forest too. “Yeah, humans are interesting alright.” He quietly agreed.

The pink clad teen looked at the sodas on the ground, quirking an eyebrow at the younger. “Want me to get those again?” He inquired, a lighter shift in his tone finally. Gus grinned “Only if you wanna.” 
Steven rolled his eyes good-naturedly, before hefting up the heavy pack again with no effort, holding it in one hand. “Lead the way.” Steven said before looking away from Gus, eyes taking one last look to the darkening, red forest.

Gus let Emmiline transform to a staff again, then hopping up on the magic rod. “I was thinking we could fly back? It’s getting pretty dark and I don’t want my dad to worry.” Steven didn’t look surprised, just nodded and approached the palisman and witch. 
This time Steven didn’t stand like Gus, he sat sideways with the pack on his legs, holding it in place with one hand and the other hand on the staff for balance. 
“You ready?” Gus asked. Steven nodded again, he seemed a bit slower, tired perhaps? Gus didn’t comment on it.

The trip back wasn't long, since he could cut over land quickly in the air. Gus didn’t talk, he may have a million human questions, but he’d let Steven digest this whole new realm for a bit.  

Behind him, Steven was taking in the sight; the Titan’s corpse with the giant skull in the distance wearing the Collector’s archive like a crown, the little lit areas in the dark where cities were and the big wild-areas with a plethora of different kinds of plant-life. 

Gus heard Steven mumble something to himself, he wasn't sure if his pointy ears were correct, but it sounded like ‘I’ll find you.’

•••

When they arrived at the Porter-household, in the still semi-broken Bonesborough his dad was standing outside; arms crossed impatiently. Gus couldn’t help but wince at the sight alone.

“Where the heck have you been, young man? You should have been back an hour ago! Titan knows what could have happened!” His father exclaimed, before Gus even reached the ground fully. “S—sorry dad! I just— I got a bit sidetracked.” He admitted, letting Emmiline crawl onto his shoulder when he and Steven hopped off her.

“I’ll say! And wh—Oh, Gus,  who is this?” His father asked, finally noticing the second person in front of him. Steven gave an awkward smile to the father, his hands unconsciously tightening around the sodas making the metal dent a bit but not popping any of the drinks, luckily. Gus sighs, stepping back and setting a hand on Steven’s clothed shoulder. 
“Dad, this is Steven the human, Steven, this is my dad; Perry.” 

Steven rubbed the sweat off his clammy hand on his jeans before extending it to the adult, Steven internally cringed at himself. “H-Hi Mr Perry, sir…It’s nice to meet you, I hope I’m not intruding.” He greeted the witch. 

Perry’s eyebrows raised a bit in surprise, before extending his own to shake the pale hand of Steven. The adult jumped a bit, “Oh, strong grip there, young man. And it’s nice to meet you too.” The human quickly loosened his hand a bit, “Oh yeah, I uh, I work out.” He used the same jokey explanation again, Gus pitied the gauche human from the sideline, he guesses Steven was not used to meeting new people? A surprise, taking into account his road-trip across America.

Perry and Steven let their hands separate, again Perry’s eyes fell to his son. No anger there, just light worry and questions. 
“You can explain when we get inside. Steven, will you be joining us?” Perry looked at the human then.

Steven’s eyes widened at the casual invite. “Only if it’s fine with you. Gus said I could stay here for the night, since I have to look for a friend of mine tomorrow, but if you don’t want that, I understand.” Perry nodded at the human’s words.

“If Gus trusts you and has invited you, I have no real issue. You seem like a mannered young man, so come inside.” The father smiled warmly at the human teen, Steven felt something warm bloom in his chest, at the kindness of the stranger. 
“Wohoo!” Gus celebrated beside him, Steven chuckled at the childish exclamation.

“Nuh-uh-uh,” Perry interrupted his son, as they all walked into the warm house. “I still need the full story here, and should I tell Willow and Hunter you’re back too?” 

Gus smacked a palm to his forehead. Willow and Hunter! How had he forgotten who he had run the drink-errand for in the first place? They’re in his room and have probably been worried sick as his dad. It’s a surprise Hunter hadn’t come searching for him in a panic the second he was one minute late. “Yeah…” Gus said defeated, he then looked at Steven; currently looking like the poster-child for awkwardness.

“Hey, do you need some water? You look kinda… pale.” Gus asked, taking the drinks from Steven and placing them on the kitchen counter.

Steven waved his free hands in front of him placatingly. “N-no! I’m A-OK, I think I just need to use the uh, the restroom.” 

Gus felt for the guy, honestly he was doing better than most would in such a weird situation. “Sure dude, it’s just this way.” The young witch led the human to the door and his eyes followed Steven as he entered and locked the door behind him. 
A few seconds later, three pair of feet made their way down the stairs.

“Gus! Where in the name of Titan have you been!?” Hunter exclaimed, barely down the stairs fully.

Gus sighed, ‘ well, time to explain this whole mess.’

Chapter Text

‘What in the HECK am I doing here?!’ Steven cradled his face in his continuously-clammy hands.

First he spots what can’t be anything but a corrupted Bixbite roaming the forest; then a witch kid leads him to a magic portal to another world; now he’s in the home of said witch and no idea where to even begin looking for the gem and how to talk to these strangers. 
Maybe his therapist was right, he should have waited a bit longer before beginning this road-trip.

‘No.’ Steven adamantly shook his head, dragging his fingers down his face and staring at himself in the mirror with intensity. He knows this is what he needs, this is just a… small setback. As soon as he gets the wayward gem poofed and sent to the temple he’s good to go back to his trip. 
Sure, he could have contacted the gems and had Lion portal them here; it didn’t seem like there were much of any warp pads even close to Gravesfield, but they were still busy with Little Homeschool. Also, helping this gem was his own choice, he really didn’t mind at all. He just needed to track her down.

Steven sighed deeply, looking around the charming bathroom. It had a dark blue theme, it looked nicely with the dark oaky walls and lighter sink and toilet. Little trinkets laid on the sink and a few small shelves in the room too, as well as a family picture or two of Gus and Perry; no sight of any mother, it made Steven’s chest feel a bit heavy.

The hybrid rolled up the pink sleeves of his jackets, then turned the water faucet to cold and splashed the water on his warm face. This place was pretty hot, it wasn't even summer yet, but the Isles so far sure felt like it. Steven dried his face on a blue towel and rolled his sleeves back down. 
Closing the lid of the toilet, Steven took a seat. 

Gus seemed really nice, the kid reminded him of himself when he was younger and Steven wasn't yet sure if it was a good or bad thing. Perry too—despite their limited interaction, came off as a warm person; opening his home to a strange teen that his child batted for. 
Now, Willow and Hunter, he had no idea about them yet, only that they were Gus’s friends. Steven had taken Gus’s time and made him late; worrying his father and friends and the hybrid felt awfully guilty about it. But if Gus’s family was nice, Steven had hope that the friends of the younger teen were forgiving too.

Steven laid his hands on the inner pocket of his jacket making sure his little plastic-bottle was there, then felt his left jacket pocket for his car keys and phone; all three belongings were where they needed to be. Steven sighed deeply again; a habit he had developed the last two years. 
He couldn’t stay in here forever, so with a tense spine and sweaty hands, the seventeen year old left the safety of the bathroom.

Outside the bathroom was empty, lights were dimmed because of the late hour, casting deeper shadows on the dark walls. The home was quaint despite its darker tones, it felt lived in; loved, with all its little details, pictures of friends and family, memorabilia on all the walls and personal items here and there like a schoolbag he’s sure belonged to Gus by the door or the nice jackets on the coat hanger Steven assumed was worn for Perry’s job. 
Steven felt a small smile on his face, it was less uncomfortable to be here now that the shock of everything had settled a tiny bit more.

