//------------------------------// // Just One Day // Story: My Little Universe II // by EquestrianKirin //------------------------------// お嬢様、トワイライトさま、大変申し訳ございませんが、今は旅行の時間ではありません。 はい、私たちはあなたの病気を知っていて、それを治療しますが、冬の吹雪は今のところ危険すぎます。 条件が再び旅行するのが正しいとすぐに、我々はあなたに知らせます。 署名：アキラ卿。 "Why didn't I think about the local weather before asking?" thought a grumbling Twilight as she looked over and translated the Neipponese message. Bad enough she couldn't talk to anyone thanks to the Plunder Vine smoke, but Lord Akira didn't seem to be that much help either. She simply sat there, looking into the mirror she had in her room, as princesses usually tend to have, seeing a pony who has seen far better days: tired baggy eyes, and numerous swirls and strands in her mane. Yep, she looked simply bad this morning. All she can give for her opinion was a loud raspberry. "Okay, this is NOT gonna work. Okay, Twilight. You can do this ..." Twilight thought to herself, trying to relax and not look as tired. She had to get herself together before she could go out there. With a bit of magic she began pulling out her brush and started to work out the knots in her mane. She only got in a few strokes in said mane without any trouble when her eyes started to glance around towards a particular picture sitting just beside the desk. Twilight's face started to look more concerned, or at the least a bit more longing when she looked to that picture, so much so that she was not aware of the glow emitting from her horn. ... *poke* "GAHH!" Now she had to find out how to get porcupine quills out of her mane. Great. As Twilight tried to figure out what the hay to do, she got another message coming in from one of her personal guards knocking on her door ... and he was kinda paused when he saw the princess of friendships looking like the porcupine that was strolling out of the room beside him "Is now a good time, princess?" the pegasus guard asked. Twilight would typically shake her head, but given the question she went for a different approach: getting a piece of paper from her stack with a ink quill pen, she simply wrote a simple message for the guard to read. She wasn't using her horn for this, but instead the more common tactic of muzzle-writing instead of levitation. And by simple, meaning explaining exactly what the message said and how she's feeling about it. "Sorry to hear that. ... Or, read that," the guard said. Twilight actually rested her chin on the nearby desk, just staring at herself in the mirror. The pegasus guard kept his post by the door, though he did feel like he should do a little more for her, tapping his hoof on the ground to try and figure out something to do. ... After getting the main duty he had over with first, as he got out his own scroll. "Lord Akira might have to wait anyway. I got another message for you and the other rulers of Equestria from the Diamond Palace," said the guard. Twilight sprung her head up and look the guard dead in the face. She didn't need words, her face read "Don't screw with me" all over it. "We've checked everything, it's NOT from Grogar or anyone with him. You can read it," the guard quickly made clear. Twilight gave a sigh of relief, but she still had to quickly stop herself from using her magic before she could levitate it out of his hooves. "On second thought, I'll just read it for you," the guard quickly decided. They didn't need a scroll turning into toothpaste or a salamander or something. It'd be better and safer that way. Twilight herself no longer had anywhere to go, so all she did was take a seat and listened in to what the guard himself had to tell her. ~~~~~~ "So that's ... one way to deal with Grogar's army. Should I still check it off though?" Steven kept walking through Little Homeworld as his mind kept thinking and wrapping around this mental dilemma. Little Homeworld itself was a bit busy at the moment, though that didn't bother him at all, let just walked on by them and kept his mind on if Grogar's Army was actually handled or not. Still, it was one victory he can say happened, as weird as it was. Steven found himself a comfy spot just on the stoop of the Gem War Museum (they just made one for it), as he worked the gears in his head for this list, nibbling on the eraser end of his pencil. "Well it's definitely one I'm gonna remember," Steven remarked, "how often can you say you won a battle thanks to a game of Steven Tag?" The very thought of that idea made Steven laugh, though he'd buy it even if it didn't happen. Not because he wanted Grogar to look humiliated, but more over because it sounded funny. Just wished Grogar could've given him a break. Speaking of which, that was another thing going through his mind as he looked down his list to "Reform Grogar (hopefully)". "But how am I gonna help you now? He can't stay in the barn anymore, and no way is he gonna agree on anymore lessons ... what to do, what to do ..." Before Steven could actually get a proper answer to his dilemma, his thoughts on that were halted when he felt the similar vibration of the phone in his pocket. Setting his list down, he got his phone out just to see a familiar face of his girlfriend right there to see him. One click and sure enough, there came her voice. "Steven, morning! I finally caught you. How're things going?" Connie said. "Hey Connie. Yeah everything's fine, and sorry for not picking you up - I've been so wrapped up in my work I keep forgetting. Is Pearl doing okay with you?" Steven asked. "Yeah, she's fine. Though I'm now 90% sure she and my mom are in a turf war for my affection right now," Connie replied. Turf war was pushing it though, yet the two were trying their best to have Connie on their good side, or at the least take the role of mother to her. ... It was all stupid anyway. Steven had to add that to his list later after a quick glance at it. "I didn't think it was that bad over there." "No, not bad ... just a little overwhelming sometimes. Here, I'm texting you a photo," Connie said. It took a little minute or two, but soon Steven got a picture of what looked like breakfast in bed: Priyanka made a good meal for her, though he could easily tell Pearl had something to do with it, since there is what looked like a pie made for her. "Pearl made the pie," Connie then said over speaker phone. "Pearl made it? ... Wait, that's great: Pearl loves pie! ... Well, at least making the pie," Steven said, a hit of nostalgia rushing him at the idea of Pearl making pie. A simple trait that seemed to pick up for Pearl over the years. "So does that mean she's getting her memory back?" Connie asked. "Maybe, it's something. Did she get a headache before she started making pie, or did this just kinda happen?" Steven inquired. "I'm not really sure. ... Hey Steven -" "So that's the story," said a voice from not too far away. "We tried to work it out, but now the most hated goat in Equestria'ssss on the loose, and not really a big fan of yours so ... my bad." "Oh yeah," Steven realized, unfortunately missing what Connie had to say, "I gotta go, Connie, talk to you later." "Oh. Uh, okay, bye Steven." He got so caught up he almost forgot the royals were coming by today. Typically it would only be the Diamonds and the Alicorns, but this time the mane six were caught up to speed as Discord and White Diamond (WD in disguise that is) told them the situation they were stuck in now. Steven placed his clipboard of Happily-Ever-After to-dos and don'ts beside him on the porch before getting up. "So you just let him get away. That's what you're saying," Yellow stated firmly. "NO of course not! He just simply ... nearly beat us up," White said. It felt so weird being on the receiving end of the blame stick and she wasn't enjoying any of it. At this point they started to notice Steven coming to them. "Steven, there you are. They were just finished telling us what happened. So they're saying you locked him away, but ... you didn't really?" Cadance said quizzically, and maybe judgey since, you know, who they were talking about. "Yeah, I tried to do some reeducation, but it kinda backfired. It's gonna be a bit harder to do now that he's out with his army again," Steven admitted, rubbing the back of his head. It's not one of his better ideas apparently if all it did was make Grogar mad at him. "Kinda backfired? He escaped your prison, Steven, got back to his army, and is off doing who knows what," retorted Yellow. "Yeah, but he didn't kill me last time we fought, he actually walked away so ... I'd call that improvement," Steven explained back, two thumbs up. Grogar would've easily just went on a rampage on the spot if nothing meant anything for him. If it were up to Yellow Diamond though Grogar would've suffered a lot more. "....... True. Dumb. But true," said Yellow. Far as she was concerned they were talking about a mad dog. "You still think there's a way to save him, Steven? After everything he's done: torturing Gems, conquering worlds - ... Wait that's too close to home," pondered White. "I just need another way to try it. I never gave up on you White, and when I started I barely knew