Slowly But Surely

From here, tomorrow can wait.

He kept his eyes squinted tightly shut, now grabbing fistfuls of his hair in attempt to dull the pain. He could make out voices now, most just calling his name and fussing over the... blood? Hm. Was that his? He did remember his mouth hurting over the numbness... ah, yes, there was the pain. It hit him like a truck as he winced loudly, covering his cheek with his hand in order to suppress the pain.

"Steven. Steven?" A voice called out louder than the rest as they saw movement. From the voice and the heavily arms on both of his shoulders, without looking he noted the person down as his father. "Wh—" was all he could spit out before he let out a hoarse cough, little droplets of blood flying out with it.

"W—wait, what... what, ha—?" Another cough. Blood. "What ha—" well... guess what happened next. Another hand held a glass of cool water infront of him as his father commented. It took a few tries before he successfully grabbed it with no vision, but once he did, he chugged it within seconds. He'd just had water, though, no? He waited for his throat to calm before he spoke up again.

"Wha— uh... time?" He tried to be as specific as he could without talking much, as his throat still definitely hurt. There was no response to his question as the others fussed, asking question on if he was okay or what happened. He sighed, resting his head in his hands and carefully avoiding his new.. horns.. and supporting his elbows on his knees.

He let the others talk around him, soaking it up, yet not responding to any questions thrown at him besides low grunts and weak head nods. At the mention of getting him back up onto his bed, he then realized how damn uncomfortable his floor was. He agreed immidetly, two sets of hands supporting both of his shoulder and helping him up onto a laying position on his bed, eyes still sealed shut.

Another tucked his covers up tightly under his chin. He let out a low sigh of appreciation, giving a weak smile before his face muscles gave out. He hated feeling his.. weak. The group stayed in his room for a while more, asking more questions. Only when he stopped grunting or nodding at questions, instead being unresponsive, did most of the people file out and leave him to get some much needed rest.

One did stay, though. Sat beside his bed on a very uncomfortable chair was Connie. "Hey, Steven. How are you feeling?" She asked gently, not really expecting an answer, as she presumed he was utterly exhausted. Steven sighed deeply, before shrugging weakly. "...shit." was the only response he could muster. Connie chuckled at that. "Man, I'll never get used to you swearing, yknow that?" When Steven only gave a weak huff, she continued.

"I hope you know it's okay that you have panic attacks like that.." before she continued, she grabbed one of Steven's hands, rubbing his calloused palms gently. "I have them to. And don't think you're being a burden when asking for help. And before you say 'I don't' or 'I'm fine', don't." Steven scoffed. "How'd you—" "Because I know you, Universe." She cut him off with. "And I know you know me, and know when I'm telling the truth. So you should belive me when I say you are not a burden to anyone. Okay?"

Steven paused before letting out a weak chuckle. "Yeah... yeah." He nodded slightly. They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, just staring at eachother. Before a while, Connie stood, inhaling to talk before Steven cut her off, gripping her hand gently.

"Wait—" he spoke, eyes looking worried. Connie paused, waiting for him to continue. "C—can.. can you.." he paused, throat not allowing him to form large sentences. Sighing, he just moved over a bit on his bed, letting go of Connie's hand to lift the covers slightly. "St...stay?" He asked. Connie smiled.

Pearl went up to check on them later. Opening the door, she spotted the two cuddling under the sheets. He smiled, closing the door very slowly as to bit wake them.