Then, voices echoed from one of the rooms. Steven braced himself as he followed the stream of conversation into the kitchen. Entering the room, all the eyes of four people fell on the hybrid. Oh yes perfect, the awkward-sweat began anew, momentarily Steven wondered if he could shapeshift the sweat glands away so he could look a bit less frazzled.

Steven raised a hand in a weak greeting “H-Hi everyone.” Steven stuttered (of course), followed by an immediate urge to run out the front door in embarrassment.

Around the kitchen table sat Perry and Gus, as well as the two other witches; Willow and Hunter.

One had dark green hair in twin braids, round glasses, and a round face, much like Steven himself. They wore a dark green t-shirt with a yellow flower on it and dark blue pajama pants and fuzzy white slippers resembling cute bunnies with three red eyes each. They smiled kindly, but there was still a hesitance in their features. On the table in front of them a can of the soda Gus had bought, sat opened.

The other had a lot of scars, across their face, pointy ears and arms. The hybrid wondered what could have happened to the poor witch, they didn’t look older than Steven himself. The scarred teen wore a black t-shirt with wolves and a moon stitched onto it and dark red basketball shorts and yellow socks with little green hearts. They furrowed their brow in what Steven assumed was distrust and discomfort. 
Steven had a feeling he had interrupted a sleepover, based on the comfy outfits, the guilt ate more at him. He broadened his fake smile even more.

Gus had changed into his night time apparel too it seemed. He wore an oversized dark blue sweater with flowers stitched along the bottom, some light blue shorts with black stripes down the side and bright purple fuzzy socks.

Gus nearly jumped out of his seat when he saw Steven, he hastily made his way to the hybrid’s side. Gus motioned a hand to the scarred teen “This is one of my bffs; Hunter. I know he looks a bit sour, but that’s just his face when you first get to know him.” Hunter’s brows furrowed more, not breaking the staredown he had on Steven.

Then Gus motioned to what could only be Willow “And here’s another bff; Willow! She's less sour, especially now that I’ve delivered her drinks.” Willow raised the drink she had, as if toasting, then kicked Hunter’s under the table to make him stop staring at the poor half-alien. The blonde just grumbled to himself, using his right hand to itch a bit at the big patch of scarring that covered his entire left forearm.

Gus raised a brow, waiting for his friend to stop acting a fool. When Hunter noticed the look, he blushed in embarrassment and looked down. Steven didn’t blame the scarred teen for his distrust.

“Dear friends, This is Steven the human!” The hybrid cringed “he’s road-tripping across the states in the human realm, he’s here because he’s lost a monster friend, and she’s probably made her way to the Isles.” Gus introduced him, then smiled wide at Steven. Yep, Gus definitely reminded Steven of when he was younger.

Steven took that as his cue to say something. He felt blank. He opened his mouth to speak, all eyes were on him, his mouth fell closed again and didn’t open up.  
Willow took some pity on the newcomer as she began to speak. “Well, it’s very nice to meet you Steven. Do you need help finding your friend tomorrow?” She inquired. Steven felt immense gratitude for the girl, ever since the dismantling of the empire, his social skills around non-gem people tanked. 

“Oh well, I think I can do it alone. Gus says it’s dangerous since I don’t know the ways of this place, but I don’t want to take any of your time. It looks like a lot of reconstructions are taking place around here right now.” Steven stuck his left hand in his pocket, quickly finding his car keys and the little keychain of a strawberry that Connie got him before he left. He felt it a bit easier to breathe when he rubbed his thumb over the little grooves of the red plastic.

“It’s not safe for a human to run around here alone.” Hunter spoke up, his brows were still furrowed, but he looked less hostile at least. Steven took what he could get. As long as Hunter didn't try and kill him, he was already doing much better than most of the people Steven considered friends and family by now.

Willow leaned a bit over the table in Hunter’s direction, taking a sip of her soda before she began to speak. “Luz did pretty well on her own when she was alone, back when she first arrived.” She had a grin on her face, as she recalled memories unknown to the hybrid.

Hunter blushed a bit again, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. “That’s because she’s annoyingly self-sufficient and lucky.” 

“You only say that because she outsmarted you that on-“

“This isn’t about me!” He insisted, voice squeaking a bit as his tone heightened.

Willow and Gus wore twin-grins as the blonde’s embarrassment. Steven felt like an outsider looking in on a wonderful and happy friendship.

Beside Hunter, Perry sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly at the teen antics. “Well, whatever you kids decide to do, please update me in the morning, it’s getting a bit late and I have a meeting early tomorrow. Gus, message me about what the plan is tomorrow and where you all go if you decide to go look for Steven’s friend. And Steven—“

The hybrid straightens his back as the adult stands from his kitchen chair and approaches him. Perry lays a hand on Steven’s shoulder “You can sleep on the couch, it’s a pullout and quite comfortable, Gus will find some sheets and blankets.” He smiles warmly and Steven can’t help but smile too. Stars, this family is so kind. 
Perry made his way past the hybrid after bidding the two witch friends goodnight, as well as his son with a kiss on the forehead and a whispered ”Be careful.” It made Steven long for his own dad; he should call him soon, maybe ask about how having a real bed was treating him.

After the adult witch had disappeared to his room of the house, the kids were left alone. Steven hoped he wasn't expected to talk first, he wasn't sure what to say. He missed the days when social interaction was his ace. 
Willow took the opportunity to speak first, again, anxiety rolled off the brunet so clearly, she was sure he wasn't going to begin. 
“So um… What does your monster friend look like?” She inquired, trying to sound casual. It’s been a while since she had talked to any humans that weren't Luz or Camila. 
Steven rubbed his neck, looked to the ceiling for a few seconds in thought. “She’s a uh… a crab?” Steven said.

“A crab?” Hunter repeated, sounding confused. Steven nodded, “A big crab? If that helps?” 
Gus’s eyes widened in interest, that’s a human animal! “Oh wow! How big? The only crabs I’ve seen were from books in the human realm, sure, some of them were kinda big, but I wouldn’t say monster size.” The kid set a hand on his chin in thought, while trying to remember back on the animal books Camila had stored in her basement. 
Steven sighed a bit, moving to take the spot Perry had previously occupied at the end of the table, between Hunter and Willow. He didn’t slump in the seat, despite the strong urge to, the hybrid didn’t want to come off uncivilized.

“Like, the size of a bus I think? But she’s also taller than a bus. And her legs are kinda small and thin.” The eyes of all three witches widened, no human realm crabs that had ever heard about it were nearly that big. “Her body is big though, round with massive pinchers and spikes.” Steven continued unperturbed by his own words, gesturing with his hands as he speaks, a corrupted Bixbite was not even close to being the biggest nor most dangerous gem he’s encountered. 
Though their ability to scurry away super fast and disappear into the ocean with massive speed was problematic and annoying.

“I’ve never seen a demon or monster here in the Demon realm that looks like that, and definitely not in human’s either.” Gus said, still looking deep in thought.  
Hunter ran a callused finger along the wood groves of the dining table, honey-brown eyes following the motion, “Me neither…” the blonde began “even when I used to work as—anyways, I had access to a lot of information on demons and locations of various creatures. I’ve never seen anything about giant crabs though.” Steven might be wrong, but Hunter almost sounded sorry. The hybrid wondered if he was warming up to the human a bit, or if it was just plain pity. 
Willow shrugged, taking a sip of her soda before speaking. “My dads used to take me to different beaches around The Ribs and The Hips when I was little, but I’ve never seen any giant crabs either.” She shot Steven an apologetic smile, Steven nodded in acknowledgement. 

