Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a nice afternoon, he just got out after a session of his therapy appointment, it was an interesting one this time.
Nothing to amazing, it was just him imagining he was talking to a younger version of himself.
It was kinda weird, but it was surely something alright.
His dad was here with him, he was the one who drove him to his appointments. It was better that way.
They were eating a pizza they ordered. Not the most healthy thing to eat sure, but it was Sunday and he has been eating healthy for the past month, so he can allow himself this.
His dad left to go to the bathroom and he had a moment to think about today’s session.
‘Talking to myself huh?’
He kinda wished he actually could but not like, involving his mom’s room on the temple, imagine, him talking to a younger version of himself? Maybe he would understand himself more.

Suddenly he saw his gem glowing. He lifted his shirt to see better, why was his gem glowing?
Then, next thing that happened was that 4 figures seemed to get out of his gem, and when he stared at them, he noticed, they were him.
But not actually him, you know?
They looked like past versions of him.
And like him they seemed confused.

“What the heck? I was just… never mind, I’m pretty sure we’re not supposed to be out here.” The one who looked like an 8 to a 14 year old version of him said. They’re… not supposed to be out here?

“You… How… What?” It’s the only thing he could really say. The others turned to look at him. They were surprised, they know who this Steven was, the real Steven.

“Oh, I guess he’s the one who brought us out.” The tallest one said. He reminded him of when he was… about to break down, except he wasn’t glowing pink.

“Oh, hi!” The smallest version of him said, he looked like a, maybe a 5 year old? He just looked very happy.

And lastly, the other one, he was pretty sure this one was a miniature version of when he transformed into… a monster. He never got to actually look at it, no one took a picture, but somehow, he just knew it was.

The was a moment when nobody said anything.

Then dad got out of the bathroom.
“Hey Stchuball, I was thinking maybe we can-…” Greg paused as he looked around the room.

“Hey dad…” Steven said trying to break the silence. What was he suppose to say? He doesn't know what happened either.

“What’s going on? Why are there more of you? Is this a prank?”

“No dad. I don’t know how they got here either.”

“Oh, I can explain!” The 14 yearld old said, he should really think of a nickname or something.

“Sure, I can really use an explanation here.”

“So… Hi, I’m Steven, and so are the others, we all normally live inside his gem.” He pointed at him. “We are meant to represent different stages of his life. Likeeee…..”
“Like the Pearls inside Pearl’s pearl.” Said the tall one.
“Yes! Exactly.” Oh, that kind of makes sense.

“Wait… so you all, you are really me?” He really had to ask. How? If they're really him, but not him, what are they doing outside? “How did you get out? Pretty sure Pearl can’t do that.”

“Not to sound… mean, but Pearl is well, a pearl, she is pretty strong in her own right but obviously not as strong as a diamond.” The tallest one said.

“I thought I was a quartz?” The little Steven said.

“Ah… yeah, forgot you didn’t know that.”

“It’s okay.” The little Steven patted the tallest one’s arm.

“So you’re all my son?” Greg was, still very confused.

“Of course we’re your son, but I guess at the same time, we’re not… mmm…” The 14 Year old said. No really, he should think of nicknames or this is gonna get hella confusing.

“I’m still kinda lost.” His dad said.
And he understands, he was confused too maybe not as much but still.

“How did you get… outside?”

“Honestly no idea, new power of yours I assume, maybe surface Steven would know.” The tall one said. Oh, so there was another one? Surface Steven? Like… surface Pearl right? The one in charge of the others.

“Right…” It’s all he could say. “Well, I guess if you’re staying out here for a while… maybe nicknames would be necessary.” It sounded more like a question, but the others nodded in agreement.

“That would make things easier.” His dad said.

“Okay, just give me a moment to think of something…” He said as he looked at the other versions of himself. He was really bad at giving names already, now what the hell is he going to nickname this versions of himself? Okay let’s see.
It doesn’t have to be something completely different from his name. That could work.
“Ok, I think I got it, so, the tall one can be Steph, then the next one can be Stevan, and the smallest can be… Stevie. And the… beast could be… Umm…”

“He can be Ven!” Stevie said, as he was holding, Ven, in his arms. The beast seemed comfortable in there.

“Sure, that works.” He easily agreed.

“Hey son, do you think we should tell the gems?” His dad asked. Yeah, that would be a good idea.

“Yeah, I’ll do it.” He decided. Then he got out of the house while taking out his phone, he can still see the others get comfortable in his living room, talking to each other, he called Pearl.
He waited until she finally picked up.

“Hey Steven, is everything alright?”

“Yeah, everything is okay. Just… something weird happened.” How was he going to explain this? “There are… other versions of myself, and they kinda appeared out of nowhere. Umm… I called you so you could tell the others and stuff.” Wow, such a good explanation Steven.

“What do you mean there are other versions of you?” She sounded concerned, she probably looked like it too.

“They’re umm… They’re me, from inside my gem? Like, like the Pearls inside your pearl, you know? But instead of staying inside, they’re out.” That was kind of the explanation he was given, he probably should’ve asked more.

“O…Okay, do you need us to be there?” Even if he said no, they would still come.

“I mean, if you’re not too busy, nothing dangerous is happening so you don’t have to worry.”

“Well, alright Steven, but we’ll be there as soon as we can.”

“Okay, then see you later.”

“See you soon, love you, bye.”

“Love you too.”

The call ended.
He let out a sigh, now he has to deal with… himself. Which should be easy.
He prepared himself for what’s coming and then entered the house, to find them all just talking with his dad, except Stevie and Ven who were playing, when they noticed him they all turned to look at him. Oh boy, was he interrupting something?

“Umm… hey.” He said. Meekly saying hello.

“Hey son, so, how did the gems take it?” His dad made conversation.

“I only called Pearl, she took it well enough, the others should be fine once they hear about this.” He said as he walked closer to where he was sitting before. Then he took a sit anyways. It was fine, this is his house, he shouldn’t be nervous at all.

“Oh man, it’s nice being outside.” Stevan said.

“Oh, are you all… trapped inside his gem?” His dad expressed in a very worried tone. I was also… worried.

“Oh no! We’re not trapped, but umm… it’s not, how do I explain this.”

“We’re not real.” Steph said.

“Wait, you’re not? But you’re right here.” Dad said, and to further prove his point he touched Stevan’s arm, it was… real. The feeling of touching something at least.

“Yeah, but like… we’re supposed to be… just, reflections of who Steven is, reflections of different stages of his life.” Steph further explained. “But even I am questioning how are we interacting with the world.”