anything about you. You know, outside of all the bad stuff. At the least I no longer hate the guy," Steven pointed out. "Eehh, I think you should be careful what you say about him, sugarcube. Sounds like to me he wants to be the bad guy, and is gonna keep trying to stay that way," Applejack figured. "Well ... then I'm gonna keep trying," Steven concluded. Straight-forward enough. "You always were a good supporter, Steven," Blue said, "I'm just glad no one actually got hurt when he got out. I'd be a shame to find everyone under his tyranny again." "And guess who's fault it is," Yellow said again. "Well it's not my fault his army just showed up at the front door, what do you want me to do?" Discord retorted. "Now if I had my magic back, I could've sent his whole army flying in a hot air balloon with gift baskets for all of them." Yellow simply looked at Discord like he was crazy. Probably not that far from the truth. Still, they got other things to work out, as Blue spoke next. "We'll all work that out later on. Steven, girls, it's a good thing you're here too, because we got some exciting news for all of you." "Oh, right you did mention that from the get-go before White and Discord stopped by and told us about everything that happened at the barn. What's up?" Pinkie asked. It'd been a long while since they've actually handled some Diamond business, ever since Tambalon's recovery and all. Blue Diamond actually tried to keep her composure as she cleared her throat first. "Okay, so Yellow and I have been talking, and we've both decided that you all should come back to Homeworld for a visit. We haven't had a casual meeting in weeks since the festival, and you all could use a personal recess." "Going to Homeworld? Um, sure if you guys want to -" "No!" Everyone looked to a startled White Diamond. She knew what this meant, and she wasn't having it, keeping her stand against Blue ... from behind Steven. "White, don't get all scared now." "Yellow, Blue, I'm NOT ready," White insisted, "I know you're gonna have me come back and yes, I know I have to, but I'm not ready right now. I'm gonna be laughed out of my own planet if they see me like this!" "We promise you, no one's going to judge you any differently from what they have before. You tried helping me get back on my feet before, now we can do the same for you. Trust us, we won't let anything bad happen to you." "And besides that, the Little Homeworld Gems already are used to seeing you like this, haven't they? None of them appear to be treating you badly since this started," added Luna. White looked back to the other Gems nearby, them either too busy to notice anything going on, or weren't going to risk making an ill comment with both Diamonds standing right there. "Eh hey, that's nice and all, Blue, but we're still short one princess. And about hmm one ... two ... four Gems," said Rainbow Dash. Blue Diamond didn't forget about the rejuvenation incident. "Don't worry, I'll have them come by for a visit too. Even if they're rejuvenated they'll show up for a Diamond invitation. We can work on their memories together," Blue Diamond explained. Steven was taken aback by this sudden help, but no way was he complaining about it. Anything to help them come around would be great. Still, his mind got back to his happily-ever-after list just sitting not too far away. "Sounds good to me," concluded Steven. "Can you just give me a quick second?" Before anyone could say what or why, Steven walked away and went straight back over towards the list he had with him. ... Or at least, he would've but when he got back to the front steps of the Gem War Museum, it turned out leaving his list behind was not the best idea. In short, it was - "Here you go, Steven." ... Gone. Er, not anymore. Garnet looked to be on top of things today, and next thing Steven knew Garnet was giving the list to him, with Spinel riding on her back as if she were a backpack. Steven looked to the list, and it turned out Garnet added ... a lot. Mostly being potential ideas just in case things would go a different direction than anticipated. Many of which were written in blue cursive too. "Check me out: I'm a backpack," said Spinel, waving to him. "Nice form, Spinny. Ooo, Ooo, do a saddlebag next!" Pinkie said. "Thanks Garnet, but you didn't give me much adding room," Steven said. "It'll be fine. You're about to head off for Homeworld," Garnet correctly assumed. "You want to come too, Garnet? There's always room for more," Blue Diamond offered. Garnet paused and thought about it for a little bit. "Ehh, maybe later. I gotta split," Garnet said. And to everyone's surprise that's just what she did. In a quick flash of light, Garnet started to split up in two. Spinel, no longer having the best mom ever to hold onto started to lose her grip and fell onto her butt. In no time all, Garnet's favorite couple Ruby and Sapphire were standing there. Coincidentally, Sapphire was holding the blue ink'd pen in her hand, with the other holding onto Ruby's hand. "Sapphire, Ruby, you two didn't have to split just because -" "It's alright, my Diamond, we were going to split today anyway. I have some friends I want to invite to the meditation course," Sapphire said. "And ol Ruby's gots a training class to get to!" Ruby added, more confident and giving them a wink. "You training again, Ruby?" asked Applejack. "Yeah! ... I just need to find where my student is," Ruby replied. Sapphire kissed Ruby on the cheek. "I know you'll find her, sweetie," Sapphire said. "This is all very amusing, but are we gonna be any longer? The planet's smell is getting to me," Yellow Diamond asked. Stuck up of a statement, that one. Curious, Pinkie Pie began sniffing around, going in a circle like a dog before giving her opinion. "I don't smell anything funny." "Oh right. You live here," Yellow said. Even when she wasn't directly saying anything to anyone, she sure knew how to cast a judgement on something. Steven though had other ideas as he looked down more of the list of his. "You know what, why don't you guys go on ahead, I'll catch up later. I still have some things to work out," Steven said. He wanted to go, but not at the expense of making Yellow wait for him. "Things?" Fluttershy asked. "Well, alright, you do that. Let's go Blue, Homeworld's waiting for us," Yellow concluded, already ready to head back on their way through the Warp Pad. Yellow Diamond wasn't staying on Earth longer than she needed to (the time spent during Grogar's takeover was more than enough time). "Whenever you're all ready," Blue Diamond stated. They still had a world to look after, one way or another. None of them said they had to bolt off now anyway, so why rush anything? "You sure you don't want to try and go back to Homeworld, White? ... White? Where's White?" Fluttershy asked. Discord simply nudged her and pointed over to the Warp Pad. Blue and Yellow only needed to turn around on the Warp Pad, giving them enough space between them for the others to see White Diamond standing with them. She didn't say a word, but she simply stood there waiting for the Warp Pad to go off. She didn't need to wait that much longer though, as it only took a few more seconds before it activated and all three Diamonds teleported away. "Did I get bumped in the head, or did that sound like you all just get invited by the Diamonds?" Spinel asked at last. "It ain't the first time, sugarcube, it's alright. Just a couple of friends having a good get-together," Applejack explained. Spinel didn't know the true extent of their relationship, but it had to be pretty huge if they were casually invited to the palace. "Exactly. Oh, I've been hoping to go over and see Homeworld again - I've heard they've really worked the entire planet back together." "What'chu talkin about?" Spinel asked, scratching her head. "How long has it been since you've seen Homeworld?" Ruby asked. "Hmm, well I've spent most of my existence in the Garden, then inside that experimental madhouse - eh no offense White, then stuck around here soooo ... since I was made? Give or take?" "Geesh. Well, Homeworld's gonna look a LOT different, Spinny," Pinkie said with a wink. Spinel had to sit down and wonder just how different Homeworld actually would be like, especially given how the Diamonds were acting nowadays compared to thousands of years ago. With them thinking about that though, Steven had his own thoughts wrapped around the list and the additions given to it, mainly trying to make heads or tails of it. He didn't have the future vision like Sapphire, so any of this could either definitely happen or never happen. Soon, Steven spotted one part of this list that admittedly threw him for a loop, and it wasn't even that complicated. Be with Connie. Not "hang out with Connie", not "check in with Connie", it was just "be with Connie". ... What did that imply? "Subtle much?" Steven thought. He knew he didn't have that much time to just casually hang around, though why would Sapphire put that in there anyway? At the least it got him thinking about Connie again ... "Got something on your mind, Steven?" asked