Steven tightened his fingers a bit more around the strawberry trinket. Should he tell them about gems? Steven knows Bixbite isn’t a demon— she’s not even from here nor from earth for that matter. These people had opened their home and shared information of their own when they barely even knew him, shouldn't he show the same courtesy?

Steven straightened his back a bit, lifting both his hands to be on the table (keys and keychain follow with them to the surface) he looked up at the witches; they looked… expecting? Curious, even.

“Her name is Bixbite, she’s not a demon, she’s something called a gem…”

Chapter Text

“A gem? Like… rocks?” Willow inquired, confusion lacing her tone. Both Hunter and Gus seemed to be questioning Steven’s words by their looks as well.

Steven rubbed the bridge of his nose, right between his eyes for a few seconds, trying to figure out how exactly to explain alien monster gems to witches who seem to have a limited knowledge of just earth by itself. His left hand never stopped the soothing motion of rubbing the strawberry grooves. Sure, he was a gem too, and he spent the majority of his time the last two years (before his road-trip) on Homeworld, constantly being around gems, but how would he explain corruption and gems itself to these magic people. 
The hybrid groaned internally to himself before looking up again, he also had to keep his own gem identity hidden, while explaining how it all works. It would be easier to just tell the full truth, but Steven wanted to be treated like a human. Right now he’s just a human boy on a slightly magic mission, and when he’s done, the witches here won’t think of him any other way! And they won’t expect any magic or help or healing  from him, if he did it, it would be his choice. Easy… he hopes. If he can just be a human for a while even while doing this, he would be happy. 
If worse came to worse, he’d of course tell them, but for now he was just Steven the human; friend of a loose monster.

“Yeah, but there’s more to it than just that,” Steven began, looking back up to the witches again “these types of gems are aliens, they’re from space and they’re alive.” He paused for a few moments, trying to gauge their reactions to the beginning information. 
Hunter and Gus’s eyes both seemed to have doubled in size, in awe of the news.Hunter’s scarred cheeks were dusted pink and his hands were clenched in front of his chest, as if he was a little kid about to receive the present of a lifetime. Gus’s mouth hung agape, he’d set his knees under himself on the chair and his hands flat on the table as if he was about to jump out of his seat in excitement. 
Willow looked to be more relaxed about Steven’s words, she looked intrigued regardless. A fond smile was on her lips too as her eyes moved between her excited best friend and boyfriend.

Hunter quickly leaned forwards, making Steven move back on instinct. “A—aliens!? Aliens are real!?” He exclaimed, voice cracking as his tone heightened in elation. Gus shushed his friend, with a furrow of his brow. “Dude! My dad is asleep… but yeah, are aliens really real?” He inquired just as intensely, but much less loud. Willow, Gus and Hunter's eyes were all on him, a certain intensity to them. It kind of made the hybrid alien want to run for the hills, in case they were anything like Ronaldo in their alien-passion.

“Yes.” Steven answered hesitantly, the word coming very unsure from an uncomfortable place in Steven.

“Well, tell us more.” Willow urged, but not in an unkind way. 

Steven found himself thinking of his family, the specific second half of his heritage pertaining to the gems. “Gems are alive, they’re like people. They talk and walk and have minds of their own. The gem they have is like their core? If that makes sense, and then they make a body that moves since their gems are just that, a gem… am I making sense? I can draw it if that helps?” Stars, he’d spend his whole life around the Crystal Gems, why didn’t he know how to describe his own family. 
Gus looked around for a second, before moving to a dresser right outside the kitchen, returning back with a blank notebook and a pink crayon. Steven felt his eye twitch. Of-freakin-course.

All three Isle Residents leaned in as Steven drew a little circle in the middle of the paper and filled it in. “So this is the rock, the gem.” He tapped the circle with the crayon tip. “In this case, it’s a Bixbite. And this—“ he drew the silhouette of what an uncorrupted Bixbite looked like around the drawn gem, with the big claw they had and two corruption horns, the gem of the illustration rested in the chest like Amethyst's did. “This is the body she creates around her gem to walk and talk like us. Their bodies are made of light, if they’re hurt really badly, the body just poofs away since they’re only solid to a degree, and the gem is all that’s left until she’s strong enough to return and make a new body.” Steven looks up, seeing if any of them have questions so far.

“Any questions?” He probed.

Hunters’s hand shot up in the air, as if he was a very intense student and Steven was the teacher. The hybrid nodded at Hunter to let him talk.

“How does light become solid?” He asked, his eyes still on the amateur art of Steven’s. 
Steven put a finger to his mouth for a moment, he’s not sure if he knows exactly how that works, all he could really answer with in that regard is what Pearl tried to teach him when he was a handful more years younger. “Well, I’m not an expert on all things gem when it comes to their bodies, but it’s like light gets projected from the gem and that forms the mass, like a—“ what had Pearl said again? Oh! “Like a hologram, if you guys know what that is.” They all nodded in response to the lackluster explanation.

Next, Willow raised her hand; much less ardent. “What’s wrong with your gem friend? If she’s walking around in the Isles, doesn't that mean she’s conscious? Since she’s creating her body and stuff like that.” Steven nodded in response, his shoulders sagged a bit as he started thinking of corruption and how it affects gems.

“Yeah, so… if something bad—and I mean really bad —happens to a gem, it can corrupt her.” Steven turns a new page in the notebook. He draws the little gem circle again and makes his best attempt at what a corrupted Bixbite looks like. The two witches and grimwalker all furrowed their brows at how deformed the previously human looking form now looked. “It warps their mind and form, they act more like wild animals, often—if not always—really aggressive.” He finishes, a sour taste in his mouth.

Gus rests his face in his palm, all previous excitement at the prospect of aliens having seemed to fade away at the grim explanation. “That’s really sad… And you’re saying that happened to her? Your friend?” Steven nodded. He wasn't friends with this specific Bixbite, but this version was more simple than the truth.

“What exactly happened? For her to become corrupt?” Willow asked softly, Steven didn’t sense she was trying to be invasive, it was more of a worry-esque feel.

The hybrid couldn’t stop his mind from reminding him of Pearl’s repressed war memories she had subjected him to. Then old images the heart of the temple, when it had been filled with dozens upon dozen of proofed and bubbled gems for several centuries. And finally The Diamonds. Steven had to take a deep cleaning breath as he remembered his (sort of) aunts. Hunter eyed the hybrid from the side, his eyes narrowing in the way they had when he had first met the strange human.

Steven ran a hand along the smooth wood of the kitchen table, suddenly not feeling like he could make eye contact with anyone. Jeez, he really needed to talk more about guilt with his therapist during his next appointment. Rose’s… Pink’s failures weren't his. What she had lacked back then didn’t reflect on who he was now. He needed to keep reminding himself of that.

Steven cleared his throat. “The uh… the old leaders of their homeplant were less than merciful. They did something destructive to their own kind and it affected almost every single gem on earth.” Steven took another deep breath, trying to keep the warm feeling of his pink-state at bay. He’s made a lot of progress with stress-relieving techniques and grounding tactics, but he still slipped up sometimes.

Willow and Gus both nodded in a sympathetic manner.

“If her body takes enough damage, she’ll poof like a normal gem and I can keep her safe until I get the stuff I need to heal her.” Steven informs them, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. “You can damage a monster bigger than a human transportational bus that much?” Hunter asks, a sharp edge to his tone. Steven’s dark brows furrowed a bit at the re-emerged hostility. “I have my ways.” Was the simple answer he decided to use.

Gus sighed, feeling the odd mood begin to shift. “We can talk more about this stuff tomorrow, Luz and Amity are coming over for breakfast, remember?” He then looked at Steven “Two of our friends are gonna be here early, if you want some more help, Luz is a human too!” He sounded excited at the last piece of information, and Steven couldn’t help smiling along a tiny bit.