Then before somebody could say anything else, the warp activates and three familiar gems appear.
And unsurprisingly, they’re shocked to see a lot of Stevens, despite already knowing they were going to be there, it was still something else seeing it.
They all asks questions, the same ones I had. But they all get answered pretty quickly.

“Man, how many more powers are you gonna get bro? You’re getting kinda overpowered.” Amethyst said in a joking manner.

“As many as we want and need, there is no limit.” Stevan said.

“Woah, really?”

“Yep.”

“This is still pretty unbelievable, how are you even out? Couldn’t that be dangerous for Steven? If you really are who you said you are then…” Pearl was still overthinking the whole thing.

“You don’t have to worry Pearl, our powers never really hurted us, they can be tiring to use but nothing serious, Surface Steven should have deemed it safe enough if he really brought us out.” Steph said, trying to calm the pale gem. Or else he might start panicking too and that would be no good.

“I’m glad it’s not dangerous then, little Stevie here is too cute to resist.” Garnet was holding the little one on her arms, and he looked really happy to be held. Ven was close to Garnet, he liked being around Stevie, he made him not afraid.

“I guess it’s not dangerous, but then, why did you get out?”

“Uh… no idea, ask Steven.” Steph said.

Way to put me in a spotlight, but then again, they really have no idea about that.

“Umm…. I was just thinking about talking to past versions of me I guess, but something that did not involve mom’s room, so I guess my gem decided this was the next best thing.” I notice how I played with my hands, not really doing anything.

“That makes sense.” Pearl said, looking like she was thinking about something. “But I’m still confused about something. How are they interacting with this world?”

“I…” Steph started but then when everyone stared at him, he got nervous. “I have an… a theory, we’re… constructs of light, like the gems, our bodies are not real.”

“Oh yeah, maybe that’s why I’m not hungry.” Stevan said.

“Do you get hungry?” The purple gem asked.

“Technically no. When I’m inside certain memories I ‘get’ hungry, but really, nothing inside the gem is really… real, soo…” Then he just shrugged.

“That’s kinda… sad.”

“Maybe, but I’m not really worried about that.”

He kind of felt bad for them, but at the same time, they always knew they weren’t ‘real’ right? So they’re never sad about it. So he shouldn’t worry about it.
“So, for how long do you plan on staying out here?” Pearl asked, looking at all of the Stevens.

“I don’t know.” Stevie said as he looked at the other two.

“I also, have no idea.” Stevan said.

“As long as Steven wants or needs us here, then we can, go back.” Steph said.

“Go back to where?” Garnet asked.

“Inside his gem. Where else?”

“I was just checking.”

“Sure you were.” He murmured.

“Okay, umm… I’m still not sure how to go about this, so how about we talk about this tomorrow?”

“I guess it’s late, yes, you should be ready for bed.” The pale gem agreed.

“No! I don’t want to sleep I’m not tire!” Little Stevie cried. “I want to play.”
Garnet tried to calm him down but he seemed to have a lot of energy.
Greg was about to step up when Steph did first.
He took the little one out of Garnets hands.

“We can play tomorrow.”

“But I want to play now.”

“How about this, if you sleep we can play you’re favorite game, how about that?”

“Really? You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Umm… Ok.”

Then with a simple lullaby he was out like a light.

“Wow, you seemed really good at handling him.” Greg praised, and Steven couldn’t hide he was impressed too.

“Oh well, ever since I appeared I had to learn how to get along with the others, one of those things was how to get Stevie to get a nap if we needed a break. Normally me and another Steven takes care of it, but Stevan helps too.”

“There’s more Stevens?” Amethyst asked, four were already a lot.

“Two more technically, umm… one looks like Steven except his shirt is blue and the other one is a baby. Not sure why they weren’t brought out, but if I had to guess, it’s probably cause Steven doesn’t need to… talk to them.”

“Oh yeah, well now that we have nicknames maybe we can give them nicknames too? It certantly will make things easier.”

“Sure, that’s a good idea Stevan.”

“I’m assuming you don’t get tired either?”

“Nope, we really are like the gems now, no real body, no real needs to take care of, sucks to be human I guess.” Steph said.

“Hmmm… ok.” He guesses that’s fine. “So what are you gonna do all night?”

“Don’t know.”

“Right.”

“I’m sure we’ll either entertain ourselves with something or we can always just… sleep.” Stevan said, it was weird, he knew what sleep was, he ‘remembered’ sleeping, but now it feels as if he’s never done it before. Weird.

“Okay then, good night.”

“Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Steven went to his room, he was still unsure about the whole ordeal. Sure he imagined talking to himself but this… was beyond weird, why are his powers like this?
But… maybe he can get something out of this.
A good look at the past.
A good reflection of him.
A good moment to talk.

This could be a good opportunity. Right? He could do this at least.

Chapter Text

It was morning now, Steven woke up thanks to his alarm, haha I’m kidding. He woke up when a small child started jumping on his bed, startling him awake.

“Up! Wake up! It’s morning already!”

“I’m up! I’m up!”

Sitting up, he had to face the reality he was in.
The reality where a 5 year old version of himself was waking him up, like he was his little brother and this was the most normal thing to do.

“Sorry, I couldn’t stop him.” Stevan was close to the door frame. “Good morning, dad and Steph made breakfast so you should get ready for the day.”

“Oh yeah! They made pancakes! So you have to get ready or else I’ll eat them all!” Stevie said, maybe to try to get him to wake up faster.

“C’mon Stevie, let’s give him some privacy.” Stevan held out a hand to the little one, which he took as he got out off bed and then they both left his room.

Alright, he can do this.
After changing his clothes, he went down stairs and stared at what he saw, his father talking to Steph with all the calm of the world on the kitchen, Stevan and Stevie were sitting on the table, Stevie with a stack of pancakes, and Ven was close to the small one on the floor, taking a nap it seemed.
It was… weirdly normal.
What was he expecting anyways? They weren’t random aliens he invited home, they were him, of course they would act… more human.

“Good morning everyone.” He tried to sound cheerful at least, he took a sit a the table.

“Morning.” Steph said.

“Good morning Stchuball.” His dad put a plate of pancakes in front of him. Then he watched as he also sited down with a plate of his own.
Stevan and Steph didn’t seem to be eating, or they already did.
Regardless he starts eating, they are good.

“Wow you really outdid yourself dad.” A compliment never hurt anyone.

“Oh no, I only helped uh… Steph, yeah, he’s the one who made them.” His dad clarifies.

“Oh, then you did a good job Steph.”

“Oh, it’s fine it’s the least I could do.” I guess he doesn’t accept compliments.

“Yeah I really like them! They're the best!” Little Stevie said, as he was eating his last pancake.

