Metallic Bonding (Steven Stone x Reader)

Chapter 4

(this one's really long i'm sorry)

A couple days later, you think you've finally rid yourself of the sparkly curse. Though occasionally, Steven will brush his thumb across your cheek, which you thought was an affectionate gesture at first, but he had likely just seen a grain of glitter on your face.

But, speaking of Steven, since that's who this story's about, he's got the day off! Which means you get to hang out with him.

The morning is spent cuddling on the couch with cartoons and warm beverages, then later, you roll up your sleeves and help Steven with his rocks.

He opens a geode like he had said he was going to, and even shows you how to open one.

"Now, hold the hammer steady..." He gently pulls your hammer-holding hand over the geode, which is covered by a dusty cloth.

"And I just hit it?" you ask.

He nods. "Just not too hard."

So, you give it a little whack, releasing a clear, ping! You put your other hand over the cloth to feel if the rock broke or not, then hit it again upon feeling it's still in one piece.

This time it breaks, and Steven removes the cloth and brushes away dust and tiny rock bits.

Exchanging hopeful glances, you two pry it open together, to see the crystals inside glimmering with a radiant colour that matches your eyes.

"It's beautiful," Steven says, but he's looking at you, not the stone. He carefully takes the opened geode in his hands and holds it out for you. "Would you like to keep it?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. As much as I would love to look at it and be reminded of you, I think you should have it."

You carefully take it from him, holding the rock in the soft cloth. You can already think of somewhere to put it, maybe right next to the small piece of garnet on your dresser.

"Thank you, Steven," you say, and it makes him blush immediately.

You two dust it off and put it on a little stand, then you go and display proudly on your dresser with all the other rocks he's given you.

When you come back out, Torchic is screeching and pecking Steven's ankles, because her food dish is empty and she's decided to make it everyone's problem.

"Ow! Okay!" Steven picks her up and holds her away from his face. "You're feisty today, aren't you?"

She kicks her little legs and flaps her little wings and attempts to peck his hand.

You come up and take her from him. "Don't peck his hands, silly. He'll drop you."

She very clearly pouts and snuggles up in your arms. She's cute even when she wants to murder everyone in the room.

Holding Torchic in one hand, since she's small enough, you reach into one of the kitchen cabinets and pull out some Pokémon food.

It's her favourite brand, slightly spicy and made of a special formula meant to help pre-evolved Pokémon grow strong and healthy. You used to use cheaper brands, but ever since you moved in with Steven, he'd always get you the fancy stuff.

You pour a generous amount in Torchic's dish and set her down, and she starts eating excitedly.

Steven comes up and squeezes your hand. "Thanks for saving me. I suppose it only makes sense that you understand her so well."