Ruby. "Oh, i-it's nothing. I'm just trying to add "help White's confidence" to the list and Sapphire just added this one in here. A bit forward, right?" Steven said, pointing out "be with Connie" in the list to the others. No point in keeping the list a secret anymore since the Steven Tag game. "Be with Connie. ... Well that doesn't sound too bad, Steven, what's the matter?" Fluttershy asked. "Nothing's wrong with it, I just don't have the time for it ... anymore ... since I got started." half way through that sentence Steven started to feel a bit of a sulk in his own decision. "Hold on a tick: you and Connie hadn't been together since you got back?!" Rarity insisted. "That's not true: I've been with her at the hospital to check on Twilight, went with her to go to the Reef ... been seeing here at Little Homeworld to - ... huh. Most of the time it's just been business," Steven realized. Most of the time the visits had been over either missions or just news, and even then it was on his end most of the time. This just reminded him too about the phone call he basically hung up Connie on to get back to work. "Steven DeMayo Diamond Universe, you need to stop what you're doing and fix your relationship right away!" Rarity insisted/demanded. "Relationship? There's not a relationship between us," Steven insisted. Ruby and Sapphire looked almost hurt when he said that. "HELLO? You and Connie had been a match since she got you as a baby," Rainbow pointed out. "Yeah, and you risked so much to save her from that meanie Grogar," added Pinkie Pie. Steven was now questioning why he even said that, if it was that obvious. Steven sighed, and simply glanced back at the chart he got holding onto. "Well what am I supposed to do? I like Connie, and I would like to spend more time with her but ... well, look -" he showed the list to everyone again, "- I got to figure all this stuff out before we get even more piled up. By the by, now I need to add "help White Diamond's confidence" to the list, because it's obvious she needs help with that too. ... How can I? ..." ... *ding* "STEVEN STEVEN STEVEN STEVEN STEVEN STEVEN - ow! ow ow ow, ouch," Spinel was suddenly so excited, her feet were in a blur, kicking away so much snow the ground underneath her showed. She only stopped when her feet started kicking up rocks, making her hop out of her make-shift hole in the ground. And what did she say next? "STEVEN! Date her!" "WAIT, WHAT?!" Steven exclaimed, shocked so much he almost dropped his chart. "A-A date? You're joking." "Not this time!" said Spinel, "You love her, and she loves ya, you're practically boyfriend and girlfriend - What's stopping you?!" "You can read this list and find out," Steven said, pointing to the schedule he had on him, which by the way still looked awfully big. Steven had his gaze focused on Spinel, so he didn't realize until too late that someone actually snatched it away from him. He was gonna get mad ... How could he though, seeing Ruby look SOOOOO crazy excited. Just holding the schedule was enough to make it sizzle and smoke, as starts sparkled in her eyes from sheer amazement. Sapphire took the schedule from Ruby before it could catch fire, but that didn't stop Ruby from getting all riled up anyway. "Our little Steven on his FIRST REAL DATE! You gotta do it!!" Ruby beamed. "You too? I-I'm not exactly sure now's a good time to -" "Don't act like you hadn't thought about it," Ruby cut in, a bit smug almost. Steven blushed. "I uhh ... yeah, of course I have," Steven admitted. How could he not, at this point? Ruby and Spinel were getting VERY hyped up, to the point they were hopping up and down and basically fangirling about it. "Steven, this HAS to happen and you know it. You've been boyfriend and girlfriend for months and you still hadn't gone on a actual date with her? No, no, no, this isn't gonna do," said Rarity, more than excited for this all too. Steven glanced over to the list once again, and looked to the only Gem who had a much better understanding of the future than anyone else, even if it was mostly guessing at this point. "I'd hate to ask Sapphire, but ... what do you think?" Sapphire held his hands, "Steven. In all my thousands of years living here, if there is one thing that I've learned is that nothing's truly ever set in stone. But I also know that love can accomplish anything, can defy the strongest odds, love can make the impossible possible. ... Do it Steven. Do it. Do it! DO IT!!" Even Sapphire was fangirling? "W-Whoa. Sapphire, you really think I should? The schedule ... I-I mean -" Sapphire; We could think about war, And could think about fighting. and the happily-ever-after you've worked so hard to trying. "Or ..." Sapphire; We could think about little homeworld, and the world that's all in front of you. and we could think about the new life they've had so that they can live happily, we can live happily too! The others were beginning to join in with her. Ruby; We could think about joy, we could think about pain Rarity; We could think about sunshine, we could think about rain Spinel; There's an awful lot of awful things we could be thinking of All (except Steven); But for just one day, let's only think about... They all stopped, some presenting towards Steven and waiting for him to say the magic word. Steven couldn't help it, he knew what they were trying to say. His smile grew wide. "Love. ... Alright, you've convinced me. Look out Connie, here comes the Universe!" "As soon as we know where she is!" added Pinkie. ~~~~~~ More was going on in Steven's corner of the world though, even without Steven involved in it. As things were getting started in Little Homeworld, the Beach House was having its own visitors for the day as Connie (with Pearl of course) were walking over towards the Beach House. Connie would have Pearl stay at her house, but it was a losing battle anyway. "Okay, Pearl, whatever happens here, just know that I'm safe and don't need the protection, okay?" Connie said as they were walking up the steps to the front door. It had been a habit for Pearl to turn from maid to guard in a few seconds flat, so a reminder couldn't hurt to keep her bodyguard instincts in check. "As you wish, my Connie," Pearl replied with her "typical" smile and stance by the front door. Luckily Connie went to answer it just before Pearl could try to open it for her, or announce her presence. "Steven, are you home?" Connie asked. She was about to knock on the door to see if he was home, but the beach house had enough windows for her and Pearl to look inside to see what was going on. Of course, Steven wasn't home but that didn't mean the Beach House was completely empty either. Opening the door (well, Pearl opening the door) for a better view inside, Connie found herself in company of both Star Quartz and Bismuth, both of which were standing over just by the bathroom door. "After you, my Connie," Pearl said, giving the diamond respect insignia again as Connie walked in, catching the other two Gems' attention. "Hi, Connie. How're you?" "Fine I guess. Is Steven home? Or at least in there?" Connie asked, wondering if it was him who was still in the bathroom. "No, Steven's not here, it's Peridot that won't come out of his bathroom," Bismuth said, again trying to open the door just for it to be locked. "Peridot's in there?" "Yeah, that rock's been dragging herself all over the place since her limb enhancers busted. Peridot come out of there, no one's out here to take you out," Bismuth said, knocking on the currently locked up door. "As if I'm gonna believe YOU, bulky bulldozer," Peridot said from inside the bathroom. And another insult flies in the air from a more-than-angry Peridot. Not to say Bismuth wasn't angry too, but let's just say it was a good thing Star was around to keep the peace. "She was not this brave five minutes ago," Bismuth commented. Connie went over to the bathroom door. "Peridot? Everything okay in there?" Connie asked. "Oh, I dunno. I just lost my ONLY METHOD OF DEFENDING MYSELF! ... But other than that my current state is functional." "Right. I'm coming in there," Connie decided. Then again though she couldn't really do that, the door locked up tight as she tried the knob, meanwhile Peridot was actually pleading with her not to do that. Bismuth and Star kept some space so Connie could try, but as for Pearl ... "I'll happily do it for you," Pearl said ... as she stabbed the door with her spear. "Pearl, don't!" Connie gasped, quickly grabbing the spear and throwing it away from her. "Peridot?! You okay?" Peridot didn't exactly give any answer to her, and probably not to anyone if they would ask. Connie had the "honor" of looking through the cut Pearl made in the door to be sure, just to find Peridot still inside. Terrified, Huddled up in the bath tub with a plunger armed and ready. "Is mom okay?" "She's okay, but let's leave her alone for now," Connie decided. It'd be pointless to talk to her right now if she'd too rattled to listen anyway. Connie had a seat on the couch to give herself a break, though she still looked disappointed that Steven wasn't