“Oh, thanks.” I guess taking a compliment from a kid is easier, they’re more honest after all.

The gems appeared soon after, and then the house is filled with a lot of noise, not in a bad way. It was just different.
But it was nice.

After we were done eating, I decided to pay more attention to whatever they were talking about.
“So… you only embody Steven up to a point?” He wasn’t surprised at the topic of the conversation.

“Correct Amethyst, I am the Steven of 8 to 14 years old, Stevie is 5 to 7, Steph is… well 17, same with Ven. The other Steven that is not here embodies 15 and 16, and then last Steven is baby Steven, which represents ever since Steven was born up to 4 years old.”

“So many…” I hear Pearl quietly say.

“I guess, but that’s the thing of being human, every few years a big change happens.” Stevan said and I saw Steph nod in agreement.

“I’m bored, hey Steph you say we could play today, you promised!”

“Put those puppy eyes away Stevie, I wasn’t planning on changing my mind, we can play.”

“Yey! Ven come on!” He called out to the little beast who followed him with no problem. Me, my dad, the other Stevens and the gems also followed him outside.
“Mmm… yes this is a good place.” Stevie said to himself. “You four!” He called out to the gems and dad. “You must build me a sand castle!”

“Oh why do you want one?” Dad asked curious.

“Because, I, am a king! And a king needs a castle! Now obey my command and do it.” Then he thought for a second. “Please.” He added.

“Sure thing Steven I mean, Stevie.” Pearl said and they all moved to build a big one for him.

“Hey, you will also need one.” Stevie said to Steph, who nodded and went to build one for himself, me and Stevan helped him, not having much to do.

It was fun. The castles were right in front of each other, of course Stevie’s castle was bigger and better but that’s fine.

“Yes, this is a perfect castle, worthy of me, Ven is my dragon!” Ven let out a mighty roar at that, I think, does he understand what’s going on? Maybe. “And… you are my subjects.” He told the gems and dad.
Who then did a bow to him, he seemed happy at that.
“But that other castle umm…” He gave the castle we build a judging look. “I want that castle too! So now, we have to go to war!”

“What?” I whisper in disbelief, what is this game?

“He likes playing war.” Stevan whispered to me.

“I don’t remember playing war.”

“I know, we started playing recently.” Steph said, I’m still confused. “Just, play along for now I'll explain later.” Okay sure, let’s play war.

So we went to ‘war’.
More like, the gems pretended to fight us, three on three, dad decided not to participate on that even if it was pretend, unsurprisingly we lost, and now our castle was Stevie’s property.
And now we were his slaves.

Wow, what a dark game.

But it was fun. No point in lying about that.

But I was still curious about something.

“So, what did you mean when you said that you only started playing this recently?” I asked, and despite not participating in the conversation I can tell the others were curious too.

“Ok, so how do I…” Steph started talking but then Stevan continued.

“Well, you seen the other’s Pearls inside Pearl’s pearl?”

“Yeah…”

“But they were like hidden in layers, right?”

“Yes. I think so.”

“Well, inside your gem is different, we’re not hidden in layers, we all are within walking distance of each other, it’s still a bit of walking but still. So, sometimes when we stop… reenacting your memories, we can just gather in one place and talk and know each other, we also play and more, Surface Steven let’s us all interact. He is very nice you know?”

But Surface was me, right? In a way… But it makes sense, why let them suffer alone when they could have each other. That sounds like something he would do.

“So… this game, you all invented it?”

“Stevie did, He existed before me or the other three, before he played it with Surface, but then I came and I played it too, then the others came, and it was more fun.”

“Huh… That’s nice.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to meet a new you! Maybe, you could have an emo face, that would be fun.”

“Oh no, that doesn’t fit us at all.” Steph said and I had to agree.

“But you’re already kinda there, I mean, you’re already using black.”

“Still no.”

“Awww…” He pretended but I knew he really wasn’t sad at all. Steven and Steph chuckled.

So for a while longer, we all just played around.
It was really nice spending time with his family like this. Time went so fast that before he knew it, the sun was already setting.
It was a nice looking sunset.

Stevie seemed to think so too since he was looking at it. He decided to sit by his side. It was a comfortable silence.

Eventually, the thing that made this happened came to mind, he should talk to himself right? But… about what?
He decided.

“So… can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“I was wondering… What do you think, of the gems? And of dad?”

Stevie took a moment to think, it was kinda cute, his concentration face, but it changed when he smiled.

“Well, they’re all pretty cool! The gems fight to protect the entire world! And dad, he knows a lot you know? He’s been teaching me how to play instruments and… there was this one time where I was scared of the rain… but he wasn’t! He explained to me what it was and then I stopped being scared you know?”
He went on and on about how great dad was, it was bittersweet. When he was younger his dad seemed infallible, he was the smartest, bravest, and most cool guy in the world. How could he ever fail him?
“And the gems, well, I don’t know much about them. But they were mom’s best friends did you know? Dad told me they save the world every day! That’s so amazing!”

“It sure is…” Try saving a whole galaxy.

“I want to be a Crystal Gem when I grow up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! I know I’ll have to work really hard, but it will be worth it!”

His smile was contagious. He couldn’t help but smile too.

“I guess you’re right.”

“You already worked really hard tho… so now, you can take a rest and play all day!”

“I… I guess I can.”

“Mhm! So come on! Let’s play a bit more, ok?”

“Okay.”

So play they did, he had a lot of fun.
He deserved it. Let’s play one more game, okay?

Chapter Text

It was already 3 pm.
Like it seems to be a new routine, Stevie woke him up and he got down to see Steph making breakfast, getting helped by his dad and Stevan.
And not much long after the gems appeared and they all had a nice morning. The gems left, since they still had classes to give.
But it was fine, he was never left alone now, specially since there are more of him now.
He, his dad and Steph were on the couch, and the other three were on the table drawing.
It was quiet, too quiet thought Stevan.

“You know… I’m still kinda jealous that you have a room.” He started to say.

“This again?” Said Steph, this is really getting old. “We already had this conversation.”

“So? Can’t I still complain?”

“You can complain all you want, but do it somewhere where I can’t hear you.”

“What’s this about?” Greg asked, it was weird seeing his son fight with himself, kinda?

“Nothing important.”

“Steph! It’s important, to me.”

“Ok, stop fighting, just tell us what is this about.”

“Well, Stevan likes to complain about how much he dislikes his house.”

“That’s not true, I just don’t think it’s fair that I don’t have a room. I’m a… large man, I need privacy.”

