Steven Universe: A Bridge Too Far

Chapter 5: The Calm Before the Storm

Earth, Beach City

Steven Universe lets out a loud yawn, rubbing his eyes to be ridden of his tiredness from his adventure in Bune. Still so many questions he wanted to know but he could barely keep his eyes open. He is sitting on the sofa with Connie, not paying attention to his friends, guardians and parents whole summary of what happened on Dune to Lapis, Peridot, Greg and Connie. But the young girl was putting more effort into comforting Steven, letting him lean into her as hugs him closer.
Connie hears Steven yawning once more, he was totally out of it especially being on Bune and that faint from earlier. She turns to the group still in deep discussions, speaking up that catches their attention "Guys? Steven needs to sleep, I'll take him up. I have to get home now, it's getting late and I need to call my dad to pick me up."

Greg Universe quickly stands up and smiles "if you want Connie, I'll drive you home! Besides, I gotta check up tax stuff at It's a Wash. Been a while and I got a few people coming in tomorrow!"

Connie feels as if she is intruding "Oh no Mr Universe! I-I don't want to intrude-"

"Aw c'mon Connie, don't say that! You're part of the family! Least I think so!" Greg beams.

When Greg said that, the young girl couldn't believe what she heard. Of course, Greg has always been fond of her and treated her as a family. But this is the first time he ever said she was part of the Crystal Gem Family.
Connie faintly blushes and nods gratefully "Thank you, Mr Universe, for both."

Greg walks over to Steven and rubs his hair "Night Steven, sleep well okay? May not see you tomorrow but we'll figure something out. Stay out of trouble kiddo."

Steven gives his father a tired smile, his voice croaks "thanks dad, I'll try not to."

Greg smiles more and kisses Steven's forehead, turning towards Connie "alright, I'll get the van warmed up. I'll call in when ready!"

The man waves to the Crystal Gems, Lapis and Peridot who waved back to him and even said goodbye. Greg opens the door and feels the night breeze, smelling the salty ocean and fresh air "well hey, it's not bad at all!"

But as soon as Greg steps outside, instantly heavy rain pours down so quick and hard it almost made him collapse "O-OH COLD! COLD!"

Amethyst laughs loudly and slaps her own knee "only nature can find a way to get Greg for no reason! Good one nature!"

Connie laughs sweetly as she helps Steven up the steps to his room. She sees him reaching out for something, that darn newly united Crystal. Connie couldn't help shaking her head "don't worry Steven, it's going to stay put there. You should leave it out of your head you know?"

Steven slowly lets his gaze go and concentrates getting up the stairs with his friend's assistance "Yeah, you're probably right Connie. I'm sorry for being obsessed if I was."

Before Connie would respond, she simply wanted him to be comfortable first. Thankfully he is wearing pyjamas ever since he recovered from the faint. Connie feels butterflies in her stomach, Steven having such a reaction to her kissing his cheek, leaving so much curiosity. This feeling, knowing only the two understand. Its slowly becoming more than being best friends, Steven fainting from her kiss must mean something at least...well, she hopes so.
Steven notices Lion sitting at the end of the bed and yawns loudly, but keeping its eyes on the two children "hey Lion, nice to see you again."

Connie helps Steven get into his bed and pulls his bedsheet over his chest and kneels beside the bed "you doing okay Steven?"

"Yeah, feeling sleepy is all. Thanks, Connie...got any plans tomorrow or during the week?"