there to see her. She tried laying her head back, just for Pearl to get a pillow for her just before she could even make contact with the back of the couch. "Is she still acting like a typical Pearl?" asked a troubled Bismuth. Connie sighed. "I don't know what to do. You all know her better than I do, but she'll only follow me. But there is some good news." "What?" Bismuth asked, hoping for some good news right about now. Before Connie could answer her, Pearl ended up bringing out what looked like Priyanka's portable vacuum cleaner, and started to use it on the coffee table. Connie knew they needed to have a little break from this treatment, so ... "Uh, Pearl? Here, I know what you can do: can you make a pie for us?" "A pie?" Pearl asked, stopping almost immediately. "A pie?" questioned Star and Bismuth. "Your morning pie was pretty good, and I could use another one right now," Connie replied. "... AAAHHH!" Pearl beamed, a big smile on her face, "Absolutely, my Connie! I'd love to!" Pearl gleefully went right to the kitchen, even going as far as to hum a little tune to herself as she got out the ingredients needed for the pie crust. It had been a little too long since they saw Pearl THIS happy since her rejuvenation started. "Wow, look at her all giddy," Bismuth said smiling. "How's that good again?" Star asked. "Because Steven said she likes making pie? It's nothing big, but at least it's something she remembers," Connie shrugged. The three could see how much Pearl was enjoying the creation of her next pie, almost like her aura was sparkling or something simply because of pie making. With Pearl busy and Peridot ... occupied, Connie looked back to the other two Gems. "Anyway, you sure Steven didn't come by yet?" Connie asked. "I haven't seen him around here since the Steven Tag game we did," Bismuth said. This news just made Connie feel a bit mixed as she slumped on the couch. "Dang it. He's still too busy. ..." "Well yeah, he's got his work cut out for him: Little Homeworld, some extra missions too. He's becoming a real regular worker," Bismuth said, sounding slightly impressed with him but the mood changed when she saw the almost disappointed look on Connie's face. Though she didn't notice that until Star Quartz tapped her shoulder and silently pointed it out to her. "Did you want to see him?" Bismuth asked. "At least for a little bit. I haven't had any relaxing time with him ever since he came back to town, and since then we've been seeing eachother less and less," Connie explained sadly. "Didn't you just see him at the hospital? ... Or does that count?" Star asked. "That was business, it doesn't count. Besides, we only met for a hour or two," Connie said. "Connie, of course he's gonna be busier. That doesn't mean he's gonna stop seeing you," Bismuth said as she took a seat next to her. Connie wanted to believe her, but lately she wasn't so sure. "I don't know Bismuth, lately he's always off doing something else. I only caught him this morning and that's just calling him, and even then I think he hung up on me. I told him I'd come over, but looks like he's too busy to stop by for that too. I should be happy for him: he's getting stuff done and he's feeling a lot better but ... we haven't been hanging out as much. ... Maybe we're just drifting apart." SLAM! Connie's nerves were rattled when Bismuth slammed her fist down on the table. Looking up only rewarded her with a more stern look from Bismuth. "How long has this been going on?" Bismuth asked. "... A couple months," Connie simply said. Few weeks, and this girl hadn't said anything about this issue? "Connie, since when were you the one hiding away, huh? If you think you're drifting apart from your Gem, then you got to do something about it." "Bismuth, I can't just walk up to him and hang out anymore!" retorted Connie. "I mean, look at him, he's probably going to go off on something else again." "Yeah, and I see someone that you don't need ANY reason to hang out with. Connie, come on he's your rock!" "I really shouldn't, he's probably going on more missions now than ever," Connie admitted. "Then make a mission happen!" Bismuth suggested, "Go up to him, and tell him you want to go on the next mission with him whatever it is." "I don't know Bismuth," Connie said, feeling a little bit overwhelmed with how much Bismuth tried to get her going. "Connie. This is Steven we're talking about. How do you think he felt when he first started being friends with you? I mean, Gem magic, healing powers, corrupted monsters, bubble shields? I may not be too familiar with humans as much as some of you, but I do know that would send anyone else off." "Bismuth, I don't mind that he has any of those things," Connie made clear, wondering if Bismuth was going in that direction. Though, it didn't seem like it was heading that way for what she said next. "EXACTLY. So you got corrupted once, so did he! That hasn't stopped you two from being friends," Bismuth pointed out. She might've not been an exact witness to Steven's corruption, but if it was anything like Connie's corruption then how big was the difference between the two now? The more she continued thinking about it, the more she started to see what Bismuth was trying to say to her. Her fists started to clench. "Yeah. Yeah, what am I doing? Look at how much we've gone through together, it doesn't matter what happened before he's still my boyfriend!" "So what're you gonna do?" Bismuth asked. "Go hang out with Steven!" Connie said, jumping to her feet. "And how're you gonna do it?!" asked a determined Bismuth to an equally determined Connie. "By making that our next mission!" Connie said, fists clenched and up. "THEN GO DO IT!" Well there was no more doubt about it, and Connie started off right for the door. The present day waits for absolutely no one, and as far as Connie knew Steven was probably going to go off on another mission anyway if she didn't get moving. Fate though had different plans, as the second she walked out that door - ... He and his team was standing right there. "Steven!" "Connie!" Good start. The two stopped eachother almost right away when they realized they both wanted to talk at once. They tried to talk at least three times, but kept butting into eachother again. And again. It determined on who will talk next where the future will hold, Sapphire waiting somewhat patiently with the coin casually being flipped in her hand. Each flip for each butting in, Spinel keeping her fingers crossed too for who would say what next. Then came the moment of truth. "You go first," Steven said. After hearing that, Sapphire stopped flipping her coin for a minute, and watched along with the rest as the scenario played out from there. "Steven DeMayo Diamond Universe! I want to go out with you!" Connie announced. ... Did she just ask him out? "O-On the next mission!" Connie quickly corrected, flustered as ever, "I don't care how hard it is, I'm going with you whether you like it or not!" Connie still felt so flustered right now. She can assert just fine, but the clammed up look on her face made it a bit cute. Steven meanwhile took a step back, unsure if she was saying it just to make sure he didn't have anything else to do, or if she really wanted to go out with him. "Roll with it, Mr. Universe," Steven thought. "Umm ... okay, we can do that together. What do you wanna do?" Steven asked, humbled that he missed his chance to ask for a date. How can he do that properly now with the second offer hanging in the air? "Wait. You don't have a mission to do?" Connie realized. "No. No, I'm not," Steven said. The awkwardness was gonna burn this day in flames if they don't pick it back up soon. "....... so what'chu doing at my house?" Steven asked, trying to break the ice a little. "What am I doing? Steven I told you over the phone I was gonna come and see you, remember?" Connie questioned. Steven's turn to fluster now, his eyes trying to find something just out of line of sight as his cheeks turned a crimson red. "I guess no? I wasn't listening at the last part. Sorry," Steven admitted. Connie would be more upset if Steven wasn't such a busy bee already. Connie now had the problem of figuring out what to do for their get-together. The Beach House wasn't gonna be an option with Peridot occupying the bathroom until further notice, and maybe Little Homeworld wasn't the best option given the work load. "Think we're supposed to say something?" whispered Applejack. "I don't think so," whispered back Fluttershy. "Blue Diamond invited me to go to Homeworld. You wanna come with me?" Steven offered. NOW they're getting somewhere. It was something to do even if it wasn't an actual date together. It'd been too long since either had seen Homeworld anyway. Connie smiled. "That sounds nice. Let's go," Connie decided, she and Steven starting to go towards the nearest Warp Pad to do just that. It was a win-win: taking an invitation by the Diamonds and having a date on Homeworld at the same time. Now the others have to wonder how well this date was going to go? ~~~~~~ Their reactions upon arrival were just