“Oh, and why do you want privacy? Are you hididng something?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Hey, stop fighting or I’m gonna tell on you!” Stevie said and surprisingly they did keep quiet, who?

“Umm… tell to who?” I asked.

“The other Steven, he really knows how to keep the peace.”

“Pff what is he? my mom?” Stevan said, but I could see that he was trying to hide his fear.

“He kinda acts like it.” Stevie said like it was normal. He? Acting like a mom? To… himself? Kind of? What is going on?

“I should probably give him a nickname too…” I said quietly to myself. Also, maybe bring him out too.

“Whatever, I’m going to my… Steven’s room.”
Steph went upstairs.

“Oh, is he okay?” Dad asked.

“Yeah he’s fine, but he likes being left alone, he shouldn’t cause trouble if we don’t disturb him.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

Then there was just silence for a while. Steven was using his phone to just keep himself distracted, but he was getting bored.
But what could he do?
Wait, he still hasn’t told the B team what is going on right?
Sure he should tell them right? Maybe tell Connie too?

Classes should be ending by now so, there should be no problem if he went to visit.

He stood up.

“Hey, I just remembered that I never told the others what’s happening with the you know, so I should probably go, do that.”

“The others? You mean… Lapiz, Peridot and Bismuth?” Stevan asked.

“Yeah, you wanna go with me?”

“Sure!”
He stood up and followed him to the warp, now appearing in Little Homeworld.
He saw how amazed he was at the sight.

“Do you… know where we are?”

“Kinda, this… is where the barn was. But now, it’s all of this! Wow!”

“Yeah, the barn was here.” He kinda forgot actually, It’s been a while since he thought of the barn. “But now, Little Homeworld is here! And all the gems can learn how to live freely on earth in Little Homeschool.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Now, the others should be around…”

It took a little while, since Stevan wanted to see it all, which Steven doesn’t mind showing him. Eventually they did find them.

“Hey guys!”

“Steven!”

They all got close and they gave me a hug.

“Steven, what brings you here?” Bismuth asked.

“Oh I was just visiting, and also I want to introduce you to… a new friend!”
I pointed to the younger him that was there.

“Wow, where did you get another Steven?” Peridot was already inspecting this other Steven.
So, I had to explain what was going on and that there were more of me.
“You mean you found a way to get your gem files out here?”

“Gem… files?”

“Of course, they are a representation of a gem’s memories. Normally it's impossible to get them out in any way, but I guess that and a lot of other things don’t apply to you.”

“Hum… so every gem has them?”

“Yes, it’s a core function of us.”

“Well, so… it’s not dangerous to… have them out?”

“I wouldn’t know, this has never happened before, I wonder if the other Diamonds could do this as well…” She begins to talk to herself. “In any case, I believe it should not be dangerous.”

“Well, I’m happy we can see a little Steven again.” Lapiz says.

“That’s sweet of you to say, but I’m only the third smallest, by the way, since there’s a lot of Stevens around now, you can call me Stevan.” The small one says.

“Well, the nice to meet you Stevan.” Bismuth says.

“Uh… Same, I guess.” I couldn’t help but notice how nervous he looks now, why the sudden change?

He manages to hide it very well from the others while we hand out, just having fun and having nice pleasant conversations.
After a couple of minutes, I manage to get the both of us some time alone.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“What me? I’m fine.” Oh no, you can’t use the same tricks I used to use.

“You can’t lie to me you know? I’m you, I know something is bothering you.”

“I…” I could tell he was gonna lie again, but I think they way I looked at him managed to change his mind. “I guess I can’t huh?” He looks around, like he’s afraid the others would listen in.

“Don’t worry, the others won’t listen to our conversation.”

“I… If you say so… Where do I begin?”

“Take your time.”

He takes a full minute to gather his thoughts.

“Well, you see, I wanted to be a Crystal Gem more than anything, you know?” Of course he knows, why ask? “But not because I wanted to save the world or anything… I just… I just wanted to spend time with my family… I was so excited! I was gonna have a house, and I was going to live with the protectors of the world! But… I guess protecting the earth took a lot of their time… and even when they were home, sometimes they would take hours and sometimes even days to get out of their rooms… It got lonely sometimes… Dad didn’t even live with me, I could visit him any time I know… but its not the same. So that’s why… I wanted to be a Crystal Gem, if I could be of use then… maybe they would be around more often?”
Is this really how he thought? No, he knew that, of course. But its sad. He really was just a kid.
“It worked. Once I activated my gem powers, they started to include me on missions! They spended more time with me, they still missed mom, but if I could be just as good as she was, maybe…” Maybe they would love me more. “Then I started to realize, not everything was as simple as it seemed, I’m glad that I got to help so many people, I really am!” He turned to look at the three gems that were not too away from them. “Peridot, Lapiz and Bismuth… I love them, but sometimes, I just… wished it didn’t have to me be you know? I was… frustrated with the things that just keep coming, everyone was in danger and I… I didn’t know if we would even still be alive in the end, I guess that’s why I got so angry at mom. She was the one who was so great, she was so mature and she always knew what to do. If she was that great then why the world is still in danger? Why did she lie so much? Why… why did she have to be… a real person? Why couldn’t she just stay this perfect picture of what everyone said she was?”
There was a moment of silence, it was hard, to have everything he thought be said out loud, it makes it… real.
“But I couldn’t, I couldn’t tell them how scared I was, how angry I was, because, what if they thought that I was just a kid and that they should keep me out? I didn’t want to be left out. I wanted… I could help! That’s why I started lying too, but it… it wasn’t worth it, wasn’t it? Because look, I just ended up hurting me and everyone else.”

“It wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t have known…”

“And that’s the thing, its never just ‘it's my fault’ or ‘it’s their fault’, it's everyone’s fault, and at the same time, it's no one’s.” He sighs. “It would be so easy, if we could bump all of our problems on an imaginary enemy we could fight and ignore the big picture…”

“I think Pearl said something similar once.”

“Yeah, she did.”

“I… you… you always have to reenact the same moments that hurt me again and again… does… does it hurt you?”

“It will always hurt. But, memories change, or at least, how we view our memories. If you keep getting the help you need, maybe… one day, it won’t hurt as much, that would really help me you know?”

“Are you… trying to help me by making it so it helps you?”

“Yeah, is it working?”

“Maybe, when did you get so mature?”

“I think between summoning my shield and learning that my mom is a war criminal.”

They both laugh, sharing a joke only the two could understand. Well, maybe there’s a few who would.

“Hey so…” Stevan said after a bit. “Think we could go for a pizza?”

“Sure.”
He’s a little hungry, he could get a slice or two.

