(Narrator's POV)
"Well you seem to be in much better spirits than last time we met, Connie. Why would that be? You have quite a light expression for someone who lost her family." Pearl asked as Connie crossed her arms. Just the sight of her former teacher made her stomach turn.
"Not that it's any of your concern, but I'm going on a date today. And you're interrupting my preparation for it. So why are you here other than to bother me?" She asked as Amethyst looked ready to punch the woman, but a look from Pearl told her to stay her hand.
"Ah. Well we won't spoil your preparation, then. Bismuth! We're leaving!" The Pale Gem called as Bismuth came back into the room, giving Connie a mock angry look to keep Pearl from getting suspicious.
"Done already? I was going to go on my patrol since I figured you'd be a while with how difficult this human can be." Bismuth said as Pearl chuckled.
"No we are done quicker than usual today. Connie has a date to prepare for. So we will leave her be." The Pale Gem. said as the 3 of them headed for the door. But just as they were about to leave...
"Oh. One last thing, Connie: I wanted to know who you're going out with. That Jeff human, correct? Ah it's quite amazing how quickly you recovered after Steven's untimely demise. I miss my baby so much, you know. I'm sure he'd be happy you moved on. If only we had that same strength." Pearl said as Connie glared at her.
*You'll get yours soon, you lying bitch.* She bitterly thought to herself.
"Well? Who is the human you're dating?" Pearl asked again.
"Yes. It's Jeff. You know that, so why ask?" Connie replied as Pearl chuckled. But it was a cold kind of chuckle as she pulled something out of her Gem that made Connie gasp in horror.
"Well. I was wondering how you could date someone who's been killed. This head....a couple of days decayed, but it still has enough features for me to confirm that this is-or was- that Jeff human. But who was the killer? Did you come across this human on your patrol, Bismuth?" Pearl asked as Bismuth nodded.
"Yes. I did. My apologies for not being thorough on the cleanup." She replied as Connie was mentally thanking the builder Gem for the save.
"Hmm. Very well then. But please remember to clean up your mess next time. But still: Why lie to us, Connie? What were you up to if you didn't have a date?" Pearl asked.
"Nothing, clearly. She likely said that so you'd leave her to get some rest." Bismuth said before Connie could speak.
"Ah. Well then we'll leave you to rest, Connie. But do consider joining us, hmm? I miss the old days, you know. You were my best student and had so much potential. It's such a shame you ultimately failed the very purpose I trained you for. I wanted you to protect Steven. And now he's dead. Ah well. That's what I get for thinking a human was worth the effort." Pearl said, causing Connie's blood to boil!
"You should have been there for my brother. The blood is on your hands as well, Connie. You failed just as much as we did. So why don't you make things right? We could use another blade to keep order." Amethyst said as she, Pearl and Bismuth finally left, leaving Connie furious as can be as she went to her room. Once she arrived, she went into her closet and pulled something off the top shelf: Her sword.
Just holding it reminded her how she wasn't there. Were Pearl and Amethyst right? Was she just as much to blame for what happened to Steven?
"If...If I had been there that day, would things be how they are now? I...I can't shake the feeling that I did let Steven down. I'm just as much to blame as they are. Maybe Steven was right...maybe I am no different than Pearl...." She said tearfully.
"Don't say that. Don't let them get into your head." A voice said as Connie turned around and there was Steven, having overheard her self loathing.
"Steven? I thought you headed back to the hideout until Pearl left?" Connie asked as Steven chuckled.
"Since you said that nothing was going on, I decided to just stay nearby and wait until Pearl left. Thankfully she or Amethyst didn't see me." Steven replied as Connie smiled. Same old Steven. Always looking out for her.
"You're always looking out for me, Steven. I...I only wish I could have done the same for you that day...." Connie began to say until...
"What did I just say? Don't let Pearl get into your head, Connie." Steven said as he sat down next to Connie on her bed.
"But so much could have been avoided...' Connie lamented.
"Except change. Regardless of what happened to me, things were going to change either way. And even after we deal with Pearl, I know things will never go back to the way they were before. My family is gone. Dad died by my hand and the Gems have become tyrants. Even once we settle the score with them, I don't know if I have a future here in Beach City." Steven said as Connie kissed his cheek.
"Then what about what I asked earlier? We can start a new life, Steven. We can make our own future. You and me. Together. Just like we said in our younger years." She said with a smile as Steven smiled as well.
"Heh. I'll think about it." He replied as the two laid back on the bed and cuddled with each other.
See ya next chapter!
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The Hybrid Therion
FanfictionLeft for dead by the ones he loved and saved by his once enemies, the now 21 year old Steven Universe now seeks revenge. Once happy and bright, he is now filled with anger, cynicism and hatred as well as a new arm and an appetite for other Gems(as w...