“Sure I'll… I’ll think it over.”

•••

Perry was right, this pullout was really comfy.

Steven had draped his jacket over the back of the sofa and taken off his flip flops, otherwise he was still clothed (just in case.) 
The house was quiet, a faint wind shushed against the windows and Steven closed his eyes, he tried to relax, tried thinking of nice things. He’d always fallen asleep so easily, but tonight he was really off his snooze-game.

The hybrid folded his hands over his gem, the solid shape of it comforted him. Feeling it and feeling that it’s there, made his breath a little easier. Touching his gem had become a sort of grounding tactic after working a bit through his trauma regarding White’s head, he was whole and he was alive and he was safe. Steven took another deep breath, feeling his chest expand and his lungs fill.

There was a creak. Steven held his breath, ears trying to focus on the sound. It wasn't the wood of the house settling, it was like… steps? The stairs? Maybe someone had to use the bathroom. 
The footsteps grew closer, forgoing the bathroom and coming nearer to Steven. The hybrid peeked and eye open and saw the dark silhouette of Hunter, his back was slightly illuminated by the window behind him, making Steven able to make him out in the dark of the night.

“Hey.” Steven greeted awkwardly.

Hunter didn’t respond. Steven wasn't surprised.

Steven sighed, closing his eyes again. He didn’t feel particularly intimidated or threatened by Hunter’s presence, more so just puzzled and maybe slightly annoyed as he was tired.

Steven spoke again. “If you have something to say, please just say it.” He decided to be blunt, Hunter seemed like a guy who liked a straightforward statement, if his rigid and distrustful nature told Steven anything. The half-alien had been around enough soldiers to know one when he saw one.

“I don’t trust you.” He heard the raspy tone of Hunter speak.

“I know.” 

“You're either lying or not telling us something.” The scarred teenager decided to continue, putting his cards on the table for Steven to respond to.

Steven tried not to sigh, opting for just rubbing a soothing thumb over the smooth surface of his gem through the fabric of his shirt. “There’s stuff about gems that are just not easy to explain is all, I don't like talking about it. I just wanna get Bix so I can get on with my life.” Steven wasn't lying, but Hunter was right in his assessment that the stranger was withholding additional information.

“Are you out to hurt us?” This made Steven pause, Hunter’s voice had a weird edge to it Steven hasn't felt before… it wasnt fear, but it was close to it. Steven sat up and turned towards Hunter who hadn't moved from his standing position by the window.

“Of course not.” Steven made his voice as steady and certain as possible “listen, I’m not sure what Gus said, but he offered to help me. You guys don't have to help me, I’m okay just being on my own with Bixbite.” Steven saw Hunter shift a bit from foot to foot. “I appreciate you guys letting me sleep here, but if you’re actually uncomfortable with me being here I can be out in the morning before everyone is awake.”

Hunter ran a finger along the point where the scarring of his upper arm met the soft skin of his elbow, itching and rubbing his newer scars had become a habit the last two years.  
“I have some mixed experiences when it comes to humans, especially those who come to the Isles and keep secrets from us. I just want to be sure my friends are safe.” Hunter confessed.

Steven nodded, despite not being sure if Hunter could make it out properly in the dark. “I get that. I promise I’m not here for any other reason than getting Bixbite and getting back on the road.” Steven stood and crossed the room to stand in front of Hunter, the grimwalker tensed ever so slightly. “I know it’s not a lot but, I promise I’ll do my best so we’re all okay. You, Willow and Gus seem really nice. Perry, too. I’d love to be friends, but if you don’t want me here, I totally get that too.” Steven would be a bit sad if he had to leave the warm house, but he’d respect whatever decision Hunter came to. The hybrid had a lot of personal experience of being forced to live with and be around people he greatly disliked and even feared, he wasn't about to subject anyone else to that. 

Hunter sighed softly to himself, rubbing his scar again. “No I… I’d never hear the end of it if I made Gus’s new human friend leave in the middle of the night. Just promise you’re honest about this? About being here just to get your friend and not hurt the Isles. I don't care about any other stuff you’re hiding, but I need to hear you say this at least.” There was a certain desperation to the teen’s voice.

Steven outstretched his hand, keeping his movements a little slower than normally in case he was right about the traumatized solder vibe he got from Hunter.

“I promise I won’t hurt any witches and I’m just here to get the gem.”

Hunter grabbed his hand in a firm handshake, Steven made sure not to squeeze too hard this time.

“Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Even after Hunter left to go back to Gus’s room upstairs, Steven couldn’t fall asleep.

It wouldn’t really be too uncomfortable to go a night without sleep, he’s done it before on the road when he wanted to cover a big stretch of land. After his diamond powers really kicked in those months ago he’s found he doesn't need as much sleep, as well as being generally okay with a day or two without food. As long as he gets a lot of sunlight he’s not too bothered about not sleeping or eating for a few days. 
Steven didn’t like to deprive himself of those things though, eating and sleeping are human experiences too, even if his gem powers made them less needed, physically.

He did his best to eat at least one meal even on the days where he didn’t want to, just so his meds worked better. His therapist told him it was important to eat, even on the days it was hard to. She said small snacks would be fine too if Steven was having difficulty. 
Steven managed maybe an hour or two of sleep on his difficult days, though sometimes his sleep pattern would suddenly do a one-eighty and he’d find himself falling asleep in another two-star motel and wake up twenty hours later, still exhausted.

Tonight seemed like the first kind of night, where sleep wasn't interested in taking hold of the hybrid. 
Steven turned on his side and grabbed his phone from where it was hung over the back of the pullout, he squinted from the harsh light as he clicked the power button, quickly turning down the brightness as low as the settings allowed. He had seventy-two percent battery and an unread message from Pearl as well as Connie. Steven clicked Connie’s first.

Strawberry: Hey! How did the  
drive to Gravesfield go? I saw they have 
a sort of museum there, I checked 
their website and there’s a bunch 
of old paintings and some historical  
statues too.

Steven smiled at his girlfriend’s message, she would sometimes check out the cities Steven would go to, to see if there were interesting buildings and attractions for the hybrid to visit. Steven was more of a go-with-the-flow most of the time on his journey, but he couldn’t help but love Connie’s passion for museums and wacky theme parks. He knew she did it to make him happy, to fill his mind with something else but his own thoughts, and he greatly appreciated it.

It was pretty late, and Connie was definitely asleep. Steven still responded, she’d appreciate waking up to a message.

Biscuit: it went alright. ill try checkin the 
museum when I can, ive kinda run 
into sum stuff here and ill be stuck  
here a few days, but dont worry! i have 
a hang on it. just a corruption that im 
trying to catch, i know where shes run off 
to so it shouldnt be long. love you!

There wasn't a reason to lie to Connie about any of this, if he told her he didn’t need help she’d respect that. Communication with the gems was still iffy at times, but with Connie it was always easy to be honest. Steven considered just ignoring Pearl’s message until morning, but he didn’t have much else to occupy his mind with. He clicked the notification.

Pearl: Steven, I hope your travels are 
going well and you’re enjoying seeing 
the sights of Earth! Garnet asked me  
to inform you about a corruption in 
the city of “Gravesfield.” I told her we 
would take care of it since you’re  
retired, but she said you would 
decline my offer. If your answer 
changes please do let me know! We 
will have Lion take us there in a jiffy!  
If he isn’t too busy eating small  
reptiles O:^/  
We love you Steven!

Steven silently thanked Garnet. He wasn't sure if he had the mental energy for his family at this moment. On the rare instances they would visit him, it was always very emotional and exhausting. A lot of mixed feelings and a lot of talking and retelling of his travels since last time. He’d rather just save this story for the next time they came to visit. Steven clicked his screen to type out a response. Pearl didn’t sleep so he’d probably get a response back fast.

