Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ever since White asked him to serve the empire, that’s all that’s been on his mind. Though he had to face it, Steven wasn’t a child anymore. He was an adult now. He had responsibilities. Empty seats he *had* to fill.

It’s been… a number of years since he’s been on earth. He’s having trouble recalling how many. Now that he’s adapted to his responsibilities as Pink Diamond, his life back on earth is all that’s been on his mind. It couldn’t have been *that* many years, right? Everyone must be waiting for him, missing him. Connie must be missing him.

He wants to go back to earth.

But not permanently. He still had things to take care of back here, he couldn’t abandon post just because he was a bit homesick. It’s not his fault you can barely get any service from space.

“My Diamond?”

“Ah… apologies. I must be tired. The human zoo is adapting to the changes. Give them a bit more leeway.”

Steve’s been looking after the human zoo for as long as he’s been here, though he never steps inside… too many weird memories. After what happened with Greg in there… he’s not sure he would be comfortable facing them again.

“Steven!”

A familiar voice rings in his ears.

“Garnet!”

He practically runs over to her.

She’s been working to have the empire adapt to the idea of fusion more and more. And it was working. He’s seen more fusions than singular gems around the palace more and more. But sometimes Sapphire used to accompany him to important events. It was important to have a level head alongside him, and the future vision was a plus.

“When did you…”

Wait a second, when was Garnet so… short? She used to tower over him.

“You’ve grown tall.”

She’s right. Garnet hasn’t gotten shorter, he’s gotten taller. What was he now… 6’7?

“What have you been up to? I rarely see you or Ruby and Sapphire around anymore.”

“I’ve been doing work at the colonies. Some of them haven’t fully accepted fusions yet.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll succeed. By the way, where has Amethyst been? I almost never see her…”

“She’s been busy with the other Amethysts, busy deconstructing the Kindergartens across the diamond colonies.l

“Wow… we’ve all been so busy…” Steven’s expression sinks a bit at the thought. He used to cling the Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet whenever he could. He’d cry when they were more than a foot apart. But now… he rarely sees them. He’s gotten so distant with them, it’s almost awkward to be in the same room. If it was like this with the gems, what would it be like with his friends back on Beach City?

Garnet, sensing his unease, decides to confront it.

“Is there something on your mind, Steven?”

*Steven.*

It was so refreshing to be called by his name instead of *Pink*, *Pink Diamond*, or *My Diamond*. Especially by someone he was so familiar with. No matter how long he spends serving this empire, he’ll never get used to it.

“Uhm… maybe… it’s just… how much time do you think he passed since we’ve been on earth?”

“Hmm… I can’t say I know for sure…”

“Exactly! Imagine what’s happened to my friends, to Connie! I should’ve visited them… I shouldn’t have been so absorbed in my duties..”

“Steven. They’re not….”

“But they could be! You know how fragile humans are!”

“Steven, it was your choice to focus on your duties. No one would blame you for losing track of time. Besides, there are some options we can’t just take back. If you’re so worried, take a break and visit earth for yourself.”

Steven pauses. A break from his duties? He hadn’t thought of breaks in a long time. Though a trip to earth could be good… he could bring back those magazines the pearls love reading, maybe more resources and food, living off of Human Zoo grown plants was getting a bit tiring. They could use some animals too. It sounded terrific.

“But who’s going to look after the human zoo? Make sure the colonies are in order? Handle diplomatic relations?”

“We’ll handle it, Steven. There’s no need to stress about this. Do you not believe in my capabilities?”

“… I do, but-“

“No buts. You may be a Diamond now, but you’re still my little cutie pie.”

He sighs as he turns pinker.

“Fine. But don’t call me that anymore. I’ve outgrown that nickname.”

That earns a laugh out of her.

“Whatever you say. And, if you want, I could accompany you to earth.”

“Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. I can handle myself. See? Not a little kid anymore.”

“Excuse me for being worried. You’re still the boy I raised.”

“But also a fully functional adult. Now, get back to your duties. That’s an order.”

Garnet raises an eyebrow.

“Joking… please?”

She nods and starts walking down the hall.

“When you get back, tell me how your trip goes. I want to hear all about it.”

“No problem. I’ll write it all down for you.”

Chapter Text

“It’ll only be a short while.”

“That could be for years...”

“I’ll come back regardless. It’s only a short visit”

“But we don’t want you to leave again!”

“You never want me to leave.”

“Exactly! So you shouldn’t, end of story.”

Steven sighs. They were always like this. Always so clingy. During his first week or two at the palace, they followed his every step. He couldn’t get anything done with them shaking the ground every time he put one foot in front of the other.

“I don’t have time to do this every time I want to leave. It’s just a visit. Besides, I’ve been here for years. A week or two to catch up with friends should pass right by.”

“Oh Steven…” Blue’s hand settles itself on her gem, and she turns to Yellow.

“We can’t help but worry about you! You may be a Diamond, but your human side is still very vulnerable to outside threats!” Yellow strides closer, the ground trembling with her every step.

“I can handle those myself, I’m not a child anymore. Besides, I’m making this decision no matter what you think.”

“Please reconsider this! Remember what happened the last time you decided to leave?” White moves next to Yellow, placing a hand on her shoulder before kneeling down to get on Steven’s level.

“That’s different. Spinel’s come a lot farther. I can’t imagine anything like that happening again.”

“You may be right, but what if something else goes wrong? There are endless possibilities…” Blue mimics White's actions, and Yellow follows suit.

“I can handle it. I’m far more capable than you think.”

The diamonds look towards each other, as if they were sharing thoughts.

“What?”

White turns towards him. “We’ll allow it just this once. But if something goes wrong, you come back here immediately!”

“Yes, yes, I know. You won’t regret this.”

“That’s what we’re hoping…”

Without another word , Steven leaves the room. He couldn’t handle them when they were like this, hated how they treated him like he would chip at the gentlest tap. He wasn’t a child. He wasn’t weak. He was a Diamond like rest of them.Was this how Rose felt?

Whatever. Those are unimportant thoughts. There were far more important things to worry about- things like what he was going to wear to Connie’s.

Of course, Steven had lots of outfits. He couldn’t just wear the same thing every day. But looking into the closet… nothing seemed fit for the occasion. Visits were casual, but everything he wore always had this elegant energy… and everything was pink. Bright pink. Almost highlighter. He’d stick out like a sore thumb. I mean, he’d stick out anyway. What normal human glows bright pink and is nearly seven feet?

There had to be something casual in here. But of course, everything screamed ‘visit with the queen’ instead of ‘family friend’. He’ll just pick out something random.

This! He wore this- no, too flashy…

How about-also too flashy….

Then th- no, this too…

This was hard. How could he have everything to wear, but nothing at the same time? Maybe he could ask one of the pearls to make him something… but it would just come out as elegant as the others…