Corrupted Heart - Steven Universe x Reader

Chapter 32

Steven pulled me gently into a half hug, knowing a full hug might be pushing the line. He felt terrible. This was the second time he had failed to protect me from Jasper's clutches and even though there was no way he could've predicted what happened, it didn't stop his guilty conscious from scolding him. He couldn't let me go through that again. He spoke, "It's ok. She's gone now. It's over".

Even with his good intentions, it didn't really help. These stupid powers are such a menace. After a moment of silence, I shuffled out of Steven's grip, as I started to regain my senses a little.

I felt a hand on my shoulder that pressed down firmly. "I'm sorry, (Y/N)", I heard Connie's voice, but felt too feeble to look at her, "I should've been more prepared for this. I feel guilty. I should've fought. I failed".

"You weren't supposed to fight", Pearl smiled down at her, "You were supposed to call me and you did. This was a total success".

Steven beamed, "(Y/N) and Connie's first mission!"

Pearl agreed, "(Y/N) and Connie's first mission!".

Steven dug into his pockets and pulled out his phone, "Group picture!".

Connie, who was convinced that she had done good, smiled softly and made her way into the camera frame. I took in a few more deep breaths and staggered on a grin. Forget about Jasper, I thought, Pearl said the mission was a success. Just celebrate. When everyone pressed together, touching shoulders, that's when I felt it. In the middle of my chest, I felt a sudden circling pain. An intense pressure felt heavy on my torso as I seethed in pain. It caught everyone's attention.

Steven lowered his phone and sent me a concerned glance, "Are you ok?".

I slightly hunched forward, my skin was burning beneath my neck and my breath became shallow as I stuttered, "I...I think I did something".

"Your chest?", he asked as he made his way closer to me. Any bubbling retaliation I planned to say got caught in my throat as he began inspecting the area under my neck. He pulled his head back, with concern written on his face. "It looks a little bruised".

Pearl scooted over to his side to inspect my injury too. She seemed a lot more laidback than Steven, which sent me mixed signals about how bad it was. "Well, it's not the end of the world", she reassured me, "It could be worse. What with Jasper being in range".

"I-It's ok! I can heal you!", Steven chirped in.

I felt consolation wash over me, knowing I wouldn't have to deal with the discomfort until we got home. "Ok!", I held my hands out to avoid them getting in the way, "Do it!".

Steven suddenly bent his head in embarrassment as he interlocked his fingers to twiddle his thumbs. I raised a brow at his behaviour.

"What? Can you not do it?", I asked.

Steven responded, "No! I can! It's just...".

His voice began trailing off as his face turned red.

Behind him was a stifled snicker that only amplified his burning face. "He's going to have to kiss it better", Connie spoke, inadequately hiding her devilish smirk.

Steven flinched at Connie's words as he saw my eyes staring holes into his. The blank stare I expressed only made him feel more apprehensive than he would've if I showed some sort of reaction. Steven felt himself sinking into his jacket. She's still processing it. Once it clicks for her--

"I'm sorry, WHAT?!".

There it was. Steven knew right then and there that he wanted the Snow Monster to come charging back at us so it can eat him alive. Or for Jasper to pick him up and smash his head in so he could slip into unconsciousness. He knew anything would've been better than standing here.