Steven: hey pearl. yeah I got this one. 
i don’t mind helping the corruption if 
she’s where I am anyways, it’s a bixbite 
so it shouldnt be too difficult. and yeah  
ive been enjoying the cities so far. Love 
you guys too.

About a minute passed when his phone vibrated.

Pearl: Okay Steven! Take care of 
yourself! Get some sleep too. 
It’s quite late and you need all   
the rest you can get O:^D

She didn’t know of his messed up sleeping habits, neither did Amethyst, Garnet probably did, but she had the decency to keep it to herself and let Steven tell them how he was doing at his own pace. After getting a therapist and working through some of his issues and traumas, he’s begun appreciating that about her a lot more.

Steven: i will, say hi to the others  for me.

Steven hung his arm over the side of the pullout, relaxing his hand, letting his phone fall to the carpeted floor with a small thump. 
Sometimes he’d go for a run for an hour or two if he wanted to tire himself out a tiny bit more, but with how Gus had nearly had a panic attack at the prospect of letting Steven go into the Isles alone he quickly dismissed the idea.

His phone vibrated on the carpet. Steven rolled over on his other side.

•••

The time was six-twenty-five when Perry Porter woke from his alarm screaming like a devil on his nightstand. He rubbed his eyes and set his glasses on his nose, then swung his legs over the side of the bed. He had to be at work at seven-forty-five, they were to shoot a segment on some of the construction at the torn down emperor’s castle today. The old castle had haunted the witches of the Isles for months until it was decided to just destroy the whole thing all together. The plot was nearly all rid of the rubble and a new foundation laid, so far the plan was to build a hospital there, the old one had gotten quite damaged from the Day of Unity, so building a place of healing seemed fitting for the abandoned area.

Perry went through his house and paused for a second when he spotted Steven on his couch, it took him a few seconds to remember that he had invited the human to spend the night. 
Steven laid with his face towards the back of the couch, his own back to Perry. The teen didn’t seem like he had woken up yet. The adult noticed the human’s phone on the ground just in front of the pullout, he picked it up and deposited it on the small coffee table by the couch and continued his walk to the bathroom.

The time was seven when Perry had finished his shower, shaved his growing stubble and put on his work suit. He passed by the sleeping form of Steven again on his way to the kitchen. Normally he’d wake Gus around this time for breakfast, but it was summer vacation the next three weeks. Perry sighed, he only had a week and a half of vacation for the summer, but that didn’t begin until in about two weeks. 
The father began making breakfast for himself, missing the usual chatter of his son around this time.

He’d just pulled out the bread from the cupboard and two eggs, when the sound of footsteps behind him was heard. Turning around he saw Steven; sans jacket and flip flops, just in his jeans and tshirt. “Good morning.” The human said. Perry shot the boy a warm smile “Morning Steven, would you like some breakfast? I’m just about to warm up the pan.” 
Steven fiddled with the hem of his shirt for a second “Um, sure. Thank you.” Steven stepped a bit farther into the kitchen “where are the plates and stuff? I can set the table if you're making the food.” Perry’s eyebrows raised a bit at how polite and full of manners the teen was. If Steven was purposefully trying to make a good impression, he was succeeding.

Perry pointed to a side cabinet where the plates and glasses were, and then handed two pairs of cutlery to Steven as well. Perry flipped the quiet eggs (having doubled the amount since he had a breakfast partner) and handed the package of bread and butter to Steven. Perry enjoyed eggs from the human realm more, they screamed less on the pan.

When Perry turned around, he placed half the eggs on Steven’s plate and the other half on his own, disposing the pan to the sink to cool down. Perry offered the package of bread to Steven to take from first, Steven only hesitated for a second before reaching in. It was a quiet few minutes as they both buttered their bread  and placed eggs on top. 
Steven seemed to pause, not eating immediately as he finished assembling the food. Perry didn’t comment on it, nor on when Steven pulled an orange contained from his jean pocket, shaking out a little pill, swallowing it down with a mouthful of water. He didn’t let his eyes meet Perry’s own through the whole thing. 
The parent knew what human medicine was, even if pills aren't really a thing here with the usage of potions and healing magic. It didn’t take a genius to figure out Steven was embarrassed with having to take some sort of medication. Asking about it probably wouldn't help, so Perry began inquiring about the states Steven had visited in the human realm. The human looked immensely relieved at not being asked about his medical history from the other.

Conversation flowed comfortably between the two as they ate, Steven seemed to warm up more and Perry enjoyed having someone to talk to in the early hours.

The time was seven-thirty when Perry and Steven were done, Perry excused himself to go brush his teeth and bid Steven goodbye on his way out the door for work.

Steven looked at the state of the kitchen, the dirty plates and the pan full of dry egg-bits. Perry probably did the dishes in the evening after work, when dinner had been served and Gus would go to his own room for the night. 
The hybrid collected the dirty utensils and plates, he pulled the pan from the sink and began filling it with hot water. As he had gotten older, Steven had begun appreciating the routine of cleaning. Pearl had given him a few tips with misty eyes, seeing the boy grow up before her, no longer needing her help to fold his shirts every day.

He didn’t keep an eye on the time, but at some point chatter began echoing through the house, signaling the other teens had woken up. Just as Steven was drying the last plate, three sets of feet came into the kitchen, making Steven turn to greet Hunter, Willow and Gus.

Steven didn’t get to say good morning before Gus unintentionally interrupted him. “Dude, are you doing our dishes?” Steven paused the rubbing of the towel on the porcelain. Was it odd he was doing that? He didn’t live here, but he had used the kitchenware and let Perry make food for him. Steven assumed doing the dishes was the least he could do as thanks for the hospitality.

“Yeah?” He responded, finishing the drying of the plate.

Gus smiled, he did a little motion with his hand, making a blue circle of light appear. With a small gasp Steven felt the plate float out of his hands as it was dry and fly into its respective place in the right cupboard. “I could have done that with magic, you're our guest.” There was no annoyance or anything of the like in Gus’s voice, just some amusement. Beside him, Willow smiled too, Hunter didn’t smile but he also didn’t have any of the hostility from the previous evening.

“Magic, right.” Steven said, almost having forgotten what witches even do. ”I don’t mind helping out, especially since you and your dad let me crash here.”

Gus motioned with his hand to indicate that Steven should follow him. All three of the friends were already dressed in their daywear, ready to leave the house. “I know you already ate with my dad, but we’re about to leave and meet up with Luz and Amity at a café for breakfast. You’re still welcome to join.”

Finally he could get out and look for Bixbite! The sooner he got the info he needed about how to navigate around the Isles, the sooner he could go look for her.

“Yeah, just let me get my stuff.” Steven popped his flip flops on and his jacket. He picked up his phone from the coffee table where Perry had placed his phone. Steven hadn’t slept at all. 
There was a notification from his dad, as well as one from Pearl and Connie again.

He turned to the witches who were getting their shoes on. “Hey, is it okay if I respond to a few messages from my family? I just wanna update them on how I am.” 

“Sure! We can wait a few minutes.” Willow called back from the other end of the living room slash intrance.

First; Connie.

Strawberry: Okay! Just let me know if 
it becomes an emergency. I’m not too 
swamped this week, so I’ll have time if 
you need me. I love you too!

Biscuit: I will! <3

Next; his dad.

Dad: Hey schtuball, me, Shep and  
Sadie are having a gig in New Haven, 
and I heard you’re in Connecticut too.  
Just letting you know in case you want 
to come by. It’s in two days.

Schtuball: thanks! but im gonna have 
to pass. some stuff have come up and 
idk how long its going to take. tell sadie &
shep ill try and make it to the next one

Schtuball: btw i hope the new bed
is doing your back sum good

Last; Pearl.