shock and awe by the second they got to the planet. Good thing for them they got quick warp access, because it'd been a little too long since they've seen Homeworld since their involvement in the Era 3 Festival. Once the sides of the warpstream disappeared, they found themselves in sight of a far better looking Homeworld. No sign of any monsters from Equestria, any aliens patrolling the city, nor any overall sign of Grogar's invasion could be seen anywhere. The Gems sure looked much happier now than they ever were, and the buildings that were wrecked or altered by Grogar were looking much better and more prepared this time. All of this, and they only just arrived, so who's to say what else was there to be seen on Homeworld now? Out of much of the new crowd, there wasn't one more surprised than Spinel, her eyes sparkling as she stared on mouth agape, especially after a large gemship just moved by them right above their heads. "Oh my Celestia," said Rarity, "Look at this place. Homeworld looks more divine than ever! I wish I brought something more fitting before coming here." "Y-Yeah. Everything's so ... new," Spinel gasped in quiet amazement. "What do you think of the new Homeworld, Spinel? It's a lot to take in at first," Steven asked. At first Spinel wasn't saying anything, just taking in what she was seeing. She walked ahead a little bit, staring off out into the distance at ... pretty much everything. Just before she spun around and was suddenly on top of Steven again, wrapping her arms around him as she was basically standing on his chest. "This ... is ... AMAZING!" Spinel beamed, "Everything's so eye-catchy, so modern, so ... BRIGHT! Can we look around, PLEASE? I wanna see everything." It wasn't until after she was done talking did Steven fall onto his back. The others couldn't help but chuckle a little as Sapphire helped Spinel off of Steven. "Don't worry Steven, Connie. I'll show her around Homeworld," Sapphire decided. "But what about your meditation class?" asked Steven. "That is anytime. This is now. Spinel, if you'd come with me." "You'd do that for me?" Spinel asked. "Sure. Besides, I am a member of the royal court. That means I can give you some ..." And she said the last part with a smirk. "- special privileges." "SOLD, let's go," Spinel quickly concluded, actually bolting on ahead and getting the tour started early. She was NOT gonna miss this chance given to her by the royal court member. Beforehand though Sapphire turned back to Ruby. "I'll be showing Spinel around today." "Don't worry babe, I'll hold down the fort here," Ruby promised with a grin and a wink. Sapphire giggled and gave her lover another kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Ruby. I'll see you all at the palace," Sapphire said. It didn't take long until Sapphire was on her way, but taking her time rather than rushing off after Spinel. Besides, Spinel was still standing about ten feet away, having enough patience to at least stand still for her tour guide. "Have fun, Spinel," called Steven. "Bye Steven, have fun on your date!" Spinel called with a wave. AND return of Steven's blushed face. Something told them this was gonna be happening a lot today, even if they basically knew they were on one. ... Still worth blushing over though. Steven though tried not to have that simple comment get to him. "Okay Steven, you're the one that picked Homeworld, where do you want to go first?" Connie asked. "Hmm ... that's a good question," Steven realized. Aside from the Diamond Palace and the Supreme Kindergarten, there really wasn't that many places to look around, at least not many places he knew of on Homeworld. But in thinking bout where to go, he got the simple answer. "Wait. Why pick one? We have all day, let's just take a walk around and see how Homeworld's doing. I promise it'll be a fun time, no bad surprises," Steven promised. "Were you expecting bad surprises?" Connie asked. "Well if you look at my track record, it happens a lot," Steven admitted, though it was more of a joke. Connie chuckled with him and looked back to the others nearby. "So we'll see you all at the palace later, okay?" said Connie. "Take your time, you lovebirds, that castle ain't going nowhere," said Applejack. "Not on our watch," added Bismuth. Can't ask for more than that. They mostly knew where the Diamond Palace was, so everyone else except Steven and Connie started off on their way towards the location (with Pearl having to be dragged away), leaving the dating couple to themselves with an entire city to explore and walk around in. "Okay, Steven. Let's see what Homeworld has in store for us," Connie said. ....... Steven and Connie went on and did exactly that. It almost seemed like Homeworld knew that they were on a date together, because each street they would walk down was met with a lot of shine and color. Many a Gem was going about their daily business, but unlike before even prior to the Era 3 Festival, many of them were a lot more casual and enjoying themselves in their daily routines. Some would say hello to Connie and Steven as they went by, others just went along their way with just a smile and wave. Either way how you look at it, Homeworld was looking a lot better the more both hybrids were exploring the city. This became even more apparent when they started heading down one of the more populated streets in the city. It turned out, the Diamonds were actually getting more accustom to casual time over formality. Sure there were plenty of training spots and areas for upgrades, but they also were seeing such things as a few new Reefs and at least three new Forges built and set up for business. "Wow. This is simply amazing. The Diamonds are letting everyone be themselves now," Steven stated, smiling at the thought of more freedom on the planet. Looking around in what they basically concluded as the shopping district of Homeworld's Diamond City, the two did end up stopping themselves when something along the displays caught their eye. A set of "Appearance Modifier Stations" (as they're called) both ran by a different Pearl. Owning a shop was a good step up from being someone's maid or butler anyday, and it seems the Pearls were doing a good job in running the shops whatever it may be. "Are those Pearls standing up front?" Connie wondered. "Looks like it," Steven replied. "Wonder what they're all about?" "AAHH! It's Steven Universe!" gasped a voice. Speaking of Pearls, it didn't take long until two of these Pearls was standing right in front of them. She was an orange Pearl, with her gemstone a smoothed out oval shape on her right hand. When it came to appearance, this Pearl sure looked very festive: with a smooth silk-lined skirt reaching down to her knees, with a transparent flair attached to the ends of it in a light cream color. The upper part of her outfit also had a few shoulder transparent flairs. Her hair flowed just down to her shoulders too, lined down in a similar way to one Blue Diamond in style, only without the frontal part. They weren't sure if it was fake or not but there was also a orange buttercup in the Pearl's hair. As for the other Pearl (and probably the one that screamed), she had a similar color scheme to the other one, only hers was more brighter and yellow than the calmer orange. She had a bit of a special kind of sheer flair, which for her was hanging off the back of her head as if it were part of her otherwise short hairstyle. Her outfit had a more vibrant sparkle, having poofy shoulders and smooth pants with a stripped ribbon (yellow and white) working as her belt. "Um ... Hi?" Steven said. "Hello, hello, our conquering heroes. Can you believe it Melo, the hero of Homeworld deciding to stop by our corner of the world. You've been the talk of every Gem here for months," said the yellow fashion Pearl. Not even a few sentences and Steven could already tell where this was going to go with her. "Hero of Homeworld? I wouldn't say that," Connie said humbly. "Don't be so modest," said Melo Pearl, "After all, you both were the ones that help free Homeworld. It wouldn't be surprising to get some praise for that." "Yes, exactly: you two together in the face of that dreaded Grogar. It wasn't enough just to save the planet from the legendary Osicone, you took the challenge and drove that tyrannical creature away for good! If only I could've seen it myself." Connie ironically looked a bit more uneasy with that statement, and Steven tried not to let it get to him but still tugged at his collar. They both knew just what it is they were talking about. "Let's change the subject. So the buildings are new," Steven said, saving them both from having to deal with that subject any longer. Both Pearls looked to the respected shops. "Oh you noticed? The Diamonds wanted a lot of changes and, since they've spent a lot of time on your world, brought some of that creativity here. Doesn't it look splendid?" said Gold Pearl. The two hybrids checked out one of the buildings specifically, seeing how much work was put into the display of it all. Despite the Pearls working in the place, some silhouettes of