Chapter Text

It was a nice evening, after talking with Stevan it really put a lot of things into perspective, in his next therapy session he’s going to have a lot to talk about.
Well, he always has a lot to talk about, but now he has a lot more that he never realized he should talk about.
That’s good right? Or maybe not a lot… But its fine, really.

Right now he’s thinking about how to get the ‘other Steven’ out of his gem too.

“Uh… do you really need to?”

“Yeah, agree with Stevan, if he didn’t go out with the rest of us then maybe you should… just leave him there.”

“No, no, its not fair that he’s the only one who doesn’t gets to get out, plus, I think I need to talk to him.”

“About what? About he has a forever happy ending? No thanks.” Steph says, I see him cross his arms. I guess the two of them don’t get along? Which is funny because… they are the same person. Who knew you could change to the point of not getting along with yourself?

“I mean, I don’t agree with Steph but… He is, a bit, too much sometimes.” Stevan says while rubbing his neck nervously. Does he dislikes him too?

“I think he’s great! He always so happy and likes to play with me!” Stevie says as he stops playing with Ven for a second. “Sometimes Stevie and Steph don’t… but they’re boring anyway.”

“Excuse me!?” Oof, yeah that hurt.

“Hey, you all got used to the nicknames I gave you really fast.”

“It must be cuz of Surface Steven, he must have… yeah that makes sense.” Steph says, talking to himself. I guess Surface did something to make them call each other by those nicknames easier? Not sure how I feel about that.

Anyways, so I try really hard to think about it, about this other Steven. I think eventually my gem realized what I wanted because it begun to glow, surprising everyone, eventually someone begun to form.
And once it solidified, I was able to see… another me, the only difference being that he had a light blue shirt. Also he looked really happy.

“Oh! Umm… guess I’m out too.” It’s the first thing he said. Then he turned to look at the other with a mildly annoyed expression. “You left me with the baby all alone.”

“Umm… Sorry, you know we didn’t have a choice in that, how about, I take care of him for the next week?” Steph quickly said, wow, so much for not liking him.
The other looks at him still angry? Until he changes his face and starts laughing.

“Oh Steph, I’m just joking I’m not mad. Really, you know I love taking care of our little Star.” Wait, baby Steven already has a nickname? “Also, since everyone else gained a new name, I also decided to join in the trend, you can all call me Esteban.”

“Doesn’t that sound way to similar to mine?” Stevan said.

“Yes, but nobody is gonna get confused, it's spelled different.” He suddenly looks at… no one? And winks? Huh????

“I mean… Guess you’re right, Esteban.”

“Wait.” Steph says as if realizing something. “Why does baby Steven actually get a creative name?”

“Because… there’s only so many variations of the name Steven you know? I had to get creative.” Esteban responded. That’s true, and I think it fits. After all, stars are the symbol of the Crystal Gems. “Anyways, I know we already know each other, since, we’re the same person, buuuuut nice to meet you, Steven!” He shakes my hands excitedly, maybe, a bit too much…

“Umm… Nice to meet you too?”

“Sooo… how you’ve been guys? Not having to much fun without me hmm? I’m kidding, I already know what you’ve been up to.” Ah, then why ask in the first place?

“No, well maybe a bit, how’s been Star doing? He hasn’t given you any trouble?” Steph asks, has he missed the baby?

“Oh no, you know how cute he is!” Actually, I think I can see why they would be the ‘mom’ of the group. “Hey Steven.”

“Oh, yes?”

“Well, its just… Uh… I think you should like, tell Connie what’s going on. I bet she would have fun getting to know all of us.” I mean yeah, but… I think he was gonna say something else. But what?

“Right, I umm… gonna call her now.” So, I get my phone out and call her.

“Hey Steven, what’s up?”

“Hey Connie! Not much, well actually, a lot of things are happening.”

“Really? Anything I should be… aware of?”

“I think yes, but it's nothing bad. Umm… actually maybe you should just come over to my house, yeah.”

“Alright, I’ll be there in a sec.”

“Okay, bye. Love you.”

“Love you too!”

So we both hang up, oh man, I really said ‘love you’ to her!?!?!?!? Okay, don’t panic! Its okay, we’re dating anyway! I turned to look at the others and they all have the same look. Oh boy…

“Hehehe, ah young love” Esteban says.

“SHUT UP! You’re me anyway, so you all love her the same!” I can feel my face heat up. They all laugh.

In a moment she and Lion appear in the middle of the living room.
And she looks happy to see me but then she looks at all the other Stevens around and she… freezes up.
I approach her meekly.

“Uh… Connie? You ok?”

“Oh my god… I think I’m dreaming, and I don’t want to wake up.”

“Connie!”
She laughs, why am I suddenly the butt of the joke? Or well, it just feels like I am.

“I’m sorry Biscuit, I just… why is there a ton of yous?”

I take a deep breath, and explain to her all that has been going on, excluding the part about the deep conversations we've been having, I can tell her that later when we’re alone.

“Oh… I see.” Then she puts her eyes on Stevie and she looks delighted she goes to pick him up. “Oh! Look at this little guy! He’s so cute!” I see Stevie blush, he is or rather, I was, kinda shy around strangers.

“Umm…. Hi.”

“Hello, I’m Connie, nice to meet you.”

“I’m Stevie.”

“Aww… I knew you were small but never this small Steven.”

“Hehe I guess I am. Was. I was.”

“You’re still shorter than me tho.”

“Some day I’ll be taller, just look at Steph.” I point at him, ah sorry for putting the spotlight on you bud I can see how you were trying to not get noticed. “Plus, my mom was, like super tall, soo… you know” I’m not sure how to feel about the way Connie looks at Steph. Should I be jealous? He’s me, right? So maybe not?

“I guess some day, I would be the one looking up at you.”

“Yeah… A-anyways, so the other small Steven is named Stevan and the one with the blue shirt is named Esteban and the little beast over there is Ven.”

“Oh wow, that’s a lot of variations of the same name.”

“Yeah, I know.” If another Steven is made, we’ll have to think of new names, I mean… If I ever meet them… What if we used variations of Nora? Since that was gonna be my name too.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“Nice to meet you too my lady.” Says Esteban with a wink.

“Yeah, nice to meet you Connie!” Says Stevan as he laughs a bit.

“Mhm, same.” Steph says a bit quietly.

I’m still getting surprised at how different all of them are sometimes. I think even Connie noticed the differences in those few minutes of meeting them.
Stevie gets distracted by Lion.

“Oh! A pink lion! That’s so cool! Is it yours?”

“Oh no, well, he is half mine half Steven’s.”