Pearl: Garnet and Amethyst sends 
their regards!

No need for a response this time.

He pops his phone in his pocket and moves his meds from his jean pocket to the inner pocket of his jacket.

“Alright, I'm ready!”

•••

Walking through Bonesborough was… interesting, to say the least.

Being around gems a lot, as well as his repeated exposure to corruptions, made him pretty unfazed by the wild anatomy of the inhabitants of the demon realm.

Witches with one giant eye for a head. Seven feet tall demons with horns. Giant blobs of flesh with a pet collar engraved with the name ‘Cupcake’ secured on a leash slithering down the street.

Yeah, it was odd, it even made Steven turn his head a time or two. But it was rude to stare, so he just continued after Gus and his friends. There was a lot of construction going on, but it wasn't surprising since Gus had already informed him of such. 

Would it be insensitive to ask about it? No one seemed particularly distraught or hurt from any sort of immediate disaster, so he didn’t suppose whatever had happened has been within the most recent time. 
Kids ran and played in the street and adults were on their way to work, life was happening and Steven found it interesting to observe.

Willow turned a bit to talk to Steven, as Gus and Hunter were currently in their own little discussion a few feet ahead.

“I hope you're okay sitting and watching us eat, unless you're hungry again?”

Willow came off as a very friendly and soft type, though the muscles that flexed a bit through her long sleeves and a healthy layer of fat told another story too.

Steven smiled, happy to engage with the girl. “I’m good on food, I’ll just get a drink. I hope I can go get some of my stuff at some point later though, I haven’t brushed my teeth since yesterday.” He self consciously turned his head a bit away from Willow, in case his breath was bad. If it was, Willow didn’t seem particularly bothered by it.

“I don’t think Gus and his dad mind you being there, if this takes a while. If they do, I know a lady who has a habit of taking in strays.” She smiled bright with a twinkle in her eye, promising nothing but mischief. Steven gulped nervously.

It wasn't long till they got to the café, it had a cute aquatic theme. On one of the walls it had a painting containing the text ‘Born to fish. FORCED TO WORK.’ all of the letters being in different fonts, there were several quote type paintings of the same caliber peppered throughout the food establishment, surely gotten from the human realm.

When they got to their table, Willow stole an extra chair from an unoccupied table and slid it over to Steven who wordlessly thanked her with a nod.

Two girls were already sitting at the table, Luz and Amity.

One girl had darker skin with an eyebrow scar, wore her dark hair slicked a bit back. She wore a letterman jacket with a star on the chest with shortened sleeves, a black tshirt, a moon necklace as well as jean shorts and some pretty beat up black converse. Her ears were round like Steven’s own.

The other was pretty pale, her hair was dyed purple with some natural brown hair in the under sections, her nails were painted black. She wore a dark-purple sundress with black nylon-socks covered in little stars and white sandals. Her ears were pointy like the other witches Steven had met so far.

Both girls got up to hug and greet their friends, then turned their attention on Steven when they had all gotten settled.

Gus quickly explained how he and Steven had met and how he was looking for a monster friend, before turning to Steven as well to let him properly introduce himself.

“Yeah, so like Gus said; I’m Steven. I’m just here to get my friend before she makes a mess or anyone is hurt. Gus said it would be best to stick around him and you guys since this place can be dangerous for outsiders. It’s nice to meet you, by the way. Sorry to crash in on your meal plans.”

Oh Stars, did he sound awkward. If it was bad yesterday, it seemed even worse today, now that there was a lot more going on around him.

The pale girl extended her hand across the table, Steven quickly shook it, keeping his grip steady. “My name is Amity,” she introduced herself, “and this here is my awesome girlfriend, Luz.” She indicated to the girl beside her with a tilt of her head and a smile that Steven found very familiar, since he smiled the same way whenever he hung out with her or talked about Connie. 
Luz poked an elbow very softly into Amity’s side when Steven and the witch’s hands separated. “Hey, girl. I can introduce myself, thank you very much!” There was no anger anywhere in her tone, in fact she was wearing a big fat smile on her face and a light blush across her cheeks and nose. “Hey Steven, I’m Luz! The girlfriend of this amazing gal right here.” She nudged Amity again and they both giggled a bit.

Willow leaned a bit towards Steven and very-not-quietly whispered (but not really) “They’re still in the honeymoon phase.” Gus, Steven and Hunter chuckled a bit at Willow.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you both.” Steven said, deciding to be polite despite the jokey attitude a lot of the members of the group seemed to possess.

Luz leaned a bit over the table, a fire in her dark eyes, now that introductions seemed to have come to an end

“Tell me everything there is to know about your monster.”

Chapter Text

Before Steven got quite anywhere in his recounting of his search for the missing corruption, a part of the waiter staff with deep, red hair, coal black eyes and the normal, pointy ears signaling they were a witch, came to take their orders. Steven ordered something called “Ocean’s water” hoping it was just some normal (or as close to normal h2o ) drinkable water. The rest of the group made their meal choices as well, leaving all eyes, once again, on the hybrid.

The curly haired boy pulled out the two crude drawings he had made the night before in pink crayon, from his jacket pocket. He went over the explanation again, Amity and Luz both nodded along to the words. Even if Hunter, Gus and Willow had heard this whole thing, they still seemed almost as invested as last night.

“Oh my GOSH! Aliens are real!? Like really real!? How have I not seen these things all over the news for years?” Luz exclaimed, only lowering her tone after being shushed by Hunter and a passing waiter with a mean side-eye.   
Steven rubbed his neck with an amused chuckle, he’s honestly surprised about it too. Several spaceship; big and small, have traveled to Beach City and Little Homeworld for years at this point and they had never been bothered by even the smallest of journalists or tv-crew (Steven is blissfully ignoring the “documentary” Ronaldo had put on tubetube years ago, with the single like.)

“Humans are a bit oblivious.” He laughs and promptly (almost) chokes on the air in his throat. “I–I mean we’re oblivious, I mean, I’m not saying you’re oblivious” his words now directed only to Luz. “What I mean… is that we just don’t notice things all the time, I guess.” Steven wondered if Amethyst's idea of grounding, in the form of being buried alive, could still be an option on the table before he died of self induced embarrassment and stress. They were all looking at him, the human had a certain quirk to her scarred eyebrow directed at Steven who did not feel it promising for him at all.

Luz sighed, “I guess that makes sense, humans are caught in their own little bubble so much we don’t really notice the world or people around us, it sucks.” She scoffs a little, only perking back up when Amity softly bumps their shoulders together. Steven’s eyebrows raise a bit at the somber words from the girl who had seemed so peppy right before, it reminded him a bit of himself. Steven unconsciously clenched his fists tightly under the wooden table, thankfully he isn't holding anything to creak or bend.

A few seconds later the food arrived. Steven felt his shoulders relax a bit, food might halt the interrogation, even if just for now.

Steven’s glass was filled with a light blue liquid, it seemed the same consistency as normal water. Gus waved a hand to Steven to get his attention.  
“If you put your ear a bit down to the glass, you can hear the ocean!” Gus excitedly told the hybrid, before looking back onto his own plate.

Steven only hesitated for a few seconds before doing as instructed. And… It was true. Steven closed his eyes, tuning out the low talking around himself, the sound of a clinking glass and utensils meeting porcelain plates. He heard the soft waves and the light wind; if he concentrated enough he could almost see the beach house in front of him… he could almost see his family. It was like when he was a kid and he’d scour the beach for conch shells, trying to see if the tale of the sound of the ocean in a conch that his dad had told him about, was true. 
It was only when he felt a warm hand pressing against the fabric of his jacket his eyes popped open again. On his left forearm, Willow had laid a careful hand against the pink fabric.