fashion Pearls were still on display to get an idea on what kind of fashion was in store. "Yeah, they actually do. Whoever did these sure did a great job," said Connie, especially eyeing a hologram of a dressed Pearl. "I'm flattered you'd think so. A few weeks doesn't give me much time to make a good design," explained Melo Pearl. "Wait. You made these?" asked Steven. "Huh? ... OOHH, that's right, you're not too familiar with Era 3 just yet. I'm the owner of this station," Melo Pearl revealed. Steven and Connie looked impressed with her, and they could probably consider Gold Pearl the owner of the other shop as well. "You're the owners! Congrats Melo Pearl, Gold Pearl," said Steven. "Tahitian Gold!" introduced the Golden Pearl, with a LOT of flair and passion, "But you can call me T.C. for short. So, what is it like in the day of the legends?" "You REALLY sure like praising us," Steven said, again taken aback by the compliments T.C. Pearl was giving the two. At this point Melo Pearl went over to the two. "T.C., let's not overwhelm them when they just got back. Even heroes need time to unwind from all of the attention," Melo said. "It's okay, it's okay. It's great you two can even open shop and explore fashion at all. Me and Connie were just passing by to the palace for a get-together," Steven said. "A invitation hosted by the Diamonds?" gasped Melo Pearl. It was then though that T.C. "reappeared" from right behind Steven, hands on his shoulders. "Oh, you're so lucky: so many Gems would dream of just going inside the palace," T.C. Pearl gleefully revealed, with a slight hint of jealousy that they were given such high honor. Then again, how could they not be? "We have known the Diamonds personally for a few years, so that helps too," Connie shrugged. Both Pearls were still in glee for being with these two hybrids, even though Steven and Connie were thinking on trying something else. But the more they checked out the displays, the more an idea started to form up in Steven's head. They were on a date, Steven had to treat his girlfriend with something special. "Maybe we can see what you got in stock?" Steven inquired. ... T.C. and Melo immediately beamed. "AAHH! Absolutely! Right this way, Mr. Universe, my designs are just the thing you need," T.C. Pearl beamed, and in her excitement was actually grabbing Steven by the arm and trying to pull him towards her shop. Melo Pearl though got hold of Steven's other arm and made em both stop moving. "What he needs is entirely up to him. I'll make whatever you like, Mr. Universe, just say the word," Melo Pearl promised, but still keeping a firm grip on Steven's arm. Steven felt a second yank from T.C. Pearl again. "Honey her work's tacky. Believe me, I'll be the one to make you shine! Besides, Melo, you're stuff's so old. It's been how many weeks since you got new stuff in?" T.C. Pearl remarked. "That's only because," Melo Pearl said, pulling Steven back, "I don't waste all my tools and materials on one customer. I'm conservative, and willing to follow whatever my clients like." "Oh please, that's so last year," T.C. Pearl said, pulling Steven yet again. This went back and forth at least several times, with Steven being caught in the middle as the Pearls tried to get Steven to go into their own station over the other ones. Steven thought that now would be a good time for him to step in and try to fix this problem, but Connie was already on it and got in between both Pearls, pushing them away. "Pearls, stop it! We'll try both stations!" "Excuse me?" Melo asked, confused. "You both wants at least one of us to check out your stations, so I'll check out T.C.'s station, and Steven you can go into Melo's station and we'll both meet up back out here. That sound good?" "Eh ... yeah. Actually that's perfect," Steven said, feeling his arms being released by both Pearls. They didn't need a competition during this little trip anyway. So with T.C. Pearl beaming and chatting away with Connie one way, Steven followed Melo Pearl over to her station for his makeover. "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything for you," Melo Pearl promised with a soft smile. "Yeah. Lucky me," Steven said. ~~~~~~ Well if they weren't getting any attention before, they sure were now, and it was mostly thanks to Connie. Gems kept looking over their way and watching the two go by, looking less like they were going on a date and more like they were on their way to a wedding. Still, Steven and Connie tried to make the best of it as they went on through Homeworld closer to the palace. The outfits they were wearing surely helped in this regard: Steven got himself a pink tuxedo from Melo Pearl. A shade of pink in his tuxedo from top to bottom. A white undershirt buttoned up underneath a hot pink over-shirt and pants. White dress shoes with dark pale pink colors lining the toe and heel, and a blue bowtie to tie it all off. Steven also got himself a rather nice-looking hat to boot: a hot pink tophat with a blue ribbon along the inner rim, and Melo Pearl even added a good amount of pink fluff along the top, in a manor one would do with bird feathers in a hat (especially for a big dance or something along those lines). As for Connie, her outfit was a bit more extravagant than that with a blue theme over Steven's pink. A smooth dress that sparkled in the Homeworld light reaching just to above her feet, with pearl-like sky blue shoes topping them off. Connie definitely had a princess look to it all, or at the least someone of very high-class, or in the case of her with her fan of fake feathers just behind her head ready to go to broadway. "Oh geez, we're getting a big crowd out here. We'd better find somewhere else to go before we get fan-swarmed," Steven thought, seeing the numerous Gems looking over to them. "How're you holding up, Connie?" Steven asked. "I'm fine, really. I just feel like I'm on a runway with all this stuff on me," Connie admitted quietly to Steven. "And you?" "Don't worry about it, I'm good. We'd better find a not-so-crowded walk though," Steven replied. He didn't want to say it, but he figured much of the attention was on Connie anyway rather than him. Apparently though, this was just overheard by a few specific Gems close by, and they began to move in a little closer to them, just enough to make the two stop. "We can do something about that. Hop in," offered a glee-filled Ruby soldier. Well, pre-soldier now Homeworld "taxi cab". It had a Equestria-like quality to it with a wagon on hover plates, with a Carnelian pulling it in front. The look of the wagon itself seemed more like a royal caravan seat, lace acting like walls to obscure the view a bit for some privacy, but of course the Ruby in charge would put some special deluxe work in this for high-class Gems. Another problem seemingly solved before they could even get it started. "A taxi?" "We call it "Hover ship". We'll give you a free ride right to the palace," said the Ruby. "I-It's okay, the palace isn't that far. It's right there," Steven pointed out, and actually pointing to the palace sitting a few blocks away. That didn't matter though to the Ruby in question. "It's not a heroes' place to walk anywhere. We'd even carry you to the bathroom if you'd like!" "NOT needed, thanks ... but we'll take the ride to the palace," Steven sighed, shrugging. the Ruby and Carnelian were more than pleased that they would be giving service to these two, but Connie did note a kind of odd tone in Steven's voice near the end of that decision. Still, it didn't take them less than a minute before they were inside the stylized hover ship and began to ride along towards the palace destination. They'd go around longer if it meant less of a crowd, but the audience they've gotten already said otherwise. Still, seeing the royal wagon of Homeworld's highest go by did get some more heads turning, some even giving their praise to them as if they were watching a parade go by or something. Connie and Steven simply sat there in comfort, but this was a bit of an ... awkward moment. Steven looked around inside the caravan to see what details were in it as Connie glanced outside at their audience outside. "This isn't too bad," Connie remarked, "But I wonder if the others made it through okay. If we're getting THIS much attention just being here, the others are probably swamped." "They're probably fine - Rarity's with them," Steven shrugged. They both shared a chuckle, but it was fairly brief as Steven looked out his own side to the crowd watching them go. He probably should've expected this, but all this praise was coming from something he honestly didn't want to keep being reminded of. "Not used to the royal treatment?" Connie asked. "Huh? Oh, uh, yeah it's ... kinda new," Steven said. He pondered a bit on what to do next, but as he sat there his hand shifted over to the coat pocket again, feeling the small trinket inside. ~~ "And -" *snap* "- we're finished. Oh, don't you look lovely," said Melo Pearl upon finishing Steven's new attire with a tug on the bowtie. A Diamond invitation called for a formal look, and Melo