“He’s looks cool… but my pet is better!”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, he’s a super giant dragon!” He points to Ven, who roars a bit. Wow, first I’m my own mom and now I’m my own Pet? What’s next? I’m my own sister? No wait… I think that did happened… Hmm… “Well, normally he’s way bigger.”

“Oh hi there… Ven.” Oh right, I’m sure Connie recognizes who he is. She crouches to be closer and she shyly gets her hand closer. Ven smells it for a bit then he licks it, gross. But it makes Connie laugh a bit as she starts to pet it.

“See, he’s better! He’s like, super gentle, when he’s not scared…” Stevie says as he looks like he’s remembering something. Did he…?

“Have you seen him? Getting scared?”

“We all did.” Stevan responds. “He’s so big you can’t miss it, when he reenacts the only memory of where he appears…”

“Yeah, what a monster.” Esteban says jokingly but his look changes when he sees how upset Steph is and how uncomfortable I am. “Sorry didn’t meant to… You know.”

“It’s fine.” Steph says.

“I know it’s not tho…” Esteban murmurs.

“Well, I think, he’s cute.” Connie says, probably trying to cheer us up.

“Oh I didn’t know you were into that sort of thing Connie, but I’m not judging.” Esteban teases. Oh my god what the hell!?!?!

“What!? No!! I’m not! You-Umm…” She stops as Esteban laughs, I just hide my face on my hands.

“Oh my stars… You’re the monster here.” I hear Steph whisper.

“Wait I’m confused…” Stevie says.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m getting it either.” Stevan says.

But that just makes Esteban laugh harder and I kinda want to laugh too, I didn’t think my laugh was contagious?
Well, Connie ends up staying for like almost half an hour, she’s been having longer breaks since my meltdown. Instead of only 15 she gives herself 20 to 30 mintutes. But it was more than enough than to meet all of them I think, I’m pretty sure she ended up with a new perspective of me after asking all of them a lot of questions.
She eventually had to leave, I know I don’t have to but I accompanied her outside on the beach to say goodbye.

“I bet you’re having busy days with all of them around.”

“Yeah, but… I actually don’t dislike being with any of them I mean… They are me, and I understand where they’re all coming from.”

“Yeah, you’re lucky to have this opportunity, I bet its pretty useful for… retrospection.”

“Yep, like a lot actually.”

“So… how’s that been going?”

“I only talked to two of them, but, its been eye opening. Like… for real.”

“And you’re planning to talk to all of them?”

“I mean, that’s the plan. Yeah.”

“I think, this will be good for you, having a fresh perspective of everything that has been happening to you.”

“I believe so too.”

“Well, I better not keep you away from them for long, what if we call tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I hesitate for a second but Connie beats me to it, she gives me a goodbye kiss then she leaves with Lion, I fell like I could float away after that. Or I guess now it would be fly away…
I turned around to find Esteban on the porch of the house looking down at me with a smile. For some reason I get nervous. But I shouldn’t be right? They all know we are dating so it should be okay.
He jumps from it and slowly falls until he lands right in front of me.

“Umm... do you… need something?” I ask.

“No, not really, I have everything I could’ve ask for.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah.” He turns to look at the sunset. “I mean, I’ve defeated the empire, my family and I are closer than ever and there’s no one to fight. No need to be scared anymore.”

“Oh, I guess…” I look away.

“What a lie.”

“Huh?” I look at him again, he has stopped smiling.

“I mean, the earth is a place of change, so why did I convinced myself that I will always be happy no matter what? That I could be like those shows I watched as a kid and have a happily ever after?”

“I uh…” What am I supposed to say?

“I’ve gotten so good at lying that I even deceived myself.” Those words are… familiar. “I was so angry, when Spinel came and rubbed in my face how fleeting happiness is. I didn’t want to be that kid anymore, I didn’t want to be the savior, I didn’t want to be the one who forgives. I was happy when the Diamonds took her in, took her far away, where I could easily ignore she ever existed.”

“That’s true…” And that’s what hurts. He knew that he started getting bad even before he turned 17.

“But I was happy you know? Truly happy, I guess that’s why it hurted me more.”

“What am I supposed to be getting out of this conversation?”

“That you can be happy again too.”

“Huh?” That… was unexpected.

“Before Spinel I had a full two years of peace, of when everything was okay, I fought and I won the war, and sure it didn’t last forever, because a perfect happy ending doesn’t exist, but… I was truly okay with myself. And if you were happy once, you can be happy again.”

“I uh…”

“Its gonna take a long while, and it's gonna be hard maybe even scary, but I believe you can do it.”

“Hahahahahaha”

“Why are you laughing?”

“I guess, its just funny, the power of… believing in myself?”

“I know it sounds like a lot of crap, but, if everyone is saying it than it must at least have some sort of truth in that.”

“I don’t get why Steph doesn’t seem to like you.”

“Oh no, we actually do get along, pretty well actually, but it's more fun getting on each other’s nerves or well pretending to. He feels less bad about being ‘mean’ if I’m mean too.”

“Oh... That makes sense.”

“Yeah, he would not forgive himself If he made Stevan or Stevie truly upset, so I’m the only one who can take it, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

“You don’t sound too… upset about it.”

“Who said I was?”

“Hahaha ok, I think I see it now.”

“Yeah, we’re quite the family I know.”

“Oh… So you’re really a family to each other?” I kinda been wondering about that.

“Oh, not at first, but Surf told us that we kind of already were, and… it just made sense. It made us feel less alone, we are brothers to each other.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It is, and hey, you’re part of or little family too just so you know.”

“Oh wow, already?”

“Yep, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Why would he want to? “C’mon let’s go inside, we should be making dinner.”

“Right behind you.”

Chapter Text

A new day arrived at the Universe household. The new routine greeted him without fail. Now only with the addition of one more. The house is really crowded now. Not that he minds, and his family doesn’t mind either.
They know how good this could be for him so that’s why they are giving him space to be with all of the Stevens.
So it was still fairly early at the moment.

Things is; he could see how anxious Steph looked, does… no, he knows he’s the next one he wants (and needs) to talk to. But well, if anything having a conversation, an honest touchy conversation, with Steph is gonna be hard. Since that’s probably the last thing he wants.

Oh jeez, should he approach him first then?
Now he’s the one getting anxious. When did he get so bad at being… the one who gives inspirational conversations?

He’s pretty sure even the others have noticed how awkward the both of them are…

It appears Steph was the braver one, since he approached him first. Hands behind his back.

“Hey umm…” He starts but he falters. I just give him a patient smile. He groans and then he pushes Ven into my arms.

“Huh?”

“Why don’t you take him out on a walk?”
Excuse me?