“You okay?” She inquired, it wasn't the same tone she’d used earlier on the street, she sounded… careful, now. Hesitant?

“Yeah? Why do you ask?” 

This time Amity spoke up from across the table. “You’re, um, you’re tearing up a bit.” Steven’s eyes widened a bit more and he brought a hand to his face, sure enough his eyes had gotten quite misty, only a few seconds short from rolling down his cheeks. The hybrid quickly used his sleeve to wipe his eyes, trying his best to smile in an unphased way. 
Steven rubbed a thumb over the glass rim of the drink, he couldn’t make himself look up again. “I um, I used to live by the ocean, heh…” he began, not seeing any reason to be deceitful about something as small as his hometown. “I guess the sound just made me a bit homesick for a sec’ there, I’m okay though.” He smiled again, a little hesitant and small, but it was a true one.

The others nodded in understanding, they all knew very intimately the feeling of homesickness.

Hunter (surprisingly) spoke up first. “We all understand. There’s no reason to be, um, to be embarrassed.” He sounded awkward, Steven had a suspicion the blonde haired boy wasn't used to comforting others, at least not with his words. Or maybe he just felt off about Steven, still. Probably that too.

“I’m not… or well, I guess I am, but I also know it’s okay. Thanks.” Steven replied gratefully. It had taken him so many sessions with his therapist to get anywhere semi-healthy regarding his view of his own emotions; their meanings and where they’d originate from within him. “Anyways, were y’all curious about more gem stuff?” Sure, he wasn't as embarrassed, but that didn’t mean he was comfortable about being all vulnerable with a group of teens he’d known less than twenty-four hours.

“How did you even get involved with aliens?” Amity was the first to ask, beating Luz to the opportunity by the look of the pout occupying her face now.

“They have always been in my hometown, seeing gems there was pretty normal.” Steven didn’t like to lie, sure, what he was saying was technically true, but also a big lie of omission. “Always been there? So like, are there a lot of alien families, or?” Gus asked, a certain glint in his eyes.

Steven purses his lips, in thought on how to explain the concept of gems and families. “Well consistently, for the first six thousand years, there were just four, but I guess—“ “SIX THOUSAND?!” Both Luz and Hunter yelled in unison this time, then Willow spoke up in a much more relaxed manner “and I thought Belos was old.” Gus snickered along with her. Steven just shrugged a bit in a ‘yeah, so?’ type of fashion

At the end of the café the red haired witch shushed loudly at them, in their hand they held a very sharp knife, promising pain if the teens caused more of a ruckus.

Steven guessed it did make sense that six thousand years was a lot, maybe even for the witch standard.

Amity rested her cheek in a hand, popping a bright blue grape looking fruit in her mouth from her plate. “Why are you so shocked? The Collector and King’s dad, heck, all the titans were much older than that.” She said after swallowing her radioactive looking food.

Hunter looked at the pale girl as if she’d grown a second head, Steven didn’t doubt it could probably happen relatively easily. “Uh because~ things in the human realm aren’t supposed to age like that, and only a few rare things from the demon realm have that kind of lifespan. He’s saying several aliens can live for thousands of years and they’ve been on earth for that long, that’s amazing!” Beside Hunter, Willow was smiling warmly at her boyfriend's odd passion for aliens and his pretty big knowledge of the creatures of the demon realm. She loved seeing him smiling real and true, the way his nose scrunched up was adorable.

“Yeah well,” Steven began, hoping he wasn't about to blow the head off Hunter and probably Luz (maybe even Gus) with his next sentence. “All gems age like that, and by that I mean they don’t age.” Several members around the breakfast table sent him odd looks, it made Steven have to hold back a little laugh. “Gems are made, like, they pop into reality already being adults and they just stay that way till they are sha—destroyed, like, until they die.” He finishes. 
Gus raises a hand, yet doesn't wait for Steven to nod or point to him. “So they aren’t kids? None of them?” Gus thinks it kind of sad. In Cosmic Frontier one of the side plots he had loved so much was the half-alien-half-human baby between O'Bailey and the ship’s medic Paulina in the third book .  

Steven is a gem and he’d been a child, but he knew they meant the full gems. The Crystal Gems never were kids, but he knew after his mom gave birth they had to grow up in a way they’d never had to before. Ugh. Steven shook his head, he didn’t want to think about her right now.

“Nah. No child gems at all.” He simply said, trying to put his mind off his family members. “But, enough about aliens and all that junk. Gus, could you tell me more about the Isles and what to look out for? I’d like to get going soon, not that I’m not enjoying the company but, yeah, you know.” Steven trailed off a bit.

Gus seems a bit surprised by the sudden shift in conversation, he supposed it made sense though. Steven had come here for a specific purpose and task, it would be rude to keep him and interrogate him about his hometown, though, maybe, juuuuust maybe, Gus could ask him a bit more about gems later. He hoped at least.

“Oh sure, hm, it’s a bit tricky on where to begin. But if I forget anything I’m sure the others won’t hesitate to butt in.” There was a laugh to his words, as he winked jokingly at Willow who shot him a couple of finger-guns. 

Gus took a sip of his drink, then began to speak in a thoughtful manner, as if counting off things on a sort of mental list.

“First things first; stay away from the sea. It’s boiling and you’ll really hurt yourself if you get too close or touch it. I’m talking about second or third degree burns here, man.” Steven nodded at the information, Steven gulped a bit at just the first little fact.

“Second; there’s a good amount of fire-bees around the left side of The Ribs and most of The Chest of the Titan. They give a real nasty burn and can be quite aggressive if you get too close.” Steven filed away that fact too. This place sure had a lot of things burning people.

“Third; going up to high places is cold as heck! So bring a jacket and scarves and several pairs of socks under your shoes.”

This place sounded weirder and weirder with each sentence coming out of Gus’s mouth. This truly was one hell of a stop on his road-trip.

Around the table the others began to voice more facts and info pieces about the Isles. From shady wizards scheming off fake maps to dragon creatures made of giant hands (surprisingly their smell was excellent with tracking prey.)

At one point Luz butted in saying “But stay away from the castle in the middle of the Titan’s chest, it’s… it’s not safe there. A lotta’ construction and a lot of other slimy-nasty stuff there. I’m sure your friend would keep away from it, if she’s as scared as you’ve mentioned.”

The weird tone shift made Steven pause, the mood had dropped a bit, at the mention of the castle.

Steven was definitely going to stay away. Yep. Yup. It’s not like teenagers had an innate need to seek out the unknown, it’s not like he was a nosey little ass. Nope.

Ah… crap.

Chapter Text

The rest of the breakfast went without much issue, another handful of questions were fired at the hybrid about his hometown, road-trip and some attempted ones about the gems, quickly avoided by Steven by changing the subject as well as he could.

He’d love to talk to the teens more, genuinely, but if the Bixbite really was running around in the Isles somewhere, he didn’t have time to waste.

Steven finishes his homesick-inducing drink with a big gulp before standing, he lifts a hand to scratch at his neck awkwardly. “Sorry, but I think I really do have to go now. It’s been great talking to you all, really fun! And thanks for the advice and all that, heh.” He announced, hoping his departure wasn't too out of nowhere. He did say he had to leave a bit ago anyways.

Amity is the first to speak up, “no, no we understand. But… you’re sure you don’t want help? I don’t think any of us would mind helping out.” She has a nervous look on her face, like Steven is an old frail man about to bungee jump for the fun of it. The hesitance to let him leave is shared by most of the group. Huh, it’s been a while since anyone has looked at him like it was weak. It stirs a weird feeling he doesn't quite have a name for, it’s not all negative but not quite positive either.

