Garnet's "Birthday"

The Fitting(Part 1)

"Clothes?"
"Clothes," Steven affirmed. He flashed a pearly white smile. Garnet sighed.
"But Steven, you know I can phase into casual clothing. You don't need to waste your money."
"No Garnet."
He held up his hand.
"Why phase into that when I can buy you things you've never seen or experienced before!"
"Steven, I will not accept."
They were standing in front of one of Beach City's greatest shopping spots. One of the only, really.
Garnet gazed up and the large sign.
"You have no choice. Your birthday. My money."
He looked at her.
"In. Now."
Garnet had no time to realize what was happening before she was pushed into the doors and a bell sounded.
Air conditioning blasted while oldies rock and pop songs about fun in the sun blared on the tiny store speakers. It was February, it was Winter, but it was always hot in Beach City.

"Jamie?" Steven asked astounded. Garnet turned her attention to the man at the checkout. He realized Steven's company and his eyes widened before immediately averting them elsewhere, his cheeks turning a hint of red.
"Jamie, you work here?"
       The man scratched the back of his neck and nodded.
"Uh yeah. Sometimes I'm a mailman, sometimes I work here. Need the extra money ya know?"
"Yeah," Steven lied.
       An awkward silence passed between the three. Until Jamie realized Garnet's visors were off. He couldn't look away, and he couldn't close his mouth.
"Woahh," he breathed.
     Steven raised an eyebrow and followed Jamie's line of sight. Garnet.
He smirked. He'd forgotten about Jamie's crush on the gem. How cute!
     "Well, uh Jamie?" Steven choked out. The cashier shot out of his daze, his cheeks burning.
"Y-yes, St-Steven?"
Garnet had noticed Jamie was staring at her. But she feigned interest in the cheap decorations that hung about the store and the woman suits closest to her. Just to avoid any more awkward confrontations she saw in the future.
"Um, we came for some clothes. For Garnet."
"Garnet?"
"Yep! It's her birthday!"
Jamie looked to the gem.
"It's your-?"
"Yes. It is my birthday."
She let go of the price tag she was "studying" and switched her colored eyes to Jamie.
He turned red and let out a strangled laugh. Steven winced.
"Okay Garnet. Well let's look for clothes!"
"Uh yeah. You guys look for clothes," Jamie said to the floor. Steven grabbed her hand and was leading her to the back when-
"Happy birthday Garnet!" Jamie blurted.
The two turned. Garnet sighed and smiled. Ah, to hell with it.
"Thank you."
She nodded and they continued to the back.
"Wait!"
They turned again. Jamie struggled to get himself from behind the counter quickly and stumbled over to the pair.
"I'll help you," he said recovering, and blushing a deep crimson.
"With clothes, that is. Hem. What're you looking for?"
     Steven looked around at the tiny store, knowing they didn't need much help to find what they needed. But he agreed anyway.
"Uh... Okay. Summer clothes."
      Steven interlocked his fingers with magenta colored ones and led them to the back, already knowing his destination.They stopped in front of teenage girl summer clothing. Garnet's eyes widened.
"Woah."
     Steven gave her a reassuring smile.
"Jamie, are there fitting rooms?"
Jamie looked at the ceiling in deep thought.
"Surprisingly, yes."
"Good! I'll grab some clothes, set them in the fitting room, and Garnet will try them on. Meanwhile, you two can talk."
Jamie turned red all over again and Garnet gave Steven a blunt look.
And the boy threw a sly wink before grabbing some hangers from the rack and disappearing from sight.

...........................................................

(Evilly laughing) >;)