Pearl made sure to go with something that showed the best of Steven's look. It took a few questions for Melo to better understand Steven, but the tuxedo he ended up getting was just the ticket. "Someone's Looking flashy," Steven said with a smile, tipping his hat. "It suits you so well, Mr. Universe. Anything I forgot?" Melo Pearl asked, hands together with a smile at Steven's glee. "Nope, you got it. You made these look so real too," Steven replied, stepping off of the small model platform and looking to the designer Pearl as he ran his fingers through the pink "feathers". His hand did feel something in his pink coat pocket, pulling it out to find that Melo Pearl included something a little extra in the outfit herself. Steven already explained to her what he was doing there in full, so what good way to show Connie some love than a extra shiny badge? They weren't real gemstones used of course, but they look authentic enough to pass on as the real thing. All Melo Pearl did was shush him and winked to Steven as he put the badge away. ~~ He took a deep breath. "Hey Con - whoa!" before Steven could actually say anything, the Carnelian pulling the hover ship stopped altogether, a little more abruptly than they expected and almost making them fall forward. "We're here!" "Huh? Already?" wondered Connie. She looked out from the hover ship, and sure enough there they were right at the front door to the Diamond palace. Whatever plan Steven had to do he wasn't going to do now. The Ruby hopped over to the door of this hover ship, getting it cleaned up and looking nice for Connie and Steven, both her and the Carnelian standing at attention and (although not a necessity anymore) held a diamond insignia for them as they both exited the hover ship. "You don't have to do that, but thanks," Steven said. The two Gems just stood there smiling, but still kept the royal insignia up for Steven and Connie to see. "Just let them Steven. Come on, the others should be inside by now," said Connie, going ahead a little bit before Steven went to join her. Maybe commotion would be quieter once they get inside the palace anyway. They didn't see anyone else outside of the palace doors, and once the Carnelian and Ruby left and went back to work, it left the two alone again. "Okay, that's better. Maybe we can catch a break inside," said Connie. One opening of the door later ... "WELCOME BACK, UNIVERSE!" Triggering the most extravagant welcome Steven and Connie had ever seen. The Diamonds all present gave their warm welcome to the fourth official diamond of the royal family, a huge blast of lights of yellow, blue, and white brought out in such a way, it looked like a rainbow rushed out the door. Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, and even White Diamond with some encouragement, were standing with arms spread out to welcome the returning heroes. "Or ... not," Connie added. Steven got his hat back on his head before he helped Connie up onto her feet. "Hey there, sport, you both took your time," said a smug Rainbow Dash. "HI STEVEN!" beamed Pinkie and Spinel, both going over to hug him. "Well this is unexpected. I thought this was gonna be a casual get-together," Steven said as he and Connie walked in. "It is, but someone wanted it to be a bit more festive for you," Yellow Diamond said. "Okay, let me see if I can figure out who ..." Steven and Connie looked around a bit inside of the palace walls, seeing it looking more than a little festive, as if it were to celebrate a birthday party. A vital clue ... "Hmm ... party balloons ... streamers of vibrant colors ... Strawberry cake - it's you two," Steven said. "Aww, how'd you know?" Pinkie asked. "Just a hunch," Steven replied chuckling. "Wow, look at this place," Connie then said as Spinel and Pinkie released Steven. "It looks so much better as a throne room again." "Oh yes, definitely without Grogar here," remarked Yellow. "We've made sure the palace looked good as new since we were able to come back," explained Blue, "It does feel ... a bit more empty now. But it's no big deal." removal of all the harvested Gems from the palace walls would make it feel empty either way. "We gotcha. So what's the occasion? Or is this party just for the heck of it?" Connie asked. "Excuse me?" Pinkie said, sounding actually a little stern strangely, "A party WITHOUT a reason? What kind of party do you think this is?! We got the BEST EVER reason beyond any party anywhere anyhow -" "This is taking too long!" White Diamond said, moving Spinel and Pinkie aside, "Steven, Connie~ this party we made is especially for you!" "For us?" Steven asked. "Of course! We haven't had a proper celebration over Grogar's defeat since you returned," White explained, "and they just got done telling me about your current engagement and ... ooooo, It's just too perfect! It's just enough to get me over my hysteria for being here." "... Huh. That's - that's great! Really great, good for you White Diamond," Steven said, rather taken aback. She looked so freaked out earlier, and it took this little to get her back around? "I knew you'd appreciate it, Steven. The guests will be showing up soon, so make yourself comfortable," Blue Diamond said, presenting Steven with the throne. Blue even picked Steven and Connie up and placed them down on the throne for them. As if they didn't need anymore special treatment, Blue actually placed them on White's throne instead of Pink's throne. "Thanks ... for the lift," said Steven. "You're welcome, Steven." "Got a good view up there on the big throne?" joked Bismuth. "Yeah, we're all good up here," Connie called back. They saw a few thumbs up from their pals down there, and indeed they can see pretty much the whole room and beyond on White Diamond's seat. Good time for them too, because now the guests to this celebration were starting to come in. As confident as White Diamond seemed to be, she was still slightly hesitant when they showed up, but kept a good face when the others stood with her. "White got over her fear fast. ... And the others must've got it done for me," Steven pondered, though unaware he was thinking it aloud until - "Isn't that a good thing, Steven?" Connie asked. "E-Eh, did I say that aloud? It's nothing. Besides, at least I can announce -" Before Steven could even finish his sentence, Spinel was already working on it as she got out her hand, blowing into her now royal trumpet-looking hand to announce to the royal crowd. "Welcome everybody, and everypony -" she added everypony with a wink. "- to today's welcome home royal ball! And let's everyone give a round of applause to the big shots of the galaxy: Connie Maheswaran AND STEVEN UNIVERSE!" "GAH!" Steven groaned quietly, turning away in a huff as the crowds applauded them. No one but Connie really seemed to notice. ....... Well, the party got started, whether Steven wanted it to or what have you. Members of the royal court were in joy to be at the celebration, which itself was hyped up more thanks to party pals Spinel and Pinkie due to their antics. The whole room was having a good time with the celebration, but Steven was just sitting on the white throne watching it all kinda happen without him or his help. Resting his chin in the palm of one hand, and the other hand supporting him on the chair, he didn't feel all up for this. He could see the royals enjoying themselves, he saw the Harmony Gems enjoying themselves, typically a setting like this would make Steven feel all happy and even a bit giddy, but the look on Steven's face said something more ... mellow. Bored. Not happy really. "I wonder if all royalty gets bored like this," Steven wondered allowed. "It's not bad everything's fixed, but ..." Steven's eyes looked back over to the crowds below. He did see a few of his friends look back to him from the groups of people involved in this party, but as far as direct interaction goes, that was about it. At least for the first few minutes. "You don't look like someone who's the big shot of the galaxy," said Garnet, coming up to him from the crowd to have a seat by him and Connie. "Garnet? Weren't you unfused?" "Yeah, but that can wait just a few hours more. Come and join the party. Pinkie and Spinel could use a third playmate." "Umm ... yeah, no thanks," Steven sighed. "I'm not in a party-mood." Steven looked back to the celebration for a brief moment before Garnet and Connie got his attention again. "You okay, Steven? You have been moping since this party started," Connie asked, concerned for her boyfriend. Steven sighed and tried to think of what to really say to either of them. Did he need to lie to them? Of course not. "I don't know, maybe I just wasn't expecting this quiet date to turn into another big loud thing," Steven said. "I know neither of you knew, it was a spur-of-the-moment idea. If you wanna feel better, it'll be easier on the dance floor than up here on the throne," Garnet offered. If Garnet was the one to offer something then odds were she had a point to give. Everyone else was having a good time, so why wasn't he in on it? "It doesn't sound like a bad