“What is he? A dog? Where’s his leash?” Steph glares at me.
No one told me I could be scary.

“Do it.”

“O-okay.”

So here I am now, taking myself on a walk.

“Grrr… Why doesn’t he just talk to me? Couldn’t he just… Ugh!”
I kick the sand on my feet, but that just scares Ven.
“Oh no! I’m sorry, I didn’t…” But he still looks scared. Great, now what do I do now? Umm… I know it’s not corruption really, even if it looks like it, he, might be a new version of it really, but maybe…?
I put myself on the ground, all the way until I’m lying down on the floor. And I talk softly.
“Hey, don’t be scared, it’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you buddy, we’re friends, right?” He finally calms down. “Yeah, that’s right. Just calm down.” He approaches me and then licks me in the face. “Hahaha… Eww…” I wonder if he also has healing saliva?
“Hum… You know? I guess taking a bit of a walk won’t hurt.”
So I walk him to the rest of beach city, he sticks close to me, I don’t think he’s fond of strangers really, him being small puts some things into perspective. He might look like a monster, but he never was one, right?
I never was one.
Some get closer to try and pet him, since he’s small and cute I guess, they had to gain his trust.
I think everyone being friendly to him got him to calm down and he stop just sticking close to me. He would run off a bit, but always making sure I was following him.
He’s kinda like a dog.
Then he would get on top of things, like tables, trees, and more. And cause a bit of a mess.
Then I think he’s more like a cat.

I decided to take pictures of the things he’s got into, sending some to my family and friends. And some I kept to myself.

It was later when I decided to go back home.

“We had a lot of fun today huh?”

“Arf!” I’m gonna take that as a yes.

“Hey… I never could do anything like this with Lion, since he likes being around Connie more… but maybe I could record one of those ‘cat videos’ with you? I bet that would definitely get a lot of views!”

“Rawr.”

“Yeah, and then maybe I could I… could…” I came to a stop when I saw Steph sitting looking at the ocean.
Ven had no problem approaching him and throwing himself into his arms. I watch him laugh.

“Hey bud, had fun?”

“Arf arf!”

“I see, I’m glad.”
He looks at me and his smile fades. He looks at the ocean again.
I decided to get closer, until I’m standing right beside him.
He gives me a side-eye look.
“I… I’m sorry for making you do this.”

“No, no, don’t apologized, I think I needed that anyway.”

“It’s just… we’re a combo you know? We come together.”

“A family meal then?”

“Ha, I wish. No… It’s just… Well…” He struggles with his words for a bit. “Urgh… when did talking become so hard?”

“I don’t know… I wished I did tho.”

“Look, I just… He’s like this because of me.”

“Ven? But…”

“No. It’s the truth, there’s no point in denying it.” He begins to pet Ven, who just rest on his arms. “I wished it wasn’t true but… I just couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t ignore how bad I’ve gotten…”

“I mean…”

“I really tried to keep it together, everything is okay, so why am I not okay?” Once again, I'm unsure on what to say.
“I was angry, at everyone, why can they be happy? I was the one who helped them be that way, who knows where they would have been if it weren’t for me. But at the same time I didn’t want to ask for help. If I admitted there was something wrong then… I thought I would ruin everything.”

I did try to ask for help, but I backed down…

“Because everyone was having such a great time without me! They don’t need me anymore so why am I still here? Is this all there is?” He took a moment to breath. “But then… That’s not how I should think, why am I so aggressive now? Why am I so angry? So sad? So… scared? I’m supposed to be Steven Universe, the little angel who makes everything better. I can’t think about hurting people, I can’t… but I still did, and that just made it worse…”
I was hurting so bad for so long.
“Then… I start getting these… these new powers I didn’t ask for! That made everything worse, and… apparently mom used to have them too, huh? Wow, I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like we couldn’t get more like her.” Wow he really started to hate his mom huh?
“Oh but, and you wouldn’t guess what? Dad, you know, the one we saw every now and then, was just like her! I guess they were a match made in heaven, congrats. Forget of ever having the possibility of a normal childhood. Because you’re an alien, you can’t get what a normal kid could because you’re not a normal kid. You’re not even human at all, so why even bother?”
I could see that even Ven was getting a bit stressed now. I… I hate how much it hurts still. He can never have a normal childhood, he can never changed what has been done, can’t change how much he’s been hurt. How much he let himself be hurt for the sake of the greater good.
I… I hug him, and he… he hugs back.

“It’s not fair…”

“It was never fair, and… I can’t make the hurt go away, there’s just wounds not even healing powers can heal.” I say. “I… I’m gonna have to work hard, to be better. To feel better. And… it might take long, but… I’m just happy to know… that we have each other and that… that I have my family.”

“Ha, let’s hope that’s enough…”

“It’s enough.”
Hope is the only thing I won’t let myself lose. Not matter the hardships or struggles. I have you, and you have me, we all have each other. That’s more than I could’ve asked for.

Chapter Text

It’s been… a hard week. Well no, not hard just… complicated.
But… It has been six days now, today, today was the seventh.
Today was the last day. And he knew it, they knew it we all knew it.
But it doesn’t make it easier, the gems and his dad and everyone around noticed how… depressed everyone was. Dammit all.

He was on a call with his girlfriend.
But even she noticed, but that wasn’t a surprise. Of course she did and its not like I was trying to hide it either.

“So… are you gonna tell me what has gotten you so down in the dumps today?”

I let out a sigh. Maybe talking about it will help? Somewhat?

“It’s just… well, I already talked with all of me.”

“Oh, did it go bad?”

“No, it was… I guess it was fine but its not that…”

“Then what is it Steven?”

“Its…. Well now that I already talked with everyone and… they… they have to leave.”

“Do they?”

“Yes, I can’t keep this up forever.”

“Why not? I really liked all of them.”

“I know, and I like them too! But… we’ll keeping them here is taking a lot of energy out of me. Even if I try… eventually I will just… I just won’t be able to do it forever… remember my 14 birthday? When I try to looked older?”

“Oh yeah, you ended up looking like a baby and… Oh…”

“Yeah, Oh. So… If I don’t want unessesary concequences then… they must go back to where they belong.”

“Does it have to be today?”

“Yes…”

“Oh… when?”

“It’s gonna be today, when the sun starts to set.”

“Do you… want me to be there?”

“Yeah, the gems and my dad will be there and… you know, if you can…”

“Don’t worry I will be there! What kind of girlfriend would I be if I let my boyfriend deal with his pain alone?”

“Aww… thanks Strawberry you’re the best.”

“No, you’re the best Biscuit.”

