(1) Learn How To Love

Sunsets, Donuts, And A Whole Lot Of Blushing

💫

You had spent a few hours at Steven's place; perfecting lyrics and learning the song. Eventually though, you did need to leave.

"Wait," Steven said. You looked over your shoulder to him and he paused. When he spoke, he seemed to say something other than what he really wanted to; "I... can walk you home if you'd like?"

"Oh, that's okay, Steven. You've done enough for me already," you smiled.

"It's no trouble, really!" Steven stood, his face turning red for a moment. "I just want to make sure you get home safe," he smiled sheepishly.

You felt your own cheeks heat up.

"Y-yeah. Sure. Thank you," you said to him. You grabbed your bag and looked up to see Steven holding the door open for you. His door-holding arm pulled the fabric of his shirt up a few inches, allowing you to catch a glimpse of his gem. He caught you staring, and you both blushed.

Now outside, you walked alongside Steven, admiring the sun setting on the ocean's horizon. Shades of orange, pink, and purple all streaked across the sky, the ocean reflecting a mirror image. Steven was admiring, too, but not the scenery.

You opened your mouth to say something and turned to face Steven; seeing him already looking at you. You froze, suddenly unable to think of a single coherent thing to say. You watched your feet walking on the sand until you regained your composure.

"Hey... thank you," you said, finally, "for everything you've done for me in the span of a day."

Steven chuckled lightly; "You're welcome."

You kept walking, feeling all warm and tingly inside as you and Steven's hands occasionally brushed by each other. Each time, Steven considered taking your hand in his own, but he was too nervous.

"Oh!" Steven stopped abruptly, "The Big Donut is still open," you looked at Steven to see him mischievously raise an eyebrow. "You down to donut?" You laughed and followed him inside.

"Hey Dewey!" Steven greeted the cashier. You recognized him as the former mayor of Beach City. Yeesh. Quite the downgrade...

"Good morning, Steven," Dewey said, obviously feeling out of it.

Steven looked outside, then back at the man.
"Dewey, it's nighttime."

Dewey looked over Steven's shoulder, his face completely slack.

"That it is, Steven. That it is..." Dewey continued to stare at Steven, who looked to you and back to Dewey.

"Right... well, could we get a few donuts to go?" Steven broke the silence.

"Yeah, okay," Dewey rose from the counter.

"O-kay great! Can I have one Pink Lars, and uhh... what do you want?" Steven turned to you.

"Oh, um... a Classic Dewey I guess," you replied.

"Coming right up," Dewey said, moving about sluggishly preparing the order.

"You feeling okay, Dewey?" Steven questioned.

"Mmmmm... mhm... hmmm. Ye- no," Dewey sighed and put his head back in his hands.  "Buck's off to college in a week," he groaned.

"Ohhh," Steven reacted, understanding. "Dewey, it's okay," he put his hand on Dewey's shoulder, "he'll be back."

"It's not that... it's just... we hardly got to know each other as father and son, and now he's leaving," Dewey had his face lying on the counter now.

"Dewey," Steven started, "I know you might not feel like you to have much of a connection, but believe me, I know how much Buck respects you. He loves his dad, and that won't change. No matter how far he goes."

Man, Steven is good at that. You watched as
Dewey looked up and smiled.
"Thanks, magic boy. Here are your donuts." The man handed a small paper bag to Steven. "I'd better get going," Dewey started. "The Big Donut was supposed to close two hours ago."

You and Steven made eye contact and tried to keep from laughing.

"Goodnight, Dewey!" Steven said, opening the door for you. When it closed behind the two of you, you couldn't help but laugh at the scenario with Steven.

"Oh, Dewey," Steven said, coming out of laughter. He passed the pastry bag over to you, and you fished out your plain glazed donut. Steven took out his own donut and threw the bag away before you both continued walking.

You and Steven both took the first bite out of your donuts and seemed to melt at the taste.

"Ughh wow. Do donuts taste better at night or is that just me?" You asked Steven after swallowing your first bite.

"Rho, itsh dephunitleh noth juft you," Steven replied, mouth full.

"Sorry, what was that?" You laughed.

Steven gulped; "Ha, I said 'No, it's definitely not just you,'" he laughed. "Donuts are kinda like cereal. Intended to be consumed in the morning, but totally tastes better at night."

You giggled; "you know, you're actually spot on with that comparison."

"A-thank you very much," Steven bowed goofily and tripped over himself getting back up. You both erupted with laughter while you helped him up.

"Hey," you said after composing yourself, "um... how did you do that?"

"Do what?" Steven asked, confused.

"I mean... with Dewey. Back in the store?" You said. "You just... have a way with people, and always knowing the perfect thing to say."

Steven paused to think. "I don't know... I just... don't want anyone to be hurt. I try to make sure everyone's doing okay whenever I can." He paused again, sighing. "I just really care about the people in this town," he turned to face you, and you felt your cheeks heat up.

💫

Needless to say, when you finally reached your house, you were bummed that the night had to end. When Steven walked you to your doorstep, the tension was palpable. Both of your nerves bounced off each other and resonated into one big awkward dynamic.

Everyone knows that in the cliché romance story, the guy walks the girl home and they share a goodnight kiss. Steven knew it, you knew it, and yet, neither of you knew if it was actually going to happen.

"Well, I guess that's it, then," you said, finally breaking the silence.

"Right," Steven started, his eyes darting between your eyes and lips. "Uhm.." his eyes settled on yours. "Goodnight, (Y/N)," he turned to leave, but it didn't feel right.

"Wait- Steven?"

He turned, perking up, "Yes?"

You really wanted to be that cliché, but... you knew it was too soon. You literally met today. So, you hopped off your doorstep and flung your arms around Steven, pulling him in for a hug and resting your head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," you said quietly, before releasing the hug and going back up the steps. You gently waved goodbye, and closing the door.

You leaned against the back of your door, butterflies flitting about in your stomach thinking about all the small moments the two of you shared. The eye contact, your hands brushing, allllll of the blushing.

You felt bad that Steven had to walk home all by himself, but he had a bit of bounce in his step, as he was entertained with thoughts of you. He smiled all the way home.