idea, Steven," encouraged Connie. "I don't know. I mean, they're all celebrating when I - ... you know what," Steven quietly said. He had to be very quiet with Garnet standing right there especially. Connie actually felt a shiver run through her, but kept her composure just enough. "D-Don't let that bug you, Steven. Come on, let's dance," Connie encouraged, holding Steven's hand. What did he got to lose? "Oh ... okay. You first, my jam bud," Steven said, acting formal as a joke with a tip of the hat. This time he kinda needed Garnet's help in getting off the floating throne of White Diamond's, but that was as much help as he knew he needed. Garnet stood aside as the young couple was heading out towards the dance floor, Ruby and Sapphire both eagerly waiting for their waltz together. How romantic! Pretty soon, both Steven and Connie were out on the dance floor, having enough space right at the center for the two to dance together. It started off as a simple slow dance but soon began to get a bit more energy as the two got more into the music. At least this time their dancing together didn't feel as forced on Steven's part, his movements less stiff and more fluid with both the music and his partner. "So, Connie, how're you enjoying Homeworld?" Steven asked. "I gotta say, this is much better than last time," Connie replied, "Especially now that we're together this time." "That's so sweet ... and so cheesy." Connie chuckled. "That doesn't mean it isn't true." Steven was beginning to feel better a bit, even smiling as they continued to dance ... but not by much. Some of the others were beginning to see their dance together, stopping to observe them for the time being. All and all, it appeared to be a picture perfect moment with addition to the dress and tux they were wearing. Some of them were actually applauding them, encouraging them. The schedule, all the stress ... for the moment, all of that was going away and he only thought of his time with Connie. For everyone involved in bringing them together today, it only got better once they began to glow. "Yes," said Garnet with a smile. "My Connie?" asked Pearl, a little surprised at what was even happening. Spinel was also looking a bit surprised by what was going on, but kept her distance in part thanks to calm and collected Garnet. Steven and Connie began to disappear in the glowing light in a dance spin. The whole room looked over to the two, awaiting to see the star of honor greet them all in their fusion. For a moment, they all were beginning to see a human shape form at the center of the Diamond Palace ... Until it began to glitch. Happy quickly turned to worry as the human shape started to distort and contract like crazy! "What's goin on with her?" Applejack asked urgently. "Steven, Connie, what's wrong?!" called Rarity. "She's coming apart!" gasped Bismuth. In a sudden blast, the fusion couldn't keep together and Steven and Connie shot out from there away from eachother. Steven was thrown right onto Pink's throne, as Connie was flung to be caught by Pearl nearby, who herself by the looks of it was freaking out herself. "Master! Master, are you hurt?! Say something, say you're alright," Pearl said frantically. Connie was awake, yes, but her expression was wide-eyed. They took a look over to where Steven was, him having a similar expression on his face, though his was a bit more mixed. "Steven, what on Earth happened back there?" Rarity had to ask, galloping over to him to check on him. Steven's focus though was more on Connie even with the others coming over to help him back to his feet. "Steven ...?" "It's not you Connie, i-it's me," Steven said quickly, "I ... I ... I can't do this right now. I gotta go." Steven turned around and walked away. ~~~~~~ Just when things were getting good. Steven didn't have the courage to leave the planet completely, so instead he wandered around the palace until he found himself a balcony looking out onto Homeworld. The only thing he could really do aside from deal with his own thoughts was fiddle with his own pink hat, his fingers running through the feathers on it. It was kinda like stroking a cat, but while it did feel nice it didn't fix the problem. ... Well, the problem that wasn't already fixed by everyone else that is. He probably expected it to happen at this point, but just a few more minutes of silence later, he found himself with some company as Connie managed to find him. "Steven, there you are," Connie said, feeling a bit winded for trying to run in that dress, and all the extra feathers off of her. Steven didn't turn back to her. "Hey Connie. Sorry for running off like that." "No Steven, I'm sorry you had to see that," Connie said, "I thought I got pass that, but -" "No, no, wait. That's not why I couldn't fuse, it's something else ..." Steven said, before Connie could get the wrong idea. The tone Steven had didn't sound as sweet as before though, sounding almost annoyed about something. Connie, worried about Steven, walked over to him. "Then ... what is it?" "I'd rather not talk about it," Steven said, looking away from her. "Steven come on, if something's bothering you, you can tell me," Connie insisted. Steven was quiet again, glancing back to Connie standing right next to him. He really wasn't hiding it very well anyway. "Fine. ....... I hate it. ... I hate not trying. ..." "Not. Trying. ... I'm sorry, you lost me," Connie said, a little confused but only a little. Steven huffed and then turned to Connie, showing the irritation on his face. "Because I don't feel like I deserve any of it anymore. Should I appreciate it, I really should be but lately, everything today was just given to me, and I didn't even need to ask. The dress, the party, setting this whole thing up, even just asking you out, everyone kept doing that for me, and you know what else? I thought at one point "How lucky I am"." Steven felt a pit in his stomach when he said that final sentence. He should NOT feel selfish, but he was still selfish for thinking that. Connie was slightly getting the idea, but not completely, yet Steven still filled her in on that regard. "I mean ... Who am I to feel like I lost?" Steven continued. "The Gems and Ponies still love me like I'm their kid. The Diamonds don't remotely dislike me anymore, and stopped trying to kill the planet, heck I can't even complain about all the magic. The only thing I got left is my schedule, and even then it's deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. But no. Everything's getting taken care of, and I don't have to do a single thing. I even have a loving, supportive relationship now, and what did I do for it? Nothing that's what. ... How sad is that?" Sad? Connie just stared at Steven, letting all of that sink in so she can work out what it meant. In the end, Connie just sighed, not entirely amused by what she concluded. "That must be rough. Especially considering you're the only person who's got problems right now," Connie said. "Hehehehehe - Shut up." "Steven!" exclaimed Connie. "You don't get what it's like: I'm barely doing anything for it, and even Garnet loves me and I shattered her! How can I get away with that?" "WE shattered her!" corrected Connie, "You think you got it bad, I was right there with you, and I was just as mad at Grogar as you were. And I'm still not over it! I want to think that I am, I should be, but I'm not!" Steven stopped himself before going any further. "... I'd better go. Enjoy the party Connie. Sorry." After that, Steven got up and started to go off on his way. He was just getting worse by the sounds of it, and he shouldn't be around his friends until he would calm down at least. Besides, getting riled up wasn't gonna solve anything. As he kept going though, Connie suddenly realized what she just did. Connie couldn't leave Steven like this. "Wait. This is stupid," Connie finally said, walking in Steven's way before he could go any further. "I uhh ... I'm sorry. If I acted like I didn't care about your problems, Steven, it's that I've been going through a bit too. Maybe not as bad as yours but ... it's still something I'm worried about." "I know. ... I'm sorry too," Steven quietly replied. The two held hands for a little bit, the night sky of Homeworld giving them just a little bit of light, just enough for them to see eachother before they both came in for a hug. "... I don't know what to do anymore, Connie, I ... feel so powerless." "You're not the only one feeling powerless," Connie replied, looking Steven in the face. Guess this was also something they can relate to. Still though, after thinking it over well ... the schedule and problems can wait just one more day. They both stood close, in an embrace with eachother ... before they shared a quick kiss. "... Oh, wait. Before we do anything, I uhh ... here." Steven held Connie's hand for a second before pulling out the badge from his coat pocket. Connie paused as she looked to the beautiful trinket from Homeworld. "Steven. ... Thank you," Connie said with a smile. Steven simply nodded. "You wanna go back and calm Pearl down before she freaks out?" "Sure."