“Okay… so, see you later then?”

“See you later.”

“Bye.”

“Bye I love you!”

“I love you too.”

The call ended. And now he has to go down stairs. He should spend all the time he can with them.
So he goes and the usual scene greets him. Steph and Esteban are talking pretending to hate each other.
Stevan and Stevie are playing with Ven and just having fun. His dad is watching them probably thinking of the past. Pearl is cleaning the dirty dishes in the sink. Amethyst is napping and Garnet is sitting besides dad petting Cat Steven.
I say hi and they all greet me with smiles on their faces.
We decided that today, it’s family day. So we make together breakfast. Its so bad I can’t eat it. But at least Amethyst and Ven have fun with that.
Stevie eats a lighter version of it.

We watch my favorite shows and cartoons and anime. We tell stories.
We go outside and we have fun at Funland, we eat unhealty food.
We take pictures and we…
I’m just happy to have all of my family together for this moment.

But eventually the sun starts to set, and we make our way home, and everyone goes progressively quiet.

I let the gems and my dad say goodbye first, even Connie arrives to say her goodbyes. But then it’s my turn.

The others stand back to give me space. I face the Stevens that are in front of me.
I tried to give them the happiest smile I can muster.

“So… guess this is goodbye huh?” Oof, I’m trying really, really hard not to cry.

“Yep, it was fun while it lasted.” Esteban was the first one to talk. “Right guys?”

“Umm… yeah, we were always aware of the outside, but I guess it was nice seeing it for real.” Steph talked. “Right little guy?” Ven barked in what I assume was a yes.

“Yeah, we deserved a break from our jobs.” Stevan said smiling.

“…” But Stevie didn’t said anything. “Do we really have to go?”

“Yes hon, we have to.” Esteban was trying to be delicate with this.

“B-But…”

“I’m sorry Stevie.” Said Steph.

“No!”

“No… what?” Stevan asked unsure.

“I don’t want to go! I want to stay!”

“Oh umm… We can’t.”

“Nooooo…” Oh boy, he’s crying. He comes to me and he hugs my leg. Oh crap, he’s kinda strong actually. “I don’t want to go! Please don’t make me leave… Why are you making us leave? Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh dear, no you didn’t do anything wrong, I… I don’t want you to leave either.” Oh stars, I can’t cry. I pick him up with one arm and try to soothe him.

“I… I don’t want to leave either…” I see how Stevan also starts to cry too. I open my arms and he threws himself on the hug. “I’m… sorry but I… I’m going to miss you…”

Ven also gets close and whimpers as he rubs himself against my legs. I manage to pick him up too. Oh no, I can feel it… I…

“Ah fuck it!” Unsurprisingly Esteban also hugs us while he cries. “I’m going to miss you! Y-you… you idiot!”

Not long after Steph joins us too. He also cries.

I’m crying. How unfair is the world. Why did I get myself attached to them? How could I let this happen? Really, damn you world.

“I… I’m going to miss you guys! I… I love you…” Ok, there! I said it! Screw it! He’s going to miss them ok?
“I.. wovE YuUuh… Aaah…”
“I l-love you too…”
“You dick, I love you too!”
“I… I love you too Steven…”
“Arh.. ow.. uh…”

Wow, even Ven made an effort to say it. Not sure how long it takes but eventually we run out of tears, I’m pretty sure even Stevie almost cries himself to sleep. Only staying awake through determination alone.

“Don’t… Don’t have too much fun without me…”

“I won’t Stevie.”

“Grow up and have that emo face for me ok?”

“Haha in your dreams Stevan.”

“I know you’ll find your own happiness, so don’t give up.”

“I won’t Esteban.”

“Even in your darkest moments, we’ll be there watching over you.”

“Thanks Steph.”

“Arf! Arf!”

“Don’t worry Ven, not pet could ever replace you.”

And then…
One by one, they all just… poof.

Stevie is the first, then Stevan, Esteban, Steph, Ven…

I sink on my knees, and I just can’t stop crying.
My family hugs me in the dark of the night, they’re crying too. But there’s no way that any of them could miss them as much as I do.
Is that… stupid? To believe my pain is greater than theirs?
Maybe not…

I go straight to my room, and then just let myself collapse on my bed.
Not even bothering to change into my pijamas.
I guess tonight special is… crying myself to sleep.

I just wish I could see them again, please… Just…

Steven never noticed the glow his gem emitted.

I woke up in my room by my own, guess no little Stevie to do that anymore… I let out a sigh as I make my way down stairs. Guess no one’s home right now. Good, not like I could have the energy to interact with any of them.
I go make my cup of coffee, since Steph couldn’t.
Once its done I make my way into the couch but I drop my cup hearing it break and probably make a mess.
Right there, on the couch, its another me, holding a cup of coffee just like the one I had.
But this Steven, he’s all pink. He’s me but pink. He’s…

“You’re lucky I love you so much you know?” He says in my voice.

“I… Wha…?”

“Come and sit down with me, let’s talk over a cup of coffee.”

When I look there’s a cup of hot coffee on the table. No sign of the one that broke. I sit down beside him and hold the coffee in my hands, I take a drink. It’s… perfect.

“How lucky, nothing in here is real, I can manipulate everything to suit your tastes.”

“You… Where are we? Am I dreaming?”

“Kind of, you’re on your gem.”

“Huh!?”

“Don’t be alarmed, it’s safe.” I watch him take a sip of his coffee.

“I’m in my gem? L-like… poofing?”

“I guess you could put it that way.”

“But then… why am I here?”

“Ah yes, that.” He takes another sip. “I suppose its nice to meet you Steven, I’m your gem half, Surface Steven, Surf for short if you prefer.”

“Wait… You’re Surface Steven!?”

“Yes.”

“But if you’re then… that means…”

“That’s correct. The reason you’re here is because I brought you here.”

“For real!? You would let me? Every night?

“Sadly, not every night, you still need to sleep. But, every two nights should be more than enough.”

“Oh, did I ever told you how much I love you?”

“Its still nice to hear anyways.”

“Do they know?”

“No, it’s a surprise for them.”

“Then what are we waiting for, come on!”
I drag my gem to the temple door, somehow I knew I had to go there.
“Come on, open it!”
I feel bad for ordering him like a servant. But this is too important.

“As you wish My Steven.”
I see his gem glow and with that the door opens, kinda like mom’s room but… different somehow.
I excitedly cross the door and look around for a bit, but then, I see them. They all looked pretty down, glad that I can do this then.

“Guys!”

I call out to them, they all look at me and I can see how they all light up as they see me.

“Steven!”
They all call out to me, and we hug.