Steven lets his arm drop, placing his hands in his jacket pockets in a way he hopes comes off as casual and relaxed, his fingers fiddling with the strawberry trinket again. “I really am fine, if I’m hurt I know where Gus’s place is!” He assures, knowing full well he’d just heal himself if any sort of injury were to happen.

Said witch’s mouth kind of falls open and closed a few times, Gus not being quite sure what to say. His dad wouldn’t be home until tonight, and with the crew here, he’d probably be out of the house until the evening as well. No one would be there to heal Steven, were he to stumble home injured, the human had to know that, right? Just as the boy is about to voice those concerns Steven interrupts, as if knowing what the young witch was about to rebute with. “It’s been fun guys, I hope to see y’all later.” He flashes one of his trademark smiles; having to be on the universe-wide gem communicators several times to announce stuff had taught him how to smile quite well, even despite nervousness. He waves a hand and turns, he lets out a breath he had been holding as he exits the building with no issue. Steven looks down the street and decides to just walk, it’s not like he has any specific place in mind at the moment anyways. Corrupted gems were attracted to magic, and this place was all magic, Steven had no idea where to even begin.

On the inside of the café, the witches, human and grimwalker all stare at Steven through the building's window, until he turns to the right and disappears out of their sight.

“So, that was weird, we all do agree on that, right?” Luz is the first to say, looking at the group. The others nod, looking back from the window to regard each other.

Gus pushed up his glasses with a huff, “me and my dad aren’t home until late today, i feel like Steven would know that.” He finally voices, wrinkling his brows. 
Willow nods at that, “I thought that too! Humans don’t have fast ways of healing, and he didn’t have those first-aid boxes I’ve seen Camila store in her bathroom either.” Hunter runs a hand though his blond locks as he lets out a sigh, his eyes to his half eaten plate of food. “Last… last night I talked—to Steven, that is.” Why did he feel weirdly guilty for not telling Gus and Willow this morning when they all woke up…? He shakes off the anxious thought and continues, “I felt weird about him, after—after Belos… seeing some random human with obviously hidden motives, I just…” he trails off again, his hands folded tightly together in his lap. Willow lays her warm hand on his scarred arm in comfort, he looks to her and she flashes him an understanding look. "Don't feel bad for not telling us right away, I think we all have felt some doubt or—or apprehension about Steven. You were just the first of us to really act and question him.” Willow assures him, Hunter feels his chest feel lighter at the validation from her.

“What did he tell you?” Luz is quick to question, her eyes wide at the prospect of snooping and mysteries unfolding. Hunter’s brows furrowed a bit, remembering Steven’s confidence in his words and the glaring secrecy he maintained. He’d told Steven he didn’t care about the other hidden stuff, but he did, how could he not?

“Well I-I said I didn’t trust him, because he was so secretive and so… so avoidant, right? He told me he already knew! Which I find so odd, if he knows we—or at least I—don’t fully trust him, why did he stay at Gus’ place?” The others nod along as Hunter continues. “He assured me he was only here for the gem alien, and then he’d leave, he even offered to leave in the middle of the night if I was uncomfortable.” 

Gus’ brows raise in surprise, Steven seemed like he wanted to be as nice as possible to others, but disappearing into an unknown land in the middle of the night, just for making someone uncomfortable, seemed so extreme.

“I told him ‘no’, that it wasn't necessary.” The grimwalker continues. “He assured it was just for the gem and he’d leave as soon as he found her. He even shook my hand as he promised me. But I still feel… weird, about the stuff he didn’t tell me. I told him I didn’t mind the other stuff he kept secret, but I really, really do. especially if he’s staying around for a while.” He finishes with a sigh.

The group all look in thought for a few moments, taking in the words.

Luz raises her pointer-finger, “maaaaybe we should follow him?” She suggests, a bit hesitantly. “I mean, if he doesn't want us around while he looks, we can just… be in the same area… by… coincidence?” She finishes with a guilty looking face. She did just suggest stalking, so.

“Sure, why not.” Willow agrees. The others seem a bit hesitant before jumping a bored one-by-one as well.

“How are we finding him though?” Gus asks, Steven has been gone for a bit now, and with the construction and winding paths he could be anywhere. 
“We can split up, if one of us spots him we’ll just write in the group chat?” Amity says, petting her palisman that had crawled out of her bag on the floor to her lap. The others agree quickly, summoning their palismen too.

“But most importantly!” Luz is quick to say, the group looks at her with new anticipation, “who’s footing the bill? I’m out of snails.” She finishes a bit embarrassed.

Hunter facepalms. 

•••

This place was big; big and odd.

He felt at home in a weird way, but also alien (haha) at the same time.

The houses were colorful, tall and small and winding and in all sorts of shapes. Diverse and notable, just like the inhabitants he’d met and seen so far. 
He’d gotten some odd looks multiple times by several residents, Steven guessed it was because he was human. The hybrid had noticed he and Luz both had rounded ears, while her friends and all the witches he had seen so far had obvious pointed ones. Should he shapeshift them pointy? Nah, that would just exhaust him in the long run. No one had bothered him for it so far anyways.

As he traveled down the street, eventually the houses grew less and less dense. The red forest from yesterday seemed to grow closer as the tall trees poked over the roofs. A lot of corrupted gems hid well in nature, only really coming to the city to attack the crystal gems. The Bixbite would blend in well with the tree’s colors, Steven let out a moan of slight annoyance,

As he neared the trees, he shrugged to himself and began his trek into even more unfamiliar territory, hands still in his pocket. Red leaves and branches cracked now and then under his flip-flops as he walked, at one point a bird looking thing flew by, it was small but its chirp sounded like a woman screaming bloody murder.

If he had to be honest, the forest was quite beautiful, despite some of the horror-looking creatures that were seen now and then between the tree trunks. If he didn’t burn any bridges here, he'd probably come back just for the nature and scenery. ‘Connie would love this!’ He thought happily, she had a soft spot for human nature and survival magazines, so this is right up her alley.

So far none of the magic creatures had shown him any hostility, perhaps the group of friends had exaggerated a bit to make him request backup. He found it a bit funny they were so scared of him getting hurt, a bit insulted at first maybe, but he understood by now. Steven wondered if they were like this with Luz when they first met her, or if she’d been in the Isles since she was much younger.

As he passes another tree, he spots what he is sure is several big, burning bee-hives. What did they say…? Fire-bees? Hmm. Steven steps back to hide behind the dark tree, poking his head out to look at the clutch of bee-hives a good handful of feet away. The fire was strong, but safely contained at the hives, little bees on fire flying to and from the hives, looking a bit like extreme fireflies. Steven snuck a picture at the sight on his phone, sending it to Connie with a little message

Biscuit: [image_0349]

Biscuit: lookat what i just found! theyre 
called fire bees. i can feel the heat even 
from where im standing!

He chuckles a bit and continues on, not wanting to incur the wrath of the little flame insects. It would be annoying to have to sit in his bubble, until they decided to give up on stinging him to a crisp.

As he walks, the trees become too dense to really see much, every direction looks the same. Steven jumps, feeling light as he floats way above the tree-tops. He squints a bit and holds his hand above his eyes for a bit of shade. The city of Bonesborough is quite far away, he turns his head a bit more around hoping to spot a giant orange crab where the trees are less dense.

Instead he’s met with the face of a witch only three feet away, they’re casually sitting on an owl themed staff. They have gray hair, a hooked hand and multicolored eyes and Steven feels like his heart has sunk to the soles of his feet, he’s honestly surprised he’s still in the air at the pure shock and dread at being seen floating.

The pale witch has an amused look on their face, as they regard the floating boy.

“Fun seeing someone like you up here.” They say insouciantly. A slight